It has been a weekend full of sunshine, making for perfect beach and pool weather. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: the Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival is back for 2024; the city of Hoboken secures a $3M grant for upgrades to parks; and a French bulldog is reunited with its owner after being stolen at a Jersey City train station. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on July 28th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- Hoboken Synagogue is Vandalized with Graffiti
- French Bulldog is Reunited with Owner After Being Stolen at Jersey City Train Station
- Big Little Lies Star Shailene Woodley Spotted While Dining at Elysian Cafe in Hoboken
- Jersey City Delivery Apps Ordinance Going Into Effect 8/1 Proposes Big Changes
- Anthony David’s in Hoboken Opening Speakeasy Next Door
- Corrections Officer From Jersey City Pleads Guilty to Accepting $14K in Sting Operation
- Bayonne Firefighters Put Out a Two-Alarm Fire in Only 30 Minutes
- Planet Fitness Will Temporarily Close in Hoboken for Upgrades
- Jersey City Celebrates Newly Improved Bergen Square with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Driver is Arrested for Making Terroristic Threats During Hoboken Traffic Incident
Hoboken Synagogue is Vandalized With Graffiti
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Councilmember-at-Large Emily Jabbour shared via Instagram on July 25th that the Hoboken Synagogue had been vandalized overnight. On Wednesday, July 24th at approximately 9AM, Sargeant Anthony Russo, Detective John Quinones, and Police Officers Chelsea Tamborra and Jesse Castellano responded to the United Synagogue of Hoboken,115 Park Avenue, on reports of graffiti. Per the Public Safety Department, Synagogue staff reported they found the graffiti “Free Palestine”, written on Synagogue property, which officers also saw before it was cleaned off. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Police Officer Chelsea Tamborra at [email protected] or 201-420-2100 ext. 3109.
City of Hoboken Secures $3M Grant for Upgrades to Parks
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on July 17th that the City of Hoboken secured $3.1 million in state and county grant funding for public open space projects. Per a City of Hoboken press release, these funds will support upgrades to Church Square Park including a new toddler playground, the expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park, and the development of a new and expanded waterfront skate park as part of Maritime Park. Once finished, Southwest Resiliency Park will provide recreational amenities including a basketball court, playground, and pickleball courts. The park will also mitigate rainfall flooding through above and below ground infrastructure, which will more than double the existing park’s capacity to detain over 460,000 gallons of stormwater.
Landmark Hospitality Opening The Albion Summit
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Landmark Hospitality is opening its newest venture, The Albion Summit, at 570 Springfield Avenue in Summit, NJ soon. The Albion Summit is a relaunch and renovation of The Grand Summit Hotel. This vibrant destination just outside of NYC provides community-focused amenities including the renowned Felina Restaurant, an events space, a movie theater, and a co-working space called The Living Room, among other things. Open houses for hiring are being held on Monday, July 29th, and Thursday, August 1st from 11AM-3PM for those looking for restaurant + hotel positions.
Anthony David’s in Hoboken Opening Speakeasy Next Door
Dark rooms, mood lighting, good music, great conversation, and even better drinks — the ingredients for a good speakeasy. A popular Hoboken Italian restaurant is expanding into the world of speakeasies. Anthony David’s, located at 953 Bloomfield Street in Hoboken, was recently approved to renovate an old tattoo parlor into an upscale bar — located directly next to the restaurant at 938 Washington Street. Click here for more.
The Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival is Back for 2024
While Pride Month is celebrated in June around the United States, Hudson County celebrates in August — and it’s also when the Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival takes place. Each August, Jersey City hosts a variety of events, including the festival, to celebrate the Hudson County LGBTQ+ community. This year, the Jersey City Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, August 24th at the Grove Street PATH Plaza and Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue. Click here for more.
22 New Jersey Olympians Are Competing in the Paris Summer Olympics 2024
Hundreds of American athletes are in Paris right now, waiting for their moment to compete on the world stage. From all around the country, men and women will step up to the plate, starting line, starting block, court, and more to give it their all for an Olympic gold medal. Representing New Jersey on Team USA are 22 athletes from all over the Garden State. Click here for more.
