Temperatures took a dip this week signaling the arrival of fall in the coming month. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: the viral “Dubai Chocolate Bar” is available at this Hoboken shop; Harry Potter’s Jamie Ballard to make his American stage debut as ‘Macbeth’ at The Curtain in Jersey City; and changes are coming to Blue Eyes after Hoboken City Council approves new lease agreement. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on August 25th, 2024.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].

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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):

• Hudson River Cup to Host its 8th Annual Event in Hoboken
• Jersey City Council Adopts Controversial Affordable Housing Ordinance
• The HoBOOken 5K Race is Happening at Pier A in Hoboken
• Police Identify Victim In Fatal Weehawken Shooting
• Updates on Man Found Dead at Hoboken’s Maxwell Park
• Limit on Single-Use Plastics at Hoboken Restaurants Going Into Effect
• New Senior Center Opens in Jersey City Heights
• “The Heap” Interactive Puppet Show Returning to Hoboken in September
• Changes Coming to Blue Eyes After Hoboken City Council Approves New Lease Agreement
• Work Starts on Hoboken Hockey Rink in Partnership With New Jersey Devils

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Changes Coming to Blue Eyes After Hoboken City Council Approves New Lease Agreement

For fans of scenic dining along the Hoboken waterfront overlooking New York City, a change is coming to a community favorite. Pasta entrees and wood-fired pizzas could turn into coffee and sandwiches, according to a new lease agreement with the City of Hoboken that was approved Wednesday, August 21st. Blue Eyes, located at 525 Sinatra Drive in Hoboken, will switch gears from an Italian eatery to a casual cafe. Click here for more.

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Hoboken Family Seeks Help to Cover Costs of Cancer Treatment for 2-Year-Old Daughter

A family from Hoboken was recently faced with heartbreaking news. Their two-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with a serious form of cancer. Her mom, Limary, is currently four months pregnant and has had to stop working due to the circumstances. The family recently started a GoFundMe page to seek help to cover medical costs for their daughter’s treatment.

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You Can Find the Viral “Dubai Chocolate Bar” at this Hoboken Shop

It’s safe to say that green is *the* color of summer 2024. This is mostly because of Brat, singer Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, whose cover bears the title in a pixelated sans-serif font over a lime green background. But there’s another internet trend categorized by its bright green color palette. All summer, internet foodies have been taken by the viral “Dubai Chocolate Bar,” searching and scouring their respective cities for these knafeh chocolate bars filled with unique pistachio cream. If you’ve been searching for this Middle Eastern delicacy in Hudson County, you’re in luck: you can find the viral Dubai chocolate bar at the Nuts Factory in Hoboken. Click here for more.

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Updates on Man Found Dead at Hoboken’s Maxwell Park

Sources say the body of a man was found at Maxwell Park in Hoboken early on the morning of Thursday, August 15th. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office shared the following update on August 21st: “The Cause and Manner of Death are still pending with the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, however, at this point in the investigation, it does not appear that the male died as a result of foul play.” Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla shared the following shortly after in response to the above update: “I greatly appreciate the diligent work of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, which has confirmed that there was no foul play from last week’s event at Maxwell Park. My thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased individual, and it is my hope they receive the closure and support they need.” Click here for more.

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Dave’s Hot Chicken To Open New Location in Hudson County

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dave’s Hot Chicken, a late-night chicken chain, opened its newest location on August 23rd in Kearny. Per Patch Jersey City, the chain started in a parking lot in East Hollywood and became so popular it made music artist, Drake want to invest. Items on the menu include chicken sandwiches, tenders, sliders, macaroni and cheese, fries, loaded shakes, and more. The hours will be 11AM to 11PM daily.

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$147M Budget with 3.4% Tax Increase Approved by Hoboken Council

The Hoboken City Council finally approved a $147,171,014.87 budget with a 3.4 percent tax increase, a process that took about four-and-a-half months, at the August 21st meeting. Per the Hudson County View, an amendment was sent over and the state signed off on it at 6PM that night adding $254,000 back into the health insurance line. The amendment passed six to three with 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, Fisher, Ramos, Giattino, Doyle, and Giattino voting yes. Presinzano, Russo, and Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero voted no. The overall budget passed by the same 6-3 tally that the amendment was approved by.

