Amongst the headlines, drones, and wild weather, 2024 is coming to a close. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Santa arrives in Hoboken; new windows will be installed on NJ Transit trains; and work continues on the Madison Street Infrastructure Improvements Project. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on December 22nd, 2024.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].

Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):

• • Hoboken Police Department Swears In 6 New Officers
  • Salvation Army Gives Back To Jersey City Families With Angel Tree Program
  • 'The Heap at Art House: A Pop-Up Exhibit' Coming To Art House Gallery
  • Hoboken Teens Collect Winter Supplies for Hoboken Shelter
  • Jersey City Native Co-Writes First Today Show Cookbook
  • 2 Hoboken Firefighters + Friends To Reopen Green Pear Cafe
  • Whole Foods May Be Coming to Hoboken
  • New Windows Being Installed On NJ Transit Trains
  • Interactive + Animated Window Displays Bring Holiday Cheer to Jersey City
  • Igloos Pop Up at Hoboken Biergarten

The Hoboken Girl Announces: 25 Hoboken + Jersey City Women to Watch in 2025

More than the amazing architecture or the incredible food, it's the people who make our Hudson County community so special. The Hoboken Girl has selected 25 Women to Watch from Hoboken and Jersey City who are making a positive impact. Click here for more.

Work Continues On Madison Street Infrastructure Improvements Project

Madison Street in Hoboken between 10th and 11th Streets has closed as of Monday, December 16th to facilitate the next construction portion. In addition, 10th Street will convert to eastbound only between Madison and Jefferson Streets. These changes will be in place for about three months to minimize aerial flooding in the future, per a press release from the City.

Hoboken Fire Department Welcomes 8 New Members

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

Eight new Hoboken Firefighters were sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, December 16th, in front of family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and community members. The swearing-in included Brandon Lui, Raphael Maldonado, Domenico Lisa, Nyjon Freeman, Elias Colon III, Adrian Cepeda Jr., Adrian Pietri, and Todd Perkins. According to a news release from the City, adding more members will allow the department to increase its minimum staffing level from 20 to 22 firefighters. This will guarantee four members (including one captain) on all engines responding to fire calls at all times.

Santa Arrives In Hoboken (Early, Last Friday)

Santa Claus himself made a trip to Hoboken this past Friday, December 20th, on a fire truck along with the Hoboken Fire Department. The route started at the Observer Highway Fire House — located at 5 Observer Highway in Hoboken — as Santa rode around the city to spread cheer. Click here for the route details + recap of Santa’s visit to Hoboken.

Hoboken Police Department Swears In 6 New Officers

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

The Hoboken Police Department (HPD) welcomed six new police officers during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, December 16th, 2024.  The Hoboken City Council is expected to approve an increase in the HPD’s Table of Organization from 146 to 156, per a news release from the City. The hiring of ten more officers will increase foot patrols and enhance police visibility throughout Hoboken.

Hoboken's Mojo Coffee Expanding to Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by MOJO Coffee Company (@mojocoffeecompany)

Hoboken favorite Mojo Coffee has announced plans for a Jersey City location. Per a new page on the coffee shop's website, a Jersey City location is 'coming soon.' The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the Mojo team for more information.

Hudacko's Pharmacy In Bayonne Closes After 84 Years

Hudacko's Pharmacy, located at 861 Broadway in Bayonne, has permanently closed. It is rumored that the shrinking insurance reimbursements for prescriptions can be the cause of the closure. The prescriptions of Hudacko customers are being honored at Walgreens as calls to the store are now directed to them.

New Business Signage Posted On Washington Street In Hoboken

Hudson Pride Center Hosts Grand Opening Of Second Location

Photo Credit: Hudson Pride Center

Hudson Pride Center, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ community organization, officially opened its doors at its second location at 4428 Bergenline Avenue in Union City on Monday, December 16th. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to provide vital resources and services to the LGBTQ+ community in the area, per a press release from the organization. The center will provide a wide range of free, essential services tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Salvation Army Gives Back To Jersey City Families With Angel Tree Program

The Salvation Army is once again working to make sure every child has at least one gift under the Christmas tree this year through its Angel Tree program. This past Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, the organization hosted distribution events this past week at The Salvation Army Jersey City Corps (located at 562 Bergen Avenue) for pre-registered parents to pick up toys for their kids this holiday season. Interested donors can visit The Salvation Army's website for more information on how they can give back.

'The Heap at Art House: A Pop-Up Exhibit' Coming To Art House Gallery

Photo Credit: Art House Productions

Art House Productions and Puppet Heap recently announced their collaboration in the Art House Gallery. The pop-up exhibit at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City will feature The Heap and other Puppet Heap characters from Monday, January 20th through Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. More information about the exhibit created by Hoboken artist Paul Andrejco, 30 years in the making, can be found on the event website.

