Once every four years, there’s a February 29th, and it will take place this week. Spring is just around the corner here in Hudson County, where it’s been another busy, exciting week. We’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the highlights: Hoboken’s Mayor organizes a working group for e-bike delivery rules; a Bayonne church celebrates the 100th anniversary of its organ; and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office prepares for a DWI checkpoint in Jersey City. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending February 25th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines:
- The Viral Hoboken Rescue Dog, Milo, Who Stole the Internet’s Heart
- Hoboken’s Local Barre Social Club is Open Again, Despite 12 Hours of Closure
- This Family-Owned, Hoboken Pizzeria’s Instagram Skits are Going Viral
- The Margo Market Opening Pop-Up Jewelry Shop in Hoboken
- Mayor Bhalla to Establish Working Group on E-Bike Delivery Regulations
- Hoboken Library Receives Grant for Project About Puerto Rican Community
- Residential Tower Proposed on Liberty Harbor Site in Jersey City
- Hoboken Police to Host Public Safety Forum, 3rd Carjacking Reported
- Jersey City Zoning Board Denies Developer Application for Residential Project
- Electric Dandelions are Coming to Hoboken this Friday 2/23
- Hudson County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct DWI Checkpoint
- Bayonne City Council Takes Action on Short-Term Rentals
- 100-Year Celebration for Bayonne Church’s Organ
- Jersey City Ranked 4th Among Top 30 Mid-Sized U.S. Cities for Green Commuting
- Jersey City Man Convicted of Fatally Stabbing Woman in 2018
- New Jersey Lawmakers Approve Bill That Could Raise School Taxes
- Jersey City Fridays Back in Action Starting in March
- Over a Dozen Families Displaced After Jersey City Fire
- Hoboken Gets High Marks from Credit Rating Institution
- Jersey City Proposal Addresses e-Bike Delivery Drivers
- Five Jersey City Landlords Receive Notices of Violations of New Jersey’s Fair Chance in Housing Act
- No Injuries After Bayonne Apartment Fire
The Viral Hoboken Rescue Dog, Milo, Who Stole the Internet’s Heart
One of the hottest stars on social media lives right here in Hoboken. He’s gone viral with over 30 million views and 170K reshares, and he does it all without speaking. This silent wonder is Milo, a Hoboken pup whose happy walks have charmed viewers worldwide. Milo is a 13 lb ball of golden fluff whose playful hops have residents bouncing with excitement, and social media users grinning with joy. Read on for more about Milo and his Hoboken life with owner Alicia Roche.
Hoboken’s Local Barre Social Club is Open Again, Despite 12 Hours of Closure
The Local Barre Social Club is touted as Hoboken’s first women-focused community which is a co-working-meets-workout space — meets community hub. Having opened as the new space back in 2022, the space had become a hub for regulars and women in West Hoboken to frequent. But on February 21, 2024, the space briefly closed its doors — and shared with its clients that it would be closed for the evening and morning, so the rumors were swirling. The Hoboken Girl team spoke with Joe DeMarco, owner and co-founder of the space, on the situation on February 22nd. Read on for more.
This Family-Owned, Hoboken Pizzeria’s Instagram Skits are Going Viral
Family-run businesses have oft been the subject of movies and TV shows — from Succession and The Bear to Hoboken’s very own The Cake Boss, there’s something truly fascinating about families that can withstand the pressures of business (and those that can’t… ahem, Succession). One family-owned Hoboken pizzeria, Mario’s Classic Pizza, has brought this theme to Instagram, chronicling the trials, triumphs, and trifles of working with family through weekly Instagram skits. The videos are, put plainly, hilarious, and the internet has responded accordingly: in the past month, Mario’s has gained 4,000 new Instagram followers, with one video surpassing 1 million views. We chatted with the Albunia family (who has owned Mario’s for 30+ years) to learn all about their newfound internet fame. Keep reading for the inspiration behind this Hoboken pizzeria’s viral Instagram videos (and to see what all the hype is about).
The Margo Market Opening Pop-Up Jewelry Shop in Hoboken
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The Margo Market concept store, located at 1102 Washington Street, has been a go-to destination among Hoboken shoppers since its inception back in 2018. The boutique, known for showcasing independent designers across the globe and prioritizing ethically sourced products, recently closed as of February 15th, 2024 — but this is not the end of owner Maggie’s ventures in the Mile Square. The team behind Margo Market recently announced that it would be opening up a pop-up jewelry shop in the same location as the former storefront. Read on for everything we know about Goldie Jewelry Studio coming to Hoboken, NJ.
New PATH Station Open in Harrison
Elected representatives and leaders from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey celebrated the opening of a $47.2 million project to rebuild the station house in Harrison. According to a press release, the station features new amenities such as an elevator; a public plaza with seating; 82 bicycle parking spots along a 17,800-square-foot concourse; and a dedicated turnstile that accepts TAPP, PATH’s new contactless tap-and-go fare payment. Other turnstiles in the station house continue to accept existing PATH fare payment systems such as SmartLink and MetroCard. The station house replacement project was funded partly by a $40.7 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant.