Hudson County Park Avenue Paving Project to Cause Traffic Delays in Hoboken
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The Hudson County Park Avenue Repaving Project is ongoing, and may result in traffic congestion, possibly into early August. Per a Nixle announcement, the Hudson County Department of Roads and Public Property is repaving Park Avenue from Observer Highway in Hoboken to 19th Street in Weehawken. The road work is being conducted on weekdays between 8:30AM and 5:30PM and requires intermittent and roving road closures and parking restrictions. Drivers should plan for delays close to the city’s entrances and exits. The paving portion of the project is scheduled to begin at Observer Highway on Monday, July 29th, and move northbound along Park Avenue throughout the week. Daily updates on road closures and parking restrictions can be found on the Hoboken OEM X page, @HobokenOEM. Weekly updates can be found here on the city’s construction update page.
Developer to Turn Downtown Jersey City Bank Into Luxury Hotel
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The prominent developer and restauranteur behind the Liberty House in Liberty State Park and The View in Lincoln Park is planning to transform an early 20th-century bank building in Downtown Jersey City into a four-star luxury hotel. Per NJ.com, Frank Cretella is planning to convert the Trust Company of New Jersey building at 201 Newark Avenue into the seven-story “Albion Hotel”. Construction on the project is expected to begin in March 2025 and be completed by May or September 2026.
French Bulldog is Reunited With Owner After Being Stolen at Jersey City Train Station
French bulldog thefts have increased as costs for the popular breed exceed $2,000 per pup. A New Jersey dog owner lost his Frenchie, Eli, when he was swiped from the Danforth Avenue Station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and brought across state lines. Per Patch Hoboken, the Frenchie has now been reunited with his owner. New Jersey Transit Police Officers from the Anti-Crime Unit helped to find Eli and bring him home to his rightful owner.
Hoboken St. Ann’s Italian Festival Returns for its 114th Year
St. Ann’s Italian Festival, an annual event that features Italian eats (including the infamous zeppoles), music, kiddie rides, a beer garden, and more, returned for its 114th year at 704 Jefferson Street in Hoboken. The festival began on July 24th and ends on July 28th. Click here for more.
New Coffee Shop, Cafe Cartel, Delays Opening Date in Hoboken
Cafe Cartel, a new cafe in Hoboken, recently pushed back its opening date. The new coffee shop will serve up “curated Colombian coffee” and light cafe bites (including empanadas). With an originally anticipated opening date of November 2023, Cafe Cartel put signage up back in May, and was looking to open up on Wednesday, July 24th — but the shop recently announced that the opening date is being pushed back after encountering a “last minute challenge”. Click here for more.
All the Hoboken + Jersey City Spots Featured in the A Complete Unknown Teaser
Nearly all of the filming for A Complete Unknown, the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic in which Timothée Chalamet stars, occurred in various Garden State locations. Hoboken + Jersey City was a hub for the project this spring, with the crew transforming local restaurants, shops, bars, and public spaces into a 1960s dreamscape. The movie’s official teaser was released on July 24th and solidified Hudson County as a main character. There are Hoboken + Jersey City cameos abound: from faux signage on Jersey Avenue to Moran’s disguised as “McAnn’s”, a 1960s New York bar and restaurant. Click here for more.
Hoboken City Council Unanimously Approves Rent Control Compromise
The Hoboken City Council unanimously (8-0) approved the first reading of a rent control compromise in hopes of avoiding a referendum in the fall at last night’s special virtual meeting. Per the Hudson County View, the Hoboken Council has proposed amendments to the rent control ordinance that seek to maintain existing tenant protections and address concerns raised by a petitioning committee, providing a compromise to avoid the enactment of a potentially less protective initiative referendum.
Crumbl Cookies is Coming to Downtown Jersey City
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A nationally-known cookie brand with 1000+ locations in the United States and beyond is coming to downtown Jersey City soon. Crumbl Cookies, which serves up delectable gourmet cookies in a variety of flavors, will make its debut on Grove Street in Jersey City’s historic downtown area next to Shake Shack. Click here for more.
