It’s been a memorable week in Hudson County, that’s for sure. Aside from the wild weather, there have been plenty of other news headlines to get caught up on in Hoboken and Jersey City. Among the highlights: the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office launched a Safe Place program to help report hate crimes; progress was made on improving water quality in Jersey City schools; and the Hoboken Historical Museum will launch an oral history about Fiore’s restaurant. Read on for all the news in Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending June 11th, 2023.
New Jersey’s Air Quality Slowly Improves
On the afternoon of June 6th, Hoboken + Jersey City residents started noticing a drastic shift in weather conditions — a blanket of smoky fog seemed to fall over the sky and the sun beamed firey orange. As it turns out, there is quite literally something in the air: the rundown of smoke from the hundreds of wildfires currently burning in Canada. The outside world not only looks post-apocalyptic right now, but the carryover from the fires has reduced the air quality in North Jersey drastically, posing health threats to those in “sensitive groups.” The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Alert for the City of Hoboken, and in light of the current conditions, Hoboken has canceled all city recreation programs. Read on for what we know about the air quality conditions in New Jersey, as well as what precautions to take to stay safe.
Chinese Restaurant Dun Huang Opening in Jersey City
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A Queens-based Chinese restaurant chain called Dun Huang will be opening soon in Jersey City in the Newport neighborhood. Per Jersey Digs, the Jersey City location will mark the chain’s 12th location. The restaurant will be on the ground floor of The Beach, 172 Newport Drive.
Joint Effort to Upgrade Jersey City School Water Fountains, Water Quality Continues
According to the Jersey City Times, work is entering the final stages to update water fountains in Jersey City Public Schools. The effort is part of a combined effort by the Jersey City Board of Education, the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, and advocacy group Jersey City Together. While nearly two dozen facilities’ water fountains have already been improved and modernized, many more of the 43 facilities operated by the City still need water fountain upgrades.
New Hudson County Courthouse Built with Safety in Mind
The new Hudson County Courthouse is being built in a way to mitigate damage from an explosion, among other safety considerations. According to NJ.com, lessons learned from previous terror attacks are being incorporated into the building design. The courthouse is expected to be completed in late 2024.
Hudson County Man Sentenced in Crypto Scheme
Hudson County man sentenced to 21 months in prison for conspiracy to steal cryptocurrency https://t.co/CteAiCbu3R
— NJ US Attorney (@USAO_NJ) May 23, 2023
A Hudson County man was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for his role in a cryptocurrency scheme, according to a press release from the US Attorney’s office. Ebrahem Adeeb, 20, of Bayonne, New Jersey was sentenced for conspiring to steal more than $500,000 worth of cryptocurrency from users’ accounts with a cryptocurrency exchange platform. In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Adeeb to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $504,418.
Hudson County Prosecutor Launches Safe Place Program to Combat Hate Crimes
Photo courtesy of the Hoboken Police Department
In a press release, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office announced a new program in an effort to increase public awareness about reporting hate and bias crimes. The Safe Place Program is a nationwide program developed by the Seattle Police Department in 2015 to provide resources and assistance to victims of hate and bias crimes.
Hudson County businesses or organizations interested in participating are encouraged to signup online by visiting here. Once the form is complete, Community Outreach Coordinator D’Liz Polanco, who serves as the Hudson County Safe Place Administrator, will contact you to provide you with a Safe Place window sticker and welcome packet.
Hoboken Historical Museum Hosts Fiore’s Book Party
Photo courtesy of the Hoboken Historical Museum
Per the Hoboken Historical Museum, generations of hungry customers have come to Fiore’s House of Quality at 414 Adams Street in Hoboken to purchase a little bit of heaven: the deli’s signature fresh mozzarella. Visitors to the shop—first opened in 1929 by Alphonse Fiore, then run by his son, Joseph, then purchased by John Amato Sr. in 1965, and run today with one of Amato’s sons, John Jr.—demand the Fiore’s sandwich-makers put “mutz” on everything, including, in what was once nearly a culinary affront, on a tuna sub. “Oh, if the original owner were here, you come in here for a sandwich like that, he would have changed it,” John Sr. laughs. “’ You wanna ruin my business? Get out!’”
But the goal of the Amatos, father and son, is to please their customers. They know their product is irresistible. They will add it to whatever sandwich the customer orders; they sell it by the pound, and make smoked mozzarella, too. Fiore’s offers a selection of different meats and hard cheeses, but their “mutz,” in a town packed with delis offering mozzarella, is legendary. “Once they taste our mozzarella, we’ve got them,” John Sr. says. “We made a good friend.”
The event will take place on Sunday, June 11th at 4PM at the Museum, 1301 Hudson Street, to celebrate Fiore’s and the Amato family. The event is free.
New Italian-Influenced Steakhouse, Felina Steak, and Stork Club Lounge Open in Jersey City
Stork Club Bar and Roof, Courtesy of Zach Perl via Landmark Hospitality
Felina Steak is now open at 2 Chapel Avenue in Hudson House in Jersey City. Per a press release from the restaurant, Felina Steak is an Italian-inspired steakhouse. Felina Steak is open Wednesday–Saturday from 5PM–10PM for dinner and on Sunday from 12PM–8PM for brunch and dinner. Reservations can be made by visiting the Hudson House website or OpenTable. The rooftop at Hudson House boasts NYC skyline views at the Stork Club bar, a members-only bar for Landmark Club members also open to Port Liberte residents who dine at Felina Steak. Stork Club is open Friday and Saturday from 5PM–10PM in June for cocktails and light bites. In July, Stork Club will be open Wednesday–Saturday from 5PM–10PM and on Sunday from 12PM–8PM.
