In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the world continues to produce interesting local Hoboken + Jersey City news stories, and as always, we’ve got you covered. Among the headlines — Little City Books raises $8K for Hoboken Shelter, Hospital ER Head receives the coronavirus vaccine, Jersey City Restaurant Association hands out over 1,000 meals + so much more — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond:
Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. to Open in Jersey City
Organic concept Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. has plans to open in the Paulus Hook area in early 2021. The space at 199 Warren Street was most recently occupied by the French-themed eatery La Côte, which closed after 2 years. Tino’s is renovating the space to fit their needs and their unique aesthetic. Their ingredients are sourced from local vendors including Applegate Organic and Natural Meats in Bridgewater, Martin’s Specialty Sausages in Mickleton, and Garret Valley Farms in Swedesboro, per JerseyDigs .
Little City Books Raises Over $8K for The Hoboken Shelter
Independent bookstore, Little City Books in Hoboken, has raised over $8,100 for The Hoboken Shelter by holding a raffle for 3 signed copies of Barack Obama’s memoir, A Promised Land. The bookstore originally received one copy with the plan to hold a raffle and when they told the publisher of their plan, the store received 2 more copies. Tickets sold quickly and the winners were drawn on Sunday, December 20th. Looking back at 2020 co-owner of Little City Books Donna Garban said, “We have been profoundly lucky this year. Getting three copies of A Promised Land signed by Barack Obama was too gleeful a thing to keep to ourselves.”
Hoboken School’s Rooftop Program: Books With A View
Second Grade Teacher at Joseph F. Brandt School in Hoboken, Ashley Babilonia launched a program to motivate students to continue learning while spending time outside. “The motivation behind the ‘Books With A View: Read, Breathe, Be Present’ project is to provide purposeful time for the students to be outdoors, a key public health recommendation in COVID times, while learning about literacy,” Babilonia told Tap Into. Limited outdoor space has required coming up with creative solutions, so they took to the rooftop at Brandt.
Spa Diner in Hoboken to Close — Temporarily for Now
Hoboken staple, the Spa Diner announced its temporary closure due to COVID-19 via Instagram. Originally named The Hudson Restaurant, the diner has gone by several names over the years but the staff, menu, and décor all remained the same during the last change of hands. “The Spa Diner is definitely part of the fabric of Hoboken,” the owner told Hoboken Girl. “ It is probably one of four or five places that if you grew up in that time, you could say, ‘that’s how it was when I was a kid.’” Click here to learn more about the history of the Spa Diner.
New Jersey State Leaders Announce Plans for 6 Mega-Vaccination Sites
State officials have announced plans for 6 vaccination locations throughout New Jersey. The sites will be located in Atlantic City Convention Center, the racetrack at Meadowlands, the Moorsetown Mall, Rowan College of South Jersey, the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, and the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Morris County. Front-line workers will receive the first round of vaccinations in a phased approach that will then serve essential workers and high-risk community members of 65 years of age. News12 has the full story.
Join Virtual 5K to Kick Off New Year
For those looking to hit the ground running this new year, the 1st Run 2021 hosted by The Virtual Run Challenge will kick off on New Years Day. Runners can participate indoors or outdoors, and go at their own pace. Those who sign up will get a medal, race bib, and 1st Run 2021 Finisher Shirt. You can sign up here.
Hudson Waterfront Law to Limit Building Height
Two state senators Nick Sacco and Brian Stack have introduced a bill that would limit the height of new construction. If passed, the bill would determine that proposed building plans located east of Palisade Avenue will not exceed the height of 10 feet below the road or the scale of Palisades cliff. This new legislation is in an effort to preserve the views currently enjoyed by the neighborhood, according to Jersey Digs.
Restaurant Association Hands Out 1,000 Meals in Jersey City
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The Jersey City Restaurant Association handed out over 1,000 prepared meals on Monday December 21st. Local restaurants including Porta + Beechwood Café and Boa Café participated in the event. The response from the local community was more than anticipated and all meals were passed out by 4:30PM. The full story is available on NJ.com.