11 Hudson County Restaurants Win 2024 Wine Spectator Awards
Restaurants in Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken were recognized by Wine Spectator. Per Patch Hoboken, the magazine recently released its 2024 restaurant awards, honoring eateries across the country for their cuisine and wine list. A total of 11 Hudson County eateries are on the list. The winners are as follows: Battello, Jersey City; Brazeiro Churrascaria, North Bergen; Blu on the Hudson, Weehawken; Court Street, Hoboken; Del Frisco’s Grille, Hoboken; Felina Steak, Jersey City; Hailfax, Hoboken; Maddy Rose, Jersey City; Molos, Weehawken; Sorellina Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar, Hoboken; and Son Cubano, West New York.
Corrections Officer from Jersey City Pleads Guilty to Accepting $14K in Sting Operation
A corrections officer has pleaded guilty to accepting $14,000 from an undercover agent to smuggle cell phones and tobacco products into a jail. Per NJ.com, Efrin Wade, 36, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty to extortion in Newark federal court on July 17th. He was working at Essex County Correctional Facility when he was charged in March of last year after getting caught in a sting operation. Efrin started communicating with an undercover FBI agent in January of last year, who he believed was seeking to smuggle the items into the jail to sell to inmates. Efrin was arrested by agents during a shift at Essex County Correctional Facility in March 2023 when he was found to be in possession of cigarettes, cigars, and packs of tobacco. Efrin’s sentencing is scheduled for November 19th.
NJCU Implements Tuition Hike, Improved Credit, + Boys and Girls Club Partnership to Stabilize Finances
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Financially pressed New Jersey City University hopes to stabilize with the announcement of a 3.5% tuition hike for the 2024-2025 school year, an improved credit rating, and a new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Per the Jersey City Times, the tuition increase will charge full-time undergraduates, both in-state and out-of-state residents, taking 12 or more credits $14,267 in tuition and school fees for fiscal year 2025. NJCU’s board of trustees voted on July 15th to adopt a $152 million budget for fiscal year 2025 that anticipates an increase in student tuition and fees, from $3.88 million in fiscal year 2024 to $5.44 million in the coming school year.
Jersey City Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Prison for 2020 Shooting
A convicted felon from Jersey City received a 94-month prison sentence for using an illegal firearm in a shooting “in the middle of a crowded street” back in 2020. Per the Hudson County View, Christian Freire, 29, of Jersey City, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on July 16th. The shooting happened a little after midnight on August 29th, 2020. A victim of the shooting was transported to Jersey City Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the leg. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Christian to three years of supervised release.
Three Men, Including Two Jersey City Officers, Arrested for Terroristic Threats + Burglary
On July 18th, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office arrested three men, including two Jersey City police officers, following an investigation into terroristic threats and burglary. Per the Jersey City Times, Mario Albero, 45, Adrian Tejada, 28, and Robert Nunez, 41, were arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City and released pending their first court appearance. Tejada and Nunez are Police Officers with the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) and were off-duty at the time the crimes occurred. An investigation found that on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, the defendants entered a private structure on Zabriskie Street in Jersey City and threatened to harm multiple individuals. As soon as JCPD officials became aware of the incident, the two officers were placed on modified duty. As a result of the charges, they are now suspended without pay, pending the court’s outcome.
Bayonne Firefighters Put Out a Two-Alarm Fire in Only 30 Minutes
Bayonne firefighters needed just a half hour to put out a two-alarm blaze in a vacant home on Pavonia Court on July 18th. Per the Hudson County View, the Bayonne Fire Department was dispatched to 5 Pavonia Court on a reported structure fire. Arriving companies found heavy smoke coming from the attic area of the one-and-a-half-story home. Firefighters used multiple hand lines to extinguish the two-alarm blaze. A fire investigation is underway, but the fire appears to be accidental in nature at this time. No injuries were reported.
Driver is Arrested for Making Terroristic Threats During Hoboken Traffic Incident
A driver traveling with children in his vehicle flagged down a Hoboken police officer to report that he had been threatened with a firearm by another driver. Per a Hoboken Police Blotter, Police Officer Jaydan Gonzalez was conducting traffic control at the intersection of Third and Garden Streets when he was alerted to the incident. The other driver, later identified as 22-year-old Brian Espinoza of Kearny, had reportedly threatened the victim with what he believed was a firearm. No weapons were found. Espinoza was placed under arrest for making terroristic threats and transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters before being released on a summons with a court date.
