It’s been another busy week in Hudson County so let’s catch up on all the headlines. Among the highlights: popular East Rutherford sushi restaurant Samurai Sushi will open a Jersey City location; Hoboken begins the second phase of work in the Weehawken Cove Improvement Plan; and two Hudson County cannabis businesses receive state approval. Read on for more.
Longer PATH Trains on Popular Commuter Route
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Commuters will begin to see nine-car trains on the Newark-World Trade Center route, according to NJ.com. The increased train lengths are part of a multi-year effort to improve rail service. The trains are being tested during February and will start taking on passengers in March and April.
Bayonne Library to Undergo Major Renovation, Will Temporarily Close
The Bayonne Public Library is about to undergo a ten-month renovation. Starting February 20th, the building, located at 697 Avenue C, will close for four weeks for more invasive work, according to NJ.com. Library operations will continue online and at a temporary location.
Popular Art Installation Will Return to Hoboken
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Main Street Pops, in partnership with the Hoboken Business Alliance, will bring back the popular art installation “Through the Windows” in May 2023 according to a press release. The installation is a chance for local artists to work with Hoboken business owners to display artwork so that neighbors can walk by and enjoy. Both artists and business owners are invited to participate and can visit this site for more information.
Jersey City Student is Star Speller
Hudson County Spelling Bee Champion! 🏆
Kavya Jakasania from M.S. 4 will represent Hudson County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We wish you all the best at Nationals. Jersey City is proud of you. pic.twitter.com/KVRcUI9xAd
— JCPS District (@jcps_district) February 6, 2023
A Jersey City seventh-grader won the Hudson County Spelling Bee last weekend. Per NJ.com, Kavya Jakasania, age 13, was the winner after 12 rounds, while another Jersey City student, Milan Zhu, 13, won second place. Kavya will go on to represent Hudson County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee which will take place over Memorial Day Weekend.
Hoboken Couple Launches Podcast
Micki and Tony Parente are the co-founders of Branding Shorts, a video production company that creates branded videos for a variety of industries. The company is based in Hoboken, and Micki and Tony have recently launched a podcast that discusses the challenges of running a business, and a life, with a spouse. Per the press release, each 15 to 20-minute episode of “A Couple of Entrepreneurs” will feature a couple who has taken on entrepreneurship together. Several local businesses and the couples behind them are featured, including Steve and Amanda DiPasquale from Amanda Bananas.
Jersey City Steps Up Anti-Animal Abuse Efforts
In a press release, Jersey City Major Steven M. Fulop announced two new efforts to reduce animal cruelty in Jersey City. The first is an anonymous tip line for residents to report abuse, neglect, or cruelty to animals, Animal cruelty crimes can be reported by calling the tip line at 201-547-4999 or emailing animalabusetipline@jcnj.org. The second is the additional training of 38 Jersey City Police officers to be Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officers (MHLEO). Another 20 officers are anticipated to be certified later this month.
NJ Attorney General Cites North Jersey Businesses for Unlawful Surcharges, including Hoboken Coffee Shop
In a press release, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG) announced fines and other penalties for four North Jersey businesses for either not accepting cash or for not notifying customers of a surcharge when paying by credit card. The North Jersey business include: Hidden Grounds – Hoboken; Ronnie’s Hot Bagels in Hillsdale; Seymour’s Cafe in Clifton, and the Dream Wheel at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. “New Jersey consumers deserve to know exactly how much they will be paying when they go to a store and be able to pay however they can,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Many consumers from underrepresented communities do not have access to bank accounts or credit cards. Laws requiring businesses to accept cash protect those consumers and ensure social equity in stores throughout the state.”
Samurai Sushi Coming to Jersey City
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Last summer, we reported on the closing of Hooked JC, located at 467 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Now, we can share what’s coming to the space. A popular sushi restaurant from East Rutherford is entering the JC sushi scene, called Samurai Sushi. Read on for more about what we know.
NJ Electric Rates to Increase Starting June 2023
In a press release, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced a rate increase for electricity in New Jersey, which will go into effect on June 1, 2023. The average monthly bill will increase anywhere from 3.3% to 6.9%
Jersey City Teacher Found Dead
Luz Hernandez, a Jersey City teacher, and mother of three was found dead Tuesday, February 7th in Kearny, after being reported missing on Monday according to NJ.com. She had been a teacher at BelovED Charter School at 508 Grand Street in Jersey City since 2017 when she graduated from St. Peter’s University. The school was closed on Wednesday, February 8th. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support her children. Two arrests have been made in the case.
