It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the Hoboken and Jersey City news headlines you missed. Among the highlights: a Hoboken dog walking company expands to offer grooming services; problems at the Jersey City 911 Call Center; and The Local Girl Media Group launches its latest site, The Asbury Girl. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending August 13th, 2023.
Say Hello to The Asbury Girl
The Local Girl Media Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its new sister brand, The Asbury Girl. Created by Jennifer Casson Tripucka and The Local Girl team, consider The Asbury Girl your Jersey Shore BFF for all things Jersey Shore. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, The Asbury Girl is the go-to source when it comes to discovering new places and things to do in the Jersey Shore area. Follow along @theasburygirl on social!
Bang Cookies’ Jersey City Heights Location Has Closed
In 2017, the Jersey City dessert scene got a major upgrade with the arrival of Bang Cookies’ first brick-and-mortar location. After two years of operating at 1183 Summit Avenue, the all-organic, stuffed cookie company expanded to downtown Jersey City, the Menlo Park Mall, and the new Terminal A at Newark Airport. With dreams as big as their cookies (truly, if you know you know), Bang Cookies is now venturing to the American Dream Mall: but with these new coordinates comes the closure of the OG location in the Heights. As of Tuesday, August 1st, Bang Cookies said goodbye to Summit Avenue to pursue “future projects.” Read on for what we know about Bang Cookies’ Jersey City Heights closure.
Hoboken Business Alliance and PSE&G Partner Up to Light Up Hoboken
The Hoboken Business Alliance and utility company PSE&G announced a partnership to install bistro lighting on Washington Street between 10th and 11th Streets. According to a press release, the effort is part of a pilot program that could see more lighting installed throughout Hoboken. The lighting is meant to increase the visibility of businesses and enhance Hoboken’s charm for residents and visitors alike.
Jersey City-Based Softball Team Makes Semifinal of Youth World Series
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The Jersey City-based Roberto Clemente RBI softball team was a semi-finalist in the 2023 Nike RBI World Series. The team, which won the Northeast Regional championship earlier this summer, is made up of players throughout North Jersey, according to NJ.com. The tournament took place this week in Vero Beach, FL, and this was the third time in five years that the team made an appearance.
Restore Hyper Wellness Opens in Edgewater
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Restore Hyper Wellness, a provider of proactive wellness services, recently opened its newest location in Edgewater at 11 Edgewater Towne Center (905 River Road, Unit 9B). The facility offers treatments such as Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna, and Compression. With guidance from specialized experts, on-site registered nurses, and the oversight of independent physicians, Restore is not only for fitness enthusiasts and athletes but for those looking for the latest in preventative health and wellness services.
New Italian Tapas Bar Coming to Jersey City from the Teams Behind dullboy + Orale
What do you get when you combine a Jersey City cocktail bar and an upscale taqueria? A brand new Italian tapas bar in downtown Jersey City. That’s right — dullboy and Orale Mexica Kitchen have joined forces to open ‘Jane Doe,’ a moody lounge and bar categorized by the sound of vinyl records, the taste of curated cocktails, and the smells of “artisanal” pasta dishes. Located at 333 Newark Avenue, Jane Doe is set to open sometime soon — and we’ve got the details. Read on for what we know about Jane Doe, the new Italian tapas bar coming to Jersey City from the teams behind dullboy and Orale.
Keming Sister Restaurant ‘Purple Rice’ to Take Over
Pastrami House Location
On August 8th, The Hoboken Girl reported that Pastrami House — a Jewish deli at 832 Washington Street that first opened in 2020 — had most likely closed its doors, even though the business hadn’t confirmed its own closure. Now, we’re here to confirm that Pastrami House is permanently closed, but that’s not the only news we have to share. In Pastrami House’s place comes a new restaurant from an established Hoboken business owner. The team behind Keming, a Sichuan restaurant in uptown Hoboken, is opening a new Asian-inspired restaurant called Purple Rice and aims to open within the next few months. Read on for what we know about Pastrami House’s closure and Keming’s sister restaurant, Purple Rice, taking the Jewish deli’s place.
