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: Hoboken Summer Streets kick off this weekend; six Jersey City students receive scholarships for STEM summer camps; and the Bayonne Dry Dock receives a $730K grant. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending July 30th, 2023.
New Boutique to Open in Jersey City Called ‘Dollhouse Xpress’
Jersey City will be getting another spot for locals to shop — a new women’s clothing and jewelry boutique called ‘Dollhouse Xpress’ will be coming to Bowers Street this August. Dollhouse Xpress is hoping to open up in mid-August, according to owner Liana Wright. She told The Hoboken Girl that her goal is to have the grand opening on August 12th, but we’ll keep you updated once a date is confirmed. Read more here.
Jersey City Artist’s Work on Exhibit at Art House Productions
Via a press release, Art House Productions announced that in celebration of Jersey City PRIDE month, the organization will present new work by Jersey City-based steel artist Robert Koch in the Art House Gallery, August 5th – August 27th, 2023. At this exhibit, Robert will present a variety of steel sculptures as well as mixed-media paintings. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 5th, from 5PM to 8PM, and regular gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1PM to 4PM.
Also on August 5th, in collaboration with Jersey City Pride, Art House will present the screening of “Strength through Visibility: 20 Years of Pride in Jersey City” in the Art House Theater from 3PM – 4:30PM. A panel discussion with the filmmakers will follow the screening. This documentary chronicles Jersey City Pride’s history, providing a roadmap for people around the world who want to start Pride events in areas with little to no support.
Hoboken Installs More EV Charging Stations
An illustrative rendering of future electric vehicle charging stations at the Southwest Resiliency Park. Image courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
The City of Hoboken announced via a press release that it has begun installing the first eight of 25 new electric vehicle charging stations through a contract with Volta. These stations, combined with the existing 11 City-owned publicly accessible charging stations, will ensure that residents across the city are within a 5-minute walk of a public charging station by 2030. The first phase of construction began on 10th Street between Clinton Street and Grand Street this week as project teams started work to install two level 2 charging stations. Construction will continue to take place from 8AM to 6PM during weekdays over the next two weeks. Parking will be temporarily restricted on part of 10th Street between Clinton Street and Grand Street, and the Hoboken Police Department will manage traffic control in the area.
$730K Grant for Bayonne Dry Dock
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Several electeds were on hand earlier this week to celebrate the announcement of a $730,000 federal grant awarded to the Bayonne Dry Dock. According to NJ.com, the funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant program and will be used to upgrade the dry dock. The Bayonne Dry Dock repairs commercial and military vessels and has 280 full-time employees.
Mobile Delivery App Wonder to Open Permanent Hoboken Restaurant
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Over three years out from the start of COVID-19, many of the innovative ways businesses grappled with global lockdown have become commonplace: sidewalk dining, to-go alcoholic drinks, and scannable menus, to name a few. Among these initiatives is the New Jersey-based mobile app that brought chef-prepared meals to your door. Called Wonder, the app created a new “fast fine” home dining experience, literally preparing each dish in your driveway. This past January, the service removed the food trucks from its model — and now, Wonder is in the process of transitioning into a permanent Hoboken restaurant + ghost kitchen service at 221 River Street. Read on for what we know about the Wonder flagship outpost coming to Hoboken.
New Restaurant ‘Martha’s’ Soft Opens in Former La Isla Uptown Space
In 2015, La Isla opened its second location in uptown Hoboken. The 100-seat space was much larger than its downtown counterpart and was a fan-favorite amongst uptown Hobokenites. Back in May, we reported that La Isla Uptown officially closed its doors on Sunday, April 9th, leaving many locals to wonder what would take over the 25 12th Street outpost. A new restaurant called Martha’s has since made its way to Hoboken from the team behind North Bergen eatery Harry’s Food + Drink. The new restaurant is an “intimate New American restaurant and bar,” with a menu expanding on the eats already served at Harry’s — and has now soft opened in Hoboken. Read on for what we know about Martha’s, the new restaurant taking over the former La Isla location at 25 12th Street in Hoboken.
Hoboken Announces Increased Rodent Mitigation Measures
Via a press release, the City of Hoboken shared its plans for mitigating the City’s rat problems. The plan will focus on comprehensive monitoring of the issue; strengthened waste management; and integrated pest management. The City will now require containerized trash cans for certain buildings, including multifamily buildings with 10 or fewer units. More information is available here.
Vendors Robbed at St. Ann’s Festival in Hoboken
Two vendors at Hoboken’s St. Ann’s Festival were robbed on Monday, July 24th, according to NJ.com. Two coolers and a hand truck were reported stolen. Hoboken Police are investigating.
