It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the Hoboken and Jersey City news headlines you missed. Among the highlights: Port Authority police officers helped safely deliver a baby while his mother was stuck in traffic in Weehawken; Jersey City introduces new transit benefits and discounts for residents to get to the Port Liberte ferry terminal; and a Union City singer will be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Read on for all the news you missed in Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending July 23rd, 2023.
Eyeshapes Announces Closure; Owners Share Heartfelt Note
Eyeshapes Hoboken, an optometric office located at 259 1st Street, provides top-notch eye health care and sells a large variety of chic designer frames to customers. This local family-owned business is owned by a husband and wife duo — Dr. Randy Kansky and Dr. Beverly Hochstadt-Kansky. On Friday, July 14th, 2023, the owners shared a heartfelt note with their customers, announcing the closure of the Eyeshapes storefront and that the two would be retiring. Read on to learn more about the closing and what we will miss about Eyeshapes Hoboken.
New Boutique ‘Cabana Club’ Opens on Washington Street
Just in time for a summer getaway (and, yes, trips to the Jersey Shore count, just ask @theasburygirl), a new boutique specializing in women’s travel wear has arrived on the Hoboken fashion scene. Cabana Club Boutique, a sister brand of the TikTok viral clothing company Boho Pink, opened its doors at 419 Washington Street just last week — and while the shop’s opening was quiet, its mission is loud: to help young women curate a wardrobe informed by wanderlust. With dresses, tops, pants, accessories, shoes, and swimwear, Cabana Club Boutique sells a variety with the promise to “not break the bank account.” Read on for what we know about Cabana Club Boutique, a new women’s clothing store on Washington Street in Hoboken.
Merry Hot Cocoa Opening Pier A Park Kiosk This Sunday
Cariana Fasciano is the woman behind Merry Hot Cocoa, a pop-up hot cocoa (and now, frozen hot cocoa) bar that made its debut in November 2022, just in time for the holidays. The shiny black trailer decorated with greenery can be found at Church Square Park in Hoboken and popping up throughout Hudson County — but now Cariana is putting down permanent Hoboken roots. Merry Hot Cocoa has been approved for a kiosk at Pier A, joining local favorite Alessio’s in the beloved Hoboken park. A few days ago, the spot announced that its kiosk location will be opening for business this Sunday, July 23rd from 12PM-7PM. Read on to learn more about Cariana’s background and the delicious hot cocoa available at her truck, plus details on the upcoming Pier A kiosk.
Jersey City Italian Festival ‘La Festa Italiana’ to Return in August 2023
La Festa Italiana is making its return to Jersey City in August for its 120th year. This five-day-long beloved Italian-American festival will begin on August 9th and end on August 13th. The festival will begin at 5PM and end at 11PM. It will be a night filled with food, drinks, live band performances, and more. Read on to learn more about Jersey City’s largest Italian-American festival, La Festa Italiana.
Jersey City Loew’s Theatre Renovation Revises Cost Estimates
Per NJ.com, cost estimates in the Loew’s Theater renovation have now exceeded $100 million. The new total of $105 million is a 45% increase from initial estimates when the project was announced in 2021. A spokesperson clarified that the new estimate more accurately reflected post-covid prices for materials and labor. Work hasn’t begun on the project, which is meant to make the theater into a world-class destination for performing arts and become a focal point of the neighborhood.
City of Hoboken Begins Water Main Replacement Project on Park Avenue
Image courtesy of the city of Hoboken
Via a press release, the City of Hoboken announced the beginning of Park Avenue construction to upgrade aged water mains between Third and Fourth Streets and Fifth and Eighth Streets. Starting next week, the City will replace the water main on Castle Point Terrace from Eighth Street to Elysian Park. The upgrades are part of the City’s comprehensive water main replacement program to update the City’s aged drinking water infrastructure. Once the City’s 2023 water main upgrades are complete, the City will have replaced over 4.78 miles of water mains since 2018, representing approximately 11.6 percent of Hoboken’s water system. For weekly construction schedules, click here. For more on the City’s water main infrastructure upgrades, click here.
Skin Laundry is Coming to Hoboken
When it comes to skincare in the Mile Square, locals have lots of options to choose from — from Attain Med Spa and Evolve Med Spa to new spots coming soon like Laser Away. Now, there will be another skincare spot to check out. Skin Laundry, a laser facial chain, will be setting up shop in Hoboken. Read on for what we know about Skin Laundry coming to the Mile Square.
New Natural History Shop Opens in Hoboken
There are few places in the world where you can find packaged gold flakes, a raccoon skull, and chocolate-dipped insects in the same room. There are even fewer places in the world where you can shop these oddities and take them home as souvenirs. But believe it or not, these mythical storefronts do exist, and one of them has landed right here in the Mile Square. Enter “The Evolution Store,” a history collectibles retailer that’s been operating out of NYC since 1993, and just opened a few weeks back in Hoboken. Just two weeks ago, The Evolution Store expanded to 106 4th Street in Hoboken, giving its collection of exotic antique items and collectibles a home across the Hudson. Read on to learn more about The Evolution Store, a unique shop that recently opened on 4th Street in Hoboken.