Hoboken Green Fair Announced
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The Hoboken Green Team has announced its annual Green Fair, which encourages sustainable lifestyle choices for our community, raises awareness regarding environmental issues and demonstrates how consumers can reduce their impact on the earth by selecting sustainable, eco-friendly products and services. Hoboken residents are invited to join for a day of local foods, organic eats, and learning on October 14th. Registration is now open, and more information is available online.
Jersey City Man Found Dead
A man was found deceased on a Jersey City street. According to the Jersey City Times, the man was found on the section of Barrow Street near Newark Avenue that was recently closed to vehicular traffic. Foul play is not suspected, yet no more information was released about his identity.
Jersey City Development Prevails in Lawsuit
Construction on a Jersey City building can continue now that a lawsuit challenging its design has been resolved. Per NJ.com, the 144 First Street project was challenged by neighbors in 148 First Street, alleging that the building’s proposed height would ruin the views.
Tickets Available for Hoboken Spaghetti Dinner
The annual Hoboken Spaghetti Dinner has been announced for August 29th. The community event started in 2005 to celebrate Hoboken’s 150th anniversary. Tickets are available online now.
Adjusted Hours for Hoboken Summer Streets
The City of Hoboken today announced new hours for Sinatra Drive Summer Streets which will now operate from 8AM to 4PM. This program aims to create a vehicle-free space on Sinatra Drive between 4th Street and 11th Street on Sundays through Labor Day. Read on for more about Hoboken Summer Streets.
Hoboken Assists Tenants in Suing Landlord Over Rent Hikes
The City of Hoboken’s tenant advocate has assisted three Hoboken families in suing the AvalonBay apartments. Per Patch, the lawsuit comes after the city determined that the building did not fall under rent control guidelines. Tenants received rent increases of 20% and more, which many allege are ‘unconscionable.’
LeFrak Announces Plans for Another Jersey City Residential Development
Developer LeFrak has announced another project in Jersey City. Per NJ.com, the developer has plans for a 322-unit project at 853 Jersey Avenue, which will be spread over two towers. The towers will be 13 and 19 stories respectively, and be a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment floor plan apartments with commercial spaces on the ground floor.
Improvements Made at Jersey City Playground
^ Gateway Park in Jersey City. Photo credit: Jennifer Brown/City of Jersey City
Via a press release from the Jersey City Mayor’s Office, major upgrades have been made to a Jersey City park and playground. The Gateway Park, located at 40 Merseles Street, received upgrades including a new multipurpose turf field, a resurfaced basketball court outfitted with new basketball hoop posts, stormwater drainage systems, and a brand new playground with a wide range of accessibility and challenge levels for kids of all ages. The work was part of a joint effort between the city and community groups.
Kearny Recycling Facility Demolished to Expand Rail Capacity
Work that is part of the Gateway Project will include the demolition of a Kearny recycling facility. Per the Hudson County View, Metal Green Recycling at 993 Belleville Turnpike will be demolished to make way for the expanded Portal North Bridge. The new bridge will increase rail capacity, while the recycling facility will move its operations elsewhere.
Bank of America Closes a Hoboken Location
Another bank branch has closed its doors in Hoboken. The Bank of America at 615 Washington Street closed on August 8th, according to Patch. There are two other BofA locations in Hoboken, 1 Firehouse Plaza and 128 Hudson Street, as well as locations in Jersey City.
Malibu Beach Party at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
On Thursday, August 17th, The Liberty Science Center After Dark doesn’t have anything big planned, just a giant hot pink Malibu Beach Party with a Hot Girl Summer Laser Show and Summer Skies planetarium show. And just when we thought it was time to hang up the all-pink outfit we bought for the Barbie movie in-theater experience, we have the perfect reason to bring it back out of the box — come dressed up to enter the Barbiecore costume contest! Tickets are available online now.