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Limit on Single-Use Plastics at Hoboken Restaurants Going Into Effect

Back in June 2024, the Hoboken City Council approved a proposal that will change the way customers get single-use plastic items at restaurants and cafes. The ‘Skip the Stuff’ movement aims to reduce single-use plastics by putting the burden on customers to request the items when ordering take-out meals. Read on for more about the new ordinance and what it means for restaurants and patrons — and what to expect starting September 1st, 2024. Click here for more.

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Jersey City Loses Another Bid to Terminate Police Officers for Using Cannabis

Jersey City lost another round in its fight to bar cops from using cannabis after the state Civil Service Commission overturned the termination of a third officer who was fired for using marijuana. Per NJ.com, on August 14th the commission ordered the city to reinstate police officer Mackenzie Reilly with back pay and benefits, who had been fired in August 2023 after testing positive for cannabis during a random drug test. The Civil Service Commission has now told the city to rehire three of the five officers it fired, but the city has not done so. The city faces a daily $200 fine if two of the officers are not rehired by next week, the commission ruled last month.

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“The Heap” Interactive Puppet Show Returning to Hoboken in September

Photo Credit: Puppet Heap

Typically when someone says they want to see an art show, it involves putting together an artsy outfit and visiting a gallery or theatre to take in someone’s masterpiece. This fall, the masterpiece could come to you. Come September, an interesting-looking man carrying a cast of characters will make his way down Washington Street, only he isn’t a man, he’s a puppet. “The Heap” is returning to Hoboken this fall for one afternoon only. On its back is a collection of stories, some alive, with connections to the Mile Square City. Here’s what we know about the puppet returning to Hoboken and where to catch the interactive show on September 18th, 2024. Click here for more.

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Hoboken Schools Become the First in New Jersey to Win Blue Ribbon Award

Hoboken’s public school district is the only one in New Jersey to have received a special distinction, the district announced on August 15th. Per Patch Hoboken, the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) organization determined that all five of the schools have met the criteria to receive the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award. The schools assessed were: Hoboken High School, Hoboken Middle School, Joseph F. Brandt Elementary School, Thomas G. Connors Elementary School, and Wallace Elementary School. Awards will be presented to Principals Robin Piccapietra, Ryan Sorafine, Charles Bartlett, Martin Shannon, and Juliana Addi at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on December 5, 2024.

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New Jersey Symphony Announces Permanent Headquarters in Jersey City

Photo Credit: New Jersey Symphony

The New Jersey Symphony — an Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning group led by internationally renowned Chinese-American conductor Xian Zhang — will soon have a new permanent home, right in our backyard. Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop and the New Jersey Symphony recently announced that the Symphony is relocating to the Powerhouse Arts District in Jersey City, inside a new performance hall that is estimated to be constructed by spring 2026. Click here for more.

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Jersey City Council Adopts Controversial Affordable Housing Ordinance

The City Council mandated on August 14th that at least 10% of units inside future Journal Square residential projects immediately around the Transportation Center be affordable. Per the Jersey City Times, Ordinance 24-065 passed in a 7-1 vote on the second and final reading, and adds the new 10% requirement to the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan for projects of 30 or more total units in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Councilman Daniel Rivera opposed the measure. Council President Joyce Watterman was absent.

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Bill Pascrell, New Jersey Representative, Dies at Age 87

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived…

— Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) August 21, 2024

 

Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell, an outspoken and influential New Jersey congressman who served in the House of Representatives since 1997, has died at the age of 87. Per CNN, the announcement was made on the congressman’s X account on August 21st: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning.” Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served.

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Work Starts on Hoboken Hockey Rink in Partnership With New Jersey Devils

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

At the March 20th Hoboken City Council meeting, buried amongst the nearly 500 pages of meeting materials, was a contract formalizing a partnership between the City of Hoboken and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. The agreement, which was approved by the council, will see the Devils’ contribute $240,000 for the team to take the lead on the renovation of the Multi-Service Center Roller Rink at 124 Grand Street in Hoboken. Following the approved partnership earlier this year, work has officially started on the renovated rink as of August 19th. Click here for more.

