We’re back again with a roundup of Hudson County news, here’s what you missed in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: the annual Hoboken Arts + Music Festival will take place on May 1st, the Easter Bunny is in Hoboken on April 16th for a 3-hour drive through town, Jersey City has introduced four electric garbage trucks to the sanitation fleet, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City + beyond.
Community Aims to Clear Hoboken Community Center’s Pantry Wishlist this April
Supporting the community probably doesn’t get any easier than this. During the month of April, The Hoboken Girl, along with the support of its readers, will be supporting the Hoboken Community Center (HCC) with a Clear the Wishlist initiative, focusing on replenishing the Pantry’s hygiene supplies. The wishlist is available via Amazon, meaning you can contribute supplies by barely lifting a finger. The items can be delivered directly to the Pantry, making the whole experience seamless. Click here for all the details.
Hoboken Police Note Uptick in Catalytic Converter Thefts
A Hoboken Girl reader shared local intel that Hoboken Police have seen a recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts. “They said there has been a recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts. There were four alone on our block last week but they said it has been happening all over Hoboken and elsewhere.” Thefts have occurred in garages as well but to a lesser extent, with garage break-ins targeted instead at valuables left inside vehicles. According to the Hoboken Police if you hear a saw-like sound late at night, call the police.
Bergen Point Boutique Hosts Grand Opening Party in Bayonne
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Located at 174 Broadway in Bayonne, Bergen Point Boutique opened on Saturday, April 9th with a Grand Opening party. The Instagram post announced a ribbon cutting at 12:30PM. “We are so excited to share our story behind this beautiful Space! Come enjoy a day full of good energy & fun for everyone!”
Shaka Kitchen Debuts Gluten-Free Cookie
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Local vegan foodie spot, Shaka Kitchen recently announced a new addition to the dessert menu. The restaurant announced, “Everyone’s favorite cookie just went GLUTEN-FREE ⚡️ An entirely new recipe, introducing our 💥NEW💥 gluten-free chocolate chip cookies🍪” (Please kindly note this specific recipe is no longer vegan, we will still carry out vegan funfetti cookies 🧁. We will have a few vegan chocolate chip cookies left before they’re entirely replaced with the gluten-free.)” Shaka Kitchen is located at 110 Washington Street and 720 Monroe Street e103 in Hoboken.
Union City Actor Stars in Disney’s Cheaper by the Dozen
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Union City actor, Rafael Cabrera recently starred in the new Disney film “Cheaper by the Dozen” as the token neighbor of the titular family. According to NJ.com, Cabrera was born in Jersey City and studied at the New York Film Academy.
Operation Paw in Jersey City Prepares Relief Resources for Dogs in Ukraine
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On Saturday, April 2nd, Rescue Treats and Operation Mutual Aid for the Ukraine Firefighter worked together in an effort called Operation Paw. Jersey City locals and firefighters spent hours at Rescue Treats packaging hundreds of bags of dog food for distribution in Ukraine.
City of Hoboken Extends Deadline for Sinatra Drive Survey
The City of Hoboken has extended the deadline for community input on renovations for Sinatra Drive on the east side of Hoboken to Sunday, April 10th, according to Tap Into. Click here to share your input on how the scenic road should be updated.
The Franklin Opens Second NJ Location in Secaucus
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Popular brunch spot, The Franklin has expanded from the original location in the Jersey City Heights to a new location in Secaucus, per Jersey Digs. This new outpost of The Franklin, located at 780 Fifth Street, has an expansive menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Jersey City Medical Center Expands Comprehensive Cardiac Care
Jersey City Medical Center now offers a small implantable pressure-sending device that measures and tracks a patient’s blood pressure, according to a press release. It is designed to manage patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Daily reports sent by the advanced CardioMEMS™ HF System can indicate if a patient’s heart failure condition is worsening.
Shoppers Evacuated at American Dream Mall Following Shooting Incident
The shooting incident at the American Dream has been determined to not be an active shooter. The mall is secure & troopers are in the process of safely removing patrons. Anyone looking to meet up with family members is asked to go to lot 26. The American Dream will remain closed.
