It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the headlines to keep you up-to-date. Among the news happening in Hoboken + Jersey City this week: a Jersey City student is a second-year winner in the spelling bee; a proposal to regulate e-bikes has been presented to the Hoboken City Council; and Hudson County leaders honor residents for Black History Month. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending February 11th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines:
- Finalists Announced for The Hoboken Girl’s Puppy Bowl
- Hoboken Police Arrest One in Connection With Washington Street Altercation
- Nuts Factory Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
- Dog Who Boarded NJ Transit Reunited with Owner
- Proposal to Regulate E-Bikes in Hoboken Passes on First Reading
- Pariwaar Delights to Open 2nd Location in Hoboken
- New Locksmith Business to Open in Hoboken
- Debate Intensifies Over Jersey City’s Off-Duty Police Cannabis Use Policy
- Hudson County Parks Director Resigns, Interim Replacement Named
- Jersey City Student Wins 2024 Spelling Bee 2 Years in a Row
- New Pet Shop to Open on 4th Street in Hoboken This Summer
- Jersey City Construction Worker Dies in Fall, Community Vigil Held
- New Early Morning NY Waterway Service Debuts from Hoboken
- Jersey City Launches City-Run Animal Control
- Hudson County Honors 5 For Black History Month
- NHSA’s Plan Approved to Reduce Hudson Wastewater
- Pho Express Celebrates Grand Opening in Hoboken
Meet the Finalists of The Hoboken Girl’s Puppy Bowl 2024 — CAST YOUR VOTE!
Following the impossible (yet heartwarming) task of deliberating the cutest pups in Essex County, the top nine finalists for our 4th Annual Hoboken Girl Puppy Bowl 2024 have been chosen! Read on for their stories, how we’re giving back to Wise Animal Rescue (and how you can, too!), and how to vote for your favorite pup to win the 2024 crown here.
Hoboken Police Arrest One in Connection with Washington Street Altercation
According to a press release from the Hoboken Police Department: On February 9th, 2024, at approximately 6:30PM, Sergeants Jason Falco, Edward Sellick, and Dennis Figueroa Jr., Detectives Fabian Quinones, Connor Milne, and Ryan Houghton, and Police Officers Paul Quinn, Mark Mooreman, Nicholas Losurdo, Christopher Soto, and Ramon Estrella responded to McDonalds, 234 Washington Street, on reports of a street fight involving up to ten people, which resulted in a stabbing.
While some responding officers attended to the victim, others conducted an on-scene investigation which revealed a man, later identified as 42-year-old Kasaun Patterson of Lodi, stabbed another man during a fight outside, and fled the scene. While the investigation was underway, Patterson was observed near the scene and was arrested. He attempted to resist arrest by stiffening his body. A search incident to arrest located a folding knife in Patterson’s jacket pocket. Patterson was transported to the Hoboken Police Department and charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest. He was processed and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries to his wrist and sternum.
New Pet Shop to Open on 4th Street in Hoboken This Summer
L&B Pet Market has shared exclusively with The Hoboken Girl that it plans to open a second pet shop in Hoboken. The family-owned store based in Montclair is a haven for health-conscious pet owners and will be bringing another locally-owned pet shop to the Mile Square. L&B Pet Market is located at 15 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair and is now expanding to Hoboken, as its owner is a Hoboken resident. Read more about L&B Pet Market coming to 155 4th Street in Hoboken here.
Nuts Factory Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
Photo credit: @madi.snacks
With lots of recent turnover, it seems as though there are quite a few spots that have gone up for lease — including the former GameStop location, which had been on the market for a while. In the fall of 2023, signage was displayed for a new spot to come to 408 Washington Street — it was to become the home of chain store Nuts Factory. As of the first weekend of February 2024, Nuts Factory has officially opened on Washington Street in Hoboken. Read on to find out more about Nuts Factory and its opening in the Mile Square here.
Dog Who Boarded NJ Transit to Hoboken Reunited with Owner
Photo Credit: NJ Transit
Most of us who use public transit are accustomed to unusual sights: street performers, lost tourists with enormous luggage, and so on. But earlier this week, NJ Transit riders saw a four-legged passenger who most certainly was on his own. The lost dog that took a solo trip from Mountain Station in South Orange to Hoboken Terminal on February 1st has been reunited with its owner as of Sunday, February 4th. Read on for updates about the dog spotted on NJ Transit that is now reunited with its owner here.
