There’s nothing we at The Hoboken Girl like more than celebrating local businesses, and with the announcement of the 2023 Best Of Hoboken + Jersey City winners, we feel kind of like Santa himself! Congrats to all the winners and the nominees: you make Hudson County a wonderful place to be. It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the highlights: two Jersey City high school students advance in a national STEM competition; Hudson County plans to install cameras on dangerous roadway; and Hoboken Police take part in a safety campaign geared at rideshare users. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending December 17th, 2023.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2023 — Winners ANNOUNCED!
It’s here, the wait is finally over — we have the winners for the Best of Hoboken and Jersey City 2023 Guide! After weeks of voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title, and of course the bragging rights, of being the “best” in town. Read on to see the winners!
There’s a New Holiday Pop-up Inside Hoboken Bar ‘The Waiting Room’
Photo Credit: Hannah Taub
This year, Hoboken has welcomed over a dozen new beauty businesses, but two Hoboken bars underwent their own makeovers — one of those being The Waiting Room, a new bar that took over the former Bobble Heads space on 72 Hudson Street. After its first few months in town, The Waiting Room has launched a holiday-themed pop-up in its space. Called Candy Canes + Cocktails, the pop-up will run for the holiday season and features a menu of festive drinks. Read on to learn more about the revamped downtown spot in Hoboken and how it’s celebrating the holiday season.
New Ice Cream x Tea Shop Opens in Downtown Jersey City
Photo credit: @social.harvys
Harvy’s, a new ice cream and coffee shop has opened in Jersey City, bringing, one-of-a-kind handcrafted flavors that satisfy one’s sweet tooth. The cafe is a destination for other goodies such as the finest tea leaves, hot breakfast items, and specialty shakes and sundaes. Apart from Harvy’s convenient location at 175 Morgan Street in Jersey City, it opens its doors early in the morning and remains in operation until late in the evening. Read on to learn more about Harvy’s in Jersey City.
New Proposal for Hoboken Performing Arts Center Has Historical Roots
Photo credit: Hoboken Historical Museum
A recent headline had Hoboken residents taking note: an arts and entertainment venue would now be a part of the plans for a redevelopment effort in downtown Hoboken. While the concept sounds new to modern ears, Hoboken was once a destination for the performing arts and boasted dozens of entertainment venues, from vaudeville halls to early movie theaters. Read on to learn more about the new plans and how they fit into Hoboken’s history.
New Italian Restaurant, Yubi’s 78, Opens in Jersey City
Yubi’s 78, an Italian restaurant, has opened at 578 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, across the street from Brennan Courthouse. Per Jersey Digs, the restaurant is a BYOB spot with seating at tables and booths. The menu is mainly Italian with some American influences.
Jersey City’s Bayfront Redevelopment Project to Start Construction by End of Year
The Bayfront Redevelopment Project, a plan to convert a former brownfield to a 100-acre housing development, is set to break ground by the end of the year. Last month, the Jersey City Planning Board approved the plan for the first building unanimously. Once the development project is completed, it will be the biggest mixed-income development in the Tri-State area. Read on to learn more about this transformative project in Jersey City.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Announces Plans to Run for Congress
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Ravi Bhalla has been the mayor of Hoboken since 2017, and now, he’s announced he’s taking the next step in his political career. This morning, Mayor Bhalla announced that is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District in the Democratic Primary. His opponent will be Democrat Rob Menedez, son of Senator Bob Menendez. Read on for the full story.
Otok Bakery is Open in the Former Dom’s Location in Hoboken
For years, Dom’s Bakery was something of a Hoboken institution. Tucked away on 506 Grand Street, the family-owned Italian bakery didn’t only serve bread and baked goods to Hoboken locals — it provided bread for a handful of other Hoboken eateries and, at one point, even shipped special deliveries to Frank Sinatra in his California residence. It was that good. In January 2023, Dom’s permanently closed its Mile Square doors, leaving many Hoboken residents devastated and wondering what would take the iconic bakery’s place. Now, Otok Bakery has officially taken over the space — and it comes to us from the owners of Schmitty’s. In an ode to Dom, the new spot has kept the legacy of Dom’s bread going by hiring bakers who worked with Dom for over 25 years. Read on for what we know about Hoboken’s newest bakery, Otok.
Jersey City Parking Officer Arrested While on Duty
A Jersey City parking enforcement officer was arrested for shoplifting while on duty, according to NJ.com. Imani Yasin, 27, has been employed by the city since 2021. She was arrested on December 2nd after allegedly walking out of the Jersey City Target without paying for a cart full of items. She was driving an official vehicle and wearing a uniform at the time.
