Another week of summer is in the books, and hopefully everyone is finding ways to stay cool outside of the office. We’re back with another week of everything you might have missed when it comes to the news in Hoboken + Jersey City. Catch up on all there is to know, including the following headlines: the Bayonne City Council bans pigeon + poultry ownership; rapper Ice-T aims to open a cannabis dispensary in Jersey City; Hoboken nail salon The V Spot announces closing; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Woodworkers Makerspace, WoodLab, Opens in Jersey City
WoodLab, a new woodworking makerspace, has opened its doors in Jersey City. Located in The Heights, WoodLab is a new business for anyone looking for a private space to build all kinds of things — and, at the same time, it doubles as a social club for woodworkers of all levels — aka “the coolest woodworking makerspace on the East Coast,” according to the owners. Click here to follow WoodLab on Instagram, now open in Jersey City.
Shake Shack, Cinnabon, + More are Coming this Year to Newport Mall in JC
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Newport Centre, located at 30 Mall Drive W in Jersey City, is already home to a lot of different dining options. Obox Sushi, Panera, and The Cheesecake Factory are just some of the current spots that shoppers can choose from — and the eateries are only continuing to grow. Just a few months ago, it was announced that Pizza Studio would be joining the Newport Mall. Now, four new popular dining spots are coming to the mall this year. Among them are: Shake Shack, Cinnabon, Jamba, and Kings of Kobe. Click here for what we know about about the newest dining additions to Newport Centre.
Rapper Ice-T Aims to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Jersey City
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Cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey have been at the forefront of discussions since the legalization of marijuana earlier this year. Many eager entrepreneurs are looking to get involved in the ever-growing cannabis industry — and among them is a New Jersey-based celebrity looking to set up a dispensary locally. Rapper and actor Ice-T is said to be teaming up with The Medicine Woman co-owner, Charis Burrett, to open up a cannabis dispensary in Jersey City. On July 25th, the duo and their marijuana dispensary — along with 3 other Class 5 retail applications — were approved by the Jersey City cannabis control board. The Medicine Woman is hoping to open up in Jersey City this fall. Click here for what we know about Ice-T’s Jersey City-based dispensary.
Hoboken Invites Community to Paint Pride Crosswalk at City Hall
The City of Hoboken has invited the community to paint the rainbow crosswalk at City Hall on Saturday, August 27th from 8AM to 2PM. Interested volunteers must be at least 15 years old and register ahead of time with the City’s Head of Constituent Services Nora Martínez DeBenedetto at ndebenedetto@hobokennj.gov. The City will also host a children’s rainbow chalk activity complete with rainbow temporary tattoos.
Choco Taco May Be Discontinued, But Fat Taco Makes Them From Scratch
Amidst the disappointing news that the beloved Choco Taco has officially been discontinued, a local Hoboken taco spot has decided to create its own version of the summer treat. That’s right — Fat Taco, a taco + tequila bar located at 32 Newark Street in Hoboken, has added its own version of a Choco Taco to its menu — and it’s been a huge hit so far. We chatted with the co-owner of Fat Taco to learn all about its newest treat. Click here to find out more about Fat Taco’s Choco Taco.
Hawaiian Restaurant Pokemoto to Open in Hoboken
Happy to announce that we have signed our first Pokemoto deal in NJ. Coming to 213 Washinton Street in Hoboken in early 2023!
— Christopher Conway (@Retail_RE) August 5, 2022
On Friday, August 5th, the CEO of Hawaiian restaurant Pokemoto announced that an official deal has been signed to bring the restaurant to Hoboken, per Twitter. Located at 213 Washington Street, Pokemoto will feature a menu of Hawaiian poke bowls with a modern twist to expand from the traditional protein of fish to also include chicken, tofu, shrimp, and salmon.
Hoboken Apartment Building Trio Sells for $13.2M
Photo credit: Google Maps
Located at 510, 512, and 514 Observer Highway along Hoboken’s southern border, three old brick buildings recently sold for $13.2 million, per Patch. The buildings contain 21 units, which sold for an average of $628K each. This sale bolsters the view that multi-family properties remain in high demand in Hudson County.
City of Hoboken Announces Expanded Concert + Movie Series
This week, the Office of Cultural Affairs in Hoboken announced additional movie screenings and concerts to the city’s park program. The update reads, “The City of Hoboken & the Hoboken Police Department will host a screening of Minions at Mama Johnson Field at Fourth and Jackson Streets on Monday, August 22nd. The City will also screen Sing 2 on Wednesday, August 10th, and Encanto on Wednesday, August 10th, at Pier A Park.” All movie screenings will begin at sundown.
