A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: Jersey City’s Triangle Park has officially opened following renovations; the Hoboken Community Center is slated to receive a $1M grant; Bayonne-based Perk Up Cafe coming to Jersey City, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken Mayor Releases Statement on Western Edge Redevelopment Plan
On Thursday, July 1st, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla released a statement regarding the redevelopment plan for the western edge of Hoboken. “I am glad to have received a commitment from Pegasus Partners to reduce the permitted height of their proposed buildings to 145 feet, thus ensuring that there will be no structures built above the height of the Palisades. I believe this is a reasonable compromise that reflects the quality of life and feedback of residents in neighboring municipalities, while also allowing for what we anticipate will be appropriate community givebacks for Hoboken.”
Summer Streets Announced for July 4th
The City of Hoboken will be implementing Summer Streets on Sunday, July 4 for various routes along the Hoboken waterfront. Access will be limited along Sinatra Drive, Hudson Street, Shipyard Lane, and 14th Street from 6PM to 11PM. These routes will be limited to pedestrian and bicycle activity only.
Jersey City Flower Shop Announces Closure
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Casa Mona, a flower shop located at 277 Newark Avenue in Jersey City announced this week it will be closing its doors. Celebrated as one of the best go-to flower shops in the area, Casa Mona will be missed.
Stevens Institute Ranks #12 for Top-Earning Graduates
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This week Stevens Technical Institute shared via Instagram, “Stevens has ranked number 12 out of 100 colleges whose students go on to earn the most after graduating. Gaining real-world experience prior to graduating, Stevens graduates earn over $75,000 starting salary on average and a median salary of $144,300 as mid-career earnings.”
Pete Berrios, Owner of Torico Ice Cream Passes Away
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This week on Instagram, Torico Ice Cream shared the sad news that owner, Pete Berrios passed away on Monday, June 28th. “Back in 1968, our humble little shop was just a twinkle of what it is today. It all started with a pregnancy craving and a husband’s love for his wife that became what we all know now as the Torico story. Pete poured his life, love and dreams into his business. He produced endless smiles and memories in our community with his homemade recipes that will continue on for many more years to come.”
HypeRoom to Soft Open July 10th in Hoboken
Located at 95 River Street, HypeRoom brings people together through photography. The soft opening will showcase an interactive selfie studio made up of multiple selfie exhibits and backdrops for the perfect selfie. Each exhibit gives people a fun and exciting backdrop to curate for their social media. This event is by invite-only. You can click here to contact HypeRoom directly.
City Hall Reopening in Hoboken
Hoboken City Hall will be re-opened to the public beginning July 6th. City services will be provided on an appointment-only basis and space will be available for City staff to meet with residents in the City Hall ground floor conference room. In addition to City Hall opening again, service on the Blue HOP, Green HOP, and Red HOP busses will resume beginning July 6th.
Hudson Coffee Announces Its Closure in Uptown Hoboken
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Sad news in uptown Hoboken: Hudson Coffee has announced its closure as of the end of July. The coffee shop was opened back in 2018 by Justin DePascale, who is also the owner of Bean Vault Coffee in downtown Hoboken. Justin, a police officer in Hoboken, shared a great love of coffee and the Mile Square. His downtown shop will remain open, but Hudson Coffee announced the news on its Instagram on July 3rd about its uptown closure at 1100 Maxwell.
Hoboken Police Chief Retires After 28 Years
Full #live report from @News12NJ on @KenFerrante retirement from @HobokenPD . PS we are about the same age: but i’ve got SO many more years of this work thing. 🤦🏽♀️ https://t.co/9NcBFZUeFa
— Marci Rubin (@MarciRubinN12) June 30, 2021
Following 28 years of service to the community of Hoboken, Police Chief Ken Ferrante has retired, News 12 reported. A walk-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 30th to commemorate Ferrante’s career, the last seven of which were as chief.
