As the chill of January settles in, snowstorms aren’t the only events making headlines. It’s been an eventful week with noteworthy happenings, and we’ve gathered the latest local news roundup to keep you in-the-know. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending January 21st, 2024.
Among the headlines (all 20+ of them!):
- New Bagel Shop, Cheech’s Bagels, Coming to Downtown Jersey City
- Pasta Dal Cuore Closing in Jersey City
- Jersey City Tops Travel + Leisure’s “Best Place to Live” List in NJ
- 1st Phase of Hoboken Connect Revitalization Starts Soon
- Modcup Coffee Hoboken Location Opening Soon
- Centre Pompidou Will Host it’s First Event: ‘Night of Ideas’
- New Bar Rumored to Be Taking Over Former Mills Tavern Space in Hoboken
- James Mastro, Owner of Hoboken’s Guitar Bar, to Release 1st Single
- SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater Adjusts Age Policy
- 2 Armed Hoboken Carjacking Incidents in January
- Glamming the Warrior Gala to Be Held for Cancer Patients + Survivors
- Team Behind Elysian Cafe Debuts New Wine Shop in Jersey City
- Hudson Regional Hospital Honors Heroes for Lifesaving Actions
- Hoboken School District Hosting Free Sensory-Friendly Swim Sessions
- Parents Seek Public Help in Finding Missing Teen
- Crunch Hoboken Ribbon Cutting with Hoboken Mayor
- Hoboken Parents Launch CHD Fundraiser with Kaia’s KindHearts Foundation + Rooted Rags
- Hoboken’s Story Dispensary Updates
- Miracle on the Hudson 15th Anniversary Reunion to Honor First Responders + Survivors
- Jersey City Boxing Gym Owner’s Son Secures Title in Debut
- SubMaster in Hoboken Faces Break-In
- Bayonne Proposes Short-Term Rental + Airbnb Ordinance
- Barsky Gallery Reopens in New Hoboken Location After Chambord Fire
- Dream Nails in Hoboken Experiences Midday Break-In
- The Table Debuts Winter Menu + Happy Hour
- Hudson County Community College Appoints Inaugural DEI Director
- $100,000 Jersey Cash Prize Ticket Won at Gro Mart in Secaucus
- Ice-T’s Dispensary Among Those Approved For Recreational Sales in Jersey City
- New NJ Law Addresses Menstrual Poverty for Unhoused Residents
- Jersey City Building Faces Challenges with Broken Elevator and Water Damage
- Hoboken Mayor Establishes LGBTQIA+ Pride Advisory Committee
- Jersey City Reaches 2 Million Rides with Via’s On-Demand Transit System
- Bayonne Officials Urge Taller Barrier Similar to Golden Gate Bridge
New Bagel Shop, Cheech’s Bagels, Coming to Downtown Jersey City
Jersey City residents never seem to get enough of their bagel cravings, and a new bagel shop is coming to fill the void. Cheech’s Bagels is a new bagel concept opening at 176 Erie Street in the Swift + Co. building — near Hamilton Park. The visionary owners behind Cheech’s Bagels are Gianluca Fernicola and John Ballan, lifelong friends and Jersey City residents who saw a need for more bagel options in the area. Read on to learn more about Cheech’s Bagels and the owners behind it in our article here.
Jersey City Parents Seek Public Help in Finding Missing Teen
Hayley Alvarado, an 18-year-old Filipino American teenager, has been missing for three weeks, and her parents are seeking help from the public to locate her, per Yahoo News. Hayley was last seen leaving her Jersey City home on December 17th, captured on surveillance cameras. Hayley is a freshman at Montclair State University where she has left her personal belongings and her parents are using her electronic devices to help with the investigation. Anyone with information on Hayley’s disappearance is advised to contact the Jersey City Police Department.
