We’ve had practically all four seasons of weather this week in Hudson County, and the news has been just as busy. Some of the highlights include: Jersey City’s ice rink closes for repairs, much to the ire of residents; Hoboken announces the final concept for the Sinatra Drive redevelopment project; and northbound lanes of the Delaware Memorial Bridge will be limited until Memorial Day to complete rehabilitation work. Read on for more.
Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen Opens at NJCU
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Musician Jon Bon Jovi is also the founder of Soul Kitchen, a non-profit community kitchen that serves meals to paying and non-paying customers. There are three other locations in New Jersey, and a fourth recently opened in Jersey City on the campus of New Jersey City University, according to NJ.com. Patrons can pay for their meals with a $12 donation or an hour’s volunteering at the restaurant.
Little City Books to Host Hoboken Literary Weekend
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For the third year in a row, Little City Books in Hoboken, located at 100 Bloomfield Street, will host the Hoboken Literary Weekend from March 31st to April 2nd. According to the event website, the three-day event will feature author talks, poetry readings, a comedy hour, and more. Tickets are required.
Jersey City Ranks High for Coworking Spaces
In a national study of coworking spaces, Jersey City ranked 12th in the nation among all suburbs. The study was conducted by CoworkingCafe.com, and studied suburban areas in proximity to their urban neighbors, and counted the number of available dedicated coworking spaces. The New York metro area has a total of 167 coworking spaces among 84 suburbs with at least one such space each. Jersey City ranked the highest in this area, will 11 coworking spaces available.
Hoboken’s Plans for Union Dry Dock Land Move Forward
The City of Hoboken has awarded a $1.2 million contract to NYC-based design firm Dattner Architects to come up with plans for the newly acquired Union Dry Dock property, according to NJ.com. The firm will draw up plans for the new iteration of the lot, which will be called Maritime Park. Dattner Architects has experience in designing waterfront parks, including the Coney Island Boardwalk. As part of the design process, residents will be invited to submit comments on the plans.
Canal Crossing Charter School Plans Approved by Jersey City
Plans for a 2,000 seat charter school were approved by the Jersey City Planning Board this week, according to JerseyDigs. The Canal Crossing Charter School Campus will serve students from K-12, and be open to students in the Jersey City school system. The campus will be built on a vacant lot at 79 Caven Point Road. The BelovED Charter School and the Empowerment Academy will move to the campus.
Hoboken’s Charritos Undergoes a Rebrand
Charritos, located at 518 Washington Street in Hoboken, has changed its name to Charritos Taqueria. The addition of the surname “Taqueria,” means that Charritos is saying goodbye to some of its classic Mexican menu offerings (enchiladas and other entrees) and committing itself to tacos almost exclusively. While the new menu is smaller in size, it’s jam-packed with taco options, including chicken, steak, pork, veggie, and birria to name a few. Margaritas are a key focus of this rebrand, too, with frozen + on-the-rocks pitchers to indulge in. Read more here.
Temporary Northbound Lane Closures on Delaware Memorial Bridge
Overnight Lane Closures (2/9)-3 left lanes on the NJ bound span will be closed from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. Only the far right lane & the bypass lane to the NJ Turnpike will be open for traffic. Allow for extra travel time. #netDE #netNJ @DelawareDOT @NewJerseyDOT @NJTurnpike pic.twitter.com/3VSly0PwVy
— Delaware Memorial Bridge (@demembridge) February 9, 2023
Work on the northbound lanes of the Delaware Memorial Bridge is anticipated to wrap up around Memorial Day, according to the Delaware River & Bay Authority. Two northbound lanes will be closed while Phase II of a major rehabilitation project on the bridge continues. New Jersey-bound travelers can expect delays and detours until the work is completed, which is anticipated to be on or near May 25, 2023.
Jersey City’s Boots + Bones Sets Opening Date
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Boots & Bones, a new barbeque spot in downtown Jersey City, has announced a March 15th opening date. The restaurant is located at 116 Newark Avenue, just steps from the Grove Street PATH Station. There will also be a speakeasy called Under the Boot in the space, which will have a menu full of barbeque classics. Jeff Lam and Kenny Caulfield are partners in Boots + Bones and collaborated on the design. Jeff helped work on The Ashford, and Kenny is a chef who, according to his profile, is a “pioneer of urban barbecue, ushering old school techniques and rich flavors into New York City for more than 10 years.” Read more about this new spot here.
