Now that the temperatures are rising and the days are longer, it’s finally time to get out and enjoy the weather. It has been another eventful week in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the local news: Hoboken announces finalized Zero Waste plan during Earth Week; Jersey City plans to expand animal control services to Hoboken, Guttenberg, and East Newark; and a Washington State man ends his cross-country walk with a stop in Hudson County. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on April 28th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- Hoboken Launches Community Solar Program Expected to Reduce CO2e Emissions
- New Microdispensary, Blue Violets, Opens in Hoboken
- Man Walks from Washington State to Jersey City/Hoboken
- Exchange Place Alliance Acquires 1st Sculpture for Permanent Display in Jersey City
- Hoboken-Based Nonprofit to Serve Wicked Drinks for Fifth Anniversary Fundraiser
- New Dispensary Bay Street Greenery Opens in Jersey City
- Date for the HoBOOKen 5K Announced for 2024
- Jersey City’s Kool & The Gang Nominated for Rock + Roll Hall of Fame
- Hoboken Swan Cleaners Closed
- Lomo Truck Opening a Storefront in Jersey City Heights Soon
The Hoboken Girl’s Spring Into Self-Care Guide 2024
We’ve put together a guide to local Hoboken, Jersey City, and Northern New Jersey businesses — ranging from nutritionists, therapists, and fitness spots to cafes, salons, skincare studios, and more, so our readers can be acquainted with the local businesses in the Hudson County area and beyond to kick off spring using a code exclusive to The Hoboken Girl readers. Click here for more.
Hoboken Launches Community Solar Program Expected to Reduce CO2e Emissions
The City of Hoboken announced on Earth Day that the Hoboken Community Solar Program, in partnership with the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA), has launched and is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) a year. Since the program’s inception in 2021, residents have saved over $650,000 on their energy bills and reduced CO2e emissions by 31,254 metric tons. Click here to learn more.
New Microdispensary, Blue Violets, Opens in Hoboken
Microdispensary Blue Violets has quietly opened in uptown Hoboken at 628 Washington Street. Husband and wife team Lauren Chang Thompson and Max Thompson have been working to open their shop since October 2023 after a Hudson County judge voided the Hoboken Planning Board’s 2022 approval of the team’s plans. In January 2024, Max and Lauren received notice of a judicial stay on the October 2023 ruling, meaning the store could open while the rest of the appeal was addressed. For now, Blue Violets is open by appointment only while Max and Lauren get the hang of things. Click here to learn more.
Longtime Hudson County Coach John Nagel Dies at 65
Hudson County cross country and track and field coach John Nagel died at 65. As per NJ.com, John died Friday, April 19th, at a hospital in Largo, Florida, a month after falling ill while on a baseball spring training trip. Funeral arrangements have not been set. John’s daughter, Ashley Nally-Nagel, said services will likely be delayed until next week, partly because the Penn Relays are being held this weekend.
Man Walks From Washington State to Jersey City/Hoboken
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In March of 2023, Holden Minor Ringer went on a mission to walk from Washington State to the Atlantic Ocean with his stroller, “Smiley.” With over 3,500 miles under his belt, Holden walked through Jersey City and stayed in Hoboken for a night before reaching his final destination at Rockaway Beach. Click here to learn more.
Hoboken Seeks Volunteers For Seventh Annual Spring Fling Community Cleanup
The City of Hoboken seeks local volunteers for Spring Fling, a community-wide day of service dedicated to cleaning up city parks and public spaces. The seventh annual Spring Fling will take place on Saturday, June 1st, from 10AM to 2PM in various locations in Hoboken. Volunteers can register as teams or individuals and must be at least 16 years old. To register, click here. The last day for registration is May 17th.
Exchange Place Alliance Acquires 1st Sculpture for Permanent Display in Jersey City
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The Exchange Place Alliance recently acquired its first sculpture for permanent display on the Jersey City waterfront. Adorn Me is a sculpture made from concrete and steel by artist Tanda Francis. This piece is inspired by the Ife Heads of Benin from the 13th century and Victorian colonial ornamentation and honors the connection of the waterfront as a major hub of the Underground Railroad, per the Hudson County View.