Hoboken Teens Collect Winter Supplies for Hoboken Shelter

Photo Credit: Angela Soo McDermott

Two Hoboken teens, Keira McDermott and Genevieve 'GG' Fink, donated four bags of winter goodies to a local shelter on Sunday, December 15th. They also both volunteered to help prepare and serve lunch to the many visitors of the shelter. They ask other generous civilians to donate hats, scarves, gloves, socks, ear muffs, and hand warmers to their local organizations.

Jersey City Local Co-Writes First Today Show Cookbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Katie Stilo (@katie.stilo)

Jersey City resident Katie Stilo is one of three main authors of the first-ever cookbook produced by NBC's The Today Show. She is one of The Today Show's main food stylists and culinary producers. Her credits include major segments on The Today Show throughout the year, including its celebrity chef-studded Thanksgiving culinary special.

2 Hoboken Firefighters + Friends to Reopen Green Pear Cafe

Two Hoboken firefighters are coming together to re-open an Italian-style cafe in Hoboken. The New Jersey natives — Dominick Casolaro and Mike Forcum — are set to take over the Italian eatery and coffee shop, Green Pear Cafe, in Hoboken come the new year. The space at 93 Grand Street had been closed for a short time but will be back open in 2025 with an updated vibe, thanks to two first responders with a passion for good food. Click here for more.

Mario's Pizza Achieves Record Of Number Of Cooked Turkeys for Holiday Initiative

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mario's Classic Pizza (@mariospizzahoboken)

Man Charged After Leaving Weapons + Ammunition at Elysian Cafe

Whole Foods Looks to Be Coming to Hoboken (Kind of)

On Tuesday, December 17th, the Hoboken Planning Board unanimously approved a completeness review for a new Whole Foods in the former Walgreens at 101-105 Washington Street. The proposed project is a Whole Foods “Daily Market,” a smaller offshoot of the grocery giant fit to the space and the city. It’s worth noting that this is a first step towards Hoboken Whole Foods, not a confirmation: the project would still have to be approved at a full planning board meeting. Click here for more.

New Windows To Be Installed On NJ Transit Trains

On Tuesday, December 17th, NJ Transit released new pictures (above) of new windows installed on multilevel train cars. In 2022, NJ.com reported NJ Transit planned to spend $8 million on these new train windows. More information about this initiative can be found in our article here.

Victims Of Newark Car Crash Identified as Jersey City Residents

Police released the names of five out of the six individuals who were killed in a car crash that occurred in Newark on Friday, December 6th. According to NorthJersey.com, the vehicle with six people inside was traveling on Raymond Boulevard near Blanchard Street toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp at around 10PM before going airborne, striking a support column for the Pulaski Skyway and landing on the ground. All six people in the vehicle died, including Lamar McKnight, Darryl McKnight, Darnell Carr, Bradley Cunningham, and Veronica Bailey — all of whom were Jersey City residents.

State Board Gives Approval For Bayonne Medical Center Takeover

Secaucus-based Hudson Regional Hospital received a certificate of need approval from the New Jersey State Department of Health's State Health Planning Board to operate CarePoint Health's Bayonne Medical Center in Jersey City. CarePoint sought Chapter 11 protection in November before the act was approved, per Becker's Hospital Review. The system is also moving forward with plans to affiliate with Hudson Regional under Hudson Health System, a management services organization. The commissioner of health must now give final approval moving forward.

Interactive + Animated Window Displays Bring Holiday Cheer to Jersey City

Photo Credit Natasha Dzurny

Two Jersey City businesses are highlighting interactive and animated window displays created by Natasha Dzurny for the holiday season. The display includes sparkling holiday lights declaring whether a passerby is 'naughty' or 'nice,' and points to book recommendations hand-selected by WORD staff to match. Jersey City Bicycle Co. also has its own display featuring an animatronic Santa Claus on a bicycle flying through the night sky.

Jersey City Composer Creating Custom Holiday Songs for Locals at her Studio

Jersey City music producer and pianist, Maria Lineva, is providing recording sessions in her studio this holiday season. People of all ages can record their own Christmas or Hanukkah songs. No prior musical background is necessary. Interested participants can reach out to Maria via email.

Hoboken Police Arrest Man for Knife Dispute

Igloos Pop Up at Hoboken Biergarten

 

 

 

 

 

 

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'The Igloo Escape' has arrived at Hoboken Biergarten for the season. Two privately heated igloo domes are stocked with cozy furnishings and 'the ultimate winter chill vibes' with exclusive course menus and group packages. Interested diners can email the restaurant to reserve one of the domes.

2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival Looking For Comedians

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jersey City comedians are being sought out for the 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival 2025. Interested comedians must be available June 12th-14th, 2025, and have proof of residency. More information can be found at jerseycitycomedyfestival.com.