Hoboken’s St. Ann Italian Festival 2023 Kicks Off
Hoboken’s St. Ann’s Italian Festival is back for its 113th year. This year, the feast will take place from Friday, July 21st through Wednesday, July 26th at 704 Jefferson Street in Hoboken and feature food, music, kiddie rides, a beer garden, and of course — zeppoles. Read on for what we know about the 2023 St. Ann Italian Festival in Hoboken, including a schedule of events, and more.
Port Authority Officers Help Deliver Baby in Lincoln Tunnel Traffic
Images courtesy of Carepoint Health
Per NJ.com, a drive to the doctor’s office turned into a roadside delivery for mom Maria Castaño when she and her husband Nestor Guallpa got stuck in traffic waiting to enter the Lincoln Tunnel on Monday, July 17th. As they approached the Weehawken toll both, Maria suddenly went into labor, and Nestor called out to nearby Port Authority officers for help. Port Authority Officers Timothy Jozefczyk and Evan Butt arrived to help Castaño deliver the baby, and at approximately 8:53 a.m., Kylian Aaron Guallpa, at 6 pounds and 9 ounces arrived. This was Officer Butt’s fourth time assisting with a delivery while on duty. Mom, Dad, baby Kylian and older brother Alan, 4, are happy and healthy, and were checked into the Hoboken University Medical Center to recover.
Scholars Village Development Approved in Jersey City
Jersey City approved a project that will result in 500 residential units as part of the SciTech City project. Per Jersey Digs, the plans will fill about two of the 16 total acres that will make up the campus. Each of the two 12-story buildings will have commercial spaces on the ground floor and be attached by a one-story base.
Hoboken High School Theatre Receives International Recognition
The Hoboken High School Theater Department won international recognition at the International Thespian Festival 2023 at Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana per a press release from the school. Students Mable Blischke-Villavicencio and Kendall McDonough won an International Thespy’s Duet Acting Award, according to NJ.com. HHS was one of 20 schools invited to participate, and students took place in workshops on topics including performance and technical skills.
Added Transit Incentives, Discounts for Jersey City Residents to Use Port Liberte Ferry
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There’s another benefit to taking the newly-revived Port Liberte ferry: a discounted Via ride to get to and from the ferry terminal. Per NJ.com, the bike carry-on fee has also been waived. These discounts are part of the negotiated deal between Jersey City and New York Waterway to revive the route.
Summer Blockfest Announced in Hoboken
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A Summer Blockfest has been announced for August 19th in Hoboken. Per an Instagram post from organizers, the event will feature vendors, food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The event will take place from 2PM-7PM at 770 Jackson Street.
NY Red Bull Player with North Jersey Roots Plays in MLS All-Star Game
Our star 🌟 pic.twitter.com/5urqlpKurU
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 20, 2023
John Tolkin, a defender for the New York Red Bulls and a native of Chatham, NJ, was selected to play on the MLS All-Star team, according to a press release. The MLS All-Star game was part of a multi-day event held July 15th-19th in Washington, DC. The event culminated in a friendly match between the MLS All-Star team and Arsenal FC.
Hoboken English Teacher to Open Independent Bookstore in Nyack, NY
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One man’s dream to own a bookstore is coming true. According to Patch, Hoboken English teacher Richard Fulco has taken over Big Red Books in Nyack, NY. The bookstore is under renovation and will be open later this summer.
Hudson County Couple’s Film Debuts
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In an ultimate pandemic pivot, one Hudson County couple realized their dream of making a movie. Per NJ.com, Gianni McLaughlin and his wife, Milly-May McLaughlin took the funds from their canceled wedding to make a movie, called Bless Me Father, which recently premiered on Amazon Prime. The film, a mob story set in Hudson County, has already won several national and international awards.
State Approves Two JC Heights Cannabis Retailers
Two more Jersey City cannabis retail locations have been approved by the state regulatory commission, per NJ.com. The Leaf Joint is currently operating as a tobacco shop and is located at 391 Central Avenue. Uforia will be located at 138 Griffith Street.
Hoboken Nonprofit Computers4People Donates 220 Computers to College-Bound Students
Photo courtesy of Computers4People
In advance of the 2023-2024 school year, Hoboken-Based nonprofit Computers4People has donated 220 computers to graduating high school seniors from 63 high schools, according to a press release from the organization. The computers were awarded through the organization’s College-Bound Laptop Scholarship. Students exhibited their dedication by submitting well-crafted written applications, accompanied by recommendation letters from their school counselors or teachers.
