Another week down, another roundup of the latest in Hoboken + Jersey City to keep you up to date on what’s going on in your neighborhood. Among the local headlines — a potential expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park in Hoboken was announced, Love Lane Salon to open Grove Street location, Pier13 in Hoboken to open soon, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Stevens Institute of Technology to Obtain 100% Electricity From Renewable Sources by October
View this post on Instagram
As of October 1st, Stevens Institute of Technology will get 100% of its electricity from “a local renewable energy source” thanks to a partnership with green energy company ENGIE, per NJ.com. “By sourcing 100 percent of our electricity from wind, hydropower or solar energy sources in our region, we will not be relying on fossil fuels to power our campus,” Robert Maffia, vice president for facilities and campus operations at Stevens, was quoted in the press release. “This is a huge step forward in not only reducing our carbon footprint and creating a greener, healthier campus, but also supporting renewable energy facilities in our region.”
Empyrean Indian Kitchen + Bar Opens in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
Empyrean Kitchen + Bar has opened a few onths back at 20 Hudson Place in Hoboken earlier this year. Now with spring and warmer weather emerging, the new Indian restaurant has recently revealed its patio for outdoor seating — something patrons are looking forward to seeing other restaurants following suit! Click here to learn more about Empyrean and why locals should check it out.
Frank Volpe, Owner of Napoli’s, Passes Away After Months-Long COVID-19 Battle
Frank Volpe loved Hoboken and its small-scale Manhattan style, as “it was just what he was looking for.” After working in his family’s NYC pizzeria for 12 years, he decided to open his own pizzeria in Hoboken called Napoli’s. Fast-forward to the present-day, and the space’s uptown location expanded to the old Grimaldi’s spot on Clinton Street from its uptown roots at 1118 Washington Street — and receiving several accolades including Best Pizza in Hoboken this past year in our ‘Best of’ awards. Tragically, on March 30, 2021, Frankie Volpe, the owner of Napoli’s, passed away from a months-long battle with COVID-19. Click here for what the family has shared and details for the GoFundMe page.
Two-Car Collision on Washington Street Leads to DWI Arrest
A Philadelphia man was charged with driving while intoxicated after his car struck a parked vehicle on Washington Street in the evening on Monday, April 5th, per the Hoboken PD. No one was seriously injured in the collision, but the vehicles reportedly sustained severe damage. Officer Rutkowski of the Hoboken Police Department responded to the scene and determined the driver was intoxicated.
Schmitty’s Hoboken, a Dog-Friendly Bar, Debuts at Nag’s Head Location
View this post on Instagram
There’s been continuous talk of Nag’s Head Pub in downtown Hoboken turning into a new bar called Backyard Bar, but since that was announced last summer, there’s been little to no movement. But just in the past few days, a new spot called Schmitty’s has put up signage at the former Nag’s Head, completely changing course from its alleged new name Backyard Bar. Here’s what we know about Schmitty’s, which opened at 359 First Street in Hoboken.
The Studio, Hoboken’s New Dance Studio for Adults Opens for Class
View this post on Instagram
It was just about one year ago when we spoke with Lauren Greenwood, a dancer, and owner of The Studio, about her new business endeavor in Hoboken. She was set to open a first-of-its-kind dance studio for adults. Unfortunately, just after her first class schedule was announced, the pandemic hit and she was unable to open. We love to see businesses thriving and overcoming the adversity that the pandemic so kindly brought with it and now we are so excited to welcome The Studio to Hoboken for real this time in the former Pavana Yoga studio space at 251 1st Street. Hoboken Girl got the chance to speak with Lauren about all things professional dance and what to expect from The Studio classes. Read on for our interview with Lauren Greenwood, the owner of The Studio in Hoboken.
Upcoming 2nd Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tour
View this post on Instagram
Love Lane Salon to Open Grove Street Location
View this post on Instagram
Earlier this week, Historic Downtown Jersey City account shared, “New business alert 🚨 Love Lane Salon will be opening their Grove Street location in early summer 2021.” This small concept hair salon is home to a killer team of creatives who are all passionate about what they do + about making real connections through how they do it. Follow along for more updates.
Mana Contemporary Presents New Climate Change Exhibition and Event Series
View this post on Instagram
Potential Expansion of Southwest Resiliency Park in Hoboken Announced
It was announced on April 7th that the City of Hoboken has reached an agreement with Academy Bus to acquire an additional acre of land to double the size of the current Southwest Resiliency Park.
Hoboken will acquire “Block 10” for $11 million from Academy, which is across the street from the current Southwest Resiliency Park. The City will finance the acquisition utilizing various grants and the Hoboken Open Space Trust Fund, with no impact on the 2021 municipal budget, according to Mayor Bhalla’s press release. Read on to learn what we know about the Southwest Resiliency Park in Hoboken.
City of Hoboken Asks for Resident Opinion
Photo credit: City of Hoboken via Facebook
According to a post by The City of Hoboken, “residents are invited to provide feedback on open and slow streets for 2021. Open and slow streets provide additional, safe space in the roadway to walk, jog, bike ride, and enjoy the outdoors.” Click here to fill out the survey.
Off-Duty Hoboken Police Officer Makes Arrest for Burglary
Shortly after 7:45PM on Saturday, April 5th, Hoboken Detective Sergeant Dennis Figueroa was off-duty in the area of 6th and Willow Avenue when he observed a female screaming for help while chasing a male down the street. Dsgt. Figueroa identified himself as a police officer and ordered the male to stop. The male, Tony Watson, stopped running when ordered to, as additional police personnel arrived on the scene. Watson was arrested for burglary, burglary tools, and simple assault. After Watson was processed he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Menendez + Booker Announce $10M to Support Head Start Program at HOPES in Hoboken
U.S Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez announced the awarding of over $30 million in federal funding to support seven Head Start early childhood education programs across New Jersey, per NJ.com. The HOPES Community Action Partnership in Hoboken is slated to receive just over $10M. “Every family, regardless of their income or zip code, deserves access to affordable child care and early education,” Menendez said. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services.