Pasta Dal Cuore Closing in Jersey City
Jersey City residents will soon say goodbye to Pasta Dal Cuore. The final day of service will take place on January 21st. The locally-owned Italian restaurant at 527 Jersey Avenue has kept Jersey City locals fed and full over the last ten years, with homemade pasta dishes to write home about. Despite its closure, Pasta Dal Cuore’s owner, Elena Cartagena, is already plotting her next culinary venture. Read on for everything we know about Pasta Dal Cuore’s closure in Jersey City here.
Centre Pompidou Will Host it’s First Event: ‘Night of Ideas’
^ Current building. Photo credit: Courtesy of OMA
The Centre Pompidou, set to open a satellite art space in Jersey City, will host its first event, ‘Nigh of Ideas,’ on March 1st, per NJ.com. The event will focus on urban issues such as development and gentrification. The Jersey City outpost, initially planned to open this year, is now expected to open in 2026, and the ‘Night of Ideas’ event is part of the city’s efforts to reinvent Journal Square as a prime destination for entertainment. We covered the full article here.
Jersey City Tops Travel + Leisure’s “Best Place to Live” List in New Jersey
Travel + Leisure has named Jersey City the “Best Place to Live” in New Jersey, highlighting its growth in the past 15 years, from waterfront high-rises to trendy bars and restaurants along historic streets, per Travel + Leisure. The article mentions Newport and Paulus Hook as noteworthy neighbors. Despite a median home price of $589,891, Jersey City’s real estate values have surged over the decade. Hoboken secured the second spot on the list, with the outlet acknowledging its westside growth and industrial renovations. Other towns like Princeton, Montclair, and Ridgewood also made the list.
Hoboken School District Hosting Free Sensory-Friendly Swim Sessions
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The Hoboken Public School District has added sensory-friendly swim time for children with special needs to its Saturday community swim hours at no cost to Hoboken residents, according to a press release from the Hoboken Board of Education. The district also plans to provide one hour of sensory-friendly swim sessions at Hoboken High School, effective Saturday, January 27th. The pool will be staffed with lead lifeguards who are also certified special education teachers.
Hudson Regional Hospital Honors Heroes for Lifesaving Actions
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Hudson Regional Hospital recognized nine emergency medical technicians and five Secaucus police officers for their heroic actions in saving two individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies on November 6th and December 16th, 2023, per NJ.com. The ceremony, attended by Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli and hospital leadership, featured the presentation of Lifesaver Awards honored to the first responders. The quick and effective efforts, including CPR and the use of an automated external deliberator (AED), were instrumental in reviving the individuals and were commended by the community.
First Phase of Hoboken Connect Revitalization Starts Soon
Philadelphia-based LCOR will launch the Hoboken Connect Project, an initiative to revitalize the Hoboken Terminal area, according to Jersey Digs. The first phase includes a residential tower with 346 units, including 78 affordable housing units along Observer Highway. The plan also includes a 20-story office building, renovation of Hoboken Terminal and Warrington Plaza, and potential changes to Hudson Place. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority recently approved a 10-year, $90 million tax credit award under its Aspire program. Construction for the initial phase will take place in late March.
Modcup Coffee Hoboken Location Inches Towards Opening
Photo Credit: Modcup Coffee Company
Modcup Coffee Company is a coffee shop on Palisade Avenue in Jersey City Heights. In just ten years, Modcup went from a hotdog cart selling curbside coffee to having its own roastery, three cafes, a coffee truck, and an online business. Now, Modcup is adding a fourth cafe to its roster, this time here in the Mile Square. Modcup is setting up shop at 211 4th Street in Hoboken, with plans to open this February, pending inspections. Read on to learn more about Modcup and its arrival in Hoboken in our article here.
New Bar Rumored to Be Taking Over Former Mills Tavern Space in Hoboken
Mills Tavern opened in 2013 at 125 Washington Street, from the owners of established Hoboken hotspots Black Bear Bar + Grill and Arthur’s. Mills Tavern held its last day of service on December 31st, per social media posts from staff members. We recently heard from a source that the owners of Pig + Parrot in Hoboken — who also owned the former Bobbleheads bar before it became The Waiting Room — might have bought the former Mills Tavern Space and plan to open a new bar there. Pig + Parrot shared via Instagram that a new Hoboken bar was now hiring — less than a week after we first shared the news of Mills Tavern’s closure. Read on for what we know in our full article here.
SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater Adjusts Age Policy
SoJo Spa Club, located at 660 River Road in Edgewater, will be making changes to its age policy starting February 1st, 2024, per an email SoJo Spa Club sent to customers. The updated policy will restrict access to individuals aged 18 and older only. Minors, aged 16 and 17, even with supervision, will no longer be permitted to the facilities and services.
2 Hoboken Carjacking Incidents in January
Two different carjacking incidents occurred in Hoboken this month. On January 15th, an armed carjacking occurred near the Stevens Institute of Technology Campus in Hoboken. The victim, not affiliated with the school, was parked on the 600 block of Sinatra Drive when three unknown males, wearing dark clothing and ski masks, approached. One had a handgun, assaulting the driver, while another had a knife, forcing the victim to the ground. The suspects fled in the victims’ 2008 Honda Accord prompting an investigation by the Hoboken Stevens Police Department. Another carjacking incident took place near Saint Ann’s Church. Roman Catholic Church on January 5th resulted in an arrest after a week-long investigation by the Hoboken Police Department. We covered the full article here.
‘Glamming the Warrior Gala’ to Take Place for Cancer Patients + Survivors in Jersey City
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‘Glamming the Warrior’, a registered nonprofit, is running an annual campaign to honor cancer patients, providing wellness makeovers to boost confidence and quality of life, per its website. Partnering with local businesses in Jersey City, the organization has VIP honoree services like lash extensions, wardrobe styling, and mental coaching. The campaign, initiated in 2021, and granted 501 (C)(3) status in 2023, culminates in a flag raising at Jersey City Hall and a gala event in February to celebrate the nominated cancer warriors.
Team Behind Elysian Cafe Opens New Jersey City Wine Shop
Photo Credit: Travis + Abigail Young
Elysian Wine and Spirits has opened at 130 West Side Avenue, and is a sister business to Elysian Cafe in Hoboken. Elysian Wine and Spirits, owned by Travis and Abigail Young, sells craft beer and a curated selection of wine and spirits, often mixing in more offbeat selections that the duo hopes will get people excited about tasting new things. The Hoboken Girl had the chance to chat with Abigail and Travis to learn about the new shop. Read on for more about what to expect from Elysian Wine and Spirits in Jersey City here.
Crunch Hoboken Hosts Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Bhalla
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Crunch Hoboken, a fitness center located at 113 River Street, celebrated its 10 years in Hoboken including a $1 million renovation with Mayor Bhalla in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, per Crunch Hoboken’s Instagram. The ceremony took place on Friday, January 12th.
Hoboken Parents Launch 2nd Annual Congenital Heart Disease Fundraiser
Photo Credit: Leigh Cole
When local resident Leigh Cole was pregnant, her yet-to-be-born daughter, Kaia, was diagnosed with dextrocardia — meaning, Kaia’s heart was on the right side of her chest — among other heart complications. Inspired by their daughter’s bravery, Leigh + her husband started a fundraiser called Kaia’s KindHearts to help support other children with similar diagnoses, which can be read in our article here. This year, Leigh and her husband started another fundraiser for CHD Awareness Day for Valentine’s Day. With the help of Rooted Rags, they were able to design hand-embroidered heart sweatshirts, sweaters, and beanies from a heart originated by Kaia. Proceeds will go to helping children and adults with CHD, found on the website here.
Hoboken’s Story Dispensary Updates; Plans to Open Once Authorized
The two-year controversy surrounding Story Dispensary in Hoboken is expected to conclude with a settlement dismissing litigation between a condo association and dispensary owners, according to NJ.com. Despite objections from Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, the settlement, set to be approved this month, paves the way for Story Dispensary to open. Changes to the dispensary’s operations include altered hours, a shifted entrance, and the removal of the need for armed security. Once authorized, Story Dispensary’s last hurdle is approval from the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission, with plans to open late winter or early spring.
