Politics & Government

Former Sinatra Park Cafe to be Used As Tech Center

The space would, among other things, be used for tech meet ups, talks and as a community center.

The site of the former Sinatra Park Cafe will be leased by NJ Tech, Inc. for at least three months, in an effort of making the space a technological center in Hoboken, Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a phone interview on Friday.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday night, the city council approved a licence that allows the space—which used to house a cafe, and a crepe grill at one point—to be used as a tech center. The resolution was passed in a 7-1 vote, with First Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano voting against.

"The space wasn't being used," Zimmer said on Friday. "It'd be great to create a tech community center."

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The center would have a wireless internet connection and would be open to the public, Zimmer said. NJ Tech would host different programs and talks, Zimmer said. 

"Members of the community can go and meet other people," Zimmer said. 

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Castellano said she preferred to see that space used as a cafe or a concession stand. 

During the next meeting this month, the administration will put forward an ordinance that establishes a year-long pilot plan that will create the tech center and opens it up for use by NJ Tech. 

"We’re talking about trying to make Hoboken one of the premier tech hubs in the state of new jersey," said Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla. "It’s an opportunity we should aggressively pursue."

The Hoboken Public Library as well as Stevens Institute of Technology were interested in the project, Zimmer said. 


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