U.S. Supreme Court Asks Justice Dept. to Weigh In on Battle Involving NJ and Mob Watchdog
On Monday, April 5th, the U.S. Supreme Court called for the U.S. Solicitor General to step into the long-running New Jersey legal battle to kill the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor — a bi-state agency created more than 65 years ago to police the region’s ports, per NJ.com.
This case argues that New Jersey should not be allowed to walk away from a federally approved interstate compact. The Supreme Court sought to hear “the views of the United States” in the case. The state wants to withdraw from the commission and turn over its policing role to the New Jersey State Police.
Jersey City Police and Fire Dispatcher Dies After Hospitalized with COVID-19
On Wednesday, April 7th a Jersey City police and fire dispatcher at the Jersey City Public Safety Communications Center, died. Julio Cordero, the president of Jersey City Public Employees Union Local 246, said the employee had been hospitalized with COVID-19 a week ago, per NJ.com. A city spokeswoman confirmed the death but said that it “hasn’t been determined” that it was coronavirus-related.
The employee is the second dispatcher to die within the past month, the cause of both deaths is unclear at this time. Cordero told the Jersey Journal that both employees were hospitalized and tested positive for COVID-19.
Local Hoboken Photographer Hartshorn Portraiture Offering Studio, Beach, + Park Family Portrait Sessions
View this post on Instagram
There’s a good chance you have hundreds, if not thousands of photos on your phone made up of all your favorite moments. But once they’re saved to a camera roll, many just sit there or get posted to social media and are never looked at again. To better memorialize some of the most important moments, families turn to a trusted photographer. Hartshorn Portraiture {located inside the Monroe Center at 720 Monroe St, Studio E 418} was created by photographer Mac Hartshorn and his wife Jennifer and is focused on creating personal photographic portraits of families, infants, children, and expectant parents. And now Hoboken Girl readers can get $200 off a session if you mention ‘Hoboken Girl’ when booking. Learn all about this high-end Hoboken photography studio that’s creating custom portraits for residents in Hoboken, Jersey City, and NYC.
StacheStrong Raises Funds for Brain Cancer Research Through Unique Brews
View this post on Instagram
Pier13 to Open Soon for Summer Fun
View this post on Instagram
In an Instagram post this week Pier13 announced they will be opening soon for the summer season. Seating will be capped at 200 per current guidelines which reflects the same precautions taken last summer.
Jersey City Workers to Return to Offices Starting in May
Jersey City will be ending their work-from-home program beginning in May with the return of all City workers, per NJ.com. Human Resources Director Joanne Rosa said the city is ending the program as she cites decreasing COVID-19 cases, vaccinations increasing and public schools returning to in-person learning.
“Accordingly, on Monday, May 3, 2021, all City employees shall return to their assigned worksites for all their normally scheduled work hours,” Rosa said in the letter sent out on March 8. “Employees who are unable to return to full-time, on-site work by May 3, 2021, shall be permitted to utilize their available accrued time {i.e., sick, vacation, personal days} for pay continuation or may apply for an unpaid leave of absence if they meet the established criteria.”
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall Construction Begins
View this post on Instagram
In an Instagram post shared earlier this week, the Historic Downtown Jersey City account shared, “Please pardon our appearance as the city of Jersey City has begun construction on the new Newark Ave Pedestrian Mall! Follow us or visit our website for more updates 🔨”.
Wicked Scents Opens Hoboken Location
View this post on Instagram
As of Saturday, April 10th, Miguel Goncalves has officially opened his candle shop, Wicked Scents. Selling candles, diffusers, bath bombs, and soaps all made with clean materials. His products are paraffin-free, non-GMO, no unnatural additives, vegan, kosher, organic, and have eco-friendly wicks. The shop is located at 163 2nd Street in downtown Hoboken.
Urban Souls to Host Free Classes + to Celebrate 2nd Anniversary
View this post on Instagram
Co-founders Brendan Gibbons and Karen Flannery have adapted in the last year to include intense health + safety procedures and have transitioned their business model to hybrid Livestream/in-studio to continue serving the community. The 2nd-anniversary Open House weekend for Urban Souls is taking place Friday, April 16th through Sunday, April 18 with tons of free classes and events. Follow along for updates.
Hoboken Announces CDBG + CDBG-CV Funding Opportunities for Community Groups
View this post on Instagram
The City of Hoboken will accept applications for the Community Development Block Grant {CDBG} Program Year 2021 to provide funding to eligible programs and projects sponsored by public agencies or not-for-profit organizations. The City encourages local community groups that provide quantifiable benefits to low and moderate-income residents to apply. The CDBG funding is provided through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development {HUD}.
The City is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, April 22nd at 4PM via Zoom to collect input and identify needs relevant to low and moderate-income residents within Program Year 2021.
The City of Hoboken is also accepting applications for CDBG-CV 3 funds, provided through the CARES Act, from organizations providing CDBG-eligible activities that prepare for, prevent, and/or respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately $530,000 of the City’s CDBG-CV funding would be available for application, with no cap on the percentage dedicated to Public Service Funding.
Apartment Fire Displaces Nearly 2 Dozen Residents
A 4-alarm fire on Terrace Avenue in Jersey City broke out just after 1AM on Monday, April 5th, damaging at least three homes and displacing nearly two dozen residents, per NJ.com. Several injuries were reported, fire investigators are working to determine what caused the blaze.
