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. Among the highlights: a new law will help local breweries; a Jersey City chef received a James Beard Award nomination; and Hoboken’s Brandt Elementary School is recognized. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending January 28th, 2024.
Among the headlines (see the full list below):
- Jersey City Launches New Dining Event
- Bayonne Plans Renovation for North Street Mini Park + 16th Street Park
- Pig + Parrot Team to Open ‘Psycho Mike’s Therapy Bar’ in Former Mills Space
- NJ Transit Could be Raising Fares by 15% This Summer
- Hoboken Police Investigate Possible Gunfire in Maxwell Place Park
- New State Law a Victory for New Jersey Breweries
- Lionel Messi Playing at Red Bull Stadium in March: Will He Return to Hoboken?
- Mango Mango Treat Shop is Opening a New Location in Jersey City
- CarePoint Health System Seeks State Funding with Petition
- Kelsey Grammer Tends Bar in Jersey City
- Hudson County Restaurant Week is Canceled for 2024
- This Jersey City Restaurant’s Chef Just Received a James Beard Award Nomination
Sprove Market Place No Longer Opening Hoboken Location
If you live in downtown Hoboken, you’ve either heard somebody complain — or complained yourself — about the lack of grocery stores in this part of town. These residents were happy to learn that Sprove Market Place, which currently has a Jersey City location at 70 Christopher Columbus Drive, would be coming to Hoboken at 333 River Street. The store put up signage saying that it was hiring back in May of 2022 and locals expected it to open soon, but signage has since been taken down and Sprove Market Place has now confirmed that it will not be opening a Hoboken location. Read on for updates about Sprove Market Place here.
Hoboken Police Investigate Possible Gunfire in Maxwell Place Park
Hoboken authorities are investigating potential gunfire reported near 11th Street and Maxwell Lane around 1AM on Sunday, January 28th, according to Hudson County View. A shell casing was found, and no injuries were reported. Police urge anyone with information to contact Detective Bret Globke at globkeb@hobokenpdnj.gov or calling 201-420-2100 ext. 3194.
Jersey City Launches New Dining Event
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Jersey City Restaurant Fest is the city’s newest dining event presented by the Jersey City’s Restaurant Owners Coalition. Only open to Jersey City restaurants, the event was created to drive traffic to local restaurants and help diners discover the diverse array of dining available in Jersey City. The Jersey City Restaurant Fest is taking place from March 2nd through the 16th. More information can be found on its website.
Hoboken Welcomes New Bank of America Center
Bank of America celebrated the grand opening of its new 5,895 square foot branch in Hoboken, located at 55 Washington Street, according to Patch. The modern financial center has six private offices and three ATMs, replacing two smaller locations that closed last year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Hoboken Mayor Bhalla and other officials, marked an addition to the city’s financial landscape. Additionally, Bank of America recently announced leasing 21 floors at 525 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, signaling more expansion in the region.
New Restaurant Coming to Jersey City from the Team Behind Corto
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The owners of Jersey City’s Corto restaurant are expanding their footprint with a new venture called The Roxy, currently under construction in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood. The Roxy will be located at the Starling development at 66 Monitor Street, featuring two commercial storefronts, one dedicated to the new restaurant. The estimated opening timeline of The Roxy has not yet been announced. More information can be found in our article here.
The Margo Market in Hoboken Closing 2/15
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, announced on Instagram that it would be closing. The last day to visit Margo Market will be Thursday, February 15th, 2024. Read on for everything we know about The Margo Market’s closure in Hoboken here.
Bayonne Plans Renovation for North Street Mini Park + 16th Street Park
A public meeting is scheduled for February 7th at City Hall in Bayonne to discuss renovations for North Street Mini Park, per Hudson County View. The city aims to secure funding through the state of New Jersey Jake’s Law Program for North Street Mini Park and New Jersey Green Acres funding for 16th Street Park, named after former Mayor G. Thomas DiDomenico. Proposed enhancements include creating a completely inclusive playground at North Street Mini Park and improvements to Mayor G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, including a boardwalk expansion and waterfront walkway.