Caffe Buon Gusto Opens in Hoboken
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NYC import Caffe Buon Gusto has opened in Hoboken at 918 Washington Street. The restaurant is best known for its modern twist on old-school and authentic Italian dishes. It’s been two years since the restaurant initially put up signs about its arrival, so the open doors are a welcome sight. The restaurant offers classic Italian pasta, seafood, salad, and meat dishes, and the hours are tentatively from 12PM to 11PM. Read more here.
Jersey City Artist’s Work to be Exhibited
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According to a press release, Jersey City-based artist Mark Kurziel will exhibit his works during a show at the Art House Gallery, located at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City. The exhibition runs from March 3 through March 26 with a reception on Saturday, March 4th, 5PM to 8PM. Mark is a painter who uses oil paint and oil distemper to create colorful scenes.
Joker 2 to Film in New Jersey
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Joker 2, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, will film some scenes in New Jersey, according to NJ.com. Director Todd Phillips shared a photo of the two stars on Instagram, and the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission confirmed the plans for filming. The 2018 Joker, which also starred Joaquin Phoenix, filmed several scenes in Hudson and Essex Counties.
Jersey City Ice Rink Closure Irks Residents
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The closure of Jersey City’s ice rink, Charlie Heger Ice Skating Rink at Pershing Field, has irritated residents, according to the Jersey City Times. The closure was announced on February 10th, citing ongoing problems with ice-making equipment. The closure has caused great disruption for the dozens of youth hockey teams that use the ice rink as a practice facility, as well as to the other skaters who use the facility for recreation. The repair costs are estimated to be nearly $1 million, and in the meantime, skaters have been referred to other facilities that are privately run and cost more to use. Residents have formed a petition on change.org to draw attention to the urgency of the situation, claiming that the 2023-2024 skating season is also in jeopardy.
Toll Discount Program Proposed for NJTA and SJTA
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A proposal in the New Jersey Legislature would appropriate funds to give commuters some relief at the toll. The proposal, from Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Ocean), would create a $250 million fund at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to give drivers who drive more than 35 times per month on the toll road a 50% discount. Another $250 million would go to the South Jersey Transportation Authority for the same purpose.
Two Coyotes Spotted in Hoboken
Sunday, February 12th, 2023, The Hoboken Girl was sent a video of what seemed to be a coyote running down Monroe Street in Hoboken. Several other readers responded to confirm that it was indeed a coyote. Then, early this morning around 6:30AM on Wednesday, February 15th, another coyote sighting was reported by several readers outside of Elysian Park. It cannot be confirmed if these two sightings were of the same coyote or if there is more than one coyote roaming Hoboken. Read more here.
Jersey City Comedy Festival Returns
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After a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus, the Jersey City Comedy Festival is back, according to a press release. Festival organizers are seeking submissions from performers. The Festival will run from June 7th-10th, 2023 in Jersey City.
Legendary West New York Pizza Restaurant Damaged by Fire Vows to Rebuild
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A five-alarm fire on February 8th seriously damaged several West New York buildings, including Sal’s Pizza, Bar, located at 6127 Bergenline Avenue. Per NJ.com, the family behind the restaurant has vowed to reopen, building on a story that began with Sal’s opening in 1972.
Jersey City’s Taqueria Reopens After Damage by Driver
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Taqueria, located at 236 Grove Street, reopened after it was temporarily closed following an incident where a patron reversed a car into the restaurant. Two employees were injured, and the investigation is ongoing. Read more here.
Final Concept of Hoboken’s Sinatra Drive Redesign Project Announced
In a press release this week, the City of Hoboken announced the final concept for plans for the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project. This phase will see a two-way protected bikeway from Fourth Street to Sinatra Drive North, safer pedestrian crossings,164 trees planted, and additional parking near the residential areas at the northern and southern ends of the project.
Jersey City Announces Results from ‘Housing First’ Initiative
In a press release this week, Jersey City announced the results of its participation in the Housing First program, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since joining the HUD’s House America program in 2021, Jersey City has provided quality housing to nearly 1,500 families in need, coupled with an increase of 3,500 affordable housing units added to the City’s pipeline. Cities participating in the House America program have access to funding and resources administered by HUD.
