It’s officially the month of February when love and sports take center stage, but romance and football aren’t the only stories making headlines in Hudson County. Every week we aggregate the headlines from across the internet — including ours — rounded up for your easy reading. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending February 4th, 2024. Have a news story or press release? Email it to hello@hobokengirl.com.
Among the Headlines:
- Hoboken Chef Christina Miros Appears on Gordon Ramsey’s Next Level Chef
- North Bergen Man Charged with Cyber-Stalking Victims
- Hoboken Resident’s Children’s Book Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
- 3% New Jersey Toll Increase to Begin in March
- American Horror Stories Spotted Filming in Hoboken Again
- Hoboken Dispensary The Station Adds Recreational Sales
- Estate Sale at Historic Hoboken Home Happening this Weekend
- Drybar Announces Closure of Its Hoboken Location
- Hoboken Bridal Shop to Celebrate Grand Opening
- NJ Hospital Systems Recognized by Newsweek
- Mochi Dough and Bober Tea Coming to Jersey City
- Hoboken’s YogaRenew Partners with The Momtourage Podcast for a Special Live Event
The Hoboken Girl’s 4th Annual Puppy Bowl Contest — NOMINATE YOUR PUP!
We are so excited to share The Hoboken Girl’s 4th Annual Puppy Bowl is here for another round of adorable nominating, voting, and winning. We can all agree that Hudson County is a great place to live (and play!) with a pup, so sharing photos of your adorable four-legged friend is a must — especially when prizes are involved and when it helps a local non-profit rescue. One lucky dog will be crowned the winner of some amazing local prizes. We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships to Wise Animal Rescue, and we encourage those who enter to do the same. The contest will take place from Friday, February 2nd through Thursday, February 15th. Read on for more information here.
Introducing The Hoboken Girl’s New Events Calendar
Living in cities like Hoboken and Jersey City, no two weekends are ever the same. New events take place either daily, weekly, or monthly. From an artist hosting an opening reception of a new exhibit to pop-up markets and more, our events calendar has it all. The Hoboken Girl has been a weekly events guide for the Hoboken and Jersey City communities to stay in the know of what’s taking place locally each week. Readers and event organizers have been able to email their events for potential inclusion — but, we have made the process quicker and easier. Our self-service events calendar is a NEW feature on our site — giving readers the chance to view upcoming events, and event hosts to post their events for free — before our weekly events article goes live on TheHobokenGirl.com and shared on our socials. Read on to learn about this new website feature and how to submit an event to HG’s new events calendar here.
Lost Dog Takes Solo Commute on NJ Transit from South Orange to Hoboken
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. A lost dog took a solo trip from Mountain Station in South Orange and traveled to Hoboken Terminal on February 1st. Read on for what we know about the dog, now safe in the custody of the Jersey City Animal Shelter, who was spotted on NJ Transit here.
Hoboken Zoning Board Approves Modern Development on Grand Street
Hoboken’s Zoning Board has approved the redevelopment plan for 325-329 Grand Street, a project proposed by TH Start Grant Multi LLC, per Jersey Digs. The modern development, designed by Nastasi Architects, involves demolishing three buildings to make way for a four-story residential complex with a ground-floor parking garage. The project will include 20 units, with two designated as affordable housing, and features amenities like a common roof deck and rear yard for residents.
Jersey City Doughnut Shop The LoDG Closing Heights Location on 2/11
In Jersey City, ice cream shops and coffee spots are plentiful, but an interest in finding really great local doughnuts is on the rise. The LoDG opened its doors at 7 Bleeker Street in The Heights and JC residents are grateful that they did. The shop was founded by a couple who happen to be a biomedical engineer and a lawyer, which is how the name — The Law of Donutgineering — came to be. On Friday, February 2nd, this charming addition to the sweets scene announced its closure, effective February 11th. Keep reading to learn more about The LoDG in Jersey City Heights and its closure here.
New Hoboken Ordinance Proposed to Require Licensure for E-Bike Delivery Drivers
Through surveys and conversations, I’ve been listening to residents about Hoboken streets and today we take an important step forward.