Jersey City Launches Free Bike Storage
Image courtesy of Jersey City
Via a press release, Jersey City announced a new program launching free bike storage for commuters. The program will launch at two Light Rail stations and continue to expand. Residents can sign up for a free online account or download the Oonee mobile app. Oonee follows a three-day parking limit during peak times to ensure space is available for all regular users. For more details on permitted vehicles and all other information on the City’s new secure bike lockers, please visit the Oonee website.
Hoboken Artist Shares His Story
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A Hoboken resident has found a colorful ‘second act’ after suffering a life-changing stroke. Kurt Gardiner was recently profiled in Patch about his pivot to being a full-time artist after suffering a stroke while he was working in real estate. Kurt is now an artist in Hoboken, specializing in photographs of local landmarks that he turns into coasters and other items.
Hoboken Police Invite Residents to National Night Out
Image courtesy of the City of Hoboken
The Hoboken Police Department invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, from 5PM – 9PM in Church Square Park, via a press release. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Hoboken and Stevens Institute of Technology Police Departments this year, also offers residents the opportunity to learn about local police programs, partnerships, and initiatives that are helping to build an even safer Hoboken. This year’s event will feature activities for people of all ages. Highlights include free food including ice cream, hot dogs, empanadas, donuts, and frozen hot chocolate, along with musical entertainment, a photo booth, inflatable mini golf, a water slide, a sensory tent, a bouncy house, and arts and crafts activities. National Night Out is free, and all are welcome, and encouraged, to attend
New Jersey Sues Over Congestion Pricing Plan
Today, I joined @GovMurphy, @BillPascrell, and @RepJoshG in Fort Lee to discuss our efforts to defend New Jersey residents from New York’s congestion pricing cash grab.
We remain committed to using every tool available to protect New Jerseyans. pic.twitter.com/33orbn31Dv
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) July 21, 2023
The State of New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) over the proposed congestion pricing plan, per a press release from the Governor’s office. New Jersey argues that the USDOT and the FHWA violated the National Environmental Protection Act, which requires a full environmental impact review for projects of this projected impact and scope, as well as the Clean Air Act. The proposed plan is the first of its kind in the US.
One Bite Pizza Festival Announced
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“One bite, everyone knows the rules.” The famous One Bite pizza reviews will now have their own festival, recently announced via a press release. The One Bite Pizza Festival will take place on Saturday, September 23rd at Coney Island. The originator of the festival, Dave Portnoy, has visited a handful of Hoboken pizzerias including Torna’s, Tenth Street, and Johnny Pepperoni’s.
Hoboken Summer Streets Kicks Off This Weekend
There are so many fun activities to check out in the Mile Square each summer — from Movies Under the Stars to Fitness in the Park, and more. Among these summer traditions is the Summer Streets program — and the City recently announced that it would be bringing back Summer Streets again for 2023. This program aims to create a vehicle-free space on Sinatra Drive between 4th Street and 11th Street on Sundays through Labor Day. Read on to learn more about the Summer Streets 2023 schedule in Hoboken.
Jersey City Student Selected as Bank of America Student Leader
Bank of America announced via a press release that five New Jersey high school rising seniors were selected as Student Leaders® , an eight-week paid summer internship providing students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. The students will develop leadership, practical workforce, and civic engagement skills working with local Boys & Girls Clubs across four New Jersey counties and Elijah’s Promise. Last week, the students traveled to Washington D.C. for a week-long, all expenses paid, national leadership summit. Hudson County student Shivali Patel was one of the five selected. Shivali is a student at Ronald E. McNair Academic High School.
Jersey City Day of Fashion Announced
The inaugural Jersey City Day of Fashion, an unprecedented fashion experience presented by Mana Fashion Services in collaboration with Mana Contemporary and the City Council of Jersey City, will take place on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 throughout various iconic venues across Jersey City. Via a press release, organizers say that The day will kick off with a press conference at City Hall featuring remarks from city officials and two participating local designers. Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman will host an exclusive brunch and panel discussion at the Hyatt House Hotel with local designers and media professionals. Other highlights include a Fashion Mingle happy hour at the Hilton Canopy Hotel, back-to-back fashion shows at Mana Contemporary, a sneaker panel at & Co Space, immersive fashion installations, and a VIP closing party at an undisclosed location with musical performances and celebrity guests.
HoBOOken 5K to Benefit the Hoboken Shelter Announced
Image courtesy of the Hoboken Shelter.
