A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: PRIME Gallery is holding a pop-up event on Wednesday, early-bird lottery ticket won in Secaucus shop, Hoboken recently received a 100% rating on the Municipal Equality Index, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
The Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2021 Guide Finalists Announced — TIME TO VOTE!
Cue the drumroll, please…the finalists for the Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2021 Guide are in — thanks to our readers’ nominations! We would like to thank all everyone for nominating the local businesses and people to receive the recognition that they deserve. And before you get mad at the picks or say xyz was robbed, remember: we make the rules, we don’t pick the finalists.
Our readers nominated over the last week, and the top three finalists for each category were picked from those that got the most nominations. So don’t shoot the messenger 😉 Now, readers can vote for their favorite business or person of the top three finalists 1x per day for all categories now through December 9th at 11:59PM. The winners will be announced in mid-December once the categories are tallied. Let the voting begin!
The Bar Method is Saying Goodbye to Hoboken 12/31
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This week The Bar Method, located at 33-41 Newark Street, 2nd Floor in Hoboken, announced it will be closing at the end of this month. The press release stated, “Due to the actions taken by our landlord, we must regrettably close our doors. Our last day of in-studio and virtual classes will be December 31st. We would never have made it this far without you. With support, grit, and enthusiasm, you pivoted to virtual classes with us. In quarantine and beyond, and with the help of Zoom, you welcomed us into your home, created a makeshift studio, and found new uses for soup cans and beach towels!”
If you currently have an active unlimited membership with The Bar Method, your December membership payment will be pro-rated. All active memberships will be terminated on 12/31/21. All in-studio & virtual classes will expire on 12/31/21 to reflect the studio closure date.
Frank Sinatra Statue Unveiling Happening 12/12 in Hoboken
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A statue of Frank Sinatra is being installed outside the Blue Eyes Cafe on the Hoboken waterfront on Sunday, December 12th. Sinatra was born December 12th, 1915 in Hoboken and lived at 415 Monroe Street until age 12. The statue is being created by local sculptor, Carolyn D. Palmer who has also created statues of Eleanor Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lucille Ball. According to the press release, the unveiling ceremony will feature performers from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.
Electric Picks to Host Trunk Show This Tuesday in Hoboken
On Tuesday, December 7th, Electric Picks will be hosting a trunk show at Brooke & Bel, located at 60 4th Street in Hoboken. The event will take place from 4PM to 7PM and feature a cocoa bar from Gregory’s Coffee, treats from Baked by Melissa, and champagne. Instagram fashion icon, Madi Messer, will be there for a meet and greet from 5PM to 7PM to coincide with her Electric Picks collection launch.
Owner of Hoboken-Based Brand, Loyal Footwear, Makes Debut on Project Runway
Hoboken’s own Rebecca Heykes, the founder of Loyal Footwear, made her big TV debut on a recent Project Runway episode. Partnering with contestant Katie Kortman, the two designers collaborated to make the new Katie Kortman x Loyal Footwear Bloomfield Boot seen by viewers of the hit Bravo show. Click here to read about Rebecca on Project Runway and Loyal Footwear.
Coyote Pack Spotted in Edgewater — Here’s What We Know
The term nature is healing took on a different meaning today. This week, we received some reports from local residents that a pack of coyotes was spotted in Edgewater. One reader shared with Hoboken Girl that she spotted the pack of coyotes in Edgewater by her home at the Duchess apartment buildings, located at 7601 River Road. Click here for what we know.
Affordable Veterans Housing Community Opens in Jersey City
A new veterans housing community has recently opened in Jersey City, equipped with onsite supportive services for veterans and at-risk populations. Local officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the property located at 526 Ocean Avenue in the Greenville neighborhood, per Jersey Digs. The property contains 20 affordable apartments and 1,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Hoboken Sisters Jordan + Joelle Compete on NBC’s Baking It
That unknown number coming up on caller ID just might be destiny calling. That’s at least what happened to Hoboken residents Joelle and Jordan Hernandez, the women behind custom cookie designs and baking content Instagram @double_dough and frequent Hoboken Girl Volunteer Coordinators and contributors. The two sisters have taken the world by storm with all that they do and the latest addition to their list of accomplishments is nothing short of amazing. Catch Jordan and Joelle on TV screens very soon as they will be participants on NBC’s show Baking It. Click here to read about their experience being on TV.
The Alessi Organization to Purchase Marist High School in Bayonne
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The fate of Marist High School, a private school in Bayonne which closed at the beginning of 2020, has been up in the air for some time. The property recently came under contract with The Alessi Organization , which will pay the city $100,000, per Jersey Digs. The Alessi Organization has spearheaded other retail projects in the area but any hard and fast plans are being kept under wraps for now. The property is located at 1241 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne.
