It’s time to catch up on all the news in Hoboken and Jersey City, and beyond. A 22-year-old man was arrested for murder in a Hoboken apartment building, a creperie is opening its second location in Jersey City, and the Hoboken Monroe Street Movement Space closes after 26 years. That and more below — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Join Us for the Hoboken Wellness Crawl – 30-Day Event Kicking Off Sept 13th!
In virtual news, the Hoboken Wellness Crawl is kicking off September 13th. Hoboken Girl will donate 20% of all ticket sale profits to the Hoboken Relief Fund, and over 100 local wellness businesses are participating, offering deals, freebies, and giveaways that attendees can access from the comfort of their homes {or in person at their leisure throughout the 30-day period}. Purchase your tickets here today and get set for 30 days of fun with Hudson County businesses.
This year’s event kicks off September 13th and will run through October 13th. Crawlers can take advantage of exclusive deals and giveaways via really exciting virtual options {stay tuned for the Jackraffit app} and in-person activities at their leisure if desired/allowed by the government regulations during the 30-day period. Come help us help our local businesses thrive! Purchase tickets here. See the full lineup of businesses participating here.
22-Year-Old Arrested for the 8/7 Murder in Hoboken Apartment Building
On August 7th, a man was found dead inside a Hoboken rental building at 300 Grand Street from apparent gunshot wounds.
The incident is being investigated by the Hoboken Police and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit. A neighbor in the building located at 300 Grand Street reached out to Hoboken Girl shared that they learned of what was going on inside the building due to the crime scene vans outside on the street and that there were no loud noises or disturbances throughout the night prior to the discovery from their POV. Police could be seen at the building investigating around 10PM on August 7th.
The Hudson County Prosecutors Office released a press release via Twitter sharing that the man arrested for the murder is Tahjae McDougald, age 22, of Willingboro. He was arrested on August 20th at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City after turning himself in with his attorney. McDougald has been charged with First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Weapon (firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (firearm).
Hoboken City Council Votes Down $250 Mask Fines Ordinance
Over the last few weeks, Hoboken was considering taking things to the next level with mask fines, following an executive order from Phil Murphy for the state of New Jersey already in place: issuing a fine for those refusing to wear a mask outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
After a unanimous City Council vote for the first reading, on August 19th, the City Council voted down the second reading of the $250 mask fine ordinance 6-3. City and state regulations currently call for patrons and employees to wear a mask outside unless seated at a food establishment, and when unable to social distance six feet from others, also in line with the Governor’s executive order on face masks.
Read more on the vote here.
Jersey City Priest Accused of Groping Woman
A Jersey City priest is facing accusations that he groped and harassed a woman inside the church rectory earlier this year, authorities say.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced Monday that Rev. Donato Cabardo, a 56-year-old priest at St. Paul of the Cross Church, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact and one count of sexual harassment, according to NJ.com.
Cabardo was arrested Friday when he turned himself in to authorities at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The report continued, “Suarez said between January and July, Cabardo allegedly touched the victim’s breast and buttocks for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying himself. He also allegedly pressed his cheek against her cheek and kissed her cheek, hand, face, and head, Suarez said.”
It’s unclear how long he has been a priest at the Hancock Avenue parish. The alleged crimes were first reported to the Archdiocese of Newark, which notified the New Jersey Clergy Abuse Task Force and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit. The HCPO’s Special Victims Unit is actively investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact 201-915-1234 or to leave an anonymous tip on the HCPO website. All information will be kept confidential.
The Yacht Club: A New Restaurant Coming to Edgewater on August 26th
{Photo credit: theyachtclubnj}
A new restaurant is coming to Edgewater on August 26th — owned by the Hudson River Hospitality Group that also owns Molos in Weehawken. The Yacht Club, which doesn’t require a membership {despite its name}, is a new waterfront seafood and sushi dining destination coming to waterfront. The outside bar overlooks the Hudson River and the Upper West Side of Manhattan and will serve an array of frozen cocktails and specialty drinks.
According to the press release sent to Hoboken Girl, “The bar will have a dedicated area for oyster shucking, which will be perfectly complemented by an array of seasonal summer spritzes and frozen drinks. Surf and turf delights will be on the menu along with a dedicated sushi menu with tented outdoor seating to make The Yacht Club your home away from home every season of the year.”
Arcon Design was tapped to reimagine this spacious 13,000-square-foot restaurant overlooking the Hudson River. Guests will be greeted by an expansive marble bar with seating for 20, complemented by a relaxed lounge area for 30 overlooking the water. Floor to ceiling windows in the main dining room overlooks a deck with plenty of room to take in the water views from all sides. Inside, olive green walls and gold accented furniture can be found throughout. Furniture imported from Greece gives the restaurant a vacation feel.