A new licensing process will be established that will require those who use electric bikes, scooters, or other similar electric vehicles.. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/PSpFMY2MDV
— Councilman Michael Russo (@MichaelRussoNJ) February 2, 2024
A proposal creating a licensing system for drivers of electric bikes, scooters, or other similar electric vehicles in Hoboken will be introduced at the next Hoboken City Council meeting, according to a post on X from Hoboken Councilman Dr. Michael Russo. The proposal establishes costs for licenses and fines for improper use of the vehicles. The ordinance is co-sponsored by Ruben Ramos, Jr. and Paul Presinzano and will be introduced on Wednesday, February 8th at Hoboken’s City Council meeting.
Secaucus Invests $500K in License Plate Reading Security Cameras
Secaucus is allocating $500,000 from this year’s budget to install security cameras equipped with license plate reading capabilities at all entrances/exits in the town, per Hudson County View. The town council improved the plan to enhance public safety, and the cameras will be monitored only by the police department. The cameras aim to identify vehicles involved in criminal activity and will be used as a proactive tool to combat auto theft.
Hoboken Dispensary The Station Adds Recreational Sales
With recreational and medicinal cannabis now legalized in New Jersey, new businesses such as dispensaries have been trying to establish themselves in the Garden State. Terrapin, a Colorado-based cannabis dispensary, was approved by Hoboken officials back in 2021 to open a medical cannabis dispensary in the Mile Square at 86 River Street. Now, the spot — called The Station — is open for medical cannabis sales, with recreational sales starting on Monday, February 5th, 2024. Read on to learn more about the Station located at 86 River Street in Hoboken, NJ here.
Driver Indicted in Triple Fatal Crash
A 23-year-old driver, Ziyang Wang, has been indicted on manslaughter charges for a car crash in Jersey City Heights last fall that resulted in the death of two young men and one woman, per a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. A Hudson County Grand Jury returned an indictment on January 11th, charging Ziyang with three counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, three counts of reckless manslaughter, three deaths by auto, one count of aggravated assault, and one count of assault by auto. The crash occurred on October 16th, 2023, around 12:45AM, involving a BMW X5 M50i and a Kia Amanti on Paterson Plant Road, south of Congress Street, overlooking Hoboken.
HoLa’s Charter School Receives Third Consecutive Renewal
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HoLa Charter School announced the renewal of its charter by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the third consecutive term, per an email from the HoLa community. The NJDOE found HoLa to be high-performing across all charter school renewal processes encompassing financial, operational, governance, and academic assessments.
Hoboken’s YogaRenew Partners with The Momtourage Podcast for Special Live Event
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Hoboken’s YogaRenew and The Momtourage Podcast will collaborate for The Love Hangover, a special live-stream event at YogaRenew in Hoboken at 12 Hudson Place, per a press release. Co-hosts Ashley Hearon-Smith and Keri Setaro will join YogaRenew’s Co-Founder Kate Lombardo to discuss motherhood, parenting, and self-care. The event will take place on February 15th and is open to the public. The event will feature a 60-minute podcast, special guests, interactive games, giveaways, and complimentary treats from sponsors, including local eatery Alfalfa.
Jersey City Rent Control Lawsuit Unfolds
Residents of Jersey City apartment building Portside Towers are in a dispute with the landlord over rent control, per NJ.com. The landlord, Equity Residential, challenges the city’s decision to impose rent control in a federal lawsuit, saying it’s unconstitutional. Simultaneously, tenants filed a lawsuit alleging improper enforcement of the rent board’s ruling. The case stems from a board decision in October 2023, which determined the buildings were subject to rent control, limiting increases to 4%.
Mochi Dough + Bober Tea Coming to Jersey City
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A Japanese-inspired donut and premium bubble tea shop, Mochi Dough, will open its first East Coast location in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, per Jersey Digs. The shop will share the space with Bober Tea in The Starling at 66 Monitor Street. The six-story rental property will also feature a new full-service restaurant called The Roxy.