Bayonne, Hudson County to Participate in Enhanced Mental Health Police Response
At a press conference on Wednesday, February 8th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy along with New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plotkin announced an initiative designed to increase mental health resources for police officers responding to people in crisis. Per NJ.com, the program is called ARRIVE Together and is being expanded after a 2021 pilot program in Cumberland County where mental health professionals were paired with plainclothes state troopers. In over 300 interactions, no injuries or arrests were made. Both Bayonne Police and the Hudson County Sherriff’s Office are participating in the expanded effort.
Hoboken’s Textile Recycling Program Expands
In a press release, the City of Hoboken announced the expansion of its new textile recycling program. The program was launched in December 2022 and has already diverted two tons of material from landfills, according to the release. The new expansion adds two new drop-off locations as well as two reusable bag donation bins to support the Hoboken Community Center’s food pantry distribution program.
Fruiti_fi Juice Bar to Open in Jersey City
Fruiti_fi Juice Bar, known for its fresh juices and tasty smoothies, is opening a new location in Jersey City. The location will be 400 Claremont Avenue in the 3 Acres building. Currently, Fruiti_fi has one location in Hoboken, at 404 14th Street. The grand opening will be on February 14th from 12PM to 7PM.
Three New Officers Sworn to Hoboken Police Department
On Thursday, February 9th, three new officers were sworn into the Hoboken Police Department. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar joined David Chicara, Keven De La Cruz, and Shawn Sodora as they took their Oaths of Office at Hoboken City Hall before their friends and family. According to the press release, the new officers recently completed the Monmouth County Police Academy for full-time police officer training and will now enter Hoboken Police Department’s field training program.
Another Downtown Jersey City Parking Lot Closes
A parking lot at the corner of Christopher Columbus Drive and Barrow Street in downtown Jersey City will close to make way for construction, according to the Jersey City Times. The construction will see three buildings being worked on: townhouses on Barrow Street, a seven-story building on Christopher Columbus Drive, and the renovation of 143 Christopher Columbus Drive.
Hoboken Doughnut Maker Combines Two Favorites for One Decadent Treat
Hoboken’s Emily Wirt, the baker behind pop-up bakery Do Good Donuts, recently released a new doughnut creation that is sparking online controversy. Per Patch, Emily’s glazed doughnut breakfast sandwich uses a doughnut for the ‘bread’ and she then stuffs the inside with eggs, cheese, and New Jersey’s favorite breakfast meat. But between the over-the-top nature of the item, and whether the meat is called pork roll or Taylor Ham has been keeping commenters busy weighing on its relative merits. HG spoke to Emily, who said that the item is available for pre-order on Sundays only, and that patrons can customize the sandwich.
Jersey City Ranks High for Millionaire Renters
Jersey City ranks 5th nationwide in its number of renters who are millionaires, according to a recent study conducted by RentCafe.com. The study pointed to people making a lifestyle choice to be a renter, even if they could afford to purchase a home. The cities ahead of Jersey City in ranking are New York City; San Fransisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, DC.
Two Local Cannabis Applicants Achieve State Approval
Two local cannabis businesses have obtained state licensing approval, one each in Hoboken and Jersey City. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission voted 4-1 Wednesday to award Blossom and Blue Violets in Hoboken with annual licenses, which is a critical step for these businesses to be able to operate, per NJ.com. These two businesses are now the first in Hudson County to receive the approvals. Blossom Dispensary, located at 746 Tonnele Avenue in Jersey City, and Blue Violets, located at 628 Washington Street in Hoboken, anticipate opening later this year.
Winning Events Group Donates Supplies and Funds to Hoboken Shelter During Day of Service
Hoboken-based events company Winning Events Group has committed to donating to local charities since its 2013 inception. During a recent day of service at the Hoboken Shelter, Winning Events Group athletes and staff prepared and served dinner for the clients at the Hoboken Shelter, per a press release. In addition, the business was able to donate over 300 pounds of clothes, shoes, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, and other essential items for the shelter. At the end of the day, the team presented a check for $1,200, making a grand total donation of over $21,000 to the shelter.
