The new year has officially arrived which means Hudson County is already flooded with fresh headlines. It’s been an eventful first week of 2024, and we’ve gathered the latest local news roundup to keep you up-to-date. Among the highlights: Mikie Squared in Hoboken closes; a new restaurant + bar is set to open in the former Weehawken Houlihan’s location; and a new boutique opens in Jersey City. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending January 7th, 2024.
Mikie Squared in Hoboken Has Closed
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Following 17 years of serving burgers and brunch, Mikie Squared Bar + Grill has officially closed at 616 Washington Street. Its final day of business was on New Year’s Eve, according to an Instagram post. Mikie Squared gained popularity within the community for its brunch, mimosa flights, and fries. We covered the full story here.
New Shop, 301 Collective, is Open in Jersey City
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A new boutique shop opened at 301 1st Street in Jersey City. 301 Collective carries hand-selected home decor, and women’s and children’s apparel. The space will also be used to host apothecary-style beauty classes. The shop also features a curated selection of candles, stationery, and jewelry.
Jersey City Council Greenlights $50 Million Agreement with MUA for 40 Years
The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority secured a 40-year extension to manage the city’s water system, injecting $50 million into the city’s finances to ease budget strains, per NJ.com. The City Council approved the contract with a 5-3 vote, with concerns raised by Councilman James Solomon, Richard Boggiano, and Frank Gilmore regarding potential impacts on resident water rates.
Authorities Investigate Recent Israeli Flag Thefts; Seeking Public Help
Photo Credit: Hoboken Police Department
The Hoboken Police Department is investigating multiple thefts of the Israeli flag from Hoboken City Hall, per a press release. Three separate incidents occurred on October 20th, November 27th, and December 13th, 2023, involving individuals stealing the flag, fleeing the scene, and even dropping the flag when encountering a police patrol car. The police have released images of suspects in vehicles related to these incidents urging anyone with information to contact Detective John Quinones at Quinonesj@hobokenpdnj.gov.
Gateway Rail Tunnel Agency Approves $68 Million Budget, Sustaining ‘Historic’ Advancements
The Gateway Development Commission recently approved a $68.27 million budget for 2024, according to NJ.com. This includes $27.9 million allocated for operating expenses, compromising $12.3 million in salaries, and $11.94 million for professional support, including external consultants. The unanimous approval arrives as multiple speakers laud the historic progress made in 2023, emphasizing efforts to secure federal funding and initiate construction on two associated projects.
Jersey City’s Former Payless Shoes Store Transitions into Art Market
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Jersey City native Brittany Graziosi is the founder of the Antisocial Jewelry Company. Her latest project is making a former Payless ShoeSource store in Journal Square into a hub for craft and vendor markets, according to Patch. Her artisan market at 2845 Kennedy Boulevard plans themed events and aims to establish a permanent vendor space to support local artists and small businesses.
North Bergen Prime Development Property Sold for $5.5 Million
A waterfront property in North Bergen at 8709 River Road along the Hudson River has been sold for $5.5 million, according to Jersey Digs. The 30,000-square-foot parcel, acquired by a local Hudson County developer from AIRN Management, was part of a larger portfolio managed by CBRE for a court-appointed restructuring The site, straddling Churchill Road and the Edgewater Harbor complex, remains without disclosed development plans. River Road, once an industrial area, has transformed into a hub for residential communities, shopping centers, and parks, reflecting the ongoing development in the region.
Bank of America in Hoboken Temporarily Closed + Opened a New Location
The Bank of America branch at 1 Firehouse Plaza in Hoboken closed on December 8th, including the ATM at that location, per Patch. Following the closure, a new branch opened on Monday, December 11th at 55 Washington Street, featuring three more operational ATMs. A standalone Bank of America ATM is also available at the Shopping Plaza located at 400 Newark Street.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Extends Congratulations to New City Council Leadership
Following a reorganization meeting and a unanimous vote, city council leaders Jen Giattino and Jim Doyle were elected as President and Vice President of the Hoboken City Council, according to a press release. The reorganization meeting was preceded by a swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected representatives of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Wards. These newly appointed officials have expressed their interest in addressing the needs of Hoboken residents and enhance the quality of life within the community.