Free CPR Instruction Available at Jersey City Event
Salsa at The Pier will take place on Sunday, July 23rd from 4PM to 9PM at the Owen J. Grundy Pier in Jersey City, near Exchange Place. According to NJ.com, several vendors will be on-site, including MedicZero, which will have free CPR training for attendees. MedicZero is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission of teaching hands-only CPR to the public and increasing awareness about emergency responses to medical emergencies including overdoses and allergic reactions.
Hudson County Performer Named to New Jersey Hall of Fame
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The New Jersey Hall of Fame announced its 2023 honorees via a press release. Among this year’s honorees is Hudson County resident Tony Orlando of Union City. Tony is a singer whose career spans over 60 years and is best known for his work as part of Tony Orlando and Dawn.
Jersey City Ranks 20th for Cities with Best Opportunities for Newlyweds
In a study conducted by StorageCafe, Jersey City ranked #20 among major cities surveyed for best opportunities for newlywed couples. Some factors that contributed to Jersey City’s ranking included the number of restaurants, high median incomes, and the amount of recreation and other activities available. For some of our favorite Jersey City spots, click here.
Jersey City Man Shares Unconventional EV Charging Method
A Jersey City man is gaining attention for his unconventional methods for charging his three electric vehicles. In an article for Gothamist, Jersey City resident Sal Cameli describes the effort he takes to charge three electric vehicles from his apartment using a 34-four-foot-long extension cord. While that isn’t explicitly prohibited, his use of street parking spaces to charge the vehicles and the large cord over the sidewalk have caused problems with neighbors.
Liberty State Park Ranks High for Proposal Spots
Liberty State Park ranks #13 nationwide for memorable proposal locations, according to a study released by photo printing service Mixbook. The survey profiled 3,000 respondents for memorable proposal locations, and the results included everything from urban locations to cliffside vistas. Other New Jersey locations included Lambert Castle in Paterson and the Ortley Beach Boardwalk in Toms River.
Hoboken Junior Police Academy Celebrates a Successful Week
Photo courtesy of the city of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Public Safety Department, and the Hoboken Police Department announced a successful Junior Police Academy 2023 via a press release. The week-long academy ran the week of July 10 through July 14 this summer. Twenty children ages 10 through 15, from Hoboken and Hudson County went through the program and graduated on Friday, July 14. The academy is free for all and is sponsored by the Hoboken Police Department. This year, recruits took part in daily physical training exercises and drills, drone, self-defense, and robotics demonstrations, and a visit to the Hudson County Police Academy. They also met the Jersey City Police Department’s K-9 officers, heard from investigators with the Hudson County Prosecutors Office, and learned about first aid and blood-controlling techniques with the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To learn more about the Hoboken Junior Police Academy and see a highlight video from this year’s successful event, click here.
Golf Fundraiser Announced for the Hoboken Police Civic Association
The Hoboken Police Benevolent Association (PBA), a fraternal membership organization, has announced a golf fundraiser for its charitable arm, the Hoboken Police Civic Association (HPCA). The HPCA Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, September 25th. Funds raised will support the HPCA’s activities and community partners, which include the Boys & Girls Club, various cancer foundations, The Hoboken Homeless Shelter, The Jubilee Center and The NJ State PBA Survivor’s and Welfare Fund. The HPCA also sponsors The Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, Toys for Tots, Back to School Bookbag and School Supplies giveaway, Two Annual Scholarships for Hoboken Highschool Students and The Climb with a Cop Event for Special Olympics. Interested parties can contact the PBA for more information and registration.
New Locations of Hummus Republic Coming to Jersey City, Hoboken
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A popular fast-casual restaurant is adding new locations in Jersey City and Hoboken, according to its website. Hummus Republic opened at 2 Journal Square earlier this year. The nationwide Mediterranean franchise is known for serving fresh, plant-based food and serving organic wraps, pitas, and bowls with different protein and hummus options. Read more about Hummus Republic here.
Calling in the Dogs for Hoboken’s Rat Problem
In an effort to combat Hoboken’s rat problems, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher invited the all-volunteer group, Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society, R.A.T.S. to town. Per Patch, the group is based in NYC and consists of trained handlers and their dogs, mainly small terriers, who are trained to kill rats. The group has now visited Hoboken three times, and each visit has been productive in eliminating the rat population.
Hey Yogurt is Opening Soon in Hoboken
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Fort Lee-based yogurt shop Hey Yogurt will soon be opening a location in Hoboken, according to Jersey Digs. The shop will be located at 90 Hudson Street. Hey Yogurt is known for its Japanese-style desserts, which include yogurt-style drinks and baked goods like cream puffs and cheesecakes.
Jersey City Police Investigate Body Found Near Holland Tunnel
Per NJ.com, Jersey City police were called to an area near the Holland Tunnel to investigate what later turned out to be a dead body. On Wednesday, July 18th at 6:52PM, police responded after a passerby alerted them to an unresponsive person near the intersection of 18th Street and Jersey Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.