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Police Identify Victim In Fatal Weehawken Shooting

The victim of a shooting on Park Avenue in Weehawken on August 15th has been identified as a 24-year-old man. Per Patch Hoboken, Jhonnier Gamboa Acosta, 24, was brought to Jersey City Medical Center Thursday with an apparent gunshot wound and pronounced dead. Police have arrested Juan Perez, 67, and charged him with murder and two weapons charges. He is being held at Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

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Bayonne City Council Approves $2.4M Upgrade to Special Needs Baseball Field

On August 14th, the Bayonne City Council awarded a $2.4 million contract to upgrade a special needs baseball field on Avenue E, commonly known as the 11th Street Oval. Per the Hudson County View, the contractor with the successful bid is Picerno-Giordano, of Kenilworth, which the governing body approved unanimously (5-0). The goal of the project is to create a facility for Buddy Baseball, a program for children with special needs. The upgrades will include a new playing area, dugouts, bleachers, fencing, and handicap access to and from the field and playground.

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LCCS + High Tech Grad Awarded Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship

Sophia Gliatto, a High Tech High School and 2024 Oberlin College graduate, is headed to Mexico on a prestigious Fulbright scholarship. Per the Jersey City Times, Sophia graduated with a double major in Hispanic studies and comparative American studies. She will be teaching English at the Universidad Tecnológica de Tabasco and living in the city of Villahermosa, the capital of the state of Tabasco, Mexico.

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Hoboken City Council Members Ask State To Ban Rent-Setting Algorithms

The topic of rent in Hoboken continues to trend after the City just voted down a compromise on a rent control referendum. Now, Hoboken City Council members are looking to take more measures to keep rent affordable in Hoboken. They want the New Jersey Legislature to ban rent-setting algorithms. Click here for more.

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Hoboken Launches Interactive Map to Keep Residents Informed About Construction Projects

The Bhalla administration released on August 15th an interactive map on the City of Hoboken construction website page to provide a convenient way for community members to stay informed about critical infrastructure projects. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the new feature is designed to assist residents to plan accordingly and avoid potential disruptions. The map will allow residents to visualize relevant information regarding public infrastructure projects including where and when construction occurs, the project’s purpose, the responsible agency, the scope of work, and anticipated traffic impacts.

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Jamie Ballard to Make His American Stage Debut as ‘Macbeth’ at The Curtain in Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Curtain, Jersey City’s classical theatre, announced on August 12th that renowned West End and Royal Shakespeare Company actor Jamie Ballard (‘Harry Potter’ in …The Cursed Child on the West End) will make his American stage debut as ‘Macbeth’ alongside Aria Shahghasemi (Broadway’s Prayer for the French Republic, The CW’s “Legacies”) as ‘Macduff’ in an all-new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this Halloween season at Nimbus Arts Center located at 329 Warren Street. The official opening is set for Sunday, October 13th, and will run through Sunday, November 3rd. Tickets are now available for purchase at TheCurtain.org and are priced at $40 for Thursday and Sunday performances, and $50 for Friday and Saturday performances.

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Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Hosts 3rd Annual Overdose Awareness Event in Jersey City

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office hosted its 3rd Annual Overdose Awareness Event and Vigil at Jersey City’s Lincoln Park on August 21st. Per the Hudson County View, the event began with a speaking program by members of the HCPO, victim survivors, RWJ Barnabas Health Peer Recovery Specialist, Rubicon Recovery Center, and others. The program ended with a moment of silence and candlelight vigil for individuals who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, as well as their families. International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31st. This year’s theme was “Together We Can.”

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Hudson River Cup to Host its 8th Annual Event in Hoboken

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hoboken’s Hudson River Cup Polynesian Race and Festival will take place at Maxwell Place Park on Saturday, September 8th. Per the Ke Aloha Outrigger website, participants can race along the Hudson River Skyline in two different races: the 10-mile Liberty Course to the Statue of Liberty and back or the four-mile Hudson Course close to the mouth of New York Harbor and back. This is not a beginner’s race. All paddlers must provide their water and race experience for review before being officially admitted into the race.