New Train Exhibit Opens at Liberty Science Center
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As of Saturday, August 6th, The Great Train Set is now open at Liberty Science center, per NJ.com. The exhibit spans 1,700 square feet and includes 425 feet of tracks, 132 model buildings, and 5,000 miniature trees. A series of buttons allows visitors to interact with the exhibit.
Hoboken Resident Among Youngest NBA Reps in History
At age 23, Hoboken resident Hannah Valente is among the youngest reps certified by the NBA, according to NJ.com. Hannah grew up in Hoboken with a love of sports which guided her to a career as a certified Player Agent for the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association), WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association), and FIBA (International Basketball Federation).
Dr. Christopher Reber Receives ACCT 2022 Award
On Tuesday, August 2nd, Hudson County Community College President, Dr. Christopher M. Reber, received the 2022 Association of Community College Trustees’ Northeast Regional Chief Executive Officer Award. This award qualifies Dr. Reber to be recognized on the national level. The award will officially be presented during a ceremony on October 28th, 2022.
Carepoint Health + Rothman Orthopaedics Announce 10-Year Partnership
In March 2021, Carepoint Health + Rothman Orthopaedics announced their partnership — but just this week, they announced the details. The press release says, “The leadership teams are proud to announce a 10-year partnership to provide orthopedic care. This commitment exemplifies the priority of both organizations to create a world-class comprehensive orthopedic service line at Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City to serve the patients in Hudson County and beyond.”
Jersey City Announces Le Diner en Blanc Performers + Artists
This week, Art House Productions announced the performers, partners, and artists for the first annual Le Diner en Blanc, which will take place in an undisclosed location on Thursday, August 25th. According to the press release, performers include visual artist Christy O’Connor, choreographer Morgaine de Leonardis, artist Sunil Garg, and Melissa Ulto who will be lighting up the event with spectacular projections. Click here for what we know.
Archdiocese of Newark Nominates Hoboken Resident as Teacher of the Year
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The Archdiocese of Newark has nominated Juliette Wester, a history teacher at Seton Hall Preparatory School, for the New Jersey Council for American Private Education 2022 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award. According to the press release, this award is a prestigious title the organization awards annually to a teacher who exhibits outstanding dedication, knowledge and skill for his or her craft, while simultaneously demonstrating respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
Hoboken Nail Salon The V Spot Celebrates 10 Years, Announces Closing
(Photo Credits: The V Spot)
The V Spot, a local uptown Hoboken nail spa located at 159 14th Street, has just announced that it’s officially closing after 10 years in business. Owner Vivian Rivera announced the news via email blast on August 2nd, citing the lapse of the building’s lease and her desire to pursue other interests as main reasons for choosing to close the doors. The V Spot has gained recognition from InStyle and has been featured on Bravo, E!, Channel 11, Channel 4, and, of course, local blogs and publications. The nail spa’s last day will be August 26th. Click here for what we know about the closure of The V Spot Nail Spa.
St Peter’s University Files Lawsuit Against Cannabis Lounge
On Wednesday, August 3rd, St. Peter’s University filed a lawsuit against an adult-use cannabis dispensary + lounge, per Jersey Digs. Plans for the conversion of the space from a clothing store to a dispensary, which includes a basement level consumption lounge, were approved in April. The current lawsuit filed against Medusa LLC is seeking to overturn those plans.
Salon Gatto to Open This Week in Hoboken
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The highly-anticipated Salon Gatto has officially announced it is opening this week at 1016 Washington Street in Hoboken. The Instagram post reads, “After much anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that our brand-new uptown location will open for business on Monday, August 8th! Many of our stylists will now be booking clients at both of our locations, for your convenience. Give us a call or email to get on the schedule to reach your hair goals with Salon Gatto.”
SOPAC Announces First Fully In-Person Season Since Pandemic
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SOPAC officials announced the upcoming season of events, the first fully in-person season since the start of the pandemic. The press release reads, “SOPAC persevered through two and a half years of closures due to COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida remediation before fully reopening the Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall last spring. The venue has a new stage and orchestra pit, freshly painted walls, and modern carpeting throughout the building, including The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery.” The 2022-2023 lineup includes grammy winners Judy Collins, Peabo Bryson, George Porter Jr., Bela Fleck, and Paula Cole.
NY Waterway Ferry Services Resumes From Port Liberte
Ferry services officially resumed from the Port Liberte ferry terminal this week after closing due to the pandemic. Ferries will stop at Paulus Hook, where you can connect for free to World Financial Center + Midtown, and then stop at Pier 11/Wall Street. Port Liberte residents can receive a 10% discount on tickets and passes through the Port Liberte Homeowners Association.
Jersey City’s One Grove Street Development Completes Vertical Climb at 12 Stories
Strategic Capital and Plaza Construction completed One Grove Street’s exterior structure this week in Jersey City, per Jersey Digs. Topping out at 12 stories, the redevelopment has been in the works since last year and will include 200 residential units. Hoboken-based Marchetto Higgins Stieve designed the building in conjunction with Archilier Architecture.