Neroli Boutique Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken

Neroli Boutique, located at 630 Washington Street, is Hoobken's newest boutique. This chic shop was opened by husband and wife duo Behzod Mamadiev and Kamola Abdulhakimova, natives of Uzbekistan who now call New Jersey home. Click here for more.

New Drone Restrictions in 22 New Jersey Communities

Following the uptick of New Jersey residents reporting drone sightings throughout the state, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued air space restrictions in 22 New Jersey communities. The flight restrictions took effect December 18th, 2024, and will run through January 17th, 2025. Click here for more.

Increased Funding for Jersey City Senior Meals Program

The Hudson County Board of Commissioners reallocated funding which resulted in an additional $15,000 for Jersey City. Per Tap Into Jersey City, the funds will go to Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services for the 2024 Peer Grouping Program, which provides meals to homebound seniors.

Registration for Adult Winter Pickleball Opens in Hoboken

Registration for Hoboken's Winter Adult Pickleball program is now open. The six-week sessions begin January 10th, 2025, and are open to residents 18 years old and up. Visit the Hoboken RecDesk for more information.

January 2025 Open House at Liberty State Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house on Saturday, January 25th at Liberty State Park to share updates on the park's revitalization project. Per NJDEP, the event will be a chance for residents to review plans and share feedback on the park’s holistic long-term master plan, restoration of the historic train shed, and other aspects of the plan.

Hoboken Opens Applications for Affordable Housing Capital Fund

The City of Hoboken announced that applications are now open for the City’s Affordable Housing Capital Fund (AHCF). Non-profit organizations and public agencies located within Hoboken and serving Hoboken residents are invited to apply for funding to support affordable housing initiatives. Click here for more information about the program and how to apply.

Tree Lighting at Berry Lane Park a Symbol of Hope

The brightly-colored tree at Berry Lane Park in Jersey City is more than a holiday accent; it's a memorial to loved ones. Per the Jersey City Times, the tree was erected in 2023 in honor of Jersey City resident Andrew "Drew" Washington, who was shot in a confrontation with police. Other community members have placed ornaments on the tree of their deceased loved ones.

Hoboken Library Director Praises Freedom to Read Act

Jennie Pu, the Director of the Hoboken Public Library, has expressed her support for Governor Phil Murphy's recently signed Freedom to Read Act, which prohibits book bans. The Hoboken Library hosted a Banned Book Read-a-Thon and has designated Hoboken as a book sanctuary city, according to TapInto Hoboken. “We believe in access to information, we believe frankly that you should be able to read what you want to read, think what you think and nobody gets to do that for you,” Jennie said, via TapInto Hoboken.

Jersey City Elementary School Wins National Recognition

The New Jersey Department of Education announced that Jotham W. Wakeman School — PS6 of the Jersey City Public Schools in Hudson County has been named a 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School. Per a press release, The Jotham W. Wakeman School is recognized for excellence in serving its multilingual learner population of students. The school’s innovative programs and dedicated educators have created a thriving learning environment where multilingual students excel academically, socially, and linguistically, setting a standard for excellence in education statewide.

Hoboken City Council Votes Down 'Unconscionable' Rent Proposal

The Hoboken City Council voted down a proposal that would prohibit 'unconscionable' rent increases above 10%, per The Hudson County View. Current city regulations prohibit 'unconscionable' rent hikes in non-rent controlled buildings, but a recent series of lawsuits have forced the issue of what that means in actuality.

New Report Describes Jersey City's Current + Future Housing Shortage

A report issued by the Regional Plan Association, a non-profit regional planning group in the tri-state area, put Jersey City's current and future housing issues into focus. The study, Housing Jersey City: Assessing Current and Future Gap discusses the current housing stock in Jersey City and projects what the community will need going forward. The relative cost of housing is also part of the study.

Arrest Made in Shots Fired Incident in Hoboken

UPDATE: An adult male is now in custody, in connection with the reports of shots fired at 4th & Jackson. Since its still an active investigation, we ask residents to continue to avoid the area. Reminder: extra officers may be at nearby schools for dismissal as a precaution. https://t.co/DwkfASD8DJ

— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) December 19, 2024

Hoboken police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Elias Mercado of Kearny on multiple charges including criminal attempted murder in relation to the shots fired incident that took place on Thursday, December 19th. According to a press release from the Hoboken Police Department, a dispute between two groups, known to each other, resulted in shots fired near the intersection of Fourth and Jackson Streets. A search incident to arrest of Mercado located a bullet casing, 14 wax folds containing a white powdery substance suspected to be CDS heroin, 17 vials containing small white rocks, suspected to be CDS crack cocaine, and cash totaling $126. Mercado was transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters where he was further charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.