Recent Deal Raises Teacher Salaries to $61K in Jersey City
The Jersey City Board of Education and Education Association recently approved an increase to teachers’ minimum salaries to $61,000, reported Hudson County View. The salary increase applies to candidates with bachelor degrees, who previously received $54,740 a year. BOE President Mussab Ali stated that this increase was made to “show our staff members that they are valued by providing them with a decent wage. We want to make the Jersey City Public Schools a model to attract and retain top talent in education.”
SCALE Lending Closed $96M Land Loan Contract in Jersey City
SCALE Lending recently closed a construction and land loan to the tune of $96M in Journal Square. The redevelopment plan includes a 235-unit, multi-family development at 26 Van Reipen Avenue in Jersey City in addition to 576 at a separate location at 626 Newark Avenue. According to Jersey Digs, the Namdar Group along with AJD Construction will take on the project together.
Gardens in Hudson County Park Renamed After Late Cherie La Pelusa
Gary La Pelusa Sr., Third Ward City Councilman, and manager of Hudson County Parks and Grounds initiated the recent makeover and renaming of the Stephen Gregg Hudson County Park gardens, according to Hudson Reporter. The gardens were named after La Pelusa’s late wife, Cherie La Pelusa, who passed away from COVID-19 in April 2020. The recent renovations will provide stormwater management and vibrancy to the gardens year-round. “This is not just a tribute to her, but to everybody who lost their lives to COVID-19,” La Pelusa said.
Hook & Reel to Open Outpost in Jersey City Next Year
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Cajun seafood restaurant Hook & Reel announced a new outpost coming to a 2,000-square-foot space in Jersey City’s Twin City Shopping Center. According to Jersey Digs, it is expected that ‘Snap Back by Hook & Reel’ will open at the intersection of Garfield Avenue/Broadway and 53rd Street in Jersey City, sometime next year. The menu features traditional cajun seafood style food including cajun chicken, fries, and crab.
Early Bird $25K Lottery Ticket Sold in Hudson County
A winning lottery ticket was sold in Hudson County, reported Daily Voice. The ticket was sold at Mill Creek Exxon Tiger Mart in Secaucus as part of The New Jersey Lottery’s New Year’s Raffle. The recent winner was one of five “early bird” drawings before New Year’s Day. Tickets are still for sale for the New Year’s Day $2 million grand prize.
Hudson County Launching Vaccine Campaign for the Holidays
To prepare for the holidays, Hudson County is releasing a multi-media campaign called “Vaxxed for the Holidays,” according to Hudson County View. “Through this campaign, we will be making a concerted effort to raise awareness around our vaccination efforts in Hudson County and make sure residents know how important it is to get themselves and their children vaccinated before the holidays,” Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise said. This is a continuation of the robust efforts Hudson County has put forth to vaccinate its residents, including booster shots and vaccinations for children ages 5-11.
Finders Keepers Boutique Accepting Winter Coat Donations
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You can donate winter coats, gloves, hats, and scarves at Finders Keepers Boutique now through Monday, December 20th. Finders Keepers Boutique announced its partnership with NB Earth Talks on Instagram this week, which will “help our community stay warm this winter.” Donations will be accepted at their location on 561 Hudson Ave, Thursday-Saturday from 3PM to 7PM.
Main Street Pops Hosting Holiday Artisan Market in Hoboken
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Shoppers are encouraged to shop local this holiday season at the Hoboken Holiday Artisan Market. Main Street Pops posted about the event which will take place on the first three Sundays in December from 11AM to 4PM. You can find the pop-up market under the 14th Street Viaduct in Hoboken.
New Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Approved for Reading in Jersey City
The Jersey City Council approved the first reading of their new inclusionary zoning ordinance during a meeting on Monday, November 29th, per Hudson County View. The new ordinance came from an effort to create more affordable housing. After an 8-0(1) vote, the council discussed the ordinance, about which Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro raised concerns and suggestions after stating that he thought it was “a marked improvement, a significant improvement over what was previously adopted by the city council last October.”
Hoboken LGBTQ+ Policies Receive Perfect Rating
The Human Rights Campaign gave Hoboken a 100% rating on the Municipal Equality Index, according to the City of Hoboken. This is the fourth year that the city has earned this rating, along with three other cities in New Jersey. Executive Director of the Hudson Pride Center Elizabeth Schedl said, “The city of Hoboken is committed to advancing policies that are inclusive and protective of the rights of LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.” The city has instituted many policies under the direction of Mayor S. Bhalla, who said he aims to “ensure that Hoboken will remain an inclusive place that all can be proud to call home.”