International Day of Yoga Event at Pier A in Hoboken
Urban Souls Yoga is hosting an event along with a team of yogis led by Radha Devi Om for the International Day of Yoga on Friday, June 21st, at Pier A Lawn in Hoboken from 4PM to 9PM. The event includes different classes and will shine awareness on the tradition of yoga practice and its many benefits. Registration is now open along with the option to donate. The first 100 people who donate and come to the event will receive a “Special Yogic Gift.”
Stevens President Dr. Farvardin Recognized with the 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor
^ Dr. Nariman Farvardin. Photo Credit: Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken’s Stevens Institute of Technology President Dr. Nariman Farvardin has been selected as a 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient. Per the Hudson County View, under Dr. Farvardin’s leadership, Stevens adopted a strategic plan that paved the way for the university to become a nationally recognized, globally respected, technological university. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 18th, at Ellis Island’s Great Hall.
Future for Bergen Arches in Jersey City Makes Progress
During a recent public briefing held at Dickinson High School, Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure’s Planning Division shared ideas and images on how to re-work the Bergen Arches, a 60-foot-wide rail corridor for public use. Per the Jersey City Times, the city has received a $100,000 state Transportation Department grant to design and build on-and-off-road pedestrian pathways along the corridor.
Hoboken-Based Nonprofit to Serve Wicked Drinks for 5th Anniversary Fundraiser
Photo Credit: Computers 4 People
At just fifteen years old, Hoboken resident Dylan Zajac launched Computers 4 People, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the “digital divide” present in the school system. Since its inception, Computers 4 People has donated over 2,600 computers, over 1.4 million hours of internet, and kept over 44,000 pounds of toxic e-waste from polluting the environment. The 5th-anniversary fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, May 8th from 7PM to 10PM at Wicked Wolf Tavern at 120 Sinatra Drive in Hoboken. Click here to learn more.
Child Suffers Non-life Threatening Injuries After Hoboken Bike Accident
The City of Hoboken shared with the HG team that an accident between a vehicle and bicyclist happened around 9:45PM on Friday, April 19th on Jackson and 1st Street. The bicyclist, a Jersey City juvenile, was trapped under the vehicle. Firefighters jacked up the car and pulled the 11-year-old out. He was taken to a nearby hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The on-scene investigation revealed the child was riding in the wrong direction on Jackson Street when the crash occurred. The driver of the vehicle stayed on the scene and no charges were filed.
New Dispensary, Bay Street Greenery, Opens in Jersey City
A new dispensary is now open in Jersey City. Bay Street Greenery is located at 150 Bay Street and opened its doors on April 20th, a holiday that commemorates cannabis culture. This Hudson County dispensary carries all top cannabis brands and strains as well as a selection of flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, and other products like topicals and tinctures.
Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Worth $413K Sold at Hoboken Deli
Hoboken’s very own Ottomanelli Liquors + Deli at 422 Monroe Street sold a Jersey Cash 5 jackpot-winning lottery ticket worth $413,311 on Friday, April 19th’s drawing. According to the NJ Lottery, the winning numbers were: 7, 14, 23, 28, and 42, and the XTRA number was 4.
Date for the HoBOOKen 5K Announced for 2024
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The HoBOOken 5K, Hoboken’s only costumed run and one of Hoboken’s largest races, will step off in person from Pier A on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, with a virtual race also available on the same date. According to a press release from organizers, the Run to End Homelessness is The Hoboken Shelter’s largest fundraising event of the year and an important opportunity for the community to come together to give back. Participating restaurants and bars along Sinatra Drive and elsewhere will offer race-day food and drink specials to benefit the shelter. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the HoBOOken 5K support The Hoboken Shelter. Click here to register.