— NJSP – State Police (@NJSP) April 8, 2022
On Friday, April 8th shoppers were evacuated from the American Dream Mall following a shooting incident. Law enforcement on site determined it was not an active shooter, sharing the update on Twitter.
NJ State Senate Passes Bill Requiring School Curriculum on 9/11
A new bill recently passed in the New Jersey State Senate which requires age-appropriate instruction regarding the terrorist events of September 11th. Instruction should include historical context of the attacks, a timeline of the day, the heroic actions of first responders and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers. According to Tap Into, classes should also focus on the support that occurred immediately following the events of that day and how students can instill those traits into everyday life.
Hoboken Set Limit to 6 Recreational Cannabis Retail Locations
On Wednesday, April 6th the Hoboken City Council set new regulations limiting the number of recreational cannabis retail locations in Hoboken to six shops. According to Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, the new rules also prohibit cannabis establishments from being within 600 feet of a school, public parks, childcare centers, and select residential neighborhoods.
Hudson Street Kicks Off Paving Project in Hoboken
On Wednesday, April 6th Hudson County began milling and paving Hudson Street in Hoboken, per Patch. The work will run from 14th Street to Observer Highway and include re-striping bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks.
Hoboken Resident Wins Miss New Jersey 2022
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Hoboken resident Alexandra Lakhman was named Miss New Jersey this week following a triumphant return to pageant life this year. “I am trying to wrap my head around what happened last night. This feels like a dream that I never want to wake up from. April 3rd, 2022 was the best day of my life. For those of you who don’t know, I entered my first pageant in 2013 to gain confidence in myself! From there, I developed a passion & dream to encourage everyone to accept & love themselves for who they are. 9 years later, I can proudly say I have completed my lifelong dream, to date.” Read more about Alexandra’s experience here.
New Food Trucks Slated for Pier 13 Season
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The roundup of food trucks are rolling out as the summer season approaches at Pier 13, including Shuck Truck. “One of the newest additions to the pier this season is our @shucktrucknj which will serve oysters, steamers, and more.”
The Grind Coffee Shop Re-Opens in Jersey City
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The Grind coffee shop held grand re-opening events on Saturday, April 9th from 2PM to 7PM. The shop, located at 1000 Garfield Avenue in Jersey City, hosted the event providing music + food for the community to enjoy.
L’atelier du Chocolat Opens New Location in Jersey City
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The Historic Downtown Special Improvements District account announced this week that L’atelier du Chocolat has officially opened a new location in Jersey City. The post reads, “Look who made it to downtown Jersey City! 👀🤎 Where are our chocolate & fine pastry lovers? 🗣 You can find this fine confection shop at 251 Newark Avenue.” The move from 321 Marin Boulevard brings these high-quality chocolates just a few blocks away.
St. Peter’s Doug Edert Enters Transfer Portal
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St. Peter’s basketball star Doug Edert announced this week he has entered the transfer portal. He wrote, “I have nothing but love for everyone who has been by my side throughout my journey. With that being said, I have entered the transfer portal. I’m excited for what is to come and looking forward to exploring all opportunities for my basketball career.”
Food Truck ‘Disco Dillas’ Debuts in Hoboken This Week
We got word back in November 2021 that a new food truck called Disco Dillas was going to make its debut in Hoboken this year – you may recall the exclusive sneak peek on Instagram. Run by two siblings, Disco Dillas will have Hoboken residents flocking to the decked-out party truck upon its arrival. Finally, residents can enjoy the truck’s food this weekend for the first time. Click here for when and where to try it for yourself in Hoboken.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Inches Toward Opening in Jersey City
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is expanding into Hudson County by opening its second New Jersey location right in Jersey City. Kura is not your typical sushi spot – it not only offers amazing dishes but also offers a fun dining experience that includes a revolving sushi bar. Currently, there is only one other Kura location here in the Garden State and it is located in Fort Lee, in Bergen County. Click here to read about this new and innovative sushi restaurant that will be opening in Jersey City this summer.
The Hoboken Arts + Music Festival Returns This May
The annual Hoboken Arts + Music Festival is back and taking place on May 1st, 2022 from 11AM to 6PM on Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Street. Click here to read about this year’s festival in Hoboken.
