We’re back again with a roundup of Hudson County news, here’s what you missed in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: Gussy’s Cafe, a new brunch-all-day spot is wrapping up construction at 340 Third Street in Jersey City; a Hoboken couple has raised over $70k for Ukrainians, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City + beyond.
Northern Lights Were Briefly Visible from New York This Week
“It is rare for aurora [borealis] to be visible in New York City,” says Bart Fried, executive vice president of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York City.
“In this case, it may be possible.”https://t.co/MbLhui4b1f
WNYC 🎙 (@WNYC) April 1, 2022
According to The Gothamist, Bart Fried, executive vice president of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York City, it is rare to see aurora [borealis] in New York City — but possible. The Empire State Building and One World Trade turned off all lights on Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd to improve chances of seeing the natural phenomenon. Click here for everything we know.
New York Waterway Announces Updated Weekend Ferry Schedule
Beginning Sunday, April 3rd, NY Waterway will extend its Port Imperial and Midtown Ferry Service hours on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Ferries will run one hour later, with the last ferry departing Midtown at 10:50 PM.
With the new change, service between Port Imperial and Midtown will now run until 10:50 PM Sundays through Thursdays, with even later hours on Friday and Saturday. The service change comes as a result of NY Waterway’s growing ridership in recent weeks. This past month, NY Waterway has seen the largest number of riders since the pandemic began. Click here for the full schedule.
Jersey City Throws a Parade for St. Peter’s Basketball Team
Jersey City honored the St. Peter’s Basketball team making it to the Elite 8 in this year’s NCAA Tournament aka March Madness, with a parade for the team on Friday, April 1st at 2PM. On March 28th, the St. Peter’s Peacocks lost by 20 points to North Carolina. After shocking locals and national basketball fans alike by beating two teams that were expected to sweep our local team to get to this point, the Peacocks made their city and state extremely proud. Click here for details.
New Jersey Among States with Highest Year-Over-Year Rent Jump
Jersey City is on this list of cities that have experienced the biggest rent increases for one bedroom apartments year over year, according to a report from Rent.com. The price of a one-bedroom apartment has increase by 43.6% in the last year.
First RoboBurger Opens in Newport Mall
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The first RoboBurger automated chef machine opened last month in Jersey City, per Patch. The futuristic vending machine is located in Newport Mall and provides ready-to-cook restaurant quality burgers. Based on how this machine performs, the RoboBurger could come to airports, malls, colleges, offices, factories, and military bases across the country.
Saint Peter’s Seeking New Coach, Aims for Rutgers Asst Coach
Things in the New Jersey sports world are shifting, according to NJ. com, beginning last week when Kevin Willard left Seton Hall for Maryland. Soon after, the Seton Hall Pirates announced the hire of Shaheen Holloway, the coach at Saint Peter’s. At this point, the Peacocks have yet to officially name a new coach but NJ Advance Media speculates Saint Peter’s has its sights set on Brandin Knight, who is the assistant coach at Rutgers.
2 Hoboken Cheer Teams Compete in Virginia Beach Competition
Two children’s cheerleading squads from Hoboken competed in a national cheerleading championship in Virginia Beach on Saturday, April 2nd. According to Patch, the teams included Cheer Dynamics All Stars Sparkles and Cheer Dynamics All Stars Black Diamonds.
Spear Physical Therapy Opens in Hoboken
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NYC-based practice Spear Physical Therapy has opened its first New Jersey location in Hoboken. The announcement reads, “Spear’s award-winning physical therapy practice has crossed the Hudson! Our flagship New Jersey clinic is conveniently located on Hoboken’s historic Washington Street just steps from the PATH train. ” The practice opened on Monday, March 21st, and is located at 111 Washington Street in Hoboken.
Hoboken Announces Pop-Up Clinic for COVID-19 Boosters for Seniors
Beginning on Monday, April 4th, senior residents in Hoboken can receive a second booster of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Hoboken Health Department and Hoboken Family Pharmacy will offer Pfizer booster shots to eligible individuals, including the immunocompromised and those over 50 years old who received their last booster shot at least four months ago. Click here for more details.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk Returns to In-Person Event 4/9
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On Saturday, April 9th the Best Buddies Friendship Walk will take place at 10AM in Jersey City. The walk will begin at 200 Morris Pesin Drive in Liberty State Park. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as IDD.