Jersey City’s Kool + The Gang Nominated for Rock + Roll Hall of Fame
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In 1964, legendary R&B band Kool + the Gang put out classic R&B, funk, and soul hits right from Jersey City. Now, the band will join other music legends in the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 inductee class. Robert “Kool” Bell and his original bandmates all attended Lincoln High School in the Bergen Hill neighborhood of Jersey City. Robert credits the musical education they received through Jersey City Public Schools for their great success. The 2024 induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 19th at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, per TODAY. It will be live-streamed on Disney+ and be available on Hulu the next day. Click here for more.
Hoboken Unveils Community Energy Plan to Drive Sustainability Efforts
The City of Hoboken announced its Community Energy Plan, a strategy aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Through the Community Energy Plan, we are charting a course toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Hoboken,” Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla said via a press release. With a commitment to revising the Climate Action Plan every five years, the city of Hoboken aims to achieve net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Jersey City to Expand its Animal Control Services to Hoboken, Guttenberg, + East Newark
Jersey City is planning to provide animal shelter and control services for Hoboken and Guttenberg throughout the year. As per NJ.com, Jersey City’s deal with Guttenberg includes providing service for East Newark, since Guttenberg and East Newark had a prior agreement.
Hoboken Mutzfest is Back for 2024
Hoboken Mutzfest will be held on Sunday, April 28th, under the 14th Street Viaduct. From 1PM-5PM, ticket-holding locals can expect a lot of cheese, local vendors, live music, food-eating contests, and more. Tickets for the event can be found here. General admission to this cheese-filled day is $50. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the event on the day of — first-come, first-served. For 21+ visitors, there is also a $100 VIP option which gets you into Mutzfest at 12PM instead of 1PM and grants you access to an open bar. Click here for more details about the event.
Long Time Jersey City Empanada Restaurant Closes
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After a decade of serving the Jersey City community, O’LaLa Empanadas, located at 600 Communipaw Avenue, closed its doors on April 19th, 2024. The restaurant was recently sold to a developer who plans on having the property demolished to make way for another development. According to NJ.com, the restaurant was operated by lifelong Jersey City resident Idalia Beteta. Although there are no future plans to open a new location, Idalia is not ready to say goodbye. “We might even be able to come back as a food truck. But nothing is concrete yet,” Idalia said.
New Jersey Is 2024’s 10th Most Gambling-Addicted State
New Jersey was ranked as the 10th most gambling-addicted state in the US. Personal finance website WalletHub compared the 50 states across 20 key metrics. The data set ranges from the presence of illegal gambling operations to lottery sales per capita to the share of adults with gambling disorders.
City of Hoboken Announces Finalized Zero Waste Plan during Earth Week
^ The Zero Waste Plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach Hoboken Climate Action Plan goals, improve quality of life, + reduce waste costs. Photo Credit: City of Hoboken.
The City of Hoboken announced the finalized Zero Waste Plan, in alignment with its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action and efforts toward carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030. The Zero Waste Plan, crafted by city consultant Eunomia, evaluated current waste management practices, identified potential efficiencies, and sought to increase diversion rates, decrease GHG emissions, and reduce costs for the city. According to a press release from the city, the Zero Waste Plan includes 18 action items broken into short-term and long-term goals.
Hoboken’s Swan Cleaners Closed
Swan Cleaners, located at 906 Washington Street, closed its doors on Saturday, April 27th. Owner Hope Kim took over Swan Cleaners in 2010 from another owner. For the next 14 years, she provided dry cleaning, folding and pressing, and alterations. Hope shared with Patch Hoboken that business declined during the pandemic.
Lomo Truck Opening a Storefront in Jersey City Heights Soon
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The owner of Lomo Truck shared with HG that the food truck will be opening a storefront in Jersey City Heights at 501 Central Avenue soon. Lomo Truck serves Peruvian fare, and has two other food truck locations in Garfield and Woodland Park. Follow along for updates on Instagram.