Sweets Shop Sugarsuckle Closes
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The custom dessert shop Sugarsuckle announced this week via Instagram it will be closing its doors this month. “From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your continued support over the past 3+ years! As of July 1st, we will not be taking any new orders. Any orders that have already been taken will be fulfilled. We will officially be closing our doors on July 10th.”
Possible Redevelopment Coming to Chambord Building in Hoboken
The potential plans for the redevelopment of the R.B. Davis Company building in southwest Hoboken include a 25,000 square foot supermarket commercial space, additional ground-floor retail and restaurant space, and an interior courtyard, per Tap Into. The plan also accounts for more parking spots and residential units.
Hoboken Staple, Delfino’s, Closes After 34 Years
The long-standing pizzeria and restaurant, Delfino’s, has closed its doors. Delfino’s was established in 1987 and was an old-school joint that residents have enjoyed for decades. It was located at 500 Jefferson Street, and the last day of operation was July 2nd. Click here to learn what we know about Delfino’s closing in Hoboken.
Renovated Triangle Park Features Splashpad
Jersey City’s Greenville neighborhood is home to the newly renovated Ferris Triangle Park which was officially unveiled this week. The renovated park includes a brand new, ADA-compliant playground area and a splash pad with push-button activation, in addition to other much-needed upgrades.
“Triangle Park has been a priority under our Open Space Trust Act with a goal of reclaiming the public park space to bring out its fullest potential for the benefit of neighborhood residents, and so we worked directly with the community to understand their needs and bring them to fruition,” Mayor Fulop said in a statement. “This is a great way to kick off summer, especially for many of the local children and families as these park improvements provide an easily accessible outdoor recreational space where they can cool off and have fun under the sun.”
Hoboken Commissions 2 New Murals
The Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee has announced the launch of two new mural projects, one at Church Square Park and one at Tom Olivieri Park. The City of Hoboken and the Committee invites all artists to submit art proposals for the two projects. Click here to read more about the Hoboken art initiative, how to apply as an artist, and more.
Hoboken Community Center Receives $1M Grant
According to the 2022 New Jersey state budget, the Hoboken Community Center has received a $1M grant thanks to the request of local officials. Located at 1301 Washington Street in Uptown Hoboken, the community center has worked to support those most in need.
“When residents needed help the most, the Hoboken Community Center and its food pantry worked to ensure our community’s seniors and others could safely get groceries amidst shelter in place orders, and it continued to be a truly amazing resource throughout the pandemic,” said Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro. “Especially after seeing their work up close and personal last year, it was my pleasure to advocate for additional funding as part of the state budget. With this $1 million from the state, I’m happy to see this terrific organization continue to grow and serve Hoboken and make a positive impact on our community.”
Jersey City Police Pull Body from Hudson
On Sunday, June 27th bystanders were approached by Jersey City police asking if they had called 911 regarding an emergency. One of our readers, Ryan Palamarik, was on site for the recovery.
“My friend and I were sitting at the Colgate clock yesterday (Sunday) when two police cars drove up. They immediately got out of the car looking over the railing and asking us bystanders if we were the people that called 911,” Ryan wrote. “At the time, no one knew what was going on. We then saw a Coast Guard boat start approaching as if they were looking for something. We kept an eye on what was going on for about 30 minutes and then we saw the recovery.”
Bayonne-Based Cafe Coming to Jersey City
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The coffee culture in Jersey City is alive and well – and ever-growing. The newest cafe to open in Chilltown is a popular Bayonne-based shop, Perk Up Cafe, which will be located at 197 Van Vorst Street. The cafe is known for specialty coffees and espresso as well as a menu inspired by American classics. The cafe plans to open towards the end of July or the beginning of August. Click here to read more about Perk Up Cafe’s new location in Jersey City.