Southern Fried Chicken Chain Bojangles Opening 10 Restaurants in NJ
Bojangles is making its way to the Garden State. The popular Southern fried chicken franchise will be opening 10 new locations in New Jersey in the coming months. Click here to read more about Bojangles opening in NJ.
Pizza Studio Opening Inside Newport Centre Mall Soon
A new eatery will soon be joining the food court inside the Newport Centre Mall. Pizza Studio, a Los Angeles-based restaurant, is bringing its unique premium pizza and fast-casual concept to New Jersey for the first time. Click here to learn more about Pizza Studio coming to Jersey City.
O’Bagel Announces O’Deli Concept: Here’s What to Know
Stephen El Hassan, owner of O’Bagel, is at it again — he and his team have launched O’Deli at its outpost located at 600 Washington Street. O’Bagel has created a name for itself in New Jersey as a go-to bagel spot and has accumulated somewhat of a cult following. If you don’t believe us, just stop by in the morning on the weekend and witness the line down the block. O’Bagel has won titles in HG’s Best of Hoboken awards several years in a row – and for good reason. Always innovative, always collaborating, and introducing new concepts, 2022 is no different and has introduced the most exciting venture within the brand yet. Click here for what to know about the O’Deli menu created by the O’Bagel team in Hoboken.
Meeting to Discuss Potential Dog Park in Hoboken’s Columbus Park is Next Week
Columbus Park in Hoboken, located at 9th between Park and Grand, has long been a County park where residents spend their time — including walking dogs, playground time for kids, and movie nights in the summer. But when it comes to park activities, it has recently been discussed that a dog park be added to the mix at Columbus Park. It was announced by Hoboken City Council Vice President Emily Jabbour this week that there will be a meeting regarding feedback on a potential dog park to be created in Columbus Park. Click here for details on the upcoming meeting.
Hoboken Plans to Increase Police Chief Salary
The City Council plans to vote on the second reading on Wednesday to increase the maximum base salary for a police chief in Hoboken, per NJ.com. The amount would increase from $226,000 to $255,000. This number would once again set the value of the police chief higher than any other Hoboken city employee and it would also increase the public safety leadership budget.
Bayonne is Planning Restrictions to the Recreational Marijuana Market
Bayonne is looking to tighten up regulations for the recreational marijuana market, per NJ.com. Bayonne is planning to limit cannabis retailers to two highly industrial areas of the city. Bayonne is also looking to create a three-member board to review applications for cannabis businesses and provide recommendations to the City Council.
Kura Sushi to Open Second NJ Location
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Kura Sushi is opening its second New Jersey location this summer. Kura Sushi, known for its revolving sushi bar, will be opening a new location in Jersey City’s Newport Tower. The official opening date has yet to be announced. Click here for more details on what to expect.
Community Drive to Collect Peanut Butter + Jelly
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The Hoboken Community Center Pantry has partnered with the Hoboken Evangelical Free Church for a food drive, reported Tap Into. The drive was to collect jars of peanut butter and jelly. The event kicked off on April 2nd and it will run through April 10th.
Easter Bunny to Hop Through Hoboken on April 16th
The Easter Bunny will once again be hopping its way through Hoboken. While the Easter Bunny is in Hoboken on April 16th he will be catching a ride with Hoboken Police for a three-hour trip in order to greet children and spread cheer. In order to get real-time updates on the Easter Bunny’s location, you can check Councilwoman Emily Jabbour’s Twitter.
New Bill Provides Workplace Protection for First Responders with PTSD
Two bills have passed to the senate including one that aims to provide more protections for first responders, reported Tap Into. This bill prohibits employers of first responders from discharging or harassing them relating to if the employee took or requested any leave that is related to a qualifying diagnosis of PTSD. This bill is sponsored by Senator James Beach and Senator Linda Greenstein.
Jersey City Will Use Electric Garbage Trucks
Four battery-electric garbage trucks will now be used in Jersey City, per Tap Into. This is the first deployment of battery-electric refuse trucks in New Jersey and it is the largest deployment of these trucks in the United States to date. This is all a part of The Jersey City zero-emission battery-electric truck fleet project.