The Hoboken Shelter announced the return of the HoBOOken 5K via a press release. Per the organization, the race will take place in Hoboken on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 to benefit the work of The Hoboken Shelter. Tapped as the largest fundraising event for The Hoboken Shelter, the race is expected to raise more than $70,000 to help support the Shelter’s mission of ending homelessness one person at a time. As in previous years, runners are encouraged to put together a team, bringing together friends, family, and colleagues to complete the course and raise money for the Shelter. Peer-to-Peer fundraising is a great way to feature the event and highlight the works of the shelter to others. All participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in costume, as there are prizes available too. Registration is now open for runners and walkers of all ages.
New Restaurant + Wine Bar with Rooftop Called ‘Metropolis’ Opens in Hoboken
It’s been over two years since the beloved Hoboken spot, The Dubliner, closed its doors at 96 River Street — and earlier this year, we broke the news that a new restaurant + wine bar called Metropolis is taking over the space. Since then, locals have anticipated the return of Hoboken’s only downtown rooftop, and Metropolis’ Instagram teasers suggest that this comeback is closer than ever. Back in January 2023, The Hoboken Girl chatted with the new owners of Metropolis to learn more about their vision. Read on for what we know about the new Metropolis spot in Hoboken.
Jersey City Students Receive Scholarships for STEM Camps
Ijlal Imran (third from left), Ava Braddock (fifth from right), Zarabeth Campanella (fourth from right), Olivia Lewis (third from right), Malan Young (second from right) and Eva Santelli (far right) explore nature while attending the Pine Mountain Settlement School in Bledsoe, Ky. Photos courtesy of the Scholarship Fund for Inner–City Children.
Six Jersey City students were among those receiving scholarships from the Archdiocese of Newark for summer camps with STEM focus. Via a press release, the Archdiocese announced that 12 students received scholarships to attend the Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, and the Environmental Education Program at the Pine Mountain Settlement School in Bledsoe, KY. The 12 scholarship recipients were chosen for their programs after submitting their grades, a teacher recommendation, and an essay describing why they would benefit from attending their desired camp. Jersey City students Olivia Lewis, a sophomore at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City, and Ijlal Imran, a sophomore at Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City attended the Environmental Education Program. Hudson Catholic High School juniors Sophia Sanchez, Owen Parillo, Brian Sylva, and Henil Patel attended the Advanced Space Academy.
Plans for a 40 Story Building in Jersey City Announced
Per Jersey Digs, plans have been announced to build a 40-story tower at the Newport PATH station in Jersey City. The plans from the LeFrak company envision a mixed-use residential and commercial building at 110 Town Square. While the plans would need at least two variances to move forward, there is no set date for the company to appear before the zoning board.
Stolen Pup from Bayonne Reunited with Family
A scary story had a happy ending this week when a Bayonne family was reunited with their pup, Rocco. Per NJ.com, Rocco was stolen from his home on Monday night. After a media blitz with pictures of Rocco and the suspects, he was returned to his family on Wednesday night, looking no worse for his adventure.
Hoboken Arts + Music Festival Fall 2023 Date Announced
We’re not wishing summer away, (and we’ve got all the summer content to prove it) BUT a highly-anticipated Hoboken event just announced its fall 2023 dates, and locals are rightfully excited about it. The Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival returns on Sunday, October 1st on Washington Street, between Observer Highway and Seventh Street. From 11AM – 6PM, residents can peruse displays + sales from artists, crafters, food vendors, and local businesses. Read on to learn more about the Fall Arts + Music Festival happening this year in Hoboken.
Jersey City Bus Company Will Close this Fall
Independent bus company A&C Bus announced its plans to shut down four routes that service Jersey City and Bayonne by Halloween. According to Jersey Digs, the company has not recovered since the pandemic. There has been no formal notice of the company’s closure to NJ Transit other than a phone call.
Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Downtown Jersey City
A cannabis dispensary will open in August in downtown Jersey City, according to NJ.com. Downtown Flwr is located at 141 Newark Avenue and is the second cannabis dispensary to open in Jersey City. The opening date is set for August 4th, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Jersey City’s Right-to-Counsel Legislation Challenged via Lawsuit
A lawsuit from a group representing landlords has filed a lawsuit against Jersey City in an effort to halt its Right-to-Counsel legislation. Per Jersey Digs, the Jersey City Property Owners Association (JCPOA) alleges that the ordinance “exceeds the taxing authority and police powers” of Jersey City. The lawsuit also alleges that the ordinance interferes with the relationship between landlords and tenants; creates a benefit for some residents and not others; among other arguments. Several Jersey City leaders who have been vocal in their support of the legislation have called the lawsuit frivolous and vowed to fight it.
