Here with another news roundup, we’ve got you covered with the highlights of what happened this week in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: Covid-19 cases hit record highs in Hoboken, Jersey City schools return to remote instruction, local residents weigh in on the new Hoboken High School proposal, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Businesses Opening in Hoboken + Jersey City in 2022
With the new year approaching, there is a lot to look forward to in Hoboken and Jersey City. 2022 is bringing plenty of new restaurants and businesses into the area, from an antiques-and-coffee shop to a Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant and everything in between. The Hoboken and Jersey City area is home to many diverse offerings, and the exciting array of different businesses will continue to open in 2022. Click here to see a list of businesses opening this year.
Tacoria Opens in Frankie + Ava’s Location in Hoboken
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. That is the case for Italian eatery Frankie + Ava’s and Tacoria. Frankie + Ava’s, located at 208 Washington Street, closed its Washington Street doors in its current location in June of 2021, and the well-known regional Mexican restaurant, Tacoria, opened in its place as of December 30, 2021. Hoboken Girl spoke to one of the co-founders of Tacoria, Chuck, about the new taco spot expanding to the Mile Square. Click here for what we know.
Hoboken Girl Founder Featured on Rachel Ray in Q+A with Shark Tank‘s Barbara Corcoran
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Our very own Jennifer Tripucka, founder of Hoboken Girl and Montclair Girl, took to the spotlight on Rachel Ray this week in a conversation with Barbara Corcoran from ABC’s Shark Tank. Corcoran offered advice on expanding and franchising the concept of hyperlocal websites that highlight the small businesses that make communities unique.
L’Atelier Du Chocolat Opening New Location Soon in Jersey City
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The popular chocolate shop L’Atelier du Chocolat is getting ready to open its doors at its new location. Formerly situated at 321 Marin Boulevard, L’Atelier’s new location is at 251 Newark Avenue and is run by popular chocolatier Eric Girerd. Click here to read about L’Atelier du Chocolat’s opening.
Hoboken Artist to Open Gallery in Westfield
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Artist Ricardo Roig, a staple of the art scene in Hoboken, announced the opening of a new art gallery in Westfield, New Jersey. The @roigcollection Instagram post says, “A new Art Studio & Gallery exclusively showing Ricardo’s Art will open this Spring at 331 West Broad Street on the Southside of Westfield’s downtown. Ricardo will have more room to create, exhibit, and connect with the public through a monthly Open Studio event. A new blank canvas of a year awaits with the fresh walls of a new space to share, learn, grow and experience together.”
Plant Base Market to Close Temporarily
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In the wake of several local businesses closing doors, Plant Base Market is joining the list. The market shared via Instagram this week it will be closing temporarily. The post reads, “We are temporarily closing our doors effective immediately so that we can work on serving you better. Although we will be closed for regular business hours, we will be hosting some special dinners, events, and classes in the very near future. Please stay tuned for more announcements on these exciting endeavors.”
Hoboken Clique Under New Management
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This week, Hoboken Clique announced a transfer of power. The new owner, Morgan, took over operations at the uptown boutique on Tuesday, January 4th. The Instagram post reads, “Well….today is the day I hand the lollipop keys to Hoboken Clique over to Morgan permanently ❤️ I am so excited for her and even more excited to see where she takes Clique in this next chapter. I have loved this store since Jamie opened the doors over 3 years ago, and your friendships and support have been the greatest gifts I have ever received. Stay in touch and stay loyal to help Morgan achieve all that I know she can! I’m so proud of this store and can’t wait to see what its future holds!”
Jersey City Zoning Board Approves New 155-Unit Development
The Jersey City Zoning Board approved applications for properties on Communipaw Avenue which previously housed Powerhouse Gym and Al’s Diner. The approved project was redesigned by New York-based GRO Architects from an earlier version that emerged in January, per Jersey Digs. Set to rise six stories and 60 feet, 90 units will be included in the 851-859 property and 65 will be built in the 869-877 portion.
Hoboken 7th Grader Launches Charity Fundraiser for Businesses Affected by Fire
He designed a t-shirt that can be purchased online. All proceeds will be donated to the Hoboken Relief Fund to help these businesses. This is one of Arya’s ways to give back to this beautiful community and we are humbly asking you for your support.”
COVID-19 Cases Hit Record Highs in Hoboken
On Monday, January 3rd, the City of Hoboken sent out the following message regarding local COVID-19 cases.