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Construction on the Hudson River to Run Until January 2025

The Hudson River Ground Stabilization (HRGS) project will fortify a section of the riverbed to enable tunnel boring machine operations for the future Hudson River Tunnel. To ensure the safety of boaters and construction crews on the water, The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the following Notice to Mariners: Weeks Marine began constructing the 110’ Wide x 600’ Long cofferdam for the Hudson River Ground Stabilization Program located West of Pier 66, on August 12th and will continue through January 20th, 2025. Hours of operation are 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

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The HoBOOken 5K Race is Happening at Pier A in Hoboken

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The HoBOOken 5K, Hoboken’s only costumed run and one of Hoboken’s largest races, will be in-person at Pier A on Saturday, October 26th. A virtual race is available on October 26th and 27th. Per a HoBOOken 5K press release, the Halloween Run to End Homelessness is The Hoboken Shelter’s largest fundraising event of the year and an important opportunity for our community to come together and give back. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the HoBOOken 5K go to support the work of The Hoboken Shelter. The USATF-certified 5k course begins at 10AM at Pier A and runs along the Hoboken Waterfront. For more information on registration or sponsorship opportunities visit HoBOOken5k.com, the Shelter’s website HobokenShelter.org, or call the Shelter at 201-656-5069 or email [email protected].

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Putrid Smell Leads Authorities to Dozens of Dogs in Jersey City Apartment

An overwhelming smell that one person described as “rotting flesh” coming from a Jersey City apartment on August 15th led authorities to a gut-churning discovery. Per NJ.com, dozens of dogs were found in a squalid apartment of a building at Martin Luther King Drive, between Wade Street and Warner Avenue, covered in animal feces and urine. City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the dogs were evaluated and determined to be healthy. Under state law, once it is determined that the animals are not in imminent danger, the owner has seven days to rectify any issues. The investigation led by the humane law enforcement officers with the city’s police department, with assistance from the Division of Animal Control is ongoing.

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U.S. Rep. Kim Visits Hudson Pride Center in Jersey City to Meet with LGBTQ+ Leaders

 

 

 

 

 

 

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U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3), the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, visited the Hudson Pride Center in Jersey City on August 16th, also holding a roundtable with LGBTQ+ leaders. Per the Hudson County View, during the roundtable, Kim heard directly from LGBTQ+ community leaders about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and discussed ways to address these issues through policy and advocacy. Republican nominee Curtis Bashaw, who is openly gay, is also running for the seat left vacant in light of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) being convicted on multiple corruption charges.

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New Senior Center Opens in Jersey City Heights

Jersey City Heights is now home to the city’s first new senior community center to open in almost 40 years. Per Jersey Digs, Mayor Steven M. Fulop recently joined several City Council members and the local community to cut the ribbon at the new Joseph Connors Senior Center. The space is located at 394 Central Avenue and will act as a new senior lunch site and also serve as a one-stop hub for Health and Human Services. The city’s offices of Immigrant Affairs, Senior Affairs, and Veteran Affairs will be located at the facility along with a food pantry and vertical farm on the first floor.

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Deaf Student Receives Internship At Ice Cream Parlor Thanks to Jersey City Program

Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE), which is based in Jersey City, launched the Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and DEAFinite Solutions, offering business services created by and for the deaf and hard of hearing in 2023. Per NJ.com, John Samsel of So Delicious Ice Cream in Clark participated in the new internship program by hiring Zi’Nayiah “Zi” Warren, a deaf student from Newark. Before meeting Zi, So Delicious had never hired a person with a disability. Zi received assistance from a job coach and an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter. This allowed a new process in which hearing customers could write down their orders on a whiteboard. In her time there, Zi saw that she was in a very supportive environment. HCE is actively seeking employers that are interested in hosting these students.

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Hoboken High School to Host CupCake Wars Baking Competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Hoboken High School (HHS) Student Government and Hoboken High School Class of 2025 will host a CupCake Wars Baking Competition. Per an HHS press release, the event is happening at the HHS Gymnasium (800 Clinton Street) on Saturday, October 5th at 2:30PM. Admission is $5 and cupcakes are $2 each. There will be five competitor categories with one winner to be selected from each: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Adults, and Fan Favorite. Judging will be done by three celebrity judges to be announced in September. All contestants must register here by Tuesday, October 1st, 2024. For more information, contact Christopher Munoz at [email protected] or call 201-356-3738.

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