Travel Writer Features Frank Sinatra + Hoboken in New Guide Book
Travel writer Bill Clevlen is releasing a new book this month called The Ultimate American Music Bucket List — including Hoboken. According to the press release, “From the childhood home of Johnny Cash to the tiny room where Buddy Holly recorded his first hit song — travelers can now embark on a music-filled road trip across the U.S. to stand in the exact spots where it all began.” One section in the book is dedicated to Frank Sinatra and his stomping grounds in Hoboken.
Hoboken Literary Weekend Wraps Today at Little City Books
Little City Books located at 100 Bloomfield Street in Hoboken is hosting its second Hoboken Literary Weekend from April 1st – 3rd. Best-selling authors from sci-fi, memoir, fiction, history, YA, science, and poetry will be in the bookstore with readings, Q&As, interviews, and book signings. Click here for details on how to join today’s events.
Dozzino Owners Open ‘Number Eleven Food Store’ in Former 7 Stars Location
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Team members behind Dozzino, a popular pizzeria in Hoboken, are furthering their stamp in town with a third venture. ‘Number Eleven Food Store,’ the latest restaurant concept that specializes in Asian cuisine, opened its doors at 342 Garden Street in Hoboken, the former 7 Stars Pizzeria location, on March 31st. Click here for the full story.
New Women-Owned Fitness Studio Opening in Hoboken 4/1
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On April 1st, The Fit Club Hoboken will open its doors to the public. Local trainers and fitness instructors Sabrina Sarabella and Larisa Stahl own this brand-new boutique fitness studio that focuses on small group training. Sabrina and Larisa have a combined 40 years in the fitness industry and are certified personal trainers and group exercise instructors. Sabrina also has her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. The duo is looking forward to introducing The Fit Club to Hoboken – with its studio located at 1301 Adams Street, C3. Click here for what we know.
Filming for Things Like This Wraps at Ramble + Lion in Jersey City
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Ramble + Lion, located at 156 Brunswick Street in Jersey City, played host to the film crew and actors for an upcoming film called Things Like This. The cast includes Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts, Bridget Regan who recently filmed Paradise Lost, and New Jersey native Charlie Tahan who stars in Ozark.
New Brunch + Coffee Shop to Open in Jersey City
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Gussy’s Cafe, a new brunch-all-day spot is wrapping up construction at 340 Third Street in Jersey City. The most recent update is barista training and website finalization. The cafe will serve brunch, made-to-order sandwiches + salads, and specialty coffee. Read more about what to expect here.
New York Giants QB Spotted at Augustino’s in Hoboken
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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was spotted in Augustino’s Restaurant located at 1104 Washington Street in Hoboken. The post reads, “Host of the legendary D2 tailgate Vinny Pasculli hanging with Daniel Jones.”
ONE/SOL Boutique to Receive Updates
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The owner of ONE/SOL boutique announced the closure/transition of the Hoboken location at 1422 Grand Street, 3A. The post says, “Yes it all happened so quickly (literally a couple of days) but this was always meant to be a transitional space… it’s just happening a lot earlier than expected – and if I have learned anything these past few years, it’s to go with the flow! ONE/SOL is not over btw – it’s just changing (again!) … Evolving !!” The last day at that location was Thursday, March 31st.
Tipsy Tie Dye x Jersey Drinks to Host Mixology Class
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Tipsy Tie Dye announced plans this week to partner with Jersey Drinks to host a mixology + tie-dye class. This class will take place on Thursday, April 7th at the studio located at 155 1st Street in Hoboken. Tickets are available here.
Swingadelic Big Band to Kick Off Sunday Jazz in Hoboken
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Swingadelic Big Band is kicking off a free Sunday evening Jazz series that begins tonight, Sunday, April 3rd. The free concert will take place at 308 Second Street from 4PM to 7PM.