Bayonne City Council Takes Action on Short-Term Rentals
The Bayonne City Council has taken action to restrict short-term rentals in the community. According to TapIntoBayonne, many residents have spoken out against the rentals, saying that the occupants are loud and disruptive, and the rentals make scarce parking even harder to find. The new rules approved by the council put strict requirements on property owners to register the properties with the city and live on-site during a certain portion of the year.
Hoboken Public Safety Update: Carjackings, Police Chief Speaks
While most of us think that Hoboken has a small-town feel, it does have some big-city problems. Rats and parking are two issues that come to mind, but this year has seen three carjacking incidents take place in Hoboken. This week, Hoboken Police hosted a public safety forum for residents and issued an alert seeking suspects in a January carjacking. Click here for the latest.
Jersey City Zoning Board Denies Developer Application for Residential Project
The Jersey City Zoning Board unanimously voted to deny an application by developer Moshe Sugar to build a four-story, four-unit building at 128 Glenwood Avenue. The developer, who is responsible for the construction of a similar building two doors down from the proposed building, was denied a bid to build, helping to preserve the historic image of Glenwood Avenue per NJ.com.
Electric Dandelions are Coming to Hoboken this Friday 2/23
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Last January, an array of small, stained-glass houses started popping up throughout Hoboken, unannounced. The mysterious little structures, aside from being a cartoonishly perfect place to live, were the work of Brooklyn-based artist Tom Fruin and part of an initiative from Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA). This year, HBA is continuing its tradition of outdoor artwork with an installation of Electric Dandelions from artist Abram Santa Cruz and Los Angeles arts collective Liquid PXL. The massive, glowing structures will be unveiled at Hoboken’s Pier A Park this Friday, February 23rd. Read on to learn more about the Electric Dandelions coming to Hoboken.
Residential Tower Proposed on Liberty Harbor Site in Jersey City
A 300+ foot residential tower has been proposed to fill a vacant lot between two existing residential buildings in Jersey City. According to Jersey Digs, the Jersey City Planning Board recommended changes made to a plan for the building which will be located at 155 Marin Boulevard. The lot had previously been part of a deal to build a Marriott property from the ground up. The building will have 300 residential units in studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
Mayor Bhalla to Establish Working Group on E-Bike Delivery Regulations
A new working group of local stakeholders, including members of law enforcement, the Vision Zero Task Force, and Hoboken City Councilmembers to create solutions that address the logistical challenges of e-bike delivery operations and pedestrian safety. This effort, according to the Mayor’s press release, will help create a safer neighborhood for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers through the city’s Vision Zero pedestrian safety initiative is a high priority for Mayor Bhalla’s team to ensure that everyone can continue to benefit from the use of e-bike deliveries while protecting all members of the community.
Beloved Hoboken Groomer, Erica Li, Announces Move to Local Pet Grooming Salon
As a beloved Hoboken pet groomer, Erica Li has served the Hoboken community for many years. She’s a local resident, business owner, former Hoboken Girl of the Week, cancer survivor, and dog lover. Many rely on her for dog grooming services and feel a deep sense of trust in leaving their furry friends in her care. When it was announced that she was leaving her space due to a pet supply store coming in, locals were concerned about where she’d end up. But, lucky for the Hoboken community, she’s staying put in Hoboken — and joining newer Hoboken grooming salon, Furever Fresh, located at 367 1st Street, as a groomer. Click here for more on the transition.
Jersey City Ranked 4th Among Top 30 Mid-Sized U.S. Cities for Green Commuting
In a study done by CommercialCafe, Jersey City ranked 4th Among Top 30 Mid-Sized U.S. Cities for Green Commuting. Some standout metrics include: 4th highest share of carpoolers (14.3%) and more than a third of the city’s workforce (35.6%) use local transit to commute. Jersey City placed 1st on the list, significantly ahead of its runner-up, Newark at 19.6%.
Hoboken Library Receives Grant for Project About Puerto Rican Community
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Congressman Rob Menendez announced a federal grant of $69,449 to support the Hoboken Library. According to a press release from Rep. Menendez’s office, the grant is for the library’s “The Puerto Rican Experience in Hoboken and America” project. This Library of Congress (LOC) grant will allow the Hoboken Public Library to explore the history of Hoboken’s longstanding and significant Puerto Rican community while engaging Hoboken residents with public events and celebrations of Puerto Rican culture. The LOC grant will provide the Hoboken Public Library with the resources to produce an interactive timeline illustrating the histories and relationships between Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, emphasizing on the arrivals of many Puerto Ricans to Hoboken from the island during the 1960s. With this grant, the library will also be able to host four public events at Hoboken Housing Authority senior centers in celebration of the culture and music of Puerto Rico, featuring music from the Library’s vinyl collections and national jukebox recordings.