Hoboken Planning Board Amends Redevelopment Plan
The Hoboken Planning Board amended the North End Redevelopment Plan, increasing residential space and conforming to flooding safety regulations, per Hudson County View. The amendment involves two buildings with 420 dwelling units at 1500 Grand Street, allocating 10% as affordable. The changes aim to adhere to flood prevention regulations while adding flexibility for mixed-use and potential commercial conversion based on market demands. The amendments were passed unanimously.
Drybar Announces Closure of Its Hoboken Location
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The Hoboken location of Drybar, a popular chain of blow-dry studios, announced it would close in early February. The business, located at 218 Washington Street, is known for its chic blowouts and other styles and sent an email to local subscribers this week announcing the closure. Read on for more about what we know about the closure of Hoboken’s Drybar here.
North Bergen Gains New Police Chief
Robert Farley Jr. has been sworn in as the new police chief of North Bergen, per Hudson County View. The ceremony, held at the Recreation Center, saw Mayor Nick Sacco highlighting Robert’s hard work and dedication in reaching the top position within the police department. Robert has been a police officer since 1997 and will be taking over for Chief Peter Fasilis who retired after 26 years of service.
Estate Sale at Historic Hoboken Home Happening this Weekend
^ Jim + Beverly Hans at the May 2007 Music + Arts Festival in Hoboken. Photo credit: Hoboken Historical Museum.
On January 8th, the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission kicked off 2024 with its first meeting of the year, which included a vote concerning the future of a well-known Hoboken home. At the meeting, the Commission heard a petition to demolish the home located at 206 3rd Street, which was built in 1840. Perhaps more notable than the home’s age is its former resident: Jim Hans, the founder of the Hoboken Historical Museum. Ultimately, the Commission voted to delay the decision until the February 5th meeting. For a final goodbye, there will be an estate sale at the home from February 2nd – February 4th, featuring Jim’s collection of art and other Hoboken-related ephemera. Read on to learn about Jim’s legacy, the estate sale, and what’s next for the property here.
Senior Arrested in Fatal Jersey City Hit-and-Run
A 71-year-old Jersey City man, Muhammad Ali, has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on October 20th, 2023, per a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. The victim, 85-year-old Mumtaz Chaudhry, was pronounced dead at the scene at Fairview Avenue and Monticello Avenue. Muhammad faces charges of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Endangering an Injured Victim. The arrest was made on the same day by the Hudson County’s Prosecutors Office. Muhammad is released and is pending his first court appearance on February 13th.
American Horror Stories Spotted Filming in Hoboken Again
Hoboken has its fair share of rumored-to-be-haunted places, and though Elysian Cafe isn’t one of them, it entered a new category last November: rumored to be the filming location for a popular horror television series. Elysian Cafe, Hoboken’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, was closed to customers from Tuesday, November 28th until Thursday, November 30th so that American Horror Stories — an FX + Hulu spinoff of the popular series American Horror Story — could use the restaurant as a film set. While there were no celebs appearances in November, in the past, notable figures like Kaia Gerber and Paris Jackson (yes, Michael Jackson’s daughter) have starred on the show. Most recently, the crew of American Horror Stories was spotted filming again in the Mile Square on Friday, January 26th. Read on for everything we know about American Horror Stories filming in Hoboken here.
3% New Jersey Toll Increase to Begin in March
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has approved a 3% toll increase on the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, set to take effect on March 1st, 2024, per the New Jersey Monitor. Governor Murphy previously disapproved the plan in October but says he plans to approve the 3% toll increase to prioritize the safety and mobility of all New Jersey residents and commuters.
NJCU Reports 26% Surge in Enrollments for Spring Semester
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New Jersey City University (NJCU) has seen a substantial increase in enrollments, with graduate and undergraduate student numbers increasing by over 26% for the spring semester, per Hudson County View. The NJCU Enrollment Management Team reported a 27.31% rise in new graduate enrollments compared to the previous year, and new undergraduate enrollments increased by 26.45%. The boost in enrollments is attributed to collaborative efforts that focus on serving a predominantly, working-class, first-generation student community, according to NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo.