‘Miracle on the Hudson’ 15th Anniversary Reunion to Honor First Responders + Survivors
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Monday, January 15th marked the anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson 15 years ago. US Airways Flight 1549 had made an emergency landing on the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese shortly after takeoff. As the plane descended towards the Hudson River, passengers braced for impact. Miraculously, the plane landed on the river, and everyone made it out safely with the help of first responders and the immediate action of NY Waterways Ferry. To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” Dave Sanderson hosted a reunion to honor the first responders, ferry boat operators, and hospital staff involved in the rescue of the survivors during the cold January day fifteen years ago, according to NJ.com.
Jersey City Boxing Gym Owner’s Son Secures Title in Debut
Ju’lani Baxley is the 9-year-old son of Jersey City Heavy Hitters Boxing Gym owners. He secured the New Jersey Silver Gloves championship in the 80-pound division, winning his first bout, according to NJ.com. Despite facing challenges, including being four pounds lighter and recovering from a fever, Ju’lani displayed determination in the open-class regional tournament against a 10-year-old from New York.
SubMaster in Hoboken Faces Break-In
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SubMaster, located on 305 1st Street in Hoboken, experienced a break-in on January 16th, according to the Hoboken Parents Facebook Group. SubMaster faced theft of its cash register and damage to its double pane heavy glass front door. The suspects have still not been found.
Bayonne Proposes Short-Term Rental + Airbnbs Ordinance
After taking cues from Jersey City and Newark’s regulations, Bayonne moves to establish a short-term rental ordinance to counter the establishment of home Airbnbs, according to NJ.com. The city is aiming to regulate rentals like Airbnbs to prevent residential properties from turning into unregulated and unregistered hotels. The proposed ordinance includes a 60-day limit per year for short-term rentals and requires registration, renewal fees, and inspections with the City of Bayonne. Short-term rentals would only be allowed if the property is the owner’s primary residence.
Barsky Gallery Reopens in New Hoboken Location After Fire
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The Barsky Gallery has a brand new home on Harrison Street, following the Hoboken fire that took place in December 2021 and killed two people and displaced many local artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs that called it home, according to NJ.com. The gallery has now reopened in a new ground-floor location with 2400 square feet of space. This new location will also be the home for performing arts including music recitals, concerts, and the Mosaic Art Studio’s Hoboken location.
Dream Nails in Hoboken Faces Break-In
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A source told The Hoboken Girl that Dream Nails, located at 601 Observer Highway in Hoboken, experienced a break-in on Monday, January 15th. The suspects broke into Dream Nails around 3:40PM, stealing money from the register and company iPad. The suspects have still not been identified.
The Table: Kitchen + Bars Introduces Winter Comfort Foods + Social Hour Specials
The Table: Kitchen + Bar in Jersey City introduces its winter menu, featuring new comfort foods, two new pizzas, and the Fad Grilled Cheese, per a press release. Social Hour at the bar, Tuesday through Sunday after 4 PM, has chef Dan Latham’s gourmet bar bites and drink specials. The menu now includes weekly locally grown specials such as The Local, which is Atlantic Cod on a spinach veggie risotto with a lemon chive sauce.
Hudson County Community College Appoints Inaugural DEI Director
Hudson County Community College has appointed Danielle Lopez as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for Accessibility Services, per Hudson County View. In this role, Danielle will oversee the Office of Accessibility Services, working to reduce systematic barriers, promote disability awareness, and foster a culture of accessibility. With a background in accessibility and disability services, Danielle brings a decade of experience, having served as Assistant Director and Academic Counselor at the City University of New York (CUNY) Center for Student Accessibility. She expressed enthusiasm about contributing to HCCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
$100,000 Jersey Cash Prize Ticket Won at Gro Mart in Secaucus
A single ticket won the $100,000 Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot in the Sunday, January 14th, drawing, matching all five numbers (06,16,20,21,25) with an XTRA number of 03, per a press release. The winning ticket was sold at Gro Mart located at 135 Front Street in Secaucus.