Jersey City Delivery Apps Ordinance Going Into Effect 8/1 Proposes Big Changes
Jersey City restaurant owners first started to collaborate on ways to rally against third-party delivery services for lower fees for businesses and customers, better worker safety laws, and a handful of other issues. At one point, a dozen Jersey City restaurateurs even banded together to build a local delivery platform to compete with their corporate counterparts. But, in February 2024, a city ordinance was presented that proposed major changes to the way these adversaries engage with each other. On August 1st, that ordinance is going into effect. Click here for more.
Bayonne YouTuber Arrested for Allegedly Pointing a Gun in QuickChek Parking Lot
A YouTuber, rapper, and social media prankster from Bayonne was busted for allegedly pulling a gun in the QuickChek parking lot during an argument. Per the Hudson County View, Richard Sharp, also known as “Famouss Richard”, 25, of Bayonne, was charged and arrested on July 12th at his residence on Isabella Avenue. During the arrest, a defaced firearm with a large-capacity magazine was recovered. The arrest happened after an investigation by the Bayonne Police Department Detective Bureau into an incident that occurred on July 4th at the 22nd Street QuickChek, where he allegedly pointed a handgun at two victims during an argument in the parking lot. Richard then fled the area in his vehicle. He was processed and subsequently transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Busy Bee Organics in Jersey City Now Serving Artisan Ice Cream Sandwiches
Busy Bee Organics announced on its Instagram story that it now serves up house-made artisan ice cream sandwiches, for a limited-time only. This Jersey City-based organic meal delivery service delivers organic, gluten-free, and customizable meals to the Hoboken and Jersey City area. Also on its menu is a banana whip cup with a magic shell. These desserts are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Bayonne Teen Dom Okon Sets Back-to-Back Records in His Career
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Bayonne teen Dom Okon claimed the record as the youngest person to have a video game about himself at just 18 years of age. Now, at 19, he has also become the youngest instrumental artist to have three consecutive iTunes top 100 charting albums before he reaches the age of 20. Per NJ.com, this claim was made earlier this month in an article by John Div on MSN. Dom graduated from County Prep High School in Jersey City in 2023. His Spotify page receives over 4,000 listeners a month.
Jersey City Celebrates Newly Improved Bergen Square With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Jersey City officials celebrated the addition of new plaza space and other improvements at the historic Bergen Square during an official ribbon cutting on July 22nd. Per NJ.com, the $1.8 million project at the intersection of Bergen Avenue and Academy Street included paving over two corner parking lots to create one plaza with turf and trees and another with new tables and benches. The intersection includes a public school, grocery store, apartments, and stores. It also houses one of the most popular bus stops between Journal Square and McGinley Square.
Councilman Paul Presinzano Hits the Streets to Implement New E-bike Law in Hoboken
The law requiring all e-bike users in the city to register at city hall, take a test, and wear a reflective vest whenever riding took effect on June 1st, but it was not being implemented. Per NJ.com, the primary councilmember behind the initiative, Paul Presinzano, decided to take matters into his own hands and hit the streets to pass out information cards, educate riders of the new laws, and help them register at City Hall.
Big Little Lies Star Shailene Woodley Spotted While Dining at Elysian Cafe in Hoboken
Last week, HG readers saw Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley dining at Elysian Cafe. Later in the week, another reader spotted the actress treating herself to a pedicure at Nailed It in Hoboken. Shailene is currently starring alongside Ben Foster and Pablo Schreiber in an upcoming film Motor City, which is listed on the NJ Motion Picture + Television Commission as filming in the Northern New Jersey area. The production studio is headquartered in Secaucus, but it’s unclear at this time how much of the project will be in Hoboken + Jersey City, if at all. Click here for more.