New Ice Cream Shop Maroons Creamery Coming to Hoboken
Earlier this year, The Hoboken Girl reported on a new ice cream shop coming to uptown Hoboken at 1122 Washington Street. At the time, New Jersey-based ice cream shop Surreal Creamery had announced plans for the space. Now, we know for sure that a different ice cream shop called Maroons Creamery will be opening in the space later this year. Maroons Creamery specializes in homemade flavors, such as guava cheesecake, custard apple, and raspberry doughnuts, and offers a ‘build-your-own’ ice cream concept. With signage already up, the shop is scheduled to open before the new year and become a destination for ice cream lovers. Read on to learn more about the new ice cream shop, Maroons Creamery, coming to Washington Street in Hoboken.
Hoboken Virtual Community Meeting on 1500 Grand Street Redevelopment Project
According to a Nixle alert, Hoboken community members are invited to join a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, December 19th, at 6PM, regarding a proposed redevelopment project at 1500 Grand Street located within the North End Redevelopment Plan Area.
The project architect will present drawings and renderings and describe the proposal for the redevelopment of the site, which encompasses the 80,000-square-foot block surrounded by 15th, Grand, Adams, and 16th Streets. The proposal includes 420 residential units in two buildings, ground floor commercial space, a linear park, a pedestrian promenade along 15th Street, and a two-way bike lane as well as other site improvements.
Community members will have an opportunity to ask questions and comment on the proposal. The Zoom meeting can be accessed at this link.
Hoboken Police Department to Participate in the #WhatsMyName Campaign
^ The #WhatsMyName banner outside of Hoboken Police Headquarters remind rideshare users to follow the lifesaving strategy S.A.M.I. Photo credit: City of Hoboken.
The Hoboken Police Department has joined the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJ PBA) to promote the #WhatsMyName campaign, according to a press release. In March of 2019 21-year-old Samantha “Sami” Josephson of Robbinsville, New Jersey, was kidnapped and murdered near the University of South Carolina by a man pretending to be her rideshare driver. In response to this tragedy, Sami’s family created the #WhatsMyName Foundation to honor their daughter, and to educate riders on rideshare safety, reminding them to always follow S.A.M.I.:
STOP — Review safety features in the app, so you know how to use them and what to look for before getting in a vehicle.
ASK — Ask your driver “what’s my name” to confirm they have booked a trip with you through the ride-sharing app.
MATCH — Match the make, model, and license plate of the car with the one displayed in the app.
INFORM — Share the details of your trip with a friend. Utilize the “share status” function in your ride-sharing app.
The tragedy also inspired “Sami’s Law,” which was created to protect anyone using popular ride-sharing apps. The law requires rideshare drivers to display identification materials including reflective and/or illuminated company markers, and visible credential placards.
As part of this campaign, HPD will post rideshare safety tips on social media and the department’s website, hang banners in the community to educate the public, and work with other agencies and local businesses to spread this life-saving information on rideshare safety.
Soft Landing for Newark’s Runaway Bull
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Ricardo, the bull who caused chaos at Newark Penn Station earlier this week, has found a new home at Skyland Sanctuary in Wantage, NJ. According to NJ.com, Ricardo ended up on the train tracks on Thursday, December 14th. Law enforcement officers were able to corral and sedate him, while Mike Stura, founder of Skylands, made his way to Newark. Ricardo joins over 400 other animals at the sanctuary who enjoy the nearly 300-acre farm. No injuries were reported, to either Ricardo or NJ Transit commuters, and trains resumed service later on in the day.
Arrest Made in Jersey City Mall Machete Brandishing
An arrest has been made in a case involving people brandishing machetes through Jersey City’s Newport Centre mall, according to NJ.com. The incident was reported on Sunday, December 10th. While one person was arrested, three or four others were not detained. No one was injured.
New Partnership between NJCU + HCCC Expands Opportunities for Degree-Seeking Students
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A new partnership between New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will allow more students pathways to earn a four-year degree. According to the Hudson County View, The HCCC|NJCU CONNECT program will launch next year. Students who complete the first two years of college at HCCC will be able to transfer to NJCU to complete a four-year degree.
Naya Grill + Counter to Open in Exchange Place
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Another NYC-based fast-casual chain is making its way to Hudson County. Naya Middle Eastern Counter and Grill has announced plans to open at 15 Exchange Place in Jersey City in early 2024, according to Jersey Digs. This will be the chain’s third New Jersey location.