Pig + Parrot Team to Open Bar Called ‘Psycho Mike’s Therapy Bar’ in Former Mills Space
Mills Tavern opened in 2013 at 125 Washington Street, from the owners of established Hoboken hotspots Black Bear Bar + Grill and Arthur’s. The two-story bar and grill was popular for its pub grub, beer selection, and numerous sports-streaming TVs. Mills Tavern held its last day of service on December 31st, and The Hoboken Girl got all the details on what’s coming next for the space. Mike Citarella, owner of Pig + Parrot in Hoboken at 77 Hudson Street, said his new bar taking over the Mills Tavern space will be called Psycho Mike’s Therapy Bar. Read on for what we know about the closure of Mills Tavern in Hoboken and Psycho Mike’s Therapy Bar here.
Jersey City’s Franklin Social Temporarily Closed
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The Franklin Social Tavern and Garden located at 292 Barrow Street in Jersey City, is temporarily closed for repairs, according to its Instagram. The restaurant experienced a large fire on January 21st. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the building requires repairs. The reopening date for the restaurant remains unknown at this time.
Weehawken Trucking Company Pays $200K in Toll Violations
A Weehawken trucking company, EM Padilla Trucking, paid $201,000 in unpaid tolls and fines, contributing to the $25 million recovered by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from toll sheets in the past year, per NJ.com. The company’s $201,358 penalty marked it as the top offender in terms of dollars collected for toll evasion at cashless crossings like the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. The Port Authority’s targeted efforts, including increased patrols, technology deployment, and sharing information with regional partners, resulted in a 14% increase in toll recovery compared to 2022, with 5,861 summonses issued for toll-evasion-related violations.
NJ Transit Could be Raising Fares by 15% Starting This Summer
NJ Transit, the public transportation system used by many in the Garden State, has proposed a 15% fare hike. The fare hike is set to be voted on in April and would take effect starting July 1st. The proposal includes annual 3% increments starting July 1st, 2024, with no specified sunset date. This is the first fare increase proposed by NJ Transit in 10 years. Public hearings will begin on Monday, March 4th. Read on for details about the proposed NJ Transit fare increase to take effect on July 1st here.
Man Arrested in Jersey City Pershing Field Stabbing
A 22-year-old man, Santos Camacho, has been arrested for the stabbing of a 28-year-old man near Pershing Field on Central Avenue in Jersey City Heights, per NJ.com. The incident occurred around 9:35PM, with the victim being punched and stabbed in the back. Santos faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, weapon possession for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The victim, transported to a local hospital, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a knife was recovered from the scene. The motive for the attack has not been provided by Jersey City police.
Governor Murphy Approves Funding For Public Charter School Facilities
Governor Phil Murphy signed historic legislation, A4496/S3247, establishing the Public Charter and Renaissance School Facilities Loan Program, per a press release. This marks the first-ever funding framework for public charter schools in New Jersey, allowing critical upgrades, new construction, and renovations. The legislation aims to address facility improvement needs and provide a low-interest revolving loan program for charter schools, benefiting Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, and other School Development Authority (SDA) districts. The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association praised the move as a monumental step towards equity and fair funding for charter schools.
New Bagel + Pizza Shop Open in Jersey City
A new bagel shop has recently opened its doors in Jersey City. This newcomer is not a typical breakfast spot: it’s a 24-hour New York-style pizza and bagel restaurant. Park Avenue Pizza and Bagels, located at 3515 John F. Kennedy Boulevard near South Street, serves housemade New York-style pizza and bagels with a touch of Mediterranean influence on the menu. Read on to find out more about Park Avenue Pizza + Bagels in Jersey City here.
Hoboken’s Brandt Elementary School Recognized for Academic Excellence
Hoboken’s Joseph F. Brandt Elementary School has been acknowledged as a ‘positive outlier’ for Mathematics achievement by the New Jersey Department of Education, according to the Hoboken Public School District. As a result, the principal, staff, and the Hoboken Public School District’s Mathematics Supervisor, have been invited to participate in The Promising Practices Project in the upcoming months, with no specified date at this time. The district also shared its best practices at a state-wide roundtable on January 24th, recognizing its academic performance and efficient use of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds.
