If you’re curious to know what you missed this week in Hoboken + Jersey City news, we’ve got you covered. Among the local headlines: Governor Phil Murphy has signed seven new bills into law regarding gun safety; a new Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Central Avenue; the Bayonne Public Library is offering in-person tech classes throughout the month of July; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken’s New Downtown Farmers Market Has Officially Been Canceled
One of the best parts of the changing weather is the increased presence of farmers markets — and while Hoboken was attempting to expand its farmers markets this summer, it seems it won’t be happening after all. Mayor Bhalla had previously announced that starting this year, Hoboken would host three farmers markets to expand access to fresh produce from local and regional vendors to residents across the City, according to a press release. However, the newest farmers market — the Southwest Park Farmers Market — has just been canceled after being postponed twice. The Uptown Farmers Market and The Hoboken Farmers Market will both still be up and running, and downtown Hoboken residents will have to wait until next year for the new local market. Click here for what we know about the farmers market scene in Hoboken.
State Grant to Accelerate Upgrades to Hoboken Pump Station Announced
This week, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro announced a new $2.3M state grant that will accelerate key upgrades to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority’s 5th Street pump station in Hoboken. According to the press release, the pump station, which is situated on Frank Sinatra Boulevard, plays an important role in defending the entire southern half of Hoboken from a Sandy-like tidal surge.
GLOSSLAB Now Open in Hoboken
GLOSSLAB has officially crossed the Hudson River and opened in NJ, and Hoboken is home to its very first location. The membership-based nail studio announced that it would open on Friday, June 24th at 537 Washington Street in the former space of The Max Challenge. Founded by Rachel Apfel Glass, GLOSSLAB has become a hotspot for many people on the go and in need of a quick manicure. Even celebrities have taken a liking to the nail salon that uses a waterless concept. Click here to read about GLOSSLAB, now open in Hoboken.
Jersey City Built Almost Exclusively High End Apartments for 10 Years
As more and more people move from New York to Jersey City for cheaper prices and more space, the city has responded by building almost exclusively high-end apartments for over a decade, per Storage Cafe. Jersey City ranks 11th nationally in terms of luxury apartments and 95% of the 18,000+ units that came online in the last decade fall into the luxury category.
Optimo Cigars in Hoboken Closes After 32 Years
Photo credit: Google Maps
A staple of Washington Street, Optimo Cigars has officially closed after serving the community for 32 years. According to Patch, the owners, Jatin and Latika Patel, are retiring as business owners for a well deserved rest. Located at 1034 Washington Street, the shop will be absorbed as part of D&V Barbershop next door.
Annual Kids Ride Free NY Waterway Program Returns
NY Waterway announced the return of its annual Kids Ride Free summer program, which includes all NY Waterway ferry routes between New Jersey and Manhattan starting Tuesday, July 5th and running through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. A maximum of two children under the age of 12 will be permitted to ride when accompanied by one, single-paying adult rider.
Jersey City’s Busy Bee Organics Expands Meal Delivery Service
Based in Jersey City, Busy Bee Organics recently announced the expansion of its meal delivery services while simultaneously announcing possible price increases. The update reads, “With rising costs of fuel and food, some tremendous impacts have been made on our business. While we continue not to sacrifice quality, there will be some increases in pricing on our menu and we appreciate your understanding. We have expanded our meal delivery zones into most of Northern NJ & even NYC! We look forward to serving more of you and are so grateful for this ability.”
Le Dîner en Blanc in Jersey City Announces Summer 2022 Date
There are many summer events to look forward to this year — including a brand new, exciting Jersey City festivity. Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code, will take place in Jersey City for the first time ever this summer on August 25th. The waiting list for this internationally-beloved event is now open. Click here for what we know about Jersey City’s first Le Dîner en Blanc — along with how to register for this summer event.
City of Hoboken Announces Summer Streets 2022 Schedule
From fitness in the park to movies under the stars, Hoboken has no shortage of fun summer activities. Among these summer traditions is the Summer Streets program — and the City recently announced that it would be reinstating summer streets for July and August of this year. This program aims to create a vehicle-free space on Sinatra Drive between 4th Street and Hudson Street as well as Sinatra Drive North from Sinatra Drive to 12th Street on Sundays in July and August from 8 AM to 6 PM. Click here to learn more about the Summer Streets 2022 schedule in Hoboken.
