A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: GiGi’s in Hoboken has introduced a pup menu, new electric charging stations have been installed in Hoboken, tons of new businesses are opening locally, Jersey City gave up $1.6M in HUD funds, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl Returns September 19th
Our Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl Event is back in person, and happening September 19, 2021, from 11AM – 4PM in Hoboken. The deadline to fill out the application to become a vendor for the 2021 Hoboken Wellness Crawl is Tuesday, July 20th. Click here to fill out the application.
Think of it like a ‘bar crawl’ but for wellness businesses in our area. The crawl will feature brick-and-mortar businesses + online/mobile businesses. All participating businesses will offer an exclusive freebie item for all crawlers and a giveaway prize for one lucky crawler. The goal of the Hoboken Wellness Crawl is to connect local residents with wellness businesses in Hudson County to celebrate all of the incredible food, fitness, health, and beauty options available in our community.
Stay tuned for our ticket release, coming VERY soon. Vendors, please click here to apply before 7/20.
Local Short Film to Support Hudson County Businesses
Hoboken Teacher Wins Fulbright Scholarship
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Local resident Gabriella Rodriguez has been awarded the prestigious Fullbright Scholarship, per Tap Into. Rodriguez has spent her recent career teaching Spanish and English to over 400 students in grades K-8 at the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School. Beginning in September Rodriguez will be using her skills teaching students in Spain.
Rice Shop Closes Washington Street Location
Photo credit: @playfuneat
The local Asian restaurant, Rice Shop has closed its Hoboken location at 304 Washington Street. Lucky for local foodies, you can still get your Rice Shop fix at the Ridgefield location.
Tracy Morgan Stops by American Dream Mall
Photo Credit: Courtesy of American Dream
The comedian Tracy Morgan stopped by Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream Mall to join in the festivities at SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout. The American Dream Mall is located at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford.
Rosticerria di GiGi’s Introduces New Pup Menu
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This week, Gigi’s Cafe in Hoboken announced something new: a pup menu. The Instagram post reads, “INTRODUCING… GIGI’S PUP MENU!!! We created a doggy-friendly menu for your pets to enjoy while you also enjoy our yummy food. TAG US in a photo of you and your fur baby dining out for a chance to win a $50 gift card!! The winner will be chosen at the end of summer.”
Cafe Lafayette Now Open in Jersey City
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Cafe Lafayette held a soft opening on July 6th to introduce the cafe to the neighborhood. The shop is located at 74 Maple Street in the retail space in Bela (one of the neighborhood’s newest luxury buildings). For now, the current menu is limited until the grand opening.
Itto Sushi to Open This Week in Jersey City
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Itto Sushi announced this week via Instagram it will hold a soft opening on July 21st and 22nd, leading up to its grand opening on July 23rd in Jersey City. The post says, “We are so excited to announce the opening dates! After a lot of struggle, a global pandemic, and uncertainty, we are thrilled to be able to open our doors and welcome you all.”
Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation Donates Funds for New Veterans Center
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The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has donated the funds necessary to build a new veterans center in Hoboken. Announced this week via Instagram, the @hobokenlegion account shared its gratitude. “A huge THANK YOU to @jbjsoulfoundation for a generous grant to help fund our new Veterans Center of Hoboken and provide housing for 18 more homeless veterans! See how you can join us in this mission!”
New Electric Charging Stations Installed in Hoboken
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Hoboken is now the home of four public electric vehicle charging stations. Announced via Instagram, the @hobokennj account has the details. “The four new EV charging stations are located in Garage B (28 2nd Street) and Garage D (215 Hudson Street). A fifth public EV charging station located on 1st Street between Washington Street and Court Street will come online by the end of the month and will serve as Hoboken’s first curbside electric vehicle charging station.”
Tastee Platters Coming to Washington Street
A new location of the Wayne-based restaurant Tastee Platters is coming to Hoboken. Located at 217 Washington Street, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant features hummus, pita, salad, and wings with a fresh twist.
Carpe Diem to Celebrate 15 Years in Hoboken
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Carpe Diem opened in Hoboken in 2006. Now, 15 years later, the pub is excited to celebrate with the community. In an Instagram post this week, the @carpediemhoboken account announced a celebration planned for September. “Cheers to 15 years! Carpe Diem is turning 15 and we want to celebrate with the entire Carpe family!” The event will take place on September 25th.
