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."
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.
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.
Aaron Price
7:23 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
My sincere thanks to Mayor Zimmer, Daniel Bryan, and the council for the opportunity to bring this tech center, that the NJ Tech Meetup has decided to call SparkLab, to Hoboken. We have big plans for the kinds of events we'll hold in the space. Beyond our already wait listed events at the NJ Tech Meetup, this should allow us to bring more value to both the technology community and hoboken at large by working with leading organizations around town and beyond. To keep informed of upcoming events, join the group at www.njtechmeetup.com.
I hope we can make a believer out of Councilwoman Castellano.
For anyone interested in the kinds of things we do, we're running a full day tech conference at Stevens this Thursday. www.njsparksummit.com
Sincerely,
Aaron
Founder, NJ Tech Meetup
@njtechme
@APstartup
SpliffyMcgee
4:29 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Was there any legal action by the previous tenants? I recall they had some sort of beef with the city towards the end of their stay there.
That spot will probably never work as a food establishment except as a Summer burger and hot dog joint, so it is a pretty good idea to put it to good use in the off season.
Patton
4:29 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
good luck to you.im just curious how you recieved a 3 month lease when others in the past where held to a 12 month lease?
Michael Bubb
12:58 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Looks like a great use of the space. Looking forward to it.
I always thought - if they were to use it as a restaurant - they should have opened it up and had a raw bar/ seafood grill.
erik polin
11:06 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
you have to start somewhere, castellano was correct.
Sonja
10:57 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Hello,
I already gave a deposit to use this space for my wedding on October 28th it was being used as a rental hall for events, I have not heard anything from the man I gave the deposit to (his name is Bobby) about not being able to use this space for my wedding anymore. Can someone please tell me, when does this lease start? Am I still going to be able to have my wedding here? Please let me know. Thank you.