“Since the pandemic’s onset, the City of Hoboken has had 7,814. known, confirmed cases of COVID-19. We, unfortunately, have another COVID-19 fatality of a Hoboken resident to report, of a male in his mid-60s. I send my deepest condolences to his loved ones. His passing brings the City’s total fatalities to 57 since the pandemic began. Hoboken University Medical Center currently has 29 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nine of these patients are Hoboken residents, five of which are vaccinated and four of which are not vaccinated.
We saw the highest total positive COVID-19 cases in one month since the pandemic began this past December with 1,599 positive cases from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. If you feel ill, please get tested and isolate pending your results. We continue to encourage everyone to utilize best practices to stay safe – get your vaccine or booster shot when eligible, get tested 5-7 days after an exposure, and wear a face mask when practically possible. If you have the ability to work from home in the coming weeks, we encourage you to do so as well.”
The DRIP Fitness to Extend Grand Opening in Hoboken
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The DRIP Fitness announced via Instagram this week it will extend the grand opening event into February. Located at 44 Hudson Place in Hoboken, this new fitness center offers cycling, boxing, barre, and strength + cardio classes.
Hoboken Returns to Mask Mandate Amidst Omicron Surge
The City of Hoboken has reinstated a mask mandate amidst record-breaking case numbers due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The order went into effect on Wednesday, December 29th, and will be enforced by the Office of Emergency Management. According to the press release, “The executive order will be lifted when the positivity rate for the State of New Jersey reaches 5 percent for a one-week average or when the daily positive cases in Hoboken fall below the weekly average as compared to the first week of November 2021 prior the surge of the Omicron variant, whichever is first.” The mask mandate applies to all residents over the age of two who are not medically exempt.
New Constituent Services Coordinator + Public Safety Advisor Announced for Hoboken
On Friday, December 31st, the City of Hoboken announced that Nora Martinez DeBenedetto, a lifelong Hoboken resident, will serve as the new Constituent Services Coordinator starting Tuesday, February 1st. According to the press release, Hudson County Commissioner Anthony Romano started his new role as a part-time Public Safety Advisor for the City of Hoboken on Saturday, January 1st.
Hoboken City Council Meetings to Stay Virtual
Last month it was announced that City Council meetings in Hoboken would be open to a limited number of the public. However, given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, this change has been postponed, per Tap Into. The upcoming council meeting, and future ones, will continue to be broadcast and streamed live on the City’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and via Zoom, as listed on the agenda.
Hoboken Residents Weigh in on the Hoboken High School Proposal
As we all know, The Hoboken Board of Education has presented plans for a new high school to the Hoboken’s Planning Board because of a significant increase in enrollment and the aging of the district’s school buildings. The new building would be located where JFK Stadium currently is, replacing the existing high school, which would then become the city’s middle school – making the current middle school building the new elementary school. We asked residents to submit/weigh in their opinions on the matter – both for it or opposed. Click here for the local feedback.
Federal ATF Bureau Joins Hoboken Fire Investigation
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined the investigation into the recent fire at 38 Jackson Street in Hoboken, per Patch. Two local artists, Rosemarie Vos and Alexander von Schlinke, died in the blaze.
Memories of the Greatest Show on Earth Returns to Hoboken Museum
The Hoboken Historical Museum is opening a new exhibit, “Circus Lives: Hovering Above, Balancing Below” beginning Sunday, January 9th highlighting the history of a circus previously operated at 412 Washington Street, per NJ.com. The exhibit will be located in the upper gallery of the museum at 1301 Hudson Street, and feature multi-media historical accounts of performers on the tight wire, portraits of jugglers, balancers, and the Russian couple who founded the school.
Charter School Lotteries Closed This Week in Hoboken
Lotteries for the three charter schools in Hoboken closed this week, according to Tap Into. The three schools include Elysian Charter School, Hoboken Charter School, and Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HOLA). Lottery results will be announced on Wednesday, January 12th for Elysian, Thursday, January 20th for Hoboken Charter, and on Friday, January 21st for HOLA.
Hoboken’s 8th Street Tavern Owner (62) Arrested
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Owner of 8th Street Tavern, John Tucceri (62), was arrested in December 2021 and was charged with possessing and distributing child pornography, according to Daily Voice. Tucceri was taken to the Bergen County Jail and released hours later with conditions and pending further court action.
Hoboken City Council President + VP Announced
In the City Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 5th, Councilman Russo and Councilwoman Jabbour were voted in as the Council President and Council Vice President respectively.