Hudson County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct DWI Checkpoint
To promote public safety, officers from the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DWI checkpoint on Saturday, February 24th. The checkpoint will be near the area of be John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue in Jersey City, and officers will screen for drugs and alcohol, according to the Hudson County View. “The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping the traveling public safe, which is why the primary purpose of this checkpoint is not to make arrests but to deter drivers from driving impaired,” Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari said in a statement.
Jersey City Man Convicted of Fatally Stabbing Woman in 2018
46-year-old Ishmeal Coleman, of Jersey City, was convicted of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. The incident happened on August 12th, 2018 when the Jersey City Police Department was called for the injury of a female at 391 Forrest Street. Takeela Wilson, 38, of Jersey City, was unresponsive when police arrived and was pronounced dead at the scene. Sentencing in the case is tentatively scheduled for May 2024.
100-Year Celebration for Bayonne Church’s Organ
St. Henry Roman Catholic Church in Bayonne will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its organ on Sunday, February 25th. Per TapInto, St. Henry’s will celebrate with a special mass that will kick off a year-long celebration. The church is located Avenue C between 28th and 29th Streets. An organ recital at 11:40AM on Sunday, February 25th will precede the mass.
New Jersey Lawmakers Approve Bill That Could Raise School Taxes
Lawmakers in the state Senate have advanced a bill that could raise school taxes. This bill would “allow districts facing state aid cuts in the current or coming school year to exceed the state’s 2% cap on property tax hike,” per the Jersey City Times. Schools that have faced major cuts in state aid, such as Jersey City, would be eligible to raise taxes above the state limit, without voter approval, more quickly than under the current law.
Jersey City Fridays Back in Action Starting in March
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The first official JC Fridays of 2024 will take place on Friday, March 1st, 2024. The quarterly arts festival is free and open to the public and includes a diverse array of activities from visual art exhibitions to live music, to studio tours, to name a few. Event hosts include ANDCO, Art House Gallery, ART 150, Backroom Arts, Centre Pompidou x Jersey City, City Swipes, Drawing Rooms, Dream Studio, Dvora 175, Dvora Art House, EGGMAN, Eonta Space, Evening Star Studio, Free Maison, Guaicora Studios & Juice Box Bar JC, Hamilton House, The Oakman, Outliers Gallery, Shampoo JC, Team Wilderness, SILVERMAN Building & the Majestic Theatre Condominium, and more. More information can be found here.
Over a Dozen Families Displaced After Jersey City Fire
On Wednesday, February 21st at 7AM, Jersey City firefighters responded to reports of a fire at an apartment building located at 48 Clifton Place. The fire was extinguished about an hour later, according to NJ.com. One resident was hospitalized for smoke inhalation but no other injuries were reported. The fire displaced 31 people from the two-story brick building.
Hoboken Gets High Marks from Credit Rating Institution
S&P Global Ratings gave the City of Hoboken high marks for its fiscal health. Per a press release from the City, S&P reaffirmed the City’s AA+ credit rating, the second highest possible rating for a municipality. S&P Global Ratings attributed Hoboken’s high credit rating to the strength of its residential tax base, cautious budgeting process, and commitment to fund balance growth and restoration following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jersey City Proposal Addresses e-Bike Delivery Drivers
Jersey City is following Hoboken’s lead in addressing challenges presented by the number of e-bike delivery drivers in the city. A proposal has been introduced to the Jersey City Council by Councilman James Solomon to regulate e-bike delivery drivers, according to the Jersey City Times. The proposal includes setting up a licensing fee for third-party delivery services to be registered within the city; creating a system to protect worker tips; and requiring drivers to get a driver ID number and wear reflective vests.
No Injuries After Bayonne Apartment Fire
An apartment fire in Bayonne was extinguished quickly by firefighters on Thursday, February 15th. Per the Hudson County View, first responders arrived at a four-story apartment building located at 1084 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Residents were evacuated while firefighters put out the fire, which was believed to be an accidental kitchen fire.
Jersey City Approves 14-Unit Building Despite Neighborhood Opposition
Plans for an eight-story residential building were approved at 152 Ogden Avenue in Jersey City despite vocal opposition from residents. Per the Hudson County View, the 14-unit building will obstruct views and sunlight of current dwellings, and many questioned the soundness of putting such a large building on a cliffside lot. The plan was unanimously approved, with leaders pointing out that the plan complied with state- and city-regulated standards.
Hoboken Cannabis Zoning Proposal On Hold
A proposal to change current zoning restrictions on Hoboken’s cannabis businesses has been tabled for now. The proposal would change the zoning restrictions to create a smaller prohibited radius around schools, going from a 600-foot to 200-foot boundary where cannabis businesses could not operate, according to Patch.
Five Jersey City Landlords Receive Notices of Violations of New Jersey’s Fair Chance in Housing Act
Five Jersey City landlords have been notified of violations of the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA), which provides broad protections against housing discrimination on the basis of prior criminal history. According to a press release from the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, the Notices of Violation allege that the housing providers violated the law by asking criminal history-related questions on housing applications that are prohibited by the law, by stating to potential applicants that they would not consider applicants with prior criminal records, or by posting housing advertisements or maintaining housing policies that do not comply with the FCHA.