Hoboken Bid Notice for South West Resiliency Park Expansion
The City of Hoboken has issued a bid notice for the South West Resiliency Park expansion (Bid No. 24-02), per HobokenNJ.gov. The expansion project, located at 57 Marshall Street and 60 Harrison Street, aims to provide recreational amenities and implement innovative stormwater management measures. The 0.803-acre park, serving as an expansion of the existing Southwest Resiliency Park, includes facilities such as Pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, splash pad, bathrooms, lighting, seating, shape, structures, signage, drink, fountains, bike racks. The project is funded by the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust; Green Acres; Green Acres Urban Parks Grant; Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund; and FEMA BRIC Grant. Sealed bids will be accepted by March 13th, 2024, at 2PM. More information can be found on the city’s website.
Hoboken Resident’s Children’s Book Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
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Patrick Noel Daly is a Hoboken resident who has released a children’s book called A Young Hero Triceratops Named Noly, according to an email from Patrick’s team. Patrick aims to share Noly’s story and inspire young minds to think like an entrepreneur and resourcefully. The book is part of a series that encourages positivity, courage, and helping others, fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers. A copy of the book can be found on Amazon.
Jersey City Artist Launches 40-Foot Knitted Flag at Liberty State Park’s CRRNJ Terminal
Photo Credit: Woolpunk
A Jersey City artist who goes by the name Woolpunk has created and showcased a 20×40-foot knitted flag at Liberty State Park’s historic CRRNJ terminal, per a press release. The installation, part of Art Fair 14C, serves as a tribute to America’s workforce and symbolizes unity. Art Fair 14C is a Jersey-centric nonprofit that supports artists and increases their opportunities. On March 10th, the flag will backdrop “gimme shelter,” a community “stitch-in” event creating blankets for the unhoused, partnering with Art Fair 14C, Liberty State Park, York Street Project, and Garden State Community Development Corporation.
Applications Open for Hackensack Riverkeeper Utzinger-Vellekamp Scholarships
Hackensack Riverkeeper is accepting applications for its 2024 Utzinger-Vellekamp Scholarship to mark its 24th year honoring the memory of the two founding trustees, per NJ.com. The $2000 award supports environmental leaders living or attending school within the 210-square mile Hackensack River Watershed. Students from eligible high schools in Bergen, Hudson, and Rockland Counties can be nominated by teachers or guidance counselors, with applications due by April 22nd, 2024. The scholarship, originally named Hackensack Riverkeeper Environmental Scholarship, recognizes academic achievements, environmental activities, and future plans. The winner will be announced this summer.
Hoboken Marks 7 Years Without Traffic Deaths
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken has achieved seven years without traffic deaths, marking a significant milestone in road safety, per a press release. Vision Zero safety measures contributed to this achievement. The City has witnessed an 18% reduction in injury crashes and a 62% decrease in serious injuries from 2022 to 2023. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including multi-way stops, crosswalk restriping, curb ramp upgrades, and raised crosswalk installations, aim to further enhance road safety for all residents.
Hoboken Police Make Arrests in a November Shooting
Hoboken police arrested two minors in connection with a November 8th, 2023, shooting on the 300 block of Jackson Street, per a press release from the Hoboken Police Department. No injuries were reported during the November incident. After more than two months of investigation, the two individuals, who are minors, were charged with attempted homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, and weapons-related offenses. They turned themselves in on January 25th, 2024 where they were processed and released to their guardians while pending a juvenile court date.
New Breakfast + Lunch Spot Rise N Griddle Opens in Jersey City
Rise N Griddle is a new breakfast/lunch spot that is open in the former New York Bagel + Bake space at 576 West Side Avenue in Jersey City. Some menu items include egg sandwiches, omelets, waffles, bagels, coffee, and lunch sandwiches like grilled chicken with lettuce and tomatoes on a brioche bun. The eatery is open from 6AM to 2PM on Mondays through Saturdays, and closed Sundays.
