As always, there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — a new vegan restaurant coming soon to Jersey City, local officials approve $2.5M in rent relief, a Hoboken pastor establishes a campaign to run for governor, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond:
New Vegan Restaurant to Open in Jersey City
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According to a post shared by the HDSID, Gaia + Loki is slated to open at 346 Grove Street in Jersey City. The restaurant will feature a vegan menu and take over the space formerly occupied by Alex’s Italian Restaurant. Here is what we know so far.
Core Indoor Cycling to Close Jersey City Location
Yesterday Core Indoor Cycling, located in The Brunswick Center in Jersey City, announced they will be closing via Instagram. “Thank you all for your support and for riding with us. Sadly, due to COVID-19 we need to close our doors. If anyone is interested in a bike please contact us through DM or at info@coreindoorcycling.com.”
Academy Flats Awaits Approval From Jersey City Board
In 2020 plans were submitted for redeveloping the building located at 181-189 Academy Street in Jersey City. This plot is situated about one-half mile from the Journal Square PATH station. At this point, the proposed building would include 30 studios, 35 one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom apartments, and five parking spots assigned to the building. According to NJ.com, the submitted application does not state that any units would be designated as affordable housing.
2 Transformer Explosions in Hoboken Within 12 Hours
Photo credit: @brakethrough_jf
A transformer exploded in uptown Hoboken on the corner of 11th and Hudson Streets, leaving many residents and businesses without power and wondering what happened. Just hours later in the early morning hours on February 16th, another transformer exploded near Park and 14th Streets. Throughout the night, our readers sent photos and videos of the scene. Click here for more details including a quote from PSE&G.
Former Jersey City Ed Board President + Officials Indicted on Corruption Charges
In an announcement made on Tuesday, Former Jersey City School Board President Sudhan Thomas, former State Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, and two former Morris County officeholders were indicted on charges that they accepted bribes. NJ.com reported that the charges came about as a result of an investigation of political corruption in Hudson and Morris counties.
The Sinatra Room Speakeasy Officially Opens at Monroe’s in Hoboken
The Sinatra Room has officially opened at Monroe’s. The location of Monroe’s {36-42 Newark Street in Hoboken} where The Sinatra Room lives, is where the infamous Clam Broth House first opened in 1899. As it turns out, Frank Sinatra allegedly frequently played at the Clam Broth House, making the namesake of the speakeasy-style bar a suitable homage. Click here to learn more of the history behind this restaurant and its new bar.
Jersey City Free Public Library Eliminates Overdue Fees
Jersey City Free Public Library Director Jeffrey Trzeciak announced the elimination of overdue fines for the library, making it the largest fine-and fee-free institution in New Jersey, according to The Hudson Reporter. The library’s Board of Trustees voted in favor of the policy change on January 12, which they said will help reduce barriers and provide equal access for all the library’s patrons.
American Legion Opens Bar at Post 107
Following years of work, the Bar at Post 107 is officially open. After being damaged by Hurricane Sandy the American Legion Post 107 developed a new building that serves as residential housing and a community center — while also being flood-resilient. The housing is reserved for homeless veterans. Tap Into has more details about the full-service bar, now open to the public.
Hoboken Pastor Seeks GOP Nod to Take on Murphy
On Monday, February 15th, Phillip Rizzo, a Hoboken pastor announced that he has filed paperwork with the Division of Elections to establish a campaign to run for governor. The article on NJ.com says he is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, in November. He will be facing at least two other Republicans in the June primaries.
Hudson County to Install Speed Table at Pier 13 Intersection
Following years of community feedback, Hudson County has agreed to install a speed table at the intersection directly in front of Pier 13 in uptown Hoboken. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher plans to share more details in the future, noting in her newsletter, “It can be as wide as a crosswalk or like what is planned eventually for Garden and 15th, it can be the entire intersection. I am not sure the exact design yet for the Pier 13 Intersection, but will share as soon as I do.” Construction is expected to start this April or May.
Holland Park Proposal Includes New Light Rail Station
At the end of January, a community meeting reviewed proposed zoning changes in Jersey City, near the Hoboken border. One of the companies requesting the modifications is East Rutherford-based Lincoln Equities Group, according to Jersey Digs. The company is looking to develop the area between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue into a pedestrian plaza that would include a light rail station.
Revival Vintage Boutique to Soft Open New Hoboken Location February 26th
On Friday, February 26th Revival Vintage Boutique will be soft opening in its new location in Hoboken. Following the initial open, the shop will be open Saturday and Sunday 12PM – 6PM and Monday 3PM – 8PM. Originally starting off in a tent at the Brooklyn Flea market, this boutique soon opened its doors to the Manhattan neighborhood in East Village before making its way to Hoboken. Tucked in the back neighborhood of town, the red brick building is hard to miss. From cocktail gowns and hats to hard-to-find memorabilia, this boutique is worth a visit.
Two Men Shot By Police in 2019 Fireworks Incident File Federal Lawsuit Against Jersey City
Two men who were shot by police in Jersey City on July 1st, 2019 have filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming the officers allegedly used excessive force and attempted to cover it up, per NJ.com. The incident involved three Jersey City police officers who fired 22 shots at a group of young men in the city’s Arlington Gardens Public housing complex, two of whom ended up in the hospital.
Random Acts of Kindness Week in Hoboken
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Local residents have partnered with Tony Boloney’s to deliver meals to the Hoboken Homeless Shelter over the past month. As this week was Random Acts of Kindness Week, the account Raakhee Mirchandani highlighted the involvement of the community in supporting the shelter.
