As February unfolds there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — Mayor Fulop announces the first civilian to lead the Jersey City police department, Hoboken High School football players help dig residents out of the snow, a major drug ring spanning 4 counties is brought down, openings + closings — and so much more — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond:
PS: There’s still time to vote for the cutest pup in our Puppy Photo Bowl! Click here to see the Top 9 Finalists — voting ends 2/7 at 11:59PM with the winner announced Monday.
Woman Saved from Hudson River Early Saturday AM
On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at approximately 3:32 AM, the Hoboken Police Department received a 9-1-1 call about a female who fell into the Hudson River near Pier 13. The 23 year-old female was from Berkley Heights, NJ and out with friends and her brother when they wanted to get a better view of New York City and take pictures, according to the PD’s press release. The female victim climbed over the railing first and because of the snow on the ground, she did not see the gaps between the pier and the dock. This area of the pier is closed off to the public, according to police. Her brother attempted to rescue her but was unable and called 9-1-1. Several police officers came to the scene — including Sergeant Robert Roman who was nearby, and with the collaborative effort of several officers, was able to save her from drowning. Read more here.
Curfew on Restaurants + Bars is Lifted in Hoboken + Jersey City
As COVID-19 continues to affect everyday lives, cities are doing their best to adapt and come up with innovative ways to support local businesses and keep residents safe. On February 3rd, Jersey City Mayor Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Bhalla released a joint statement regarding the restaurant and bar curfew. The statement explains that there will no longer be a curfew in place for Hoboken and Jersey City restaurants and bars, as they feel that the recent analysis’ from both the Hoboken and Jersey City health departments show that it is not necessary, despite New Jersey Governor Murphy advising cities to keep the curfew. Click here for more details.
Hoboken’s Revival Vintage Boutique Moves to New Location
Revival Vintage Boutique, previously located at 47B Harrison Street, has announced that it will be moving to a new location at 86 Park Avenue {corner of Park and Newark} in Hoboken. For those who don’t know, this unique boutique that carries all kinds of vintage goods and accessories. Aside from stocking must-have vintage pieces, the shop also offers in-house alterations. Click here to read the full story.
Mayor Fulop Appoints 1st Civilian to Lead Jersey City Police Department
In an announcement released on Tuesday, February 2nd, Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined Public Safety Director James Shea to announce a new direction for the JCPD with the appointment of complete civilian oversight. After working in the Jersey City Police Department for 16 years, Tawana Moody will expand her current role as Police Director to oversee all operational functions of the police department as Chief Michael Kelly voluntarily enters retirement, effective immediately.
Busy Bee Organics Opens Second Location in Jersey City
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Meal prep company Busy Bee Organics opened a new shop in Jersey City this week. Their menu features plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, meals with the option to add responsibly raised meat or cheese to any dish. All meals are customizable to the taste of the individual. The location is inside the DVORA — more info here.
Drug Ring Spanning Across 2 States Brought Down
On Tuesday, February 9th, 20 arrests were made in connection with a year-long investigation into a drug ring operation that extended across multiple counties. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues in Hudson, Essex, Bergen, and Union Counties, as well as New York City. The Daily Voice has the full story.
Woodhouse Spa Coming to Hoboken
The Woohouse Spa that was slated to open last spring has waited patiently through the pandemic and is opening soon at 225 River Street in the W Hotel in Hoboken. The spa will offer high-end services including massages, facials, body treatments, and waxing. The Skinceuticals skincare line will be sold at the boutique as well. Click here for all the details.
Tacombi Opening Taqueria in Jersey City
Manhattan-based taqueria, Tacombi is expanding across the river to New Jersey in it’s first location outside of New York. The restaurant will open in the space located at 124-134 Bay Street in Jersey City. Tacombi started a food relief program last year called the Tacombi Community Kitchen which works to feed those in need by distributing about 2,500 meals every week. Read more here.
Planning Board Approves New Design for Historic Casino in the Park
A new design for the historical Casino in the Park banquet hall in Lincoln Park has been approved by the Jersey City Planning Board. Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise said during the meeting that he considers the completion of what will be the new Casino in the Park, to be renamed later, a priority, per the Hudson County View.
Jersey City Man Charged in Multi-State Scheme to Defraud Banks
Two new defendants have been charged in a multi-state scheme to defraud millions out of New Jersey banks. One of the defendants, Muhammad Naveed, 35, of Jersey City, was arrested by federal law enforcement and has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, per the Hudson County View.