The restaurant will offer an array of popular American seafood dishes like Maine and Connecticut Lobster Rolls, Maryland Crab Cakes, a Lobster Claw BLT, Popcorn Shrimp in addition to oysters, and hand-rolled sushi made to order. The Yacht Club will also serve wines by the glass and bottle in addition to beer, cider, mocktails, and smoothies. Outdoor dining will be available rain or shine for up to 60 guests. The main dining room inside The Yacht Club will be able to seat 120. Additionally, the venue boasts a private dining room upstairs for 150 in addition to lounge and bar seating in the front of the restaurant for 50. We’ll share more details as they develop.
The Hoboken Monroe Street Movement Space Closes After 26 years
{Photo credit: @monroe_street_movement_space}
The owners of the Monroe Street Movement Space announced via email that they will be closing their doors after 26 years in Hoboken.
“Dear Movement Space Families and Community – We hope you are safe and well in these difficult times. We are very sad to be sending this email but must let you all know that we will not be able to keep the Movement Space open. We had hope, but as this current situation has developed, we have had to face the fact that the Movement Space cannot continue and recover. We have loved working with you and your children and will miss you all. Dena and Luke are in the process of selling their house and will move to New Mexico to be with Dena’s family. We are cleaning out the space and distributing all of our equipment. We are forever grateful and honored to have lived 26 years in the presence of the beautiful children and families we have met and worked with. Thank you for believing in us. With Love – Dena, Luke, and Jennifer.”
The Monroe Street Movement Space was a child and adult dance/movement studio that specialized in ballet, yoga, tai chi, pilates, and more.
Jersey City Council OKs $77.5M Waste Removal Contract
Jersey City Council officials have been expressing their disapproval of the current waste and recycling removal contract with Regional Industries but decided on a five-year, $77.5 million contract last week due to no other alternatives being available, Hudson County View reports.
Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley stated, “I think the council has expressed on numerous occasions throughout the year their displeasure with Regional, and similar to a recent vote with Regional, really not having an additional option at the moment and being forced into a corner,” according to the article.
Before abstaining, Council President Joyce Watterman said that the city’s DPW has committed to providing a quarterly report on Regional’s efforts and requested to see at least one report before voting yes.
The new agreement would allow the contract to be terminated with just two weeks notice this time around.
Pro Arts Jersey City Jerseyscapes III at Hamilton Square’ Condominiums
Silverman and The Hamilton Square Condominiums Association presents Pro Arts Jersey City ‘Jerseyscapes III at Hamilton Square’ curated by Kristin J. DeAngelis and New Jersey City University Gallery Director, Midori Yoshimoto. The virtual opening art reception will take place on Friday, September 11 from 6PM to 8PM {zoom registration to come}.
In 2014, to honor New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary, NJCU Galleries presented a special group exhibition called ‘Jerseyscapes’ to celebrate the garden state from wide-ranging perspectives. That exhibition was created and curated by Ms. Yoshimoto. It featured over thirty works in diverse media, (including glass sculpture, video, and a public art project), by sixteen local and international artists.
According to Ms. Yoshimoto, “In the original ‘Jerseyscapes,’ the collected vistas represented, each in their own way, the artists’ particular interests and experiences. As a whole, ‘Jerseyscapes’ exhibitions invite viewers to explore surprisingly multifaceted views of Jersey City.”
The exhibition will be on view at Silverman’s The Hamilton Square Condominiums through the end of December 2020 during regular business hours and by appointment. The Hamilton Square Condominiums building is located at 232 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302. To schedule a viewing, contact curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis at (201) 280-4821 or kd@deangelisart.com.
EnVue Hotel Announces Collaboration with Chef Marcus Samuelsson at NoHu Rooftop Bar + Restaurant
{Photo credit: @envuehotel}
EnVue Hotel announced that Chef Marcus Samuelsson will be bringing his signature style and cuisine to Marcus at NoHu Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at EnVue Hotel in Port Imperial. Samuelsson, an Ethiopian Swedish Chef is a multi-restaurateur and has been featured on Iron Chef, Chopped All-Stars, Top Chef Masters, 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, The Martha Stewart Show, Today, and his own television show, The Inner Chef, on the Discovery Network.
“Right now, being able to have a great meal outside in a beautiful setting with incredible views is needed more than ever, which is what made this opportunity one I couldn’t pass up,” shared Chef Marcus Samuelsson. “Our team is beyond excited to cook with the best of summer produce from our favorite local farms and suppliers and serve our customers in a beautiful spot where they can hopefully relax and unwind for a moment during these trying times,” according to the press release via Instagram.
“The people in and around the Port Imperial community are craving new and exciting things to safely enjoy with their loved ones,” said Matthes Metz, General Manager, EnVue. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to team up with the powerhouse Chef Marcus Samuelsson to bring our community an amazing new dining offering during this difficult time period,” the press release continued.
Two Crepes Opening in Jersey City on August 26th
{Photo credit: @two_crepes}
The family-owned and operated Two Crepes Creperie in Union City is coming to downtown Jersey City and is taking over former Big Straw space {next door to Just BeClaws}. The grand opening will take place at 4PM on Wednesday, August 26th at 276 1st Street.
The original location is based in Union City and boasts a menu of sweet and savory crepes, coffee, and made-to-order juices.