Surge in COVID-19 Cases in Hudson County Leads to Program Shutdowns at County Jail
The Hudson County Jail has ceased all group programs and services due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, mirroring the escalating numbers seen in the county, state, and nationwide, according to NJ.com. As of December 12th, 2023, there were 54 confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Kearny facility, primarily among those newly admitted inmates who tested positive during intake, with most cases showing no symptoms, according to County spokesman Jim Cadili. Infected inmates faced a minimum five-day quarantine within their housing units until receiving medical clearance.
Following Michelin Recognition, Peppercorn Station Set to Open Second Eatery in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Peppercorn Station’s Facebook
Peppercorn Station, a Sichuan-style restaurant that is known for its inclusion in the Michelin guide, is opening a second location in Jersey City. The establishment has secured a 2,520-square-foot space at 545 Washington Boulevard located within an office building of ISO-Verisk, JP Morgan Chase, and HSBC. The other Jersey City outpost resides at 120 Morgan Street and opened last year. Read on to learn more about Jersey City’s Peppercorn Station and its continued expansion in Hudson County.
Missing NY Girl Found in NJ After Hoboken Search
A missing 13-year-old girl from New York who was believed to be in Hoboken was found in Paterson on December 17th, 2023, according to Patch. The teen had been missing since December 14th, but was ultimately found by the Paterson police. She’s now safe and has been reunited with her family.
New Thrift Store, Hoboken ThriftBox, is Opening in Hoboken
A new thrift shop is joining the pre-loved clothing crew: Hoboken ThriftBox. This new addition to Hoboken’s sustainable retail scene will be located at 522 Jefferson Street. Owned by Hudson County local Doris Cortes, this thrift shop is slated to open in January 2024. For more details about Hoboken ThriftBox coming to 522 Jefferson Street, click here.
Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman Re-elected for Another Term
Joyce Watterman has been Jersey City’s Council President for two terms. She was reelected as Jersey City’s Council President on Tuesday, January 2nd, according to NJ.com. This is now her third term.
Juice Box in Jersey City Closed; Plans to Reopen in the Spring
The Juice Box, located at 150 Bay Street in the lobby of CKO Boxing in Jersey City, announced its closure for the winter months via email with plans to reopen in the spring. The cafe, founded by a BNR Jersey City resident, specializes in organic juices and smoothies. Read on for more about the Juice Box in Jersey City.
Jersey City’s Iris Records is Closing on January 27th
Iris Records, located at 109 Brunswick Street in Jersey City, has been a popular local destination for record browsing since its reopening in 2019. Iris Records announced its last day of operations will take effect on January 27th due to lifestyle changes of the owner and full-time commitment to Record Riots, per a press release shared by Iris Records.
Casting Call for It Ends With Us; Filming Next Week in Jersey City
^ Blake in Jersey City on Friday, January 4th. Photo credit: @nikita_narawade
In May 2023, not a minute went by in Hoboken where the names Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni weren’t mentioned. Though A-listers in their own right, the gossip had grounds: the pair of stars were filming their upcoming film, It Ends with Us, right here in the Mile Square. Production for the Colleen Hoover novel-turned-film was halted in June due to the WGA strike, but with picketing dust officially settled, the crew is slated to return next week on Tuesday, January 9th, at an undisclosed location in Jersey City. As of January 5th, Blake, Justin, and Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds were all spotted in Newport for filming. What’s more, a casting call was posted — the crew is looking for young extras to portray children at a farmer’s market. Read on for what we know about the return of Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and It Ends with Us right here in Hudson County.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2023 — Winners ANNOUNCED!