Myron Mixon’s BBQ is Closed; New Sushi + Hibachi Spot to Take Over
It’s been a busy week in the world of Hoboken restaurants, and joining the list of local foodie news is Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ at 618 Washington Street. After temporarily closing in March of this year, the celebrity chef-owned barbecue chain has officially closed its doors. In Myron Mixon’s place comes a new Asian eatery called Saka Sushi + Hibachi + Mocktail — which, presumably, will serve up just that. Read on for everything we know about Myron Mixon’s closure + the new sushi spot taking its place.
Vietnamese Sub + Noodle Spot ‘Lemongrass’ Now Open in Hoboken
After the closure of City Lobster — formerly BK Lobster — a new eatery is making its way into the 732 Washington Street location. Lemongrass Vietnamese Sub and Noodle Shop has moved into this midtown location, serving up a unique menu of traditional dishes like summer rolls, Bahn Mi sandwiches, and more. And, as a two-for-one special, we’ve also rounded up some of our other favorite noodle shops in the area to try. Read on to get the inside scoop on Lemongrass and where to get some delicious noodles in Hoboken.
SW3AT Wellness Opening in Jersey City Heights This September
Hudson County must be having a moment, because there are so many beauty/health + wellness spots opening up in both Hoboken and Jersey City. Another one that the Jersey City Heights neighborhood will be able to check out next month already has a Hoboken location — SW3AT. Known for its infrared saunas, yoga classes, sound baths, and more, SW3AT Wellness will be opening up at 317 Central Avenue in Jersey City Heights in September. Read on for what we know about SW3AT Wellness’ new JC location.
New Citi Bike Dock at Hoboken Terminal
Photo credit: City of Hoboken
Via a press release, the City of Hoboken announced the installation of a Citi Bike dock near the Hoboken Terminal through a partnership with rideshare company Lyft. On August 17th, Lyft will install the new docking station on River Street near First Street, increasing the dock count in the terminal area from 127 to 151, representing a 19 percent increase in dock availability. This month, Lyft will also move the Citi Bike station from Adams and 11th Streets to Adams and 12th Streets near ResilienCity Park.
Popular Korean Chain BonChon Chicken Coming to Hudson County
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Popular Korean fried chicken chain BonChon has signed a deal to open a Hudson County location, according to NJ.com. No specifics were released about exactly where the restaurant would be located. The South Korean chain was founded in 2002 and came to the US in 2006. There are over 100 US locations, with a handful already in New Jersey.
Hoboken Store Unjumbold Closing Retail Part of Business
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Hoboken home goods store Unjumbold is going from two storefronts to one and is having a major sale to reduce its inventory. According to Patch, the pop-up retail shop is closing, while the design center will remain open. The store is located at 257 1st Street.
Two Jersey City Restaurants Selected for DoorDash Restaurant Accelerator Program
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Two Jersey City restaurants completed a selective, eight-week program through Door Dash’s Accelerator for Local Restaurants, according to NJ.com. Participants received a $10,000 grant as well as training and education, one-on-one customized business advising, and instruction on small business management. The two Jersey City restaurants selected to participate were Casa Cubana, located at 1007 Summit Avenue, and Cavany Foods, located at 235 Grand Street.
Plump Injectables Opens in Hoboken
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Plump Cosmetics and Injectables has opened its doors in Hoboken. According to a social media post from the company, the spa is located at 415 Washington Street. The Hoboken location is the seventh location of the company, which has locations in Manhattan and Miami.
Residential Project Under Consideration in Journal Square
The Jersey City Planning Board is considering an 11-story building at 829 Bergen Avenue. The project contains 78 residential units and a roof deck, according to NJ.com. The project would require three existing buildings to be demolished as well as a handful of other variances to be granted before proceeding.