Proposal to Regulate E-Bikes in Hoboken Passes on First Reading
E-bikes are a fast-growing segment of the bicycle market. We see them throughout Hudson County being used for recreation and business purposes, as these zippy devices are frequently used for delivery services. An e-bike store has announced plans to open in Hoboken later this year. At the same time, many residents complain about the ubiquitous vehicles: going too fast, in the wrong places, at the wrong times. Three Hoboken councilmen will introduce a resolution at the February 7th City Council meeting that would create a licensing schema for e-bike users. Read on for more about the proposal for e-bikes in Hoboken, New Jersey here.
New Early Morning NY Waterway Service from Hoboken
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New York Waterway introduces a new early morning ferry service from Hoboken to Midtown Manhattan, catering to commuters seeking an early start, per the Hudson County View. The weekday 6:20AM departure from Hoboken’s 14th Street will run directly to Midtown West 39th Street Ferry Terminal, accompanied by NY’s Waterway’s free shuttle bus service in Midtown Manhattan. The service operates between 6:20AM and 9:38PM on weekdays, with shuttle bus service starting at 6:10AM. For full schedules and updates, visit nywaterway.com.
Jersey City Launches City-Run Animal Control in Former Liberty Humane Society Location
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Jersey City is launching its city-run Animal Care and Control, expanding services and adoption opportunities for residents and stray animals, per a press release. Mayor Steven Fulop will join the Department of Health and Human Services and community members to celebrate the transition, which includes 24/7 operations, on-site dog licensing with adoptions, extended operating hours, and a volunteer program. The event, aimed at making love connections between residents and animals in need, will take place at Jersey City Animal Shelter on Friday, February 9th, starting at 11AM.
Hudson County Honors 5 Locals For Black History Month
Florence Holmes, director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Senior Center in Jersey City, is named recipient of the Hudson County 2024 Black History Month Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award, per NJ.com. Florence is one of five individuals honored for their service and achievements in line with this year’s theme, African Americans and the Arts. The honorees are Holmes, Demetrius Terry of Kearny, Jovina Johnson of Jersey City, Steven Rhodes of Bayonne, and Joan Dublin of Jersey City. The honorees will be celebrated at the 2024 Hudson County Black History Month Celebration dinner on February 20th at High Tech School in Secaucus.
NHSA’s Plan Approved to Reduce Hudson Wastewater
The North Hudson Sewerage Association (NHSA) has received approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a plan aimed at reducing wastewater discharge into the Hudson River during major weather events. According to NJ.com, the long-term initiative spans 25 years and involves expanding the treatment plant’s capacity to handle sewage and stormwater, intending to decrease combined sewage overflow by 15%. NHSA’s plan includes building additional detention facilities and high-level sewer systems to alleviate pressure on the existing infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader initiative by the DEP in 2015 to enhance water quality in New Jersey waterways.
Debate Intensifies Regarding Jersey City’s Cannabis Policy for Off-Duty Officers
Lawyers representing a Jersey City police union are seeking dismissal of the city’s federal lawsuit against the state’s cannabis law, per the Jersey City Times. The lawsuit aims to prevent New Jersey police officers from using cannabis off-duty. The union argues that the city’s lawsuit is politically motivated and should be dismissed, stating that the city faces no real threat if it follows the state’s marijuana legalization law, known as the CREAMM Act. The city wants the freedom to fire officers who use cannabis off-duty, while the union contends that the threat of federal indictment is hypothetical, and not based on actual risk.
Pho Express Celebrates Grand Opening in Hoboken
^ Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla at the Pho Express Grand Opening Celebration. Photo credit: Hudson County Chamber of Commerce.
Pho Express, located at 732 Washington Street in Hoboken, celebrated its grand opening with Vietnam’s authentic culinary heritage and diverse menu, per a press release from the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. Owned by Tony Chen, a recent celebration featuring lion dancers and local dignitaries marked its grand opening. Mayor Bhalla and other officials also attended the event.