Planet Fitness Will Temporarily Close in Hoboken for Upgrades
The Hoboken location of the budget-friendly Planet Fitness chain will close this week for upgrades from July 29th, 2024 to at least late fall, according to its corporate office. Located at 605 Washington Street, the Planet Fitness space has been open for a decade, and is arguably the lowest monthly gym membership pricing in the area — as the gym centers are known for its $10/month pricing. For members looking to visit other locations in the meantime, there is a Weehawken location at 4100 Park Avenue and a Jersey City location at 321 Route 440. Click here for more.
Sewerage Authority Excavates Pits In Hoboken, Causing Street Closures
On July 22nd, the city of Hoboken sent out a traffic advisory saying the North Hudson Sewerage Authority would excavate test pits July 24th-26th, closing several blocks near the Jersey City border. Per Patch Hoboken, test pits are long holes that are dug to make sure ground conditions are suitable for construction projects. The pits were excavated at Newark and Jefferson streets for future sewer replacement work, the City said.
NJ Senator Bob Menendez to Resign Following Corruption Conviction
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U.S. Senator Bob Menendez will resign in August after he was found guilty on all 16 counts in a federal bribery and corruption trial. Per NJ.com, Menendez officially informed Governor Phil Murphy of his decision in a letter on July 23rd. Menendez said that he would step down from the Senate after a jury convicted him on July 16th of accepting bribes, including gold bars and cash, for official actions to benefit Qatar and Egypt. He is set to be sentenced on October 29th and has vowed to appeal. “While I fully intend to appeal the jury’s verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work”, his letter said.
Three Jersey City Men Sentenced to Prison for Murder
Two young Jersey City men have received long sentences in a 2018 shooting that left a 17-year-old man dead. A third man received a shorter sentence on a related assault charge. Per the Jersey City Times, Rayquan Carmichael, Isaiah Huggins, and Jahmari Hector, all of Jersey City, were sentenced on Friday by Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez in connection with the death of Jayden Fondeur, 17, also of Jersey City. Rayquan, 23, was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey state prison for Murder. Isaiah, 24, was sentenced to 42 years in New Jersey state prison for Murder. Jahmari, 21, was sentenced to six years in New Jersey state prison and is parole ineligible until 85% of his time is served.
Pokémon GO Fest is Coming to Jersey City This June
Gotta catch 'em all! Good news for Pokémon fans — the 2025 Pokémon GO Fest locations were recently announced, and it's coming to Jersey City this summer. Details are slim as of now, but what we do know is that Chilltown's Pokémon GO Fest will take place from June 6th through 8th, 2025. Read on for what we know so far about Jersey City's first-ever Pokémon GO Fest happening in 2025.
The Details + About Pokémon GO Fest
Pokémon GO shared via its website on Monday, January 6th that the annual Pokémon GO Fest will be taking place in three locations this summer 2025 — all of which are different than last year's locales.
Read More: 11 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories You Missed Last Week
This year's festivities will include a Jersey City Pokémon GO Fest — happening from Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th, 2025. The exact location has yet to be announced, but this post will be updated with any further details. Per the website, ticket details and more information will be released in March.
Pokémon GO Fest's will also take place in two other cities for 2025. The Osaka, Japan event will run from Thursday, May 29th through Sunday, June 1st. The Paris, France fest will happen shortly after the Jersey City one from Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th. This will be the first time that Jersey City and Paris will host Pokémon GO events.
A global Pokémon GO event normally takes place following the individual events — stay tuned to the website for more details on that.
In 2024, the events took place in New York City, Sendai, Japan, and Madrid, Spain.
Pokémon GO Fest orginated in Chicago, Illinois in 2017 and has since expanded across the world. The events have become a popular way for Pokémon fans to connect with others and explore. Per Dexerto, the fest involves physical events in specific cities that are set across multiple days, all followed by a global event where everyone can participate. Previous Pokémon GO Fests have included the debut of new Pokémon and forms. Locals can expect a day of adventuring to find all of the different Pokémon's Jersey City has to offer through the mobile game.
The mobile game Pokémon GO stems from the Japanese media franchise, Pokémon, which consists of the ever-popular trading card game, various video games, animated series and movies, and more. Per Pokemon.com, Pokémon are "creatures of all shapes and sizes who live alongside humans." Some of the most popular Pokémon include Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, and over 1,000 more.
For further updates on Jersey City's Pokémon GO Fest, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.