Sandwich + Salad Shop ‘Medley’ to Close This July
After serving the Hoboken community for over a year, Medley, a sandwich and salad shop located at 521 Washington Street, is closing by the end of June after opening back in March 2020. The salad shop had taken over the space that was formerly Makai Poke, with the same owners. Click here to read more about Medley’s closure in Hoboken.
Largest River in New Jersey to Flow Freely
For the first time in 180 years, a river in Somerset County will flow freely, NJ.com reported. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Kinder Morgan, the company responsible for a legacy of pollution in Urban New Jersey, plans to remove the Headgates Dam. The Headgates Dam currently runs across the Raritan River between Hillsborough and Bridgewater.
Newly Created Jersey City Field Day Honors Dads
A new field day coming to Jersey City will celebrate dads, per Patch. The Dr. Charles A. Johnson, Junior, Foundation will uplift and celebrate black and brown men in fatherhood, brotherhood, and togetherness during the Day of Dad’s Field Day. The inaugural Day of Dad’s Field Day will be at the Caven Point Sports Complex on Saturday, August 7th.
Jersey City School Board Plans to Change Admissions Process in Two Schools
The Jersey City Board of Education is looking at changing admissions policies and procedures to create more socio-economic diversity, according to NJ.com. The BOE will review the way students are accepted at McNair Academic High School and the Infinity Institute in order to change the selection process from being based solely on race. BOE President Mussab Ali said the current process could be ignoring some neighborhoods in the city.
Jersey City Honors Memory of Clarence Jerome Fitch
Ferris High School honored the memory of Clarence Jerome Fitch, a former student and athlete who enlisted in the U.S. Marines shortly after graduating in 1966, per Tap Into. Fitch served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. The new walkway, named Fitch’s Way, connects the main entrance of Ferris High School to the Annex. “It was an honor to recognize someone who has given so much to Jersey City,” said Jersey City Board of Education President Mussab Ali. “His impact was felt across our country.”
Three Downtown Jersey City Projects Updates
Construction has continued recently on several small developments in Downtown Jersey City, Jersey Digs reports. Two Ward E projects have had significant progress made, and a third appears to be almost finished. Jersey City has seen lots of high-rises recently, and progress is still being made for more developments.
More Wind Turbines Greenlit for New Jersey Coast
New Jersey approved the addition of hundreds of wind turbines off the state’s coast in coming years, according to NBC Philadelphia. Two wind farm projects that would provide enough power for 1.1 million homes were approved. This adds to the previous 1,100 megawatts green-lighted by New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities.
Jersey City Public Schools Not Mandating Masks
The Jersey City Public School system will not make masks mandatory in the fall, for now, Patch reports. The decision is subject to change, and the district is taking its cue from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Education. Gov. Phil Murphy left districts with the option to continue requiring masks.
“Skate Jam” Parties In Jersey City Aim to Unite Community
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Two local DJs scheduled a series of “Skate Jam” parties for Jersey City’s Berry Lane Park, per Patch. These parties are scheduled for this summer after DJ George Aiken and DJ Duce Martinez had been planning the outdoor bash for two years. Berry Lane is one of New Jersey’s largest skate parks and Aiken said it’s perfect for the music and skating event.
Third Chipotle Location Opening in Jersey City
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Chipotle will soon have a third location in Jersey City at 30 Montgomery Street, Jersey Digs reports. The soon-to-be Chipotle location was previously the home of B. Good, which closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Chipotle is one of the largest fast-casual chains in the country.
Jersey City Lottery Player Becomes Overnight Millionaire
A Jersey City lottery player matched all five numbers drawn in Wednesday’s Jersey Cash 5 game by the New Jersey Lottery and became a millionaire, according to Tap Into. The winning numbers were 09, 18, 24, 25 and 37, and the XTRA number was 04. The ticket was sold by Kenny Ideal Food Market, who will receive a bonus check for $2,000.