Hudson County Approves $195K for Cameras on Deadly Stretch of Road
Hudson County will spend $195K to add four surveillance cameras to a stretch of Paterson Plank Road that has been the site of eight traffic deaths over the past seven years. According to NJ.com, the data captured by cameras will be stored for 90 days before it is overwritten. Advocates say that while the cameras won’t mitigate the risks of deadly roadway, they will help to investigate future accidents.
Main Street Pops Market this Sunday in Hoboken Includes Kids’ Ferris Wheel
This Sunday, December 17th, Main Street Pops is hosting its last outdoor market of the season here in Hoboken, and it’s going out with a bang. The Artisan Market, which has been happening every Sunday since December 3rd, will have its usual lineup of local vendors and family-friendly activities, with the first-time-ever additions of a kids’ Ferris wheel and carousel. Main Street Pops’ Holiday DJ Dance Party + Carousel Rides kicks off at 11PM under the 14th Street Viaduct and will run until 4PM. Read on to learn more about Main Street Pops and the amusement attractions coming to the Hoboken market this Sunday.
Jersey City Gets $1 Million from Feds for Roadway Safety Improvements
Jersey City will receive approximately $1 million in federal funds as part of a recently announced round of grants from the US DOT’s Safe Streets program. According to NJ.com, Jersey City is one of 22 New Jersey communities receiving funds. Jersey City plans to use the funds to increase bike safety and to conduct other safety studies.
Hoboken Resident Melissa Ben Ishay Will Debut New Cookbook; HG’s founder Jen Tripucka to Co-host Event
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HG’s own Jen Tripucka will be in conversation with author, chef, and Hoboken resident Melissa Ben Ishay, the founder of Baked by Melissa, at Little City Books on Tuesday, January 16th. The event will celebrate the publication of Melissa’s latest cookbook, Come Hungry. Tickets are available online now, and admission includes a signed copy of the book. Little City Books is located at 100 Bloomfield Street and the event will begin at 7PM.
CarePoint Health Secures Major Legal Victory in Antitrust Lawsuit
CarePoint Health, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in New Jersey, has a significant victory in its ongoing legal battle against RWJ Barnabas. According to a press release, the Honorable Evelyn Padin, U.S. District Court Judge, presiding over the antitrust case filed late last year by CarePoint has denied RWJ Barnabas’ motion to dismiss the complaint, allowing the continuation of the case and rejecting attempts to halt the proceedings. The case will now progress to the discovery stage, where CarePoint expects there to be significant new evidence proving its assertion that RWJ Barnabas has engaged in unlawful collusion designed to drive CarePoint Health out of business and allow it to corner the market on health care in Hudson County, to the detriment of patients and residents.
Two McNair High School Students Advance to Final Round in STEM Competition
According to NJ.com, two students from McNair High School in Jersey City are finalists in a competition called Solve for Tomorrow sponsored by Samsung. Juniors Eza Iqbal and Fay Davis’s project is about using discarded rice husks as building material. This would reduce agricultural waste and help solve homelessness.
City of Hoboken Announces Housing Improvement Program
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced, via a press release, the Housing Improvement Program (HIP), an initiative aimed at supporting low-to-moderate-income residents in making essential repairs to their homes. This program is made possible through funding from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and is designed to empower eligible residents to address critical repair needs within their homes, ensuring the safety and well-being of Hoboken community members.
Hoboken-based Creative Agency Turns the Spotlight on Animal Adoption
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Hoboken-based creative agency Branding Shorts makes a video holiday card every year, and this year the company has used the video as a tool to create awareness for animal adoption and fostering. The campaign is called Bring Them Home for the Holidays and directs viewers on how to learn more about how to donate, adopt, and foster from local and national organizations, including Liberty Humane Society, Wise Animal Rescue, and the Secaucus Animal Shelter.
Founder Micki Pagano-Parente tells HG, “Our goal is to generate awareness about the urgent need to support animal shelters now more than ever. More pets were surrendered this year than ever due to financial hardship, and shelters are at capacity. It’s an awful crisis, and these beautiful animals need our help. In creating awareness, we hope this video will spark an action, whether it’s giving a loving home to a homeless animal or to make a donation that helps save lives. Since Hoboken is a dog-loving, dog-friendly community, we hope our community will open its heart to help the cause.”