Hoboken’s Impact Group Fitness Closes its Hudson Street Location
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In an email to patrons that was also shared on social media, Impact Group Fitness announced it would be closing its location at 79 Hudson Street in Hoboken. In the message, founder Caroline Lellouche said that it was a “tough but correct decision” to leave the space based on the challenges the group was facing with the building’s management. There are two other Impact studios, located at 603 Willow Avenue in Hoboken and 160 First Street in Jersey City.
JC Fridays to Return, City-Wide Art Festival Begins March 3rd
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JC Fridays is a free arts festival across Jersey City, NJ presented by Art House Productions. It is held four times a year at the start of every season: March, June, September, and December. Events take place at galleries and event spaces throughout Jersey City, and a variety of media are included. Organizers are still accepting submissions for participating event spaces and artists.
Hoboken’s Fruiti Fi Opens Second Location in Jersey City
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Back in early 2021, smoothie and juice bar Fruiti Fi made its debut in uptown Hoboken at 1404 Grand Street. It was one of the many spots that came as a silver lining for locals looking for new businesses after the pandemic closed so many. Recently, we got word that a second Fruiti Fi location would be opening — this one at 400 Claremont Avenue in Jersey City. Read on for more.
Two Jersey City Schools Placed on Lockdown After Altercation Among Parents
According to the Hudson County View, Frank R. Conwell Public School No. 3, located at 111 Bright Street, and Frank R. Conwell Middle School No. 4, located at 107 Bright Street in Jersey City, were briefly placed on a lockdown on Monday, February 13th after an altercation among parents. Three adults were involved in the altercation, which involved two women and one man. One of the women had a Taser, and the man allegedly had a handgun. The investigation is ongoing.
In Interview, DeGise Describes Incident, Still Won’t Resign
Jersey City Council member Amy DeGise has given her first interview since her hit-and-run accident last summer. According to NJ.com, DeGise reiterated her intention not to resign, despite calls from citizens and fellow councilmembers to do. DeGise was recently sentenced to a $5,000 fine and a one-year suspension of her driver’s license after pleading guilty to leaving the scene of a crash.
Jersey City Art Week Announced
In a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) and Art Fair 14C are joining forces to host concurrent events in October, creating a super-sized visual arts experience that will showcase Jersey City’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Jersey City Art Week is scheduled for October 11-15, 2023, with more details to come on both the JCAST and Art Fair 14C websites. Applications are available online for the Art Fair 14C portion of the October event. For JCAST, applications will be made available online in May.
Monticello Triangle Redevelopment in Jersey City Approved
Per Jersey Digs, a project made up of three lots at 4-12 Fairview Avenue, 221-227 Fairmount Avenue, and 220-238 Monticello Avenue got the green light for building. The parcel is known as the Monticello Triangle and when complete, the property will have 304 residential units with commercial spaces on the first floor of the buildings, as well as a green space and public plaza.
Hoboken Fire Department to Receive Federal Funds
Excellent work by Hoboken’s bravest , top floor fire quickly knocked down by members of Group D under the command of BC Moyeno and BC Grossi pic.twitter.com/q9QUHYRp2r
— Hoboken Fire Dept (@HobokenFire) June 28, 2021
In a press release, New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced a combined $2,127,844.28 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program to assist three New Jersey fire departments with the hiring, retention and recruitment of firefighters. The City of Hoboken will receive $1.17 million to increase its ranks, with plans to hire four more firefighters.
Gateway Project Work to Begin in Jersey City
The ambitious Gateway Project could begin work as early as later this year in Jersey City. The project released a press release this week announcing the procurements to construct the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation, an early work component of the Hudson Tunnel Project. Construction is anticipated to take two years.
City of Hoboken Announces Improvements to Monarch Site
At a meeting on February 15th, the City of Hoboken announced a series of short-term improvements aimed at improving access to the Monarch site, per a press release. GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) has been hired by the city to provide design and consulting services associated with the proposed waterfront walkway adjacent to the future public waterfront park to be constructed at the site. Some of the short-term improvements include creating a paved walkway, removing some fencing, and a general cleanup of the area.
Resident Input Sought for Hoboken’s Maritime Park
The site of the former Union Dry Dock has been acquired by the City of Hoboken, which has plans to turn the lot into a waterfront park. A press release from the City earlier this week announced a series of community-focused efforts to get information about what residents want in the new park. Online surveys, in-person meetings, and community feedback will be used as plans for the park shape up.