New Plant Shop, PLNTD, Coming Soon to Jersey City
A new plant shop will be opening soon in Jersey City at 16 Erie Street called PLNTD. An idea imagined by sisters Danielle and Lauren Gambino is now in the process of coming to life, and it will be nothing short of a greenery takeover of the downtown Jersey City space. Click here to read more about PLNTD arriving this summer in Jersey City.
Hundreds Rally in North Bergen to Support Cuban Protestors
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Hudson County has a large population of Cuban and Cuban-American residents, and this week in North Bergen, the community showed up in support of protestors in Cuba. NJ.com reported via Instagram, “Hundreds rally near North Hudson Park in North Bergen to support protesters in Cuba. The area has a large population of people who have immigrated from Cuba or identify as Cuban-Americans. Thousands of people in Cuba have taken to the streets in what is being described as unprecedented protests against President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s administration as the country’s economy has collapsed.”
Hoboken Block Party Celebrated Euro Finals
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On Sunday afternoon last weekend, Hoboken closed off two blocks of First Street to prepare for the Euro Finals between Italy and England. Outside viewing areas were set up between Garden and Washington streets, and fans crowded the area to watch the game. The championship game was postponed due to COVID-19 and has been one of the most highly anticipated matchups during the return of live sports.
Hudson Pride Center Announces Flag Raising for Hudson County Pride Month
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August is Hudson County Pride Month, and to celebrate, the Hudson Pride Center announced the first event via Instagram. The 3rd Annual Guttenberg Flag Raising will take place on August 6th at Guttenberg Town Hall, located at 6808 Park Avenue.
Jersey City Gives Up $1.6 Million in HUD Funds
After failing to build affordable housing, Jersey City gave up more than $1.6 million in federal grant money, per NJ.com. Earlier this year the city applied for a “voluntary grant reduction” of $1,663,859. Nineteen affordable units were meant to be built with the money, but none ever were.
“Christmas in July” Theme for Main Street Pops’ Artisan Market
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During this month’s Main Street Pops’ Artisan Market, the theme will be “Christmas in July,” according to Tap Into. There will be 65 vendors selling unique jewelry, art, baked goods and pet products. Main Street Pops has created a free “selfie station” tent with fun props adhering to the Christmas-y spirit.
Jersey City Mural Arts Youth Summer Program to Create Sister Cities Mural
The Jersey City Mural Arts Youth Summer Program is in the process of creating a mural on the Ferris High School building representing all 22 of the city’s “sister cities” worldwide, reports NJ.com. The mural is expected to take about seven weeks and span 100 feet. Jersey City’s sister cities include St. John’s in Antigua, New Delhi in India, and Victoria in Brazil.
Hudson County Reaches Milestone in COVID Vaccines
Hudson County is the first urban county in New Jersey to exceed the state’s goal of getting more than 70% of the population at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, per Tap Into. The county is among 11 across New Jersey selected for closer monitoring, and it has now reached the milestone, allowing normal lives to return while keeping residents safe.
Breton the Shark Swims Off the Jersey Shore
Breton, a 1,400-pound great white shark, paid a visit to the New Jersey Coast, Patch reports. Breton is a 13-foot, 3-inch male and he pinged off Cape May on Monday, according to the OCEARCH shark tracker. The ping was about 25 miles northeast of Cape May Inlet.
Hoboken Hilton Takes Steps Toward Groundbreaking
A Hoboken hospitality project that’s been discussed for a long time and has been delayed looks to finally start construction soon, Jersey Digs reports. Plans for a 20-story Hilton were unveiled in early 2017. The hotel will have 349 rooms, a second-floor restaurant and bar, as well as a top-floor public bar and event space.
Dream Vista, a New Cafe, to Open in Jersey City
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The team behind one of Hoboken’s newest coffee spots is opening another cafe in Jersey City, according to Jersey Digs. Last year, Cafe Vista opened its first shop and set itself apart with concoctions like rose lattes, Turkish coffee, and Dalgona-style coffee. Cafe Vista has a unique design featuring antique furniture, old-fashioned ceilings, and a vinyl record player.