Hoboken Citywide Speed Limit Lowered to 20 MPH
Hoboken has officially announced that it has lowered the citywide speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph in an effort to make the city safer. This reduction was passed by the Hoboken City Council + just signed into law by Mayor Bhalla. This change is part of Hoboken’s Vision Zero initiative, which is dedicated to eliminating all traffic-related injuries and deaths by the year 2030. According to the Vision Zero page, data supports that driving over 20 mph increases the likelihood of serious injury for pedestrians. The new speed limit will be fully implemented once current signage + paving markings are updated. Click here for what we know.
Hoboken Property Owners Will Have a Flat Tax Rate this Year
Among other announcements, Mayor Bhalla and the City of Hoboken stated on Thursday, July 7th that property owners will have an overall flat tax rate this year. This news comes on the heels of the adoption of the Hoboken municipal budget on Wednesday, July 6th. “Despite several challenges in crafting this year’s municipal budget with rising inflation and interest rates, as well as higher fixed costs as compared to previous years, the municipal tax rate will increase by only 2.5 percent this year,” the City stated via a Nixle update. Reductions in the county tax levy will help offset the municipal tax rate increase of 2.5 percent, resulting in property owners paying virtually no increase in overall taxes. Click here for the full story.
Hoboken Terminal is Officially Getting Revitalized
This week, the City of Hoboken approved a redevelopment agreement for a host of updates and improvements to Hoboken Terminal. Mayor Bhalla just signed the agreement, which had been unanimously passed by the City Council. The City, in partnership with LCOR Hoboken Rail Station Redevelopment LLC, is calling the project ‘Hoboken Connect’ and aims to implement office space, retail shops, and affordable housing, among other advancements. It will also aim to revamp and improve the surrounding area. Click here for the details.
St. Ann’s Feast Decorations are Going Up
July means St. Ann’s Italian Festival is just around the corner. This year, it will be held from July 22nd to July 26th — and preparations have already begun. We spotted some trucks along with green, white, and red decorations near the church, located at 704 Jefferson Street. Our mouths are already watering thinking about the zeppoles. Click here for what we know.
City of Hoboken to Expand Southwest Resiliency Park
Following community input, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla announced designs are nearing completion for the Southwest Resiliency Park expansion. According to a Nixle update, proposed designs include pickleball courts, a playground area, and basketball court. Each design features above-ground active recreation and below-ground stormwater infrastructure to mitigate area flooding. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
Hoboken Police Department to Host More Public Safety Meetings
The Hoboken Police department is going to continue hosting public safety meetings, per Tap Into. The next session of this initiative will be on July 27th from 5:30PM to 7PM at Black Rail Coffee. These sessions going forward will be held once a month at various times and locations throughout the city.
Hoboken Middle School Students Earn Rewards
Students from Hoboken Middle School earned numerous accolades throughout the 2021-2022 school year, per Tap Into. The competition categories included essay writing, poetry, rap, physics, and a STEAM Tank challenge.
Dr. Norma Fernandez Appointed as New Superintendent for Jersey City
On Thursday, June 30th, the Jersey City Board of Education announced that Dr. Norma Fernandez was appointed as the new superintendent of schools, per Hudson County View. Dr. Fernandez has been the acting superintendent of schools since Monday, January 10th. This new development makes her position a permanent one within the school system.
Governor Phil Murphy Signs Seven New Gun Regulation Bills Into Law
Governor Phil Murphy has signed seven new bills into law regarding gun safety, per Tap Into. These seven new laws will tighten gun regulations in New Jersey and is being called Gun Safety Package 3.0 since it is the third gun-related safety package to be enacted since Murphy took office in 2018.
Jersey City to Purchase the Port Liberté Ferry Terminal
Jersey City has approved an agreement to purchase the Port Liberté ferry terminal, per Jersey Digs. This transit hub has been closed for two years but will now resume service next month. Jersey City is looking at completely taking over the facility in 2023.