James Mastro, Owner of Guitar Bar, to Release 1st Single
Photo Credit: Jini Sachi
James Mastro, a well-known musician based in Hoboken, is releasing his first solo album titled Dawn of a New Error on February 21st, per a press release. James has been a part of bands such as the Health + The Happiness Show and the Bongos, and he plays the guitar for artists like Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, and Alejandro Escovedo.
Ice-T’s Dispensary Among Those Approved For Recreational Sales in Jersey City
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Jersey City’s cannabis scene is growing with state approval granted to The Medicine Woman, co-owned by Ice-T and former Playboy model Charis Burrett, and Butler and Baldwin, owned by Jennifer Moore, daughter of the city’s council president, for recreational sales. The Medicine Woman, located at 666-684 Tonnelle Avenue, will receive a spring or early summer opening, while Butler and Baldwin’s opening date is undisclosed. High Key 201 at 95-97 Monticello Avenue was also approved for recreational sales by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Currently five adult-use dispensaries are open in Jersey City with more applications awaiting approval. We covered the full article here.
New NJ Law Addresses Menstrual Poverty for Unhoused Residents
Governor Murphy has signed A-3211/S-2302, establishing the New Jersey Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act, addressing poverty and unhoused intersections. The legislation recognizes the need for feminine hygiene products in emergency shelters for unhoused women and girls. Advocates, including Sabrina Browne and Eiko La Boria from The Flow Initiative, emphasize the importance of public funding for mental health products to combat period inequality and provide dignified menstruation for those in need. We covered the full article here.
Dumbo Market Starting Construction on Hoboken Market
Dumbo Market, a Brooklyn-based grocery store, is set to open its first New Jersey location in Hoboken, named Hoboken Market. Construction for the new supermarket at 1425 Washington Street has begun, with a notice sent to residents about the build-out starting on January 23rd, 2024. The market, expected to have a wide range of organic and specialty items, will occupy a 14,000-square-foot space, making it larger than both Kings and Trader Joe’s in the area. Read on to learn more about this in our article here.
Jersey City Building Faces Challenges with Broken Elevator + Long-Time Water Damage
Tenants at 630 Bergen Avenue in Jersey City are facing significant challenges with a broken elevator that has remained unrepaired for nearly two years and water damage affecting certain apartments, according to Hudson County View. Residents report that despite ongoing complaints and requests for assistance, the building management has not addressed these issues. Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea and his office have been working on the problem for about six months, navigating for a resolution. The situation has prompted discussions of potential actions, including a rent strike, protests, or escalation to City Hall if swift measures are not taken to remedy the elevator and water damage problems.
Hoboken Mayor Establishes LGBTQIA+ Pride Advisory Committee
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced via press release that the City of Hoboken has established the Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee through an executive order to address LGBTQIA+ community issues, promote, inclusivity, and enhance pride within the city, per a press release. The committee will play a key role in shaping policies that celebrate diversity and ensure Hoboken remains an accepting community. The diverse committee, consisting of representatives from various sectors, will serve one-year terms, working towards raising awareness and fostering understanding in Hoboken’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Jersey City Reaches 2 Million Rides with Via’s On-Demand Transit System
Jersey City is celebrating the success of Via Jersey City, its on-demand rideshare service, suppressing two million rides, per a media advisory. The city’s Mayor Fulop and leaders highlight the program’s achievements in expanding affordable transportation access for residents, making it one of the nation’s successful “microtransit” initiatives. The event, featuring remarks and interviews, takes place on January 25th at 10AM in front of the City Hall Annex Building.
Bayonne Officials Urge Taller Barrier Similar to Golden Gate Bridge
Bayonne officials are urging the Port Authority to enhance suicide prevention measures on the Bayonne Bridge, particularly on the vehicular side, where at least two recent jumpers leapt, according to NJ.com. The City Council plans to renew its calls for a taller fence through a resolution. Despite new phones and cameras, officials believe a higher barrier is crucial to preventing suicides, referencing successful measures, such as netting similar to under the Golden Gate Bridge.