Some of their signature crepes are the MarshmellowLand {melted marshmallows, graham crackers crumbs, and chocolate syrup}, the Chocolate Coma {brownies, Oreos, dark chocolate, and sugar powder}, and the French Bulldog {turkey, spinach, pepper jack cheese, and spicy mayo}.
The Highwood Comes to Weehawken
{Photo credit: @the_highwood}
The Highwood Restaurant announced the grand opening for August 20th via Instagram. This new waterfront restaurant is located at 500 Avenue at Port Imperial and will have epic views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Highwood’s menu offers something for everyone with appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, burgers, desserts — executed by Chef Nicholas Karoly of BarBacon, featuring soon-to-be-staples like the Highwood Burger, Korean Chili, and Corn Pizza, and the NY Strip Steak Served with Black Garlic Compound Butter. Patrons can also look forward to creative cocktails and extensive beer selection.
Hudson County Announces An Eviction Prevention Program
{Photo credit: @jerseycitynj}
Hudson County Executive Announces An Eviction Prevention Program, stated on the Jersey City Instagram page. The application will be available on August 24th from 8:00AM to Septemeber 2nd at 5:00PM.
The eligibility requirements state that the applicant must be a Hudson County resident, the tenant must show the need for rental assistance is due to COVID-19, the tenant must have been current on rent as of March 1st, 2020, the tenant must document their ability to pay rent after assistance is provided, and the household income must fall below the income limits listed on the flyer.
Additionally, the application must include a copy of the lease, documentation that you are facing eviction (if available), and income documentation.
Visit this website for more information and to apply.
If you are unable to apply electronically, you may visit the Hudson County Division of Welfare at 257 Cornelison Avenue in Jersey City to apply in person.
Lucky Honey Bee Opening in the Jersey City Heights on August 22nd
{Photo credit: @theluckyhoneybee}
The Lucky Honey Bee will be opening the doors to their first brick-and-motor location at 487 Palisade Avenue on August 22nd at 11:00AM.
They specialize in hand-crafted eco-friendly candles, soaps, and apothecary goods. From domestically produced wax to ethically sourced oils to choosing recycled content for the packaging, they pay attention to the details.
The shop will also carry greeting cards, and handcrafted wares by local makers including Hudson and Dasher tye-die t-shirts. Follow them on Instagram for more details.
Hudson Pride Joined With Bike JC to Hold a Light Up Pride Bike Ride
{Photo credit: @stevenfulopjc}
As part of the 20th-anniversary celebration of the JC Pride Festival, Hudson Pride joined with Bike JC to hold a Light Up Pride bike ride for about 175 cyclists through the city on August 22nd, Mayor Fulop announced via Instagram.
While there wasn’t the annual Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival outdoor event, JC Pride curated live and virtual events leading up to yesterday’s six-hour virtual program that will have both live and virtual components. The virtual festival was held on Saturday, August 22nd. Learn more about it on JerseyCityPride.com.
Jersey City-Based Grind Coffee Will Be Opening a Second Outpost Called The Grind General
{Photo credit: @thegrindgeneral}
The Grind Coffee Shop, established in 2015 and located in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City has announced that they will be opening a second outpost called “The Grind General” at 293 Suydam Avenue, Jersey City.
We don’t know just yet what products they will be carrying but an Instagram post from the official page shows several fruits and vegetables. We will keep you updated as the details unfold.
Pedestrian Plaza Coming to Exchange Place
The Jersey City Council introduced an ordinance in early August that would establish a new pedestrian mall along the waterfront near Exchange Place. Under a plan described by Business Administrator Brian Platt, all permits for cultural and other events there will be issued by the city, Tap Into Jersey City reports.
Making the area more pedestrian-friendly, the plaza would extend from the eastern end of Montgomery Street from Hudson Street to the waterfront, and a portion of Christopher Columbus Drive at Hudson Street would be closed only allowing vehicles to enter the Hyatt Hotel.
Hoboken’s Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri Honored Through Nightly Novenas
The 94th Annual Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri will take place at St. Francis Church in Hoboken, with novenas held nightly at 7:30PM beginning August 31st. Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will be no services on Saturday 9/5, Sunday 9/6, or Monday 9/7. However, the novenas (a prayer/Holy Mass that is offered for nine consecutive days) continue on the 8th and run through the week.
The Procession of the Statue of the Madonna will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 12 at St. Francis Church. The Solemn Mass in Honor of the Madonna Dei Martiri will take place at 11:00 am at Kennedy Stadium (Hoboken High Football Field) 10th and Jefferson Street, Hoboken. The Procession will end with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 1:30 pm at St Francis Church, Hoboken.
CarePoint Health Hospitals Install Mass Temperature Screening System for COVID-19
{Photo credit: @carepointhealth}
CarePoint Health’s three hospitals in Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City are installing “a smart thermal scanning and imaging system” for automated, accurate, mass temperature screening machines, according to hospital officials.
The ThermalAlert systems are similar to those currently deployed at a military treatment facility (MTF), retail, commercial healthcare, and transportation facilities nationwide, and have been used at live events and entertainment facilities, Tap Into Jersey City reported.
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