STEM Program Center PintaMonkeys Opens in Jersey City
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A new center has opened on Central Avenue in Jersey City specializing in after-school STEM programs. The @centralavesid account shared, “New business alert 🚨 PintaMonkey (287 Central) is a STEM program offering programming for kids, digital Art, robotics, and more! Welcome to Central Avenue 🤖”
New Jersey Ranked #10 Least Stressful State to Live In
Okay, yes, we are known as “The Garden State” and boast vast peaceful open plains, mountains, waterfalls, and such, but top ten least stressful states in the country?! Well, that’s certainly unexpected news. Try your hand at waiting on line at Fiore’s during the week or circling for 45 minutes to find a parking spot or deciding on where you’re going to get your bagel in the morning – any local would know that this is top-tier level stress. Yet, Wallethub’s latest survey places New Jersey at #10 for the least stressful states to live in – and we’re here for it. Click here for the full rundown.
The 1-Year Anniversary of the Passing of Frank Volpe, Owner of Napoli’s
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 has expanded to the old Grimaldi’s spot on Clinton Street from its uptown roots at 1118 Washington Street — and received 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 the full story.
Hoboken Couple Raises Over $70k for Ukrainians — How You Can Help
The family of Nicole (Portner) Malantchouk, a Hoboken resident who works at Stevens Institute of Technology, is facing the unimaginable. Her husband Roman Malantchouk, who owns the Hoboken-based architecture and design firm walkTHIShouse, is a Ukraine native who made his way to the States as a child. His family still resides in Chervonohrad, Ukraine, which is roughly 30 miles from the Poland border. Nicole and Roman explained that many Ukrainian women and children have been fleeing the eastern cities and staying in Chervonohrad. Over the past month, the couple has raised over $70,000 to purchase medical supplies, food, and housing for refugees in and around Chervonohrad. Click here for more information.
Jubilee Center Teams Up With Local Mentoring Program
The Jubilee Center of Hoboken is a non-profit organization that helps meets the social and economic needs of children and families through its after-school programming and summer camps. Students who visit the Center, located at 601 Jackson Street, can access healthy meals, homework help, and extracurricular activities like art and sports teams. Now, students will have the added benefit of tutoring and mentorship through a new partnership announced between the Jubilee Center and another local non-profit, TRUE Mentors. Click here to read about this collaborative effort and what it means for the Center’s clients.
ICYMI: 2 New Jerseyans Received Oscar Nominations This Year
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Though they faced delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 94th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 27th. Two New Jersey natives, Kristen Dunst and Rachel Zegler were nominated for their work in the film industry at the 2022 Academy Awards. Click here for the full story.
New Jersey’s Full Ban on Single-Use Bags Starts May 4th
Continuing its efforts to ban single-use plastics and other environmentally-harmful products, New Jersey’s latest measures on plastic come into effect on May 4th, 2022. New Jersey law will prohibit all stores from selling to or providing customers with single-use plastic carryout bags and instead may provide or sell only reusable carryout bags. Also going into effect on the same day is a ban on any polystyrene foam foodservice products. Click here for the details.
Bayonne Announces New 9/11 Memorial
The City of Bayonne will unveil a new 9/11 memorial in front of city hall next month, per NJ.com. The unveiling will be on April 6th at 11AM in front of the City Hall. This memorial will be in memorial for the 20th anniversary of the attacks which was September 11, 2021. The monument will include a chunk of steel from one of the World Trade Centers’ towers.
Jersey City Mayor Doubles Down on BOE for Raising School Taxes
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has doubled down on his criticism of the school board for increasing property owners’ school taxes by $1,600, per NJ.com. Interim Superintendent Norma Fernandez has not responded to the mayor’s criticisms of the school board. The BOE has agreed on a nearly $1 billion school budget to be sent to the Hudson County Superintendent Melissa Pierce for approval last week.
Three Charged in Drug Sting + $125k in Cocaine Seized in Weehawken
Three North Hudson men have been charged with multiple serious drug offenses, per NJ.com. $125,000 in cocaine was also seized from a house in Weehawken. This comes after a month-long sting operation. As part of the investigation, an undercover officer purchased drugs on multiple different dates.
Free Community Bike Ride Series Returns on April 24th in Hoboken
Bike Hoboken will kick off a series of free community bike rides throughout the town on April 24th at 11AM, per NJ.com. Subsequent bike rides will be scheduled on the 4th Sunday of each month until October. This will be the second year that the Sunday ride series will be happening in Hoboken. Bike riders will be accompanied by a police escort and all riders under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet.