Hair Salon Closes After 45 Years in Jersey City
After 45 years of staying in business at Michelle’s Salon, Michelle Derito closed her doors on Saturday, January 30th, after fighting to stay open during the pandemic. As of December 2020, about a third of New Jersey’s small businesses were permanently closed, NJ Advance Media reported, citing financial struggles to stay open. NJ.com has the full story.
Restoration Plans for Leonard Gordon Park
Leonard Gordon Park sits on JFK Boulevard in Jersey City Heights with an unobstructed view of the Hackensack River Valley. The park is known for its sculptures of lions and bears, features that the president of the Leonard Gordon Park Conservancy, Patrick Ambrossi, has been wrestling with for years. Several public meetings have been held to hear community input as to what updates should be made in the park. Current plans include increasing the size of the playground and adding a water feature, per Tap Into.
Hoboken High School Football Players Help Residents Dig Out After Snowstorm
Your Safe Space, a disaster preparation company, founded by Hoboken High School graduate Curtis Lane, is part of the Heal Hoboken Collective. The alliance has teamed up with members of the Hoboken High School football team to help dig residents {and their cars} out of the snow. While digging out cars and clearing driveways, the players are able to get out of the house and learn about helping their neighbors as they make some money. News12 New Jersey has the details.
Driver Charged with DWI After Woman Pinned by Skis
On Saturday, January 30th officers from the Hoboken Police Department charged a New York woman with Assault by Auto in the area of 100 Marshall Street in Hoboken. The officers responded to a report of a pedestrian having been struck in a hit-and-run. The victim reported that she was loading skis into her car when a vehicle traveling south on Marshall Street slammed into her skis pinning her between the skis and the car door. The victim complained of pain and was later transported to the hospital. More details are available on Patch.com.
Hoboken Planning Board to Review Malibu Diner Redevelopment
Original plans for new construction of a five-story building at 251-257 14th Street, the current home of Malibu Diner, have been amended to include commercial space where the diner could continue to operate. The plans include 23 residential units and 20 parking spaces. The family-run diner has maintained operations amid COVID-19 restrictions. More details are available on Tap Into.
Virtual Public Meeting to Determine Marin Boulevard Improvements
A virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9th to determine how best to use the $4.1 million allotted to proposed improvements to Marin Boulevard. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on the stretch of road from Montgomery Street to 6th Street in Jersey City. Tap Into has the full story.
City Council Votes on Proposed Agreement for Monarch Project and 800 Monroe Property
The City Council voted on February 3rd to pass an agreement that would transfer property on Hoboken’s waterfront + 800 Monroe Street property to the City of Hoboken. Read more here about the backstory. We will share more details as they unfold regarding the next steps of the agreement, but Tap Into has a summary of the various aspects of the deal and vote as it stands from last week.
Jersey City Considering Proposal for Public Park in Newport
Following a rejected plan for a mostly private waterfront park, developer LeFrak has submitted a new proposal to the Jersey City Planning Board for a public park. The plan for the 3.5-acre park includes an art plaza and walkways. More details are available on NJ.com.
City of Hoboken Looks to Purchase Jubilee Center for $3M
Based on information from City officials, Hoboken is in the process of securing a loan of $3M with the intent to purchase the Jubilee Center located at 601-603 Jackson Street in Hoboken. While negotiations are still underway, the plan would be to use the building to continue to serve the community. The full story is available on Tap Into.
Dickinson High School to Join Girls Football Pilot League
William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City is slated to be one of eight schools in the inaugural New Jersey High School Girls Football League. Games will begin in the spring and each school will receive $11,000 from the New York Jets and Nike to fund the program. Tap Into has the full story.
New Online Presence to Enhance Digital District Shopping for the HDSID
As a way to capitalize on online channels to grow business coming to the district, the HDSID has an improved program beginning with the launch of a new website: jcdowntown.org designed by the Jersey-based agency MiT Communications. The new website focuses on driving traffic to the district and customers to the stores and businesses. It also highlights monthly offers from local businesses on the home page giving consumers access to monthly opportunities to shop small, local businesses.
The new website also shows event offerings throughout the year with pages for seasonal events including the now year-round Farmers Market, free music festival Groove on Grove, and the popular artisan events Artist and Maker Market.