Pariwaar Delights to Open 2nd Location in Hoboken
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One of Jersey City’s favorite restaurants, Pariwaar Delights, located at 827 Newark Avenue, will soon open a second location in Hoboken. Per Jersey Digs, the restaurant has announced plans to take over the space at 616 Washington Street, which used to be the home of Mikie Squared. Mikie Squared closed earlier this year after many years in business.
New Locksmith Business to Open in Hoboken
Kappock Law at Third and Madison Street in Hoboken has relocated to Hackensack, New Jersey, making way for a new business, per Patch. The new business to fill the space at 232 Madison Street in Hoboken indicates a locksmith with permits seen in the window. Kappock Law has relocated to 50 Harrison Street and 190 Main Street in Hackensack.
Hudson County Parks Director Resigns, Interim Replacement Named
Hudson County Parks Director Russell Fallacara has resigned for personal reasons, with Denise D’Alessandro appointed as acting director, per the Hudson County View. County spokesman Jim Kennelly confirmed that the resignation is unrelated to job performance. Denise, head of the Department of Roads and Public Property, will serve in the interim role while County Executive Craig Guy selects a successor for Russell, who oversaw over 600 acres of recreation space.
Rally Planned at Hoboken City Hall
Ceasefire Now New Jersey has announced it will host a rally in Hoboken. Per Patch, the rally will take place at Hoboken City Hall, located at 94 Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 14th at 5:30PM. The group will encourage Hoboken City Council to adopt a cease-fire resolution. There is also a counter-protest planned to release the hostages held in Gaza.
Jersey City Student Wins 2024 Spelling Bee 2 Years in a Row
Kavya Jakasania, an eighth-grade student at Middle School 4 in Jersey City, has secured her second consecutive victory at the 2024 Hudson County Spelling Bee at High Tech High School in Secaucus on Saturday, February 3rd, per NJ.com. Kavya won in the 16th round with the word Beaux-arts, earning her a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland this spring. The annual spelling bee featured 68 students from third grade to eighth grade. The event was organized by the Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs and Heritage/Tourism Development and was sponsored by County Executive Craig Guy for the winner’s free trip to the national bee.
MetLife Stadium Will Host the World Cup Final in 2026: What to Know
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Soccer enthusiasts around the world look forward to the FIFA World Cup that happens every four years. In 2026, USA, Mexico, and Canada are joining forces to bring together the sports event of the year. As of February 4th, 2024, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford has been named as the final venue to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final game. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11th through July 19th, 2026. Read on for more information surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how to get to and around MetLife Stadium here.
Jersey City Construction Worker Dies in Fall, Community Vigil Held
A construction worker fell four stories to his death on February 2nd at a site on Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City, per NJ.com. The 40-year-old man fell around 10:45AM, as confirmed by city spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. The incident took place at 859 Communipaw Avenue, and the worker was pronounced dead before the arrival of authorities. The worker was later identified as Juan Jose Coc of Fairview, according to Patch. The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) held a vigil at Jersey City Hall on Thursday, February 8th to honor his memory and draw attention to the safety and labor issues that construction workers face on the job site.
The Alps Bar Returns to Jersey City
A bar with a vegetarian menu and an emphasis on high-quality beer, wine, and spirits has opened in The Heights. The Alps, located at 351 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City, is another project from the team behind Pet Shop and Riverview Wine and Spirits — and the new bar opened on February 8th, 2024. The Hoboken Girl caught up with one of the owners to get all the information back in 2023. Read on for more about The Alps in Jersey City here.
87 Sussex in Jersey City Opens 2/13
In early 2022, it was announced that John’s Pizza in downtown Jersey City, located at 87 Sussex Street, had closed its doors. In early March of that same year, we reported that Satis Bistro, a fellow Jersey City restaurant located at 212 Washington Street that has also been operating for a decade, would be expanding into the John’s Pizzeria storefront. We now know that the new spot will be called 87 Sussex — and it will be opening Tuesday, February 13th. Read on for more details about the Satis Bistro expansion in Jersey City here.