Hoboken Cannabis Review Board OKs 2nd Retail Marijuana Business
Hoboken’s Cannabis Review Board has signed off on another proposed retail cannabis business, per Tap Into. During a virtual meeting, the board OK-ed an application filed by Village Hoboken, LLC, and this allows the proposal to proceed to the next step in the process. The new cannabis business hopes to open in the Washington Street space which is currently occupied by the Pho Nomenon restaurant.
Jersey City Man Found to have Warrants Totaling Over $5k
After being taken into custody for allegedly shoplifting $774 worth of merchandise at the Willowbrook Mall, authorities have determined there were numerous warrants out for the arrest of the Jersey City man, reported Tap Into. Jonathan D. Peraltac had a traffic warrant out for his arrest out of Hoboken as well as shoplifting warrants issued in Paramus, Lawrence, and East Brunswick. All of the warrants totaled over $5,000.
Four-Year Battle to Save Historic School Decided in April in Jersey City
The four-year-long journey to save a 19th-century building in Jersey City from being demolished will soon be determined, per Jersey Digs. Representatives of St. Peter’s Prep, the owner of 137-155 York Street, will appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment to appeal a decision that had barred them from demolishing a former grammar school that was built in 1861. The hearing will be on April 28th and it will allow a section for public comments to be made.
Renderings Revealed for NJ’s Largest Film Production Complex in Bayonne
Bayonne officials approved a plan that will build New Jersey’s largest film and television studio on the land, per Hudson Reporter. A company named Togus Urban Renewal applied to construct a 1.5 million square foot motion picture and television facility called 1888 Studios. Bayonne’s planning board approved the application in a special meeting on Wednesday, March 30th.
New Shake Shack Location Coming to Jersey City
The owner of Hudson County’s largest mall has announced that Shake Shack will soon be coming to a space near the waterfront in Jersey City, per Jersey Digs. The restaurant will be opening inside the facility’s third-floor dining hall in a space between Burger King and Chick-fil-A outposts. The Jersey City location will be Shake Shack’s second location in Hudson County.
Resilient Northeastern NJ to Host Bayonne Meeting on Flooding
As serious flooding continues to increase in Bayonne, Resilient Northeastern New Jersey will host a community meeting with city residents to discuss ways they can reduce flood risks, per NJ.com. The virtual meetings will be held on Zoom and will also be available on Facebook Live on Tuesday, April 5th from 4 to 5:30PM. The meetings will be hosted in English and Spanish with ASL interpretation.
Opening Date Announced for Giant Wheel at American Dream Mall
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The Dream Wheel has been given an opening date, per NJ.com. The long-anticipated 300-foot Ferris wheel will open on April 13th. Tickets for the ride will cost $29 for adults and $20 for children and there will also be a military discount as well as a discount for Bergen County and Hudson County residents.
Jersey City Receives $40k to Install Electric Vehicle Chargers
A $40,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection is allowing for the installation of five new municipal charging stations in Jersey City, per Tap Into. The City will also be providing a $26,000 match in order to cover the costs of the purchase and installation of the stations. The five dual-port charging stations will be installed at the 1 Jackson Square parking lot and other locations.
Jersey City Sends 29 to Fire Academy
29 new recruits for the Jersey City Fire Department will be sent for training at Passaic County Public Safety Academy, reported Tap Into. The Public Safety Academy is located in Wayne and is run by Passaic County Community College and it provides the necessary 200-hour firefighter training program. The Jersey City Council allocated $43,500 for the training as well as the cost of the insurance.
Hoboken High School Takes Top Prize in Statewide Challenge
Hoboken High School took the top prize in a statewide challenge, per Tap Into. The challenge asked students to come up with ways to help make their communities more resilient and sustainable. Team H2Oboken focused their solutions on both increasing the green space in Hoboken and finding a means to help absorb water to help prevent flooding.
New Jersey’s Final Coal Power Plant Will Shut Down
New Jersey’s last remaining coal power plants will be shutting down, per Tap Into. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a petition that allows the coal-fired generation to end in May. The owner of the plants will work on decommissioning them and work with a clean energy developer to bring renewable energy projects to the sites.