New Pakistani Eatery Open in Secaucus
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Food Street, a new Pakistani eatery located at 141 Front Street in Secaucus, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, January 26th at 4PM, according to JerseyDigs. Food Street is owned by Ishrat Ilyas and Qamar Abba, the team behind the Lahore Restaurant located at 1277 Paterson Plank Road in Secaucus. Food Street has a modern take on Lahori-style street food. The menu features a variety of items including Chicken Tikka Paratha rolls, Beef Chapli Paratha, Aalo Tiki burger, Andy Wala burger, Gappa Chaat, traditional options with Pakistani spin, and sweet treats like jalebi.
GN Management Plans 10-Story Senior Housing in Jersey City
Jersey City developer GN Management is proposing a 10-story, 51-unit senior housing project at 216 Palisade Avenue, near Christ Hospital, per NJ.com. The project includes six studios, and 43 one-bedroom units, along with amenities like a roof-top gym, lounge, and in-unit washers and dryers. The building aims to address the demand for senior housing in Jersey City by providing lower-than-market-rate rents. Construction is expected to begin in the fall, pending planning board approval, with completion slated for 2026.
This Jersey City Restaurant’s Chef Just Received a James Beard Award Nomination
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Korai Kitchen, a Jersey City restaurant serving authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, received a James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic on January 24th. The restaurant opened in 2018 and has quickly become a local gem, attracting customers from New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut. Owned by Nur-E Gulshan Rahman, Her nomination is only one of three from New Jersey on the entire list, as well as the only Northern New Jersey restaurant nominated. We covered the full article here.
Jersey City Mayor + Arts + Culture Trust Fund Committee Launch $1M Arts Grants
Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee, is launching the third round of grants, totaling over $1 million, to support local artists and arts organizations, per a press release. The funding, derived from the Arts and Culture Trust Fund, will be available for arts education, programming, general operations, and Individual Artist Fellowships. Grant application will open on January 29th and will be available until March 4th, 2024.
New State Law a Victory for Local Breweries
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S-4265/A-5912) on January 16th, 2024, that overhauls the state’s liquor license laws, marking the first substantial change since the aftermath of Prohibition. The new law will increase the number of available liquor licenses, easing restrictions on breweries and distilleries. Key changes include addressing inactive/pocket licenses, creating new mall licenses, and permanently easing restrictions on breweries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies, allowing them more flexibility in operations and events. The law is expected to boost economic growth, support small businesses, and revitalize downtown areas. More details can be found in our full article here.
Jersey City High School Swim Teams Face Pool Crisis
Three Jersey City high school swim teams are facing difficulties practicing and competing due to the local high school pool being out of service since November 2023, per Patch. The teams from Ferris, Dickinson, and McNair high schools are affected, and coaches and athletic directors have not received clear information about when the pool will be fixed. A Jersey City Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, January, 25th, and was attended by parents and students to voice their concerns. The meeting can be viewed here.
The Alps Bar Returns to Jersey City on 2/8
A bar with a vegetarian menu and an emphasis on high-quality beer, wine, and spirits is opening soon 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 will host its soft opening 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 opening in Jersey City soon here.
Lionel Messi Playing at Red Bull Stadium in March: Will He Return to Hoboken?
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Celebrity athlete, Lionel Messi, is coming to the New Jersey Red Bull Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Saturday, March 23rd. The New York Red Bulls will Host Inter Miami CF, marking the team’s second home game of the season, with kickoff scheduled for 2PM. In August 2023, The Hoboken Girl reported that Messi played against the Red Bulls at Red Bull Stadium and spent the weekend at the W Hotel in Hoboken. Read on for what we know about Lionel Messi coming to New Jersey here.
Mango Mango Treat Shop is Opening a New Location in Jersey City
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Mango Mango, known for its Asian-influenced sweet treats, is opening a new location in Downtown Jersey City at 172 2nd Street, according to Jersey Digs. Originating in New York City in 2013, the dessert shop embraces natural and sustainable practices, using locally sourced ingredients and reclaimed wood in its construction. The Hudson County outpost will have a variety of Hong Kong-style desserts, including fresh fruit bowls, cakes, crepes, waffles, and unusual ice cream flavors like green tea, red bean, and mango.