Jersey City Resident Lewis Spears Running for Mayor
Jersey City native Lewis Spears has announced his run for mayor, Patch reports. Spears launched his mayoral campaign on July 8th with a platform focused on improving safety, training and education, accessibility, and affordability in Jersey City. The platform details can be remembered with the acronym S.T.A.Y.
The Pinto Group Sets Sales Record at the Sugar House in Jersey City
Photo credit: Google Maps
The Pinto Group has set a new sales record, fetching the highest price in the Sugar House’s history, per Jersey Digs. Marcus W. Pinto and Eric Leventhal of The Pinto Group at Compass RE sold the 2-bed, 2 bath residence for $2,600,000 after only a few days on the market. The Sugar House was designed and constructed in 1863, located at 174 Washington Street in Jersey City.
Vaccinated Hoboken Resident Stuck in Panama After COVID-19 Result
A Hoboken resident vacationing in Panama has been stuck there because she tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, per News 12. Resident Nicole Shutowich went to Panama for a friend’s birthday and had to stay an extra 14 days in mandatory quarantine. Delta Airlines requires all passengers returning to the U.S. to test negative for COVID-19, and though Shutowich has been vaccinated since March, she tested positive.
New Journal Square Cafe Opens
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Belle Ame Café opened last week at 76 Cottage Street in Jersey City, per Patch. Belle Ame offers coffees and specialty lattes and espressos, as well as teas and other unique drinks like mango matcha. Food on the menu includes salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The cafe will also host live music.
Construction to Continue in Hoboken with New Traffic Routes
Hoboken has announced that beginning this week, construction will begin on traffic circulation upgrades planned for 2nd Street, Paterson Avenue, and Marshall Street. The circulation upgrades are being implemented as part of a one-year pilot program initiated by the mayor’s administration and Hudson County that aims to reduce traffic congestion in southwest Hoboken. Click here for all the details.
Effectual Moves to Jersey City
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Effectual, an AWS premier partner, is moving to Jersey City from Hoboken, ROI reports. The company will move into 111 Town Square Place on the fourth floor in Jersey City. The company also announced its new hire as Jeff Carson for vice president of public sector technology.
Smorgasbar Opens in Jersey City
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ICYMI, the new Smorgasbar has opened right on Jersey City’s waterfront and is open seven days a week. Smorgasbar is Jersey City’s newest beer garden featuring food from Smorgasburg. The new venue seats 300 and is located in Jersey City’s luxury Harborside building.
CAIR-NJ Supports Jersey City Resolution Condemning Islamophobia
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) voiced their support of a Jersey City resolution “condemning and combating Islamophobia,” Hudson County View reports. The resolution says the lives of people of all different religious faiths matter. It refers to bias and hate crimes as “a stain on our community.”
Jersey City Medical Center Needs Blood
After the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on blood donations, the U.S. is experiencing the worst blood shortage in history, especially in Jersey City, according to Patch. The Jersey City Medical Center is feeling the effects of the shortage and holding a blood drive to fix it. The blood drive will be on July 23rd from 12PM to 5:30PM.
Jersey City Affordable Housing Program Sparks Controversy After 30 Years
An 82-year-old Jersey City resident wants to move to Florida, but she can’t afford to move due to a Jersey City affordable housing program, according to NJ.com. When she bought her home nearly 30 years ago, she had to agree to forfeit a lot of the profits if she ended up selling the home. Those conditions have made homeownership accessible to hundreds of low-income residents, but it has locked out buyers from the financial benefits of owning a house.
Hoboken Opposes Power Plant in Newark
In June, the Passaic Valley Sewage Commission announced a reevaluation of its current proposal for a new power plant in Newark, and now the Hoboken City Council is weighing in, according to the Hudson Reporter. The Hoboken City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the plan. The planned Standby Power Generation Facility was proposed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to provide backup power to the sewage facility.
The Hemp Social to Open New Location
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Deanna of The Hemp Social announced via Instagram this week that a new location will be opening in Jersey City.
“This corner building is where my family started their American dream after fleeing Cuba in 1967. This very building gave me every opportunity, and now we are lucky enough to open our second brick and mortar just a few doors down. With nothing but whatever they had on their bodies, they worked hard and created a new, beautiful life in America. I thought opening a small business in this city was rewarding, but to open on this very block is indescribable.”