North Bergen Man Charged with Cyber-Stalking Victims
Sarju Patel, a 39-year-old North Bergen resident, faces charges of stalking, cyber harassment, and harassment after an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit, per the Hudson County View. Sarju allegedly created fake social media accounts with names resembling his victims, posting their photos, checking their locations, and sending threatening letters. The defendant is s now in Bergen County Jail awaiting a court appearance in Hackensack at the Central Judicial Processing Court.
Updates for Jersey City High School Swimmers Amid Pool Repairs
Jersey City high school swim teams, including those from McNair, Dickinson, and Ferris high schools, have not been able to swim at the Ferris High School pool since November, per Patch. Complaints were voiced by parents and students at Jersey City’s Board of Education meeting on Thursday, January 25th, emphasizing the urgency as the swim season nears its end. The superintendent, Norma Fernandez, mentioned ongoing repairs and construction projects but stated that if the chemical levels are appropriate, students might regain access to the pool for competition and practice by the end of Monday, February 5th.
Man Arrested in Jersey City Heights Hit-and-Run Case
In a December hit-and-run case in Jersey City Heights, 45-year-old Marvin Flores Ortiz from Union City was arrested and charged, per a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. The December 20th incident left a 71-year-old pedestrian seriously injured. Marvin faces charges of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Endangering an Injured Victim. Marvin was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and released to await his first court appearance scheduled for February 13th.
NJ Hospital Systems Recognized by Newsweek
Newsweek has recognized NJ hospital systems in its second annual list of America’s Greatest Work Places for Diversity in 2024, per Newsweek. CarePoint, which owns Beyond Medical Center, Hoboken University Medical Center, and Christ Hospital in Jersey City, was one of the hospital systems in New Jersey to make the list. The other NJ hospital system to make the list is RWJBarnabas Health. The study included 78 industries, 223,000 employees, and 1.5 million in-depth company evaluations, highlighting the significance of a diverse workplace in the job market.
Secaucus Schools Consider Major Restructuring Plan
Secaucus school district officials are considering a proposal to separate younger and older students into different elementary schools from the 2024-25 school year, per NJ.com. The proposal was discussed at the Board of Education meeting on January 29th at Secaucus High School and aligned with national students suggesting educational benefits. Clarendon School on Fifth Street would host kindergarten through second grade, and Huber Street School at Paterson Plank Road and Huber Street would accommodate fourth-grade and fifth-grade students. The goal is to enhance student alignment by age to foster collaboration and optimizable educational resources.
Hoboken Chef Christina Miros Appears on Gordon Ramsey’s Next Level Chef
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Native Jersey girl and former Hoboken chef Christina Miros made her TV debut on Gordon Ramsey’s Next Level Chef on January 28th on FOX after the NFC Championship game. Her feature on Next Level Chef began after being addicted to watching the first two seasons with her daughter, and as a chef herself, decided to fill out an application, according to Christina. One challenge during her audition was to recreate a Sunday dinner at home where she made a gyro-inspired pork chop, lemon oregano potatoes, and tzatziki inspired by her Greek upbringing. The season 3 outcome can be followed on Thursdays at 8PM on Fox or streamed the next day on Hulu.
Jersey City Schools Secure $4M for Restroom Repairs
Jersey City schools received nearly $4M in state aid to address urgent bathroom repairs, addressing long-standing complaints about restroom conditions, per NJ.com. A recent student survey identified clean, well-stocked restrooms as a top priority for the safety and health of students and staff. The funding comes from the Schools Development Authority, aiming to enhance the learning environment for students in historically underfunded districts across the state.
Hoboken Bridal Shop to Celebrate Grand Opening
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Luxury wedding dress designer Adrienn Braun recently opened a wedding dress shop called Adrienn Braun Couture at 750 Monroe Street in Hoboken, according to the team behind Adrienn Braun Couture. The grand opening of the bridal showroom is scheduled for Wednesday, February 14th at 11:30AM, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Hoboken Mayor Bhalla. We have a full list of shops in the Monroe Center here.