Mayor Jimmy Davis + New City Council to Be Sworn In
As of Friday, July 1st, Mayor Jimmy Davis and the new Bayonne City Council were sworn in, per The Hudson Reporter. This is Davis’ third term as mayor.
The Bayonne Public Library to Offer Tech Classes
The Bayonne Public Library is offering in-person tech classes throughout the month of July, per The Hudson Reporter. These technology classes are geared towards adults who are interested in learning something new. The Bayonne Adult Services Librarian will guide the classes, held each Thursday in July.
City of Hoboken on Track to Build $192.5M Municipal Complex
The City of Hoboken is moving forward with a plan to work with the Hudson County Improvement Authority to build a new municipal complex, per Hudson County View. The proposed plan features a $192.5 million municipal complex to house many city facilities and departments.
New Jersey Allocates $100M for Flood Resiliency Project
New Jersey has allocated $100 million for the Department of Environment Protection’s ongoing flood resiliency project along the Hudson River, per Tap Into. The money comes from New Jersey’s newly signed fiscal budget of $50.6 billion. This is all a part of the Rebuild by Design project.
Dog Rescued from Hot Car In Jersey City
On Saturday, July 2nd, a puppy was rescued from a hot car that was parked on a Jersey City street, per NJ.com. The husky mix puppy was left in the hot car on Sixth and Brunswick streets. The puppy was rescued by police and firefighters.
St. Lucy’s Homeless Shelter to Finish Construction by End of 2022
The new St. Lucy’s homeless shelter and associated housing is set to be completed by the end of this year, per Tap Into. This project is just one of many that are being progressed in the area most recently dubbed SoHo. This new shelter will include increased housing for families and much more.
Jersey City Councilman Solomon Announces 3 New Staff Members
Jersey City Ward E Councilman Solomon has announced three new additions to his staff, per Hudson County View. The newly appointed staff members will work to ensure the office is efficient, transparent, and effective in meeting the needs of the ward.
Bayonne Kicks Off Summer Movie Series
Bayonne has kicked off its summer movie series, per The Hudson Reporter. The summer movie series will be held at the Bayonne Public Library. The series will run every Wednesday at 1PM and 6:30PM until Wednesday, August 31st.
Leila’s Plant Studio Hosts Soft Opening
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Leila’s Plants plant studio held its soft opening on Wednesday, July 6th. The studio is located on 351 Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City. The post says, “Our studio is accessible without needing a car via the 87 bus, Martin Luther King Drive Light Rail Station, Via Jersey City, etc. Drop by and grab a plant and chat about plants. Happiness is a plant away!”
New Mediterranean Restaurant to Open On Central Avenue
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A new Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Central Avenue, per this Instagram post. Mona Souvlaki will be located at 408 Central Avenue in Jersey City. The opening date for the restaurant has yet to be announced.
Jersey City Assemblywoman Sponsors New Conservation Act
New Jersey Assemblywoman Angela McKnight of Jersey City is sponsoring an act to create a 23-member task force to protect Liberty State Park. According to NJ.com, the team would focus on conservation, recreation, and community inclusion.
Exchange Place Movies on the Pier to Continue Through August
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Movies on the pier will be continuing until the end of August, per this Instagram post. The showings will take place on Fridays at sunset at the J. Owen Grundy Park. The event is free and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. The movies this summer include Minions, Pets, Lego Movie, The Lorax, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Hudson County Investigating Shooting Incident Involving Union City Officer
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is probing the July 4th incident in which a Union City police officer shot a man in possession of a knife, per Hudson County View. The man with a knife was transported to a local hospital where he was kept in stable condition. This is the second incident in North Hudson in which a man has been shot by a police officer in the past month.
10 Residents Displaced in Jersey City Apartment Fire
On Thursday, June 30th, 10 residents were displaced from their homes in a Jersey City fire, per NJ.com. The fire started in the third floor of a Jersey City apartment building and firefighters responded around 3:15PM. No injuries were reported.
