Ringing in the holiday season is a magical time in Hudson County — and a busy one, so as always we’re here to cover the local news and bring you a weekly roundup of everything you might have missed in Hoboken + Jersey City. Catch up on all there is to know, including the following headlines: Jersey City firefighter becomes first female Deputy Chief; Union City Salvation Army thrift store catches fire; Hoboken’s annual tree lighting is happening this week; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2022 Finalists Announced
The finalists for the annual Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2022 Guide are in! Thank you to everyone who nominated local businesses and people in Hoboken and Jersey City, respectively, to receive the recognition that they deserve. Those who received the most nominations in each category advanced to the top three finalists, so before anyone says so-and-so was robbed, remember: we make the rules, we don’t pick the finalists. Click here to cast your vote.
Power Plant Café Opens Second Jersey City Location
Healthy food prep + meal service restaurant Power Plant Café just opened a second Jersey City location — with a third on the horizon. The new spot at 366 Second Street features a wide variety of fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots. The menu also features baked goods, coffee, and vegan dishes. Click here for everything we know.
Local Professor Named Next Poet Laureate in Jersey City
English professor Ann Wallace has been named Jersey City’s newest Poet Laureate, per NJ.com. Wallace teaches at New Jersey City University and will hold the title of Poet Laureate for two years, receiving a stipend of $3,000 each year. Wallace is the third person to hold the title since its revival in 2018.
What We Know About ‘Flying Taxis’ Coming to EWR + NYC in Future Years
There’s always something going on at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — from a new terminal unveiling in December to a live snake found on a United flight in October. Now, we’re hearing about a new transportation option that looks to ease the commute time between NJ and NYC in future years. United Airlines along with aviation + aerospace company Archer Aviation recently announced plans to establish a ‘flying taxi’ route between United’s hub at EWR and New York City — using all-electric aircraft. Click here for what we know about these plans and what this means for locals.
Jersey City Medical Staff Recognized at 21st Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony
Jersey City Medical Center recently held its 21st Annual Excellence Awards ceremony to recognize the hard work and dedication of the medical staff. According to Patch, the center recognized several nurses and one doctor for exceptional + compassionate care.
Art House Productions Hosts Final JC Fridays
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On Friday, December 2nd Art House Productions wrapped up the 2022 season with a final JC Fridays event, NJ.com reported. The show included visual art exhibits, musical performances, and studio tours from 20+ artists.
Hoboken Receives Top Marks for Climate Action Efforts
Hoboken recently received the distinction as the only city in New Jersey to receive a top score on climate action from the CDP, per Patch. The City of Hoboken is currently working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030.
Bayonne Unveils Refurbished Clock Tower at Fitzpatrick Park
Local officials announced in October that the clock tower in Fitzpatrick Park would be getting a facelift, per Jersey Digs. The new tower was recently installed and unveiled on Thursday, December 1st. The trio of bells in the tower are from the former St. Joseph’s Church — a fourth bell of which will be joining the towers at City Hall.
Jersey City Planning Board to Review Phase 1 of Westview Development
The Jersey City Planning Board is slated to review the first phase of the much-anticipated Westview development along Route 440. According to Jersey Digs, plans include an extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system, high-rise residences, retail, and greenery. If approved, this development will dramatically change the current landscape of Jersey City.
Annual Shelter Auction Begins 12/9 in Hoboken
The Hoboken Shelter, located at 300 Bloomfield Street, will host its 19th Annual Auction beginning Friday, December 9th. According to Tap into, the auction will wrap on Wednesday, December 14th with a live event at Birch in downtown Hoboken.
2 Hoboken Residents Die from COVID-19, Nationwide Cases Increase
On Monday, November 28th, local officials announced that two Hoboken residents, both in their 80s, have passed away from COVID-19. According to Patch, cases of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are on the rise nationwide in a similar pattern seen last year. Hoboken has lost a total of 70 residents to the virus since 2020.
Shake Shack Now Open in Jersey City
In 2021, Shake Shack opened in Hoboken after several years of rumors and pushbacks — and now, the burger spot has come to Jersey City. Shake Shack is now open at 95 Christopher Columbus Drive in Jersey City inside Newport Centre Mall, near the Grove Street PATH Plaza. Click here for what we know about this new outpost.