Hudson County Pedestrian Safety Plan Heads to Commissioners
An ambitious plan to increase pedestrian safety in one of Hudson County’s most scenic, and challenging, roadways has been sent to the County Board of Commissioners for approval. According to NJ.com the plan for increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Boulevard East in northern Hudson County would take over 4 years to complete, and many people are unhappy with its current iteration. Both the process and the project itself have been criticized for lack of community engagement and the proposed safety measures being inadequate for bicyclists. The $20 million project will be funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
Family of Retired Jersey City Firefighter Seeks Community Help
A 23-year veteran of the Jersey City Fire Department is now in need of the community’s help. According to NJ.com, retired firefighter Bobby “Mac” MacArthur retired from the department in 2005, and recently suffered a bad fall at his home in Sussex County. His daughters Lauren and Catherine have set up a GoFundMe campaign for the family to support Mac’s medical and travel expenses.
Second Phase of Weehawken Cove Improvements to Begin
The City of Hoboken announced in a press release this week that the second phase of work on the Weehawken Cove improvements will begin. The major work during Phase I was to remove the derelict boats from the Cove. Phase II will focus on repairing the 16th Street bulkhead, upgrading the surrounding waterfront walkway, installing new drainage, and replacing existing lighting and seating. For weekly updates on phase II construction of the Weehawken Cove Restoration Project, go to www.hobokennj.gov/construction.
Jersey City High Rise Renderings Released
Architectural renderings of a building approved for construction at 626 Newark Avenue in Journal Square were shared, per Jersey Digs. The construction has not yet begun on the building, which will add 576 residential units to the neighborhood in 27 stories, with office and retail spaces on the first three floors.
Union City Sues Hoboken Developer to Block Construction
A project in Hoboken located at 930 Monroe Street that has been approved by the City is now facing a challenge from a neighboring city. Union City and its Mayor are suing the City of Hoboken, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, and the developer of the property, Madigan Development, according to Jersey Digs. The suit alleges problems with the project’s height in relation to the lot’s measured Designated Flood Elevation (DFE).
Hoboken Public Arts Master Plan Awarded to FCA
Architecture, planning, and design firm FCA was recently awarded a contract for Hoboken’s Public Arts Master Plan, according to a press release. The firm had previously worked with the City on a feasibility study, and this project will guide the City to a holistic reframing of its existing arts and culture program. Moving forward, FCA’s urban planning team will work closely with city officials and a wide variety of stakeholders, developing guidelines for the inclusion of public art in public improvement projects, providing site identification/placement, and identifying best practices for ongoing community outreach and engagement.
Port Authority Cops to Get Body Cams Under New Agreement
An agreement between the Port Authority Board of Directors and the Police Benevolent Association will result in officers being issued body-worn cameras, according to NJ.com. The agreement, which covers the PBA’s 1,550 union officers, was ratified unanimously. Discussions have been ongoing about Port Authority officers wearing body cameras for over 18 months.
North Jersey-based Iron Culture Gym to Open in North Bergen
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Iron Culture Gym, based in Cedar Knolls, will open its second location at 7700 River Road in North Bergen, according to a press release. The gym offers on-site childcare, personal training, group fitness classes, and a smoothie bar, among other amenities. The gym is nearly 20,000 square feet in size, and memberships are available.
Jersey City Project Facing Several Fines
The New Jersey Office of Attorney General announced in a press release that a multi-agency investigation resulted in a Jersey City developer being fined under a 2021 law aimed at preventing worker and contract misclassification. The project at 88 Regent Street was the site of an unannounced sweep in Summer 2022. As a result of the investigation, over 20 contractors have been assessed $1.3 million in back wages and penalties.
Newark Penn Station to get Air Conditioning Upgrades
NJ Transit announced this week in a press release that Newark Penn Station will undergo renovation to upgrade its air conditioning systems. The work will replace the current system of chillers and cooling towers, which is over 30 years old. The work is part of a larger modernization effort that began in 2020 with a $190 million commitment from Governor Murphy.
Irving Public Opens in The Heights
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A new bar has opened up at 1135 Summit Avenue in Jersey City, at the site of the former Blarney Pub. Irving Public is a neighborhood bar from the same owners of other Jersey City spots Grace O’Malleys and the Keyhole. The Hoboken Girl spoke to one of the owners about what we can expect from this new venture. Read on for more.
Peppercorn Station Opens in Jersey City
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NYC-based restaurant Peppercorn Station announced its new Jersey City location on its website. The new restaurant will be at 120 Morgan Street in downtown Jersey City. The restaurant held a soft opening this week, and it will be open seven days a week from 11:30AM till 9:30PM, except for Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 10PM. The restaurant specializes in classic Szechuan cuisine.