Regent Street’s Glass Curtain Wall Nearly Finished
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The new development at 88 Regent Street, a 32-story mixed-use tower, is nearing completion, New York Yimby reports. The Glass Curtain Wall was designed by Marchetto Higgins Stieve and developed by 88 Regent Street, LLC. The project will yield 392 rental apartments, 9,110 square feet of retail space and 5,595 square feet of commercial office space.
New Jersey Will House Transgender Inmates According to Gender Identity
New Jersey has adopted a policy requiring state prisons to house transgender people according to their gender identity, per NBC News. The policy change comes after a settlement after the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and attorney Robyn Gigl of GluckWalrath LLP sued the N.J. Department of Corrections and its officers in August 2019. They sued on behalf of a trans woman who went by the pseudonym, Sonia Doe.
Hoboken Library To Close For Renovations
The Main Building of the Hoboken Public Library will close for about four weeks for HVAC system and other repairs, Patch reports. The closure will begin on July 10, and customers will continue to be able to order materials via the library’s online catalog. They can pick up the orders at the Library’s Curbside Pickup Station, or by using the 24/7 Self-Service Lockers outside the Main Library and the Branch at 124 Grand St. The library’s programming will be unaffected.
New Jersey Employment Slowly Improving in 2021
New Jersey’s employment numbers and unemployment rate are making a sluggish recovery, per New Jersey Business. In March and April 2020, New Jersey lost more than 673,000 jobs due to the pandemic. In April 2021, employment in New Jersey increased by 5,600 jobs and totaled nearly 4,089,200 workers, regaining 53% of the employment lost last year.
New Citi Bike Station Installed at Audubon Park
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Jersey City is installing more Citi Bike stations across the city, including the latest installation in Audubon Park, according to Patch. The new station is the 52nd in the city, and a 53rd is planned for MLK Drive this week. Jersey City announced its partnership with Hoboken for a unified Citi Bike program last month, placing docks and 820 bikes across Jersey City and Hoboken to start.
Jersey City Plans to Buy College Properties in Journal Square
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Jersey City officials have had the goal to reshape Journal Square for the last decade, and Mayor Steven Fulop is planning to expand the government’s footprint and acquire two properties, per NJ.com. Fulop plans to host affordable housing in one of the two new properties. Both properties are currently owned by Hudson County Community College and sit on Sip Avenue.
Italian Website Ranks Jersey City’s Razza in Top Five Pizza Places
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An Italian website that ranks pizzas worldwide has ranked Jersey City’s Razza in the top 5 pizzas. The website, 50TopPizza, said Razza serves one of the best pizzas around. In April, Razza was also placed on the list of the best pizza places in New Jersey by Food & Wine Magazine.
Local Actor Interviewed Andrew McCarthy on Book Tour
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During a stop in his virtual book tour, “Pretty in Pink” actor and New Jersey native Andrew McCarthy was interviewed on Thursday, July 1st by Hoboken resident and fellow actor, Matt Lawler. The interview was conducted via Zoom, according to Patch, and not only promoted the launch of McCarthy’s recent tell-all book “Brat”, but also gave the virtual audience the chance to ask questions.
Two Police Officers Make Bayonne History as First Black Women on the Force
Two women, Tanya Roberts and Brianna Rhodes, were sworn in as the first Black women on the Bayonne police force and made history, per NJ.com. Roberts and Rhodes were part of three classes in 2019, 2020, and 2021 that were celebrated during a ceremony last week at City Hall.
Hudson County Towns Divided on Cannabis
Jersey City, Bayonne, and Union City have differing opinions on cannabis legality, according to NJ.com. Under New Jersey’s landmark recreational marijuana law, municipalities have until Aug. 21 to implement rules about cannabis businesses. Mayor Steve Fulop has been a longtime advocate of legal marijuana.
Housing Authority Opens Waiting List
On Monday June 28th, the Housing Authority of Hoboken opened its waiting list at 8AM. The list gives access to low-income public housing and a low-income voucher program at FoxHill Gardens. All eligible parties may apply here.
