For two decades, the CERC gym located at 180 9th Street in Jersey City, NJ has been the hub for essential recreational programs for residents of Hudson County. From basketball clinics offered to area children by legendary coach Bob Hurley, soccer instruction and leagues run by USSF "A" licensed coach Alex Lalaoui, martial arts taught by nationally recognized instructor Ron Duncan, to adult basketball leagues and more, the CERC gym has been the go-to place for keeping residents active and healthy.

Combined, the programs of Coach Hurley, Coach Lalaoui, Ron Duncan, Bill Ly, Ronald Lagman and others serve more than 800 area residents every week. 

As organizers of these community programs, we have recently learned that the CERC building will be sold to the County of Hudson. While the sale has been put on hold due to the pandemic, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, the organization that manages the CERC, will not renew any program lease effective for the fall term and beyond.

That means the recreational programs available at CERC will be shut down indefinitely - all during a time when medical experts agree that staying fit and active is the key to reducing pandemic stress and boosting immunity.

While we are very grateful to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency for allowing us the space to run our community programs, we respectfully ask them to meet with County officials and together come to an agreement on how each of their current tenants can renew their leases now so their programs can resume in September to benefit area residents. We also request an assurance that current tenants can remain at CERC once the sale to the County is finalized. 

By signing your name to this petition, you are supporting the continuation of the great recreational options offered at the CERC gym.    

We thank you for standing with us at this time.

Coach Bob Hurley, The Hurley Family Foundation

Coach Alex Lalaoui, The Soccer Learning Center

Ron Duncan, Ron Duncan, Team Duncan Youth Martial Arts

Ronald Lagman, Hoopsville Basketball

Bill Ly, Wednesday Basketball League