“Over the last month, thanks to the generosity of donors – and partnership with @tonyboloneys who offer us discounted pricing when we order food for the @hoboken_shelter – or sub night has been a delicious, meaningful + substantial way to spread love and kindness for shelter guests.”
NJ to Bankroll $100M in Electric Buses + Trucks
Local officials plan to use $100M to clear the air of fumes created by public transportation buses and utility trucks, in an effort to ease the burden of respiratory illness that residents now endure. The plan, more details of which are available at NJ.com, includes buying electric trucks and buses for NJ Transit, per an announcement made by Governor Murphy.
Jersey City Approves $2.5M in Rent Relief
The Jersey City Economic Development Corporation will award over $2.5M in rent relief and utility assistance to over 1,600 low-income households throughout Jersey City. Each resident who applied through the Hardship Assistance Program and qualified will be made aware of their eligibility for $1,500 in relief funds.
Hudson Price Center Launches Virtual Support Group
The Hudson Pride Center is launching a virtual support group as a resource to local parents. This 4-session space support group is aimed at building communication skills, improving understanding, and identifying challenges faced while raising LGBTQIA+ children. Spots can be reserved at hudsonpride.org. The group will meet 6PM – 7:30PM via Zoom on March 11th, March 25th, April 8th, and April 22nd. Interested parties can sign up in English and in Spanish.
Mansoo Kim Joins Hudson Family Chiropractic — and Practice Celebrates 21 Years in Business
Mansoo Kim, N.S., L.Ac, D.P.T., has joined the team at Hudson Family Chiropractic and Physical Therapy located at 51 Newark Street #203 in Hoboken. Dr. Kim will practice in a new, private room to provide treatments in acupuncture and physical therapy. Dr. John Rotundo also announced on Facebook this past week that he opened Hudson Family Chiropractic and Physical Therapy 21 years ago {this week!} and has been treating thousands of residents since then.
Vitamin Shoppe taking over Former Hudson Paperie Space
The Vitamin Shoppe will be taking over the retail space at 312 Washington Street which was occupied by Hudson Paperie — until they relocated in 2020. Customers will find supplements, proteins, healthy weight support, aromatherapy, herbs, superfoods, natural beauty products, and more at The Vitamin Shoppe. This comes just a year after GNC closed not far down the block.
Jersey City Ranked #1 Most Diverse City in the Nation
Hoboken’s neighboring city — whose current mayor is Steven Fulop, with a population of 264,000 — is no stranger to the honor presented by database WalletHub. Since 2017, JC has nabbed the title regularly. Now with a three-year streak under its belt, JC has ranked highest in three main subcategories: ethnoracial, linguistic, and birthplace diversity. Overall, Jersey City received an ethnic diversity score of 72.41 out of a possible 100, according to a WalletHub study. For context, New York City came in at #6 and received a score of 69.4. In the first category — ethnoracial diversity — Jersey City ranked second. In birthplace diversity, Jersey City was ranked 155th and in linguistic diversity, JC was ranked first. Click here for more information.
Beyoncé’s Adidas x IVY PARK Collection Drops Ice Sculptures in New Jersey + New York
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Ahead of her Adidas x IVY PARK collection, which dropped on Friday, February 19th, Beyoncé garnered excitement in New York and New Jersey with larger-than-life ice sculptures of the fashion line. These giant ice sculpture shoes have been spotted in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, Brooklyn’s Domino Park, and Manhattan’s Bryant Park.
Sociale Candles Launches The Boyfriend Collection
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A new candle shop, Sociale Candle {pronounced so-chee-ah-le, think Italian} dropped its first online collection this week. Available for pre-order as of Friday, February 19th, these hand-poured candles are the brainchild of couple Alex Cesarini and Greg Bennett, based in Jersey City. The Boyfriend Collection features three candles called Bro, Hipster, and Ivy Leager.
Local Personal Trainer Raises Money for Hoboken Thrift Store
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Local personal trainer Kyle Smith recently hosted a virtual workout class with the stipulation that all proceeds go to help a small business. The students chose to donate the money {just over $1K} to St Mary’s Advocates Inc. Thrift Store in Hoboken. According to their Instagram post, the shop owners received the class’s donation this week.
Busy Bee Organics Opens Downtown Jersey City Location
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Local staple Busy Bee Organics has set up shop in the lobby inside the DVORA building at 175 2nd Street, a recently completed rental building in the Powerhouse Arts District of downtown Jersey City. The cafe space will be open to residents and the public alike, offering 100% gluten-free, organic, and vegan options like banana pancakes, house-made granola, breakfast tacos, gluten-free sandwiches, and black bean burgers with spiced tahini.
Cafe Lafayette Coming Soon to Jersey City
Photo credit: @cafelafayettejc
Cafe Lafayette will be coming soon to 74 Maple Street in Jersey City, according to a post on its Instagram account. There is no word yet on what the opening date is or what patrons can expect to see on the menu. The restaurant is in a new development area across the street from the River Mart and Solaris Lofts apartment building.
Hoboken Fire Department Responds to 2-Alarm Fire
A two-alarm fire was reported on Tuesday, February 16th at 419 Monroe Street in Hoboken. The Hoboken Fire Department eventually declared the situation under control. One resident was treated on scene for smoke inhalation, according to a post shared by the fire department. All seven apartments were displaced pending repairs to the building.