Jersey City Man Stabbed
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old male that occurred on Friday, December 15th, 2023. According to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, at approximately 8:55PM on December 15th, the Jersey City Police Department received a report of a stabbing incident in the area of Duncan Avenue and Wilmont Street in Jersey City. Upon arrival, responding officers located a male victim — later identified as Naseer Munroe, of Jersey City – with an apparent stab wound to the torso. Munroe was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10PM.
New Doughnut + Burger Spot ‘Dipped N’ Smashed’ Soft Opens in Hoboken
Back in September, we found out that fast-casual Indian restaurant Curry Up Now had permanently closed its doors at 91 Washington Street in Hoboken. In its place comes a new doughnut and burger spot called Dipped N’ Smashed. As of 11AM on Saturday, December 16th, the spot has soft opened in the Mile Square. Read on for what we know about Dipped N’ Smashed opening in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Heavy Rain Triggers North Bergen Rockslide
A rockslide damaged dozens of cars in a parking lot in North Bergen, but no one was injured. According to NJ.com, the rockslide was triggered by the heavy rainfall on Sunday, December 10th. Residents of The Duchess apartment building at 7601 River Road were awakened early Monday morning by the rockslide, which destroyed several cars and part of the parking structure.
West New York Pizza Spot Damaged by Fire Reopens 10 Months Later
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Following a destructive fire in February 2023, Sal’s Pizza in West New York has reopened. According to NJ.com, the newly renovated space at 6127 Bergenline Avenue in West New York has improved seating and lighting, and a window where guests can watch the pizza being made. Sal’s has been operated by the same family since 1972.
Hoboken-Weehawken High School Hockey Team Starts First Varsity Season
Dr. Christine Johnson dropping the ceremonial first puck at our Hoboken Redwings Home Opener at American Dream Mall last night. #RedwingsHockey #HereWeComeHoboken pic.twitter.com/IigFkijd5a
— Hoboken Redwings (@hobokenredwings) December 14, 2023
After a year of playing at the junior varsity level, the Hoboken High School hockey team is now ready to compete at the varsity level. According to NJ.com, the team has grown from a series of clinics held before Covid, and then a junior varsity season of six games last year. Now, the team will play other varsity teams. The team is made up of players from all grades and has women on the roster.
Jersey City Corporation Counsel Nominated to Superior Court
Peter Baker, corporation counsel for Jersey City, has been nominated for a Superior Court judgeship. According to the Hudson County View, he has been the corporation counsel since 2018. He has also been a Deputy Attorney General and a Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor.
Top 50 North Jersey Restaurants According to Yelp Users: See Which Hudson County Spots Made It
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Popular consumer review site Yelp has announced the Top 50 Restaurants of 2023 in North Jersey. Hudson County’s representatives are Arre Sinaloa in Union City; ITA Italian in Jersey City; Veloce Sandwiches in Jersey City; and Bon Banh in Hoboken.
Winning Lottery Ticket Sold in Jersey City
One of two winning tickets in the Jersey Cash 5 lottery held on Wednesday, December 13th was sold at a gas station in Jersey City. The prize is worth $1,050,660 and will be split between the two winning tickets, according to NJ.com. The Jersey City ticket was sold at the Shell gas station on 12th Street, while the other winning ticket was sold in Teaneck.
Liberty Science Center Announces Holiday Adventure
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Liberty Science Center has announced plans for its Holiday Adventure. According to Patch, the additional features will be available with regular admission from December 26th through January 1st. Some of the Holiday Adventure features include a train ride, a sock-skating ‘ice’ rink, special animal presentations, a dance party, and more. To learn more, visit the LSC website.
Jersey City Charter Schools Rank High on Student Assesments
A report released by the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association showed that students attending Jersey City charter schools outperformed peers who attend public schools when compared using standardized test results for statewide assessments. According to the Jersey City Times, Jersey City charter schools are also outperforming state averages. The biggest difference was between Black and Latino students in charter schools and in public schools, with students in charter schools averaging higher on the tests.
Hoboken Students Win Medals at Science Olympiad
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According to TapInto, students from Hoboken Dual Language Charter School won big at the Brown University Science Olympiad Invitational. Students in 7th and 8th grade won top-three medals in three competitions. Students from across the country were invited to participate.
West New York Man Arrested After Posing as a Nurse Online
A West New York man is in federal custody after authorities say he assaulted four women he met on online dating sites. According to a press release from the US Attorney’s office, starting in the January 2022 Herman C. Brightman posed as a nurse in online dating and social media profiles. When the women ended their relationships with him, he got violent. The charges include kidnapping and cyberstalking.