Local Businesses to Look Forward to in 2021
With so many closures seen in 2020, it’s heartwarming and inspiring to see several local businesses and restaurants open their doors for the first time amid the pandemic. Companies like Ally Bird Vintage, Cool Vines, and Latin Rotisserie opened in Hoboken. Others opened in Jersey City including Jimmy’s Brooklyn Pizza, Margo Designs Boutique, and The Grind General. Click here for the full roundup of new businesses.
Hoboken Police Arrest Package Thief
On December 22nd off-duty Hoboken Police Detective Arturo Gonzalez arrested 41-year-old Brian Jimenez of Paterson for allegedly stealing the contents of several packages left on porches. Gonzalez observed Jimenez discarding boxes after taking the contents and putting them into a bag. Jimenez was transported to the police station and then released on a summons to appear in court, per Tap Into.
Brick Lane Curry Opens Jersey City Location
After a few attempts over the years to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Jersey City, Brick Lane Curry has officially opened at 136 Newark Avenue. Brick Lane has been offering delivery service since June to a good response. The menu has been the same for the past 18 years because, according to the owner, their cult following keeps coming back for the same food. Click here for the full story.
Jersey City’s Own Frank Darby Declares for NFL
“Everything you go through in life prepares you for the next level. I’m thankful for this moment”. Captain StuuupidSwole time has come. Excited for what’s next in the process 😈#getswole-eatswole-stayswole #StuuupidSwole #roadtodraft pic.twitter.com/2Qt3kZhYzP
— Frank Darby (@_SavageSZN8) December 21, 2020
Former Lincoln High School football standout Frank Darby is declaring for the NFL Draft. Currently a wide receiver for Arizona State University, Darby only played in four games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. However, his career in 2019 included 616 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
The Albion Hotel to Take Over Capital One Bank Location
Owners of the space located at 201 Newark Avenue, have announced their plans to build a hotel called “The Albion” which will also house a Felina Restaurant. The building was originally home to a Capital One bank. The new construction will be built on top of the existing structure, per Jersey Digs.
Hoboken Rebuild By Design Project Receives Deadline Extension
The funding for the Rebuild By Design was granted with a stipulation that the project is completed by September 30, 2022, otherwise, the funds would be forfeited. The omnibus-spending bill now features language that would extend that deadline to 2023 thanks to U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, per The Hudson Reporter.
Hoboken Hospital ER Director Gets Vaccine
Dr. John Rimmer, the head of the Emergency Department at Hoboken Hospital received the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday, December 22nd. After receiving the vaccine, he said “While any new health care treatment should be scrutinized and evaluated closely, the first studies on this vaccine were robust and very encouraging. I will be telling my family to get the vaccine and encourage yours to as well.” Patch.com has the full story.
Community Provides Meals for Hackensack University Medical Center Staff
Members of the Hackensack community have relaunched their campaign {used this past spring} to provide meals for the intensive care unit staff at Hackensack University Medical Center. Donations are being accepted through the gratitude platform SendThanksNow.
“I’m so amazed by the outpouring of gratitude that is finding its way to us so quickly through SendThanksNow,” says Sarah Monchar, PA, Manager, Trauma Surgical Critical Care and Injury Prevention Service at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Regular fundraising has been helpful, but with all of these personal messages coming with the Hearts, which we use to pay for meals, we’re feeling each and every contribution personally. While we’re stuck inside the hospital helping patients, SendThanksNow makes the community support tangible and real.”
Soft Opening of Portuguese Café Eira
Photo credit: Instagram @eira_pt
The new Portuguese café, Eira soft-opened on Wednesday, December 23rd in the space previously leased to Kraverie. Eira features an old-fashioned bistro vibe and serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Portuguese classics like Bolas de Berlim, a Portuguese donut, and lunch options like Sopa de Cenoura com Pepitas are on the menu. The café will fully open in the new year.