Plans Continue for Columbus + Barrow Residences in Jersey City
A well-known section of Downtown Jersey City could see possible redevelopment with townhomes, apartments, and a new storefront. According to Jersey Digs, the intersection of Columbus Drive and Warren Street has been approved for an overhaul by the Historic Preservation Commission. The former site of JC Studios and Jiu-Jitsu academy were damaged in a fire earlier this year and have been vacant since.
North Bergen Distributes 4,000 Turkeys + Pernil to Community in Need
Local officials in North Bergen oversaw the distribution of 2,500 turkeys and 1,500 pernil (pork shoulder) to residents in need at the Recreation Center. According to NJ.com, township volunteers and student volunteers helped residents select, bag, and carry food to their cars.
Jersey City Firefighter Becomes First Female Deputy Chief
Constance Zappella became Jersey City’s first female battalion chief in 2017 and most recently, the city’s first female deputy chief. According to NJ.com, Zappella currently holds the highest rank of any woman in the department’s 193-year history.
Jersey City Ranked in Top 35% of Best Cities for Singles
In a recent Wallet Hub study, Jersey City ranked #63 in the search for which cities are best for singles. Each city was assessed for economics, fun + recreation, and dating opportunities. The best city overall is Seattle, Washington followed by Madison, Wisconsin, and Denver, Colorado. New York City came in last in terms of affordability but 4th in fun + recreation.
Hoboken Launches Pilot Reservation Program + Discounted Holiday Parking
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As much as we love Hoboken for its delicious food + drinks, activities, views of NYC, and more, nothing is more frustrating than the quest for street parking in the Mile Square. Earlier this week, the city announced that it would provide certain free and discounted parking during the holiday season — and now, it’s launching a new pilot parking program that will allow visitors to reserve spots in advance. Click here for what to expect when it comes to holiday season parking.
YogaRenew to Open January 2023 in Hoboken
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Yoga directors Patrick Franco + Kate Lombardo have collectively taught in the Hoboken/NYC area for more than 25 years and recently announced the opening of their own studio at YogaRenew. Located at 12 Hudson Place, Suite 201 in Hoboken, is slated to open January 1st, 2023 as the ideal palace to get started with yoga.
Union City Salvation Army Thrift Store Catches Fire
On Thursday, December 1st, a massive fire broke out at the Salvation Army thrift store in Union City, per NJ.com. Located at 900 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, the building caught fire around 6:30PM with firefighters still on the scene past 9PM.
Pearson Studio Inc. to Upgrade to New Space in Hoboken’s Monroe Center
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Pearson Studios Inc. is opening in a new area of the Monroe Center. Moving to a corner suite on the fifth floor, Pearson Studios will open in its new space in January 2023 offering piano lessons, audition coaching, voice lessons, and more.
Citizen Bayonne Launches Leasing in New Waterfront Building
Leasing has officially begun at Citizen Bayonne, a brand new 252-unit apartment building on Bayonne’s waterfront, per Tap Into. Located at 155 Goldsborough Drive, the building is conveniently located near light rail stations, shops, markets, and a soon-to-come commuter ferry terminal with service to Manhattan.
Hot Chocolate Pop-Up Comes to Hoboken
Cariana Fasciano, a self-proclaimed hot chocolate connoisseur, is the woman behind Merry Hot Cocoa, a pop-up hot cocoa bar that made its debut in Hoboken just in time for the holidays. The shiny black trailer decorated with greenery can be found at Church Square Park in Hoboken and popping up throughout Hudson County. Click here to learn more about Cariana’s background and the delicious hot cocoa available at her truck.
Hoboken to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The City of Hoboken together with the Hoboken Business Alliance will host the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at 4:15PM on Thursday, December 8th. The tree lighting takes place every year at the intersection of Washington Street and 11th Street. The festivities will feature Elvis the Elf, live performances by Hoboken Cheer Dynamics, Studio L Hoboken Dancers, the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts, Hoboken High School Chorus, Hoboken High School Flute Ensemble, Brandt School Chorus, Connors School Chorus, Wallace School Chorus, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.
Jersey City Arts Council Announces Finalists
The Jersey City Arts Council (JCAC) will host the 5th Annual Jersey City Arts Awards gala on Wednesday, December 14th from 6:30PM to 9:30PM at the historic White Eagle Hall. Light refreshments from a selection of area restaurants and an open bar for wine/beer will be served. Entertainment will include live music and pop-up performances by local artists. Each year, JCAC selects local artists from a wide range of categories that have done exceptional work through their medium and had an outsized impact on the community.