Hoboken City Council Considering Pay-to-Play Amendment
Hoboken City Council members are considering an amendment to their pay-to-play rules, which would raise local union donation limits, per Hudson County View. The issue first came up in 2019, where officials debated the need for the $500 union donation cap instituted during Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s term. This limit is one of the most strict in New Jersey, which proponents of union-represented democracy hope to raise to $7,200.
Nicholas Grillo Named Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City’s Man of the Year
The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City named Nicholas Grillo Man of the Year for 2021 reported Tap Into. The Society was created 112 years ago to protect and promote Italian culture. Grillo has contributed to the aims of the Society through his involvement with LaFesta Italiana, the Holy Rosary Church, the Columbus Day Parade, and other events.
Free Weekend Parking Provided in Hoboken During December
Each weekend running through Sunday, December 26th, select parking garages are offering free parking to shoppers, according to Patch. This will support local businesses during the holiday shopping season. To qualify, shoppers must show proof of a minimum $20 purchase at a local business. Participating garages are Municipal Lot B (28 2nd Street), Lot D (215 Hudson Street), and Midtown (371 4th Street).
Jersey City BOE Regaining Funds After U.S. DOE Directive
The Jersey City Board of Education could be reimbursed over $126 million to comply with the American Rescue Plan, according to Hudson County View. After the district filed complaints about state budget cuts back in February, the U.S. Department of Education issued a directive to restore funds to high poverty districts. If the unconstitutional budget cuts continue, the state would lose $2.8 billion of federal funding.
9 Refugee Families Find Homes in Jersey City
Nonprofit group Welcome Home Jersey City helped nine refugee families find a home in Jersey City this month, per NJ.com. More families are expected to arrive in Jersey City shortly. Welcome Home has partnered with the International Rescue Committee to aid refugees following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Besides finding a place to live, Welcome Home also helps refugee families register their children for school, receive vaccines, find jobs, and acquire basic living necessities.
Bayonne City Officials Propose Solution to Dimly Lit Streets
Officials have responded to the poor lighting problem in Bayonne, reported Hudson Reporter. Residents brought up the issue to the city council in November, where they discussed the shortage of light fixtures and the dimness of existing bulbs. While bulbs can be replaced, officials are also looking into installing more poles to increase safety and reduce crime in darker areas of the city.
Palisades Vista Suing Union City Planning Board for Rejecting Project
Palisades Vista developer is suing Union City Planning Board for allegedly rejecting a “fully conforming project,” per Hudson County View. The developer was looking to subdivide a lot into a large residential unit which residents claimed would “destroy the character of the neighborhood,” resulting in a (6-0) rejection of the development plan. The developer claims that the UCPB resolution was “arbitrary and capricious” because the building application was “fully consistent with all objective regulatory standards, local ordinances, and the Municipal Land Use Law.” Project representatives continue to seek site application approval from the Board and a building permit from the city.
Santa Posing with Pups at Hoboken Holiday Artisan Market
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You can get a professional photo taken of your pet dog with Santa at the Holiday Artisan Market this Sunday, December 5th. In an Instagram post this week, Main Street Pops promoted the event which is raising money for Wise Animal Rescue. Photos will be taken from 12PM to 3PM for $20 at 1401 Adams Street.
PRIME Gallery Hosting Holiday Artisan Pop-Up in Hoboken
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As part of the Holiday Artisan Market, PRIME Gallery is holding a pop-up event on Wednesday, December 8th, from 5PM to 8PM. PRIME Gallery posted on Instagram about the “female-focused artisan shopping night” which will feature pieces from The Divine, the gallery’s current exhibit. You can attend the event at 351 Palisade Ave, where all pieces featured will be for sale.
Families Invited to Hoboken Sugar Cookie House Decorating Event
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Baking Mama, a Hoboken bakery, is hosting a sugar cookie house decorating event for parents and their children. In an Instagram post, Baking Mama promoted both “With Mommy and Me” and “With Daddy and Me” sessions occurring on Sunday, December 12th, 11AM to 12:30PM and 2PM to 3:30PM, respectively. Inquiries and sign-ups can be sent to the owner via email.
Jeffrey Dublin Returning as Hudson County Register
After winning the general election, Jeffrey Dublin is coming back to the Hudson County political scene as the Hudson County Register, per Hudson Reporter. Dublin, a Democrat, and Jersey City resident, has made his way through the county’s political system since 2004, and is now making his return with the political support of his party and Hudson County mayors.
Inside Jersey City Heights’ New Vintage Shop ‘Sure Things’
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Vintage lovers will be thrilled to know that there’s a new(ish) shop to the Jersey City Heights scene — as of October. Sure Things specializes in what it calls “fintage,” found and vintage objects and used books. It originated as an online business operating on Instagram in 2020, and has since grown into a brick-and-mortar shop located at 561 Palisade Avenue. Click here for an inside look to this new shop.
