As a long-time resident of Hoboken and a dedicated coach, referee, umpire, and most recently a member of Hoboken Recreation, I have witnessed the positive power of sports in children's lives.

I have also witnessed an explosion of youth in this town, and a City Hall that consistently prioritizes condo development over the health & happiness of our youth. Disgraceful. We need to do more for our children, who deserve facilities that will foster their growth by keeping them engaged in athletic activities and off their phones & screens.

The current Damon Murray Gym has only a single basketball court. The City of Hoboken has approximately 9,000 young people and only (2) indoor gyms. As a result, 100's of kids that sign up for Instructional Basketball are turned away due to a lack of gym space. And everyone knows how hard it is to get practice time.

By expanding the gym to feature at least (4) basketball courts, with side-baskets, we can expand the capacity of Murray gym by 8X! This expansion can be realized by reconstructing the building both outward and upward, and fortunately, there's ample space to accommodate this improvement.

Providing more courts will allow more children and teens to participate in structured activities, reducing the risk of negative influences and promoting healthier lifestyles. No child will be turned away! This change is not just a want—it's a necessity. Our youth facilities should be a source of community pride, not an embarrassment!

Let's come together as a community to advocate for our children's future. By signing this petition, you will be supporting a vital cause that champions the growth, health, and happiness of Hoboken's youth. Join me in urging local officials and stakeholders to make the expansion of Murray Gym a reality.