Hoboken High School Students Are Hosting a Prom for Local Senior Citizens
Are you going to senior citizen prom on May 2? Take the Hop! Pickup will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Multi-Service Center and stop at multiple senior buildings to Hoboken High School. Drop-off will begin at 8 p.m. from HHS. https://t.co/wxwPqGPaiE pic.twitter.com/C4pqKjn9Yv
— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) April 25, 2024
The City of Hoboken announced via X that Hoboken Senior Services, Hoboken High School National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Student Government will host a senior prom for local senior citizens on May 2nd at Hoboken High School at 6:30PM. Tickets are available at 124 Grand Street in Hoboken. Please call 201-420-2054 for more information. Click here for more information about the event.
2024 Cinco de Mayo Block Party in Hoboken
Hoboken’s Cinco De Mayo Block Party is happening on Sunday, May 5th, from 11AM to 7PM outside of Fat Taco, 32 Newark Street. Attendees can expect a day filled with food, drinks, live music, a mariachi band, vendors, entertainment, and activities for all ages. The street will be closed between River Street and Hudson Street. RSVP for free here.
New Location for Buon Appetito in Downtown Jersey City
Buon Appetito, formerly located at 520 Jersey Avenue, has moved to 280 1st Street, the space formerly occupied by Just BeClaws. Per Jersey Digs, the location at 520 Jersey Avenue has been transformed into a bodega as part of the set for the Bob Dylan biopic currently filming in various Hudson County locations. The new store’s hours are from Monday through Sunday, 10AM to 9:45PM.
Hoboken Parklet Moratorium Extended
The Hoboken City Council has voted to extend the moratorium on new parklets and parklet applications until July 17th, 2024. The original moratorium, established in fall 2023, expired on March 31st, 2024. The council voted 7-2 to extend it, citing concerns about rats and parking. Click here for more.
Shop Owner Threatened by Hoboken Man for Not Buying Poker Table
A Hoboken man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened a shop owner on April 15th for refusing to buy a poker table. As per Patch Hoboken, Richard Maldonado, 56, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of weapons for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of weapons, making terroristic threats, and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Richard was taken to Hoboken Police Headquarters, charged, and then taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Longtime Congressman Donald Payne Jr. Dies at 65
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Six-term Democrat and Newark native Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. died at 65, just three weeks after he had a heart attack that left him hospitalized in a coma at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, according to a press release from Representative Payne’s office. Per NJ.com, Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their triplets, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne. As Donald Payne Sr. was also a representative of NJ’s 10th District, this will mark the first time in 35 years that a Payne has not represented the district in Congress.
Jersey City High Schools Ranked Among Top 45 In New Jersey
Three high schools in Jersey City were ranked among the top 45 in New Jersey. According to NJ.com, McNair Academic High School was the top-ranked school in Hudson County and earned the number six spot among all New Jersey public and charter schools. Infinity Institute came in at number 32, followed by Liberty High School at number 45.
Stevens Students Team Up to Redesign The Hoboken Girl’s Real Estate Directory as Part of Senior Project
The Local Girl Media Group, parent brand of The Hoboken Girl, founded by Hoboken resident Jennifer Tripucka, is excited to announce the redesign of its real estate directory after teaming up with students from Stevens School of Business on the project. According to a press release, the goal was to create an enhanced experience for prospective buyers, renters, and owners. The platform is designed to simplify searching and listing properties for rent, sale, or sublet in the area, as well as usability of searching for vacation rentals, and homes for sale throughout New York and New Jersey as a whole. The Local Girl team has worked with the business students as part of their Senior Design Project to spearhead the relaunch of its real estate directory. The capstone project assigns students a small business to partner with in a strategic move to enhance user experience and expand its reach.
Mayor Bhalla Announces $50,000 Grant From Bloomberg Philanthropies
^ Youth participating in the Hoboken Climate Stocktake in 2023. Photo Credit: City of Hoboken.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced via a press release the creation of the Youth Climate Action Fund, inviting applications for microgrants of up to $5,000 to support community climate action projects led by local youth. The fund, made possible by a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to empower young residents to spearhead initiatives addressing urgent climate challenges within the city.