It’s here, the wait is finally over — we have the winners for the Best of Hoboken and Jersey City 2023 Guide! After weeks of voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title, and of course the bragging rights, of being the “best” in town. Read on for the full run-down.
Jersey City Leaders Extend Support to Southern Border Migrants
Jersey City political leaders have taken initiatives to welcome migrants from our southern border, according to NJ.com. Mayor Steve Fulop and other local officials expressed their approval and stressed the moral importance and compassion in welcoming those seeking a better life. Jersey City has taken the lead in providing shelter and housing to migrants arriving in the city. Jersey City political leaders have promised to assist those seeking to start a new life in America.
Onieals Server Passes Away Suddenly; GoFundMe Started
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Onieals Bar + Pub, located at 343 Park Avenue in Hoboken, conveyed somber news via Instagram, announcing the unexpected passing of its cherished bartender, Brian Kilduff. Brian has also worked at Grand Vin in Hoboken. The Instagram post included the family’s GoFundMe link, detailing the heartbreaking loss of the 27-year-old to an unforeseen illness.
Sweat + Glo Closing in February; NYC Location Will Remain Open
Sweat + Glo, the infrared sauna studio located at 80 River Street in Hoboken, has announced via Instagram that it is closing its Hoboken location. The last day Sweat + Glo for clients to visit the Hoboken location is February 4th. Following that, all clients can visit the NYC location at 35th Street for Sweat + Glo services. Read on for more information regarding its closure here.
Pho Express Opens in Former Lemon Grass Location
A new authentic Vietnamese pho shop opened in the former Lemongrass Vietnamese Sub and Noodle Shop at 732 Washington Street in Hoboken, per a press release. Tony Chen is the owner of the newly opened Pho Express. The restaurant specializes in authentic Vietnamese pho and other traditional dishes including a vermicelli chicken bowl and Vietnamese noodles.
Hoboken Approves Rezoning That Could Create New Performing Arts Center
Hoboken City Council recently granted final approval for the Fabian Arts District Redevelopment Plan, marking the accumulation of years-long efforts to rezone a block in Downtown Hoboken. This plan aims to revitalize the area that once housed the historic Fabian Theater, demolished in 1967, by allowing for a new performing arts venue at the center of the property. The rezoning permits theater uses on the ground floor, offering increased height allowances of up to 100 feet in certain sections. Requirements include 10% affordable housing, public plaza enhancements, and pedestrian connections, while also incentivizing workforce housing in office space for nonprofits supporting the homeless. Read on to find out more about the rezoning and its history.
New Restaurant + Bar Set To Open at Former Weehawken Houlihan’s Location
A new restaurant called Drift Restaurant + Bar is filling the space of the former Weehawken Houlihans at 1200 Harbor Boulevard, according to JerseyDigs. Drift Restaurant + Bar is owned by Jeremy Casilli, who runs Jersey City’s Hudson + Co., located at 3 2nd Street. The space includes an outdoor patio and dining area. There is no specific opening timeline, however, the recent approval of a liquor license transfer signals progress, with updates to follow.
The Hive Collaborating with Sister Snacking on Blueberry Pancake Roll
The Hive coffee shop, located at 1000 Park Avenue in Hoboken, is collaborating with Sister Snacking. The collaboration will officially kick off January 12th after a soft launch of the blueberry pancake roll — after the viral cinnamon roll has become a weekend staple in the Mile Square. This limited edition roll will be available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the month of January.
Ground Broken on Mixed-Use Project with Affordable Housing in Jersey City
A new development project is underway in Jersey City, creating affordable housing and a new storefront along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Jersey Digs. Tag Development’s groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 27th for the project. The space will become a six-story building at 336-340 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, which features 25 residences (20 one-bedrooms, 5 two-bedrooms) with a ground-level storefront, no parking, and a common roof deck. The development plans will refurbish a long-vacant lot previously owned by the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