Roast’d Coffee Opens in Jersey City
Photo Credit: @roastd_fortlee_jc
Roast’d Coffee has expanded to Jersey City and, within a few months, has already become part of people’s everyday routine. Each cup of coffee is freshly roasted onsite at the shop located at 10 River Drive South from, what it calls, “the best beans from all over the world.” Offering a variety of coffee roasts and types of coffee drinks, Roast’d might just become someone’s new coffee shop, especially when its goal is to interact with the community. Read on to learn more about Roast’d Coffee in Jersey City here.
Food Story Natural Market Opens in Journal Square
Food Story Natural Market, a Brooklyn-based grocery store, has opened its Jersey City location. According to Jersey Digs, the market is located at 615 Pavonia Avenue in the Journal Squared building. The market specializes in organic foods and will have hot and cold prepared foods in addition to other specialty items like fresh flowers and sushi.
Fresh Off James Beard Nomination, Korai Kitchen in Jersey City Reintroduces Dine-in Service
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Korai Kitchen is a Journal Square restaurant serving authentic Bangladeshi fare according to home recipes. Since its opening in early 2018, the place has not only filled an unmet demand for authentic Bangladeshi food among the large South Asian communities in the Jersey City area but has also attracted crowds from New York City, Long Island, and even Connecticut thanks to a nod from the New York Times. During peak hours, you will see guests dressed in colorful saris or business suits, speaking English, Bangali, or Mandarin. Upon finishing their meals, everyone is satisfied, usually saying to each other, “This was SO good!” Most recently, this Jersey City restaurant received another accolade — this one in the form of a James Beard Award nomination. Shortly after, Korai Kitchen announced that it would reintroduce dine-in service on Friday and Saturday nights — it had previously been takeout only for some time. Keep reading to learn all about Korai Kitchen — a delicious Bangladeshi restaurant in Jersey City located at 576 Summit Avenue — here.
Former Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro Joins Board of Hoboken Community Center
Photo Credit: Hoboken Community Center
Via a press release, The Hoboken Community Center (HCC) welcomed former Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro to its Board of Directors. Born and raised in Hoboken, Chaparro grew up in the Hoboken Housing Authority, went to Hoboken High School, and represented Hoboken and the 33rd Legislative District in the New Jersey State Assembly from 2016 to 2024.“Growing up in the Hoboken Housing Authority and facing food insecurity, joining the board of the Hoboken Community Center is a full circle moment for me,” said Annette Chaparro. “Giving back through an organization that supports the most vulnerable members of our community is one of the most meaningful things I’ve had the privilege to do.”
City of Hoboken Honored for Vision Zero Speed Limit Reduction Initiative
^ Hoboken City Engineer Olga Garcia, Transportation Planner Greg Francese, + Director of Transportation + Parking Ryan Sharp accept the ITE Project of the Year award. Photo credit: City of Hoboken.
The City of Hoboken was awarded Project of the Year by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for the City’s initiative to reduce the citywide speed limit to 20 miles per hour to mitigate serious injuries and deaths caused by traffic collisions. According to a press release, this honor serves as another form of recognition for Hoboken’s Vision Zero program which aims to eliminate all traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The project is being recognized for its approach in setting speed limits that make streets safer, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, children, and individuals with mobility restrictions.
Roadwork to Close Roads in Southern Hoboken for Two Weeks Starting Monday
According to a Nixle alert, roadwork in southern Hoboken will start on Monday, February 12th, and is anticipated to last for two weeks. The Jersey City Municipal Utility Authority (JCMUA) will resume a long-term water main replacement project along Marin Boulevard between 18th Street and Observer Highway. Marin Boulevard, which turns into Henderson Street in Hoboken, will be closed between 18th Street in Jersey City and Observer Highway in Hoboken on weekdays between 9 AM and 5PM. beginning on Monday, February 12th. 18th Street will also be closed westbound between Park Lane and Grove Street in Jersey City.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Offers Congratulations to Two New City Directors
Per a press release from the City, on February 7th, 2024, the Hoboken City Council unanimously approved Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla’s appointments of Jennifer Gonzalez and Diana Aviles to head the new Department of Climate Action + Innovation and the Department of Parks, Recreation, + Public Works respectively. Director Gonzalez has led the Department of Environmental Services for five years, and Director Aviles has served as Deputy Director of Transportation and Parking for two years.