Jersey City Medical Center Unveils $100M Expansion
This week, the Jersey City Medical Center unveiled its expansion which includes a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, according to Patch. The new department spans 60,000 square feet and includes surgery suites + room for inpatients.
Hudson County to Add 44 Blue Light Emergency Phones to Public Parks
Hudson County recently announced it will install 44 emergency blue light phones to eight Hudson County parks, per NJ.com Three years ago, a number of phones were installed in Lincoln Park in Jersey City and have proven useful. The parks to receive these additional phones include: Stephen R. Gregg Park and Mercer Park in Bayonne, James J. Braddock Park in North Bergen, and the 14th Street Viaduct Park in Hoboken.
Jersey City Named Most Expensive City to Rent in US
According to a recent New York Times article, Jersey City is officially the most expensive city for renters, reported CBS. As of June 2022, rent averaged out at $5,500 per month. Close behind Jersey City, Boston’s average is just under $4,900 followed by Palo Alto, California at $4,700.
Hudson County Investigation Unit Seeks Information Surrounding Hit-and-Run Incident
A cyclist injured in a hit-and-run incident on July 24th is now dealing with life-threatening injuries, per Patch. The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit is seeking information regarding the event. Officers from the Jersey City Police Department discovered the 63-year-old man who had sustained multiple injuries. He was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where he currently remains.
US Department of Transportation Secretary Joins Ground Breaking in Kearny
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined local officials at a groundbreaking event in Kearny, reported Hudson County View. The project includes an overhaul of the Portal North Bridge, made possible by a $1.6B contract via NJ Transit.
Hoboken Residents Can Now Use the Weehawken Pool
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We have great news for any Hoboken residents who have been eyeing the Weehawken pool + keeping track of the ongoing exclusivity debate: after a long battle, Weehawken has officially opened up its pool to non-residents — which includes Hobokenites, for limited hours. Click here for what we know.
Long-Time Union City Police Chief Retires
According to the Union City Police Department, Police Chief Nichelle Luster is retiring, per Hudson Reporter. Following 28 years of service, Luster officially retired on Monday, August 1st.
Jersey City to Hold 21st Annual Pride Events
Jersey City’s 21st Annual Pride Festival is scheduled for August 27th in downtown JC, per NJ.com. Leading up to the grand finale is a whole host of events which began last week. The festival will return to Newark Avenue between Grove Street and the Grove Street PATH Plaza.
City of Hoboken Announces Harborside Park Construction to Begin 2023
Construction of a 2.5-acre waterfront park at the north end of #Hoboken at the Weehawken Cove will begin this spring. This will be the first major addition to Hoboken’s riverfront park since Maxwell Place Park was established in 2007. #HudsonRiver https://t.co/oUflOKH9XV pic.twitter.com/b7JanzFmLO
— Better Waterfront (@Hoboken_FBW) August 4, 2022
As part of the Rebuild by Design project, the City of Hoboken announced construction for the Harborside Park in Hoboken will begin in 2023, per NJ.com. The recently signed state budget includes $100M to support the flood mitigation project along the Hudson River. Rebuild by Design specifically targets Hoboken, parts of Jersey City, + Weehawken.
Bayonne City Council Bans Pigeon + Poultry Ownership
The Bayonne City Council recently approved an amendment regarding the ownership of farm animals, per Hudson Reporter. The amendment specifically targets pigeons + poultry ownership, which falls under local health regulations. The full list of animals includes, but is not limited to, “chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, turkeys, quail, or other fowl, cows, goats, sheep, swine, horses, or cattle and such other animals as are typically raised on farms for domestic use.”
Union Holds Rally at Hoboken’s Shipyard Complex
Members of the Service Employees International Union gathered at the Shipyard complex in uptown Hoboken on Tuesday, August 2nd, according to Hudson Reporter. Union members are demanding increased wages + health benefits from contractors, following an alleged cut in hours and health care. This change in services from Ironstate Development has been put into place with no explanation, per union members.
Bayonne Advances Redevelopment Plan of Former Seahorse Express Property
Photo credit: Google Maps
The former Seahorse Express property has officially been adopted into a redevelopment plan, per Hudson Reporter. Following a study of the property, located at 69-73 LeFante Way, the Planning Board approved redevelopment of the area. Plans for the property will be presented at a meeting on Tuesday, August 9th at 6PM.
Hoboken Softball Team Returns to RBI World Series in Florida
According to NJ.com, Hoboken’s softball team is returning to the RBI Senior Softball World Series. The team consists of 13- to 18-year-olds and hasn’t been in the World Series in five years. Games will begin on Monday, August 8th in Vero Beach, Florida.