Jersey City’s Skyway Golf Course Earns Eco-Friendly Certification
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Hudson County’s Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City has achieved the status of “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, per Hudson County View. This marks a milestone for the community, providing recreation and an eco-friendly development model. The golf course is now one of over 900 in the world to hold certification from Audubon International, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The term audubon refers to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability, particularly within golf courses. The efforts to secure this designation were led by Jersey City residents Fred Parcells, the golf course superintendent, and Samantha LaSasso, an environmental scientist.
Ironworker Injured in Construction Site Fall in Jersey City Receives $5.3M Judgement
An ironworker injured at a Downtown Jersey City high-rise construction site in 2017 was granted $5.3 million in compensatory damages by a Hudson County jury, per NJ.com. Donald Hoiland, injured while working for the project’s general contractor, AJD Construction Co., filed a lawsuit against AJD and other companies involved in the $289 million project. The jury found AJD Construction 80% at fault, granting damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and spousal loss.
Jersey City Proposes to Increase Event Security Fees for Police Overtime Control
Jersey City is planning an ordinance to raise fees for police security at parades and festivals to address its police overtime budget, per NJ.com. The ordinance would double the per-hour fee from $50-$75 to $112-$160 on weekends. Event organizers are concerned about the financial aspect of the ordinance. City officials aim to curb police overtime costs, which historically total $2.5 million for parade coverage. The revised amendment fees range from $75 to $150 per hour. The ordinance aims to curb police overtime costs, which currently exceed $10 million annually.
CarePoint Health System Seeks State Funding with Petition
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CarePoint Health, a healthcare provider in Hudson County, is seeking urgent state funding through a petition addressed to Governor Murphy, State Senate President Nicolas Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, per a petition. The petition requests at least $100 million in state appropriations and a $30 million Governors Grant to sustain its mission to provide quality care for patients. The plea highlights the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act Distribution and stresses the need for immediate state funding to maintain healthcare access in Hudson County. The state has also appointed Robert Lannaccone as the financial monitor for CarePoint Health System, which operates three hospitals in Hudson County, per NJ.com. Robert, a veteran hospital executive, will have the authority to attend and vote at hospital board meetings, overseeing finances and reporting to the state health commissioner and board of trustees. The move is part of the ongoing efforts to address CarePoint’s financial distress and ensure continuity and quality of care for patients.
Kelsey Grammer Tends Bar in Jersey City
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Frasier star Kelsey Grammer showcased his bartending skills at the Liberty Science Center’s ‘After Dark’ event on Thursday, January 25th in Jersey City, per Patch. As part of the ’90s throwback celebration, Grammer served as a special guest bartender from 6PM to 8PM, providing tastings, Frasier trivia, and entertainment like the Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show. The event took place at 222 Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City. He then went to dinner at Il Tavolo di Palmisano in Hoboken.
Jersey City Achieves 2 Million Rides with Via On-Demand System
Jersey City’s Via microtransit program, the first municipal-subsidized, on-demand rideshare service in New Jersey, has achieved over two million rides, per a press release. Via has become a model for connecting residents to diverse public transportation options. Via’s microtransit service provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for low-income and minority populations, reducing congestion and emissions. The event on Thursday, January 25th, at the City Hall Annex Building in Jersey City, featured ride-a-longs and interviews with partnerships from Via after remarks.
Hudson County Restaurant Week is Canceled for 2024
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The Hudson County Restaurant Week has been canceled for the winter, per its Instagram. Other cities hosting separate restaurant weeks have fragmented the economic impact during slow times. However, in the next six months, the Hudson County Restaurant Week will return for its 20th anniversary.
What’s Going on with Jersey City’s Pershing Ice Rink?
By now, it’s the middle of hockey season and teams should be in a good rhythm with games and practices. But for the Jersey City Capitals and other teams that use the Charlie Heger Ice Rink at Pershing Field in Jersey City, this season has been an exercise in patience as the rink’s closure means teams have to find rink time where they can across North Jersey. Recreational skaters have had to go elsewhere, and there’s no clear plan about what will happen to the space. Read on for what we know about the closure of Pershing Field’s ice rink and what it has meant for the community here.