Body Fit Training Coming to Hoboken
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Fitness studio BFT is coming to Hoboken at 770 Jackson Street, according to the company website. Body Fit Training is a fitness studio that uses instructor-led small-group training to help members achieve their goals. Signs are up outside the space at 770 Jackson, and the opening date is ‘soon’ per the website.
Bayonne Teen Launches Video Game
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A Bayonne teen has made the most of his summer break. According to the Hudson County View, 18-year-old Dom Okon is the main character in a video game he designed with GS Games. Dom is a musician and the game is a rhythm-based game featuring his music, called “Dom Okon’s Beats.” The release of the game makes him the youngest person to have their own video game.
Jersey City Board of Education Receives Federal Grant
The Jersey City Board of Education has secured a $1.6 million federal grant for mental health and substance use programs. According to the Hudson County View, the money is part of a larger grant to the state that are designed to invest in the health of residents. The grant will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Ground Breaking Ceremony at New Bayonne Vocational High School
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Per the Hudson County View, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 9th at the site of the Bayonne Vocational High School. The school will be at 669 Avenue A and will enroll 400 students. The school will offer core general education classes compliant with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards/Common Core State Standards in addition to career-focused education in subjects including Mechanical, Electrical, and Criminal Justice.
Hoboken Seeks Resident Feedback for Resiliency Park
Photo credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken announced via a press release that it would conduct a survey to seek resident feedback about the proposed designs for the 800 Monroe Street Resiliency Park. The survey is available online now through September 1st. There are two draft concepts for residents to consider.
Jersey City Nonprofit Receives $100K Grant
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Jersey City nonprofit Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) announced that it was the recipient of a $100,000 grant from The Provident Bank Foundation to support its new Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, according to the Jersey City Times. The Center provides training and job placement services for the deaf and hard of hearing. HCE provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and operates five enterprise businesses.
Bayonne Playground to be Renamed for Local Legend
Per NJ.com, a special needs playground at Di-Domenico-16th Street Park in Bayonne will be rededicated to honor a local man who had a big impact on wheelchair basketball. Al Slootsky was a leader in Bayonne youth sports from the 1950s to the 1980s and ran the town’s Ability Day Camp for 30 years. He was active as a wheelchair basketball athlete himself, competing in the New Jersey Special Olympics and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
Grim Situation at Jersey City’s 911 Call Center
A report by NJ.com paints a grim picture of the state of things at Jersey City’s 911 call center. Numerous employees spoke to reporters over the seven-month investigation. They reported serious issues including understaffing, payroll system problems, low morale, and mandatory overtime. Jersey City officials did not respond to requests for comment on the report.
Bayonne’s First Black Firefighter Posthumously Honored with His Own Day
The first Black firefighter in Bayonne is now being honored with his own day. According to NJ.com, August 10th is now Lt. Richard Burroughs Remembrance Day, in honor of his 36-year career as a firefighter in Bayonne and his service in the US Air Force.
Four Arrested in Hoboken Housing Authority Disturbance
Four people were charged after a large disturbance at a Hoboken Housing Authority complex late last week. According to the Hudson County View, a large crowd gathered and a riot broke out after two individuals began arguing near the 500 block of Jackson Street on Thursday, August 3rd. Four adults aged 27 through 42 were charged with offenses including resisting arrest, aggravated assault, and rioting.
Electronics Repair Shop Opens in Downtown Jersey City
A phone repair shop has opened on the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, according to the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District. UBreakIFix by Asurion is located at 213 Newark Avenue and is open from 10AM to 7PM, seven days a week. The team also repairs laptops, tablets, and other electronics.
Hoboken’s Furever Friends to Offer Dog Grooming
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Furever Friends, a Hoboken-based dog walking company, will expand its offerings to include dog grooming, according to an Instagram post by the company’s founder. The company was founded by Hoboken resident Will Ferman founded the company in 2010. The new space will be at 367 1st Street.