Man Found Guilty for 2018 Jersey City Murder
James Crawford was convicted on Thursday, March 31st, of murder for his role in the 2018 death of Eric Crocker, reported Patch. A jury has convicted Crawford of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. This verdict was delivered before Superior Court Judge Angelo Servidio following a four-week trial.
New Restaurant in Jersey City to Have Soft Opening
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Ondo will be having a soft opening in Jersey City on April 12th, per Jersey Digs. Ondo is a Korean eatery brought to Jersey City by the owners of DomoDomo. A limited amount of reservations will be opened on April 5th and the reservations can be made via Tock, the website, or the Instagram.
Manhattan’s Kings of Kobe Opening Jersey City Location
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Kings of Kobe is reportedly opening their second location near one of Jersey City’s busiest transit hubs. Kings of Kobe is a Hell’s Kitchen spot known for its American Wagyu burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. The arrival of the restaurant has been teased on the website, but there is no clarification as to when the Kings of Kobe’s Jersey City location would be open and running. Click here to read more.
New Jersey Election Workers to Receive Pay Increase
Governor Murphy has signed legislation that increases the pay for New Jersey’s election workers, reported Tap Into. Election workers will now be paid $300 per day instead of $200. This will help in paying the workers fairly for the time they spend during election season.
Hoboken Library Hosts Virtual Session on Proposed Uptown Branch
A virtual meeting was held on Tuesday in order to get a sense of what the community wanted to see in the 5,500-square-foot extension of the library, per Tap Into. During the presentation, the library reviewed the city’s proposal by looking at what other communities have done with their newest library facilities. Markl Curiale is the library’s Marketing and Communications Manager and he said, “We are very pleased that the mayor recognizes the uptown community’s need for a full-service library branch and are very excited at the prospect.”
Hoboken High School Wins #NJSTEMTogether Communities Challenge
Hoboken High School’s Environmental Science Club participated in the South Jersey STEM Innovation & Partnership’s #NJSTEMTogether Communities Challenge, according to this press release. This challenge is an annual challenge for New Jersey High School students to come together and design a solution for a problem their community is facing. The winning team was one of the two teams that Hoboken High School had sent to the competition named H2Oboken.
Jersey City Fatal Shooting Victim Identified
The victim in a fatal shooting Tuesday night in Jersey City has been identified as a 49-year-old man, per NJ.com. Jersey City police responded to a call of shots fired at 8:30PM on Tuesday, April 5th. This was Jersey City’s fourth homicide of 2022. No arrests have been made at this time.
New Hoboken Pizza Shop Pays Homage to Delfino’s with Special Pie
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The Pizza Shop on the west side of Hoboken will be creating a homage pizza to the restaurant that resided in the spot before them, reported Patch. The Pizza Shop replaced Delfino’s which occupied that spot for 34 years. The new shop will feature the Defino pie which will contain tomato, mozzarella, fennel sausage, Calabrian chili oil, and roast onion.
Local Author to Host Book Launch at Little City Books
Local author Karen Winn will be having a book launch at Little City Books, according to this website. Karen will be interviewed by her editor, Lexy Cassola, about her book ‘Our Little World.’ You can RSVP for the free event on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 7PM.
North Hudson Campus Celebrates a Decade of Institutional Achievements
North Hudson Campus will be having a 10-year celebration, according to Hudson County Community College. The celebration will start on Monday, April 25th, at 11AM. There will be tours of the campus, speakers, as well as a barbecue and other activities which will be held in the student lounge.
Fisher Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice 
On Friday, April 1, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Turula dismissed a frivolous lawsuit filed by Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher against the City of Hoboken, according to a press release. Her claim of impropriety regarding the passage of the City’s campaign finance laws was dismissed with prejudice. This means that the lawsuit can not be reintroduced.
Jersey City Planning Board Approves Cannabis Lounge Despite Close Proximity to School
The Jersey City Planning Board approved Jersey City’s first cannabis lounge this week, despite concerns over its proximity to Hudson Catholic High School. According to Hudson County View, the building plans were approved 5-1-(1) with Commissioner Peter Horton voting no. Commissioner Dr. Orlando Gonzalez was absent.