Hudson Regional Hospital Opens Cardiac Lab
A ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week marked the opening of a new cardiac catheter lab at Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus. According to the Hudson County View, several local elected leaders joined hospital leadership to mark the occasion. The new lab includes advanced technology that will allow doctors to treat and prevent cardiac conditions.
O’Bagel x Do Good Donuts Launch Friday Morning Treats
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Do Good Donuts, a Hoboken-based bakery, has partnered up with O’Bagel to sell tasty treats on Fridays, per an Instagram post. Do Good Donuts is a home-based bakery run by Hoboken resident Emily Wirt, who uses proceeds from her business to support charities. Limited supplies of the sweet treats will be available at the Hoboken location of O’Bagel, located at 600 Washington Street, on Fridays only.
Charges Upgraded to Murder in August 2022 Attack in Jersey City
PRESS RELEASE: Man Charged With Murder After Jersey City Assault Victim Dies Of Injuries pic.twitter.com/VaZZLwVZW3
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) May 31, 2023
A Jersey City man who was attacked in August 2022 died of his injuries in May 2023, and his assailant has now been charged with murder. According to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Nixon Marquez, 26, of Jersey City had previously been charged with weapons offenses in connection with his role in the August 2022 assault of Fardin Ghadamidarounkola at the Shell gas station located at 14th Street and Marin Boulevard in Jersey City. Mr. Ghadamidarounkola died in May 2023 due to complications from injuries he suffered during the attack.
Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar Coming to Hoboken
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Signs in the window at 1032 Washington Street indicate the storefront’s new tenant. According to Patch, Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar will take over the former D&V Barbershop space. Moxie is a chain with several other NJ locations, and it offers beauty services and bridal in addition to hair services for men and women.
Movie Filming Continues in Jersey City
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Filming for It Ends With Us moved to Jersey City this week. A tipster told HG that South House restaurant on Newark Avenue was being used to film a pivotal scene between two of the main characters. Celebs have been all over Hudson County over the past few weeks working on a variety of projects. Check out our roundup here.
Lara Salamone, Health Coach + Influencer Partners with The Hive for Expanded Breakfast Options
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In an announcement made on social media, two local businesses have teamed up for something tasty. Coffee shop and cafe The Hive has partnered with Lara Salamone, a Hoboken-based health coach and influencer, to offer overnight oats and cookie dough energy bites in-store. The healthful options will be available until Labor Day.
Hoboken Connect Moves Forward
Hoboken Connect, the ambitious plan to revitalize the area around Hoboken Terminal has released another batch of renderings as phase one of the plan moves forward, according to Jersey Digs. Developer LCOR has begun leasing the first phase of the project, which is mostly office space. The project will eventually see more residential and commercial spaces built in addition to a revitalization of the Hoboken terminal.
NJ Brewery Bill Makes Progress
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According to the New Jersey Brewer’s Guild, a bill that would allow craft breweries to host events including live music, parties, and fundraisers is being heard in committee on Monday, June 12th. Senate Bill 3038 (S-3038) would roll back limitations that went into effect in 2022, harming breweries. The licensing cycle for breweries begins again on July 1st, so it’s important for the breweries to get this bill passed quickly.
Jersey City Right-to-Counsel Legislation Gains Key Support
Via a press release from the City, Jersey City’s Right-to-Counsel and Development Impact Fee legislation received the endorsements of at-large Councilmembers Amy DeGise and Daniel Rivera. The Councilmembers’ endorsement guarantees five YES votes for the bills, a majority to pave the way for their passage. Councilmembers DeGise and Rivera worked with the legislation’s sponsors to ensure funds collected from development fees would support emergency rental assistance and housing rehabilitation and that the right-to-counsel office would conduct education and outreach to the general public.
Hoboken’s Northwest Resiliency Park to Be Officially Opened on Monday, June 12th
According to a press release, on Monday, June 12, 2023, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla will join Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, other elected officials and community members to cut the ribbon on the five-acre ResilienCity Park at 12th and Madison Streets.
The park, the new centerpiece of Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate the effects of heavy flooding events exacerbated by climate change, will become the State’s largest resiliency park and one of the largest resiliency parks in the country. It will be able to detain up to 2 million gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events to mitigate flooding in Northwest Hoboken, and will also include Hoboken’s third flood pumping station.
The park will also provide the public with a new multi-purpose athletic field, a basketball court that doubles as a stormwater detention basin, playground, open lawn space, water spray area, and other open space amenities.
ResilienCity Park was funded in part by a $10 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) program, low-interest financing through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, as well as $1 million in grants from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund.
Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Charged
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office arrested a Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer following a months-long investigation into child sex abuse material being stored on an online file storage server, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office. William Medina, 35, of Union City was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City and released pending his first court appearance, which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 29th, 2023.
Plans Approved for Uptown Hoboken Redevelopment
Per TapInto, plans have been approved for an ambitious redevelopment project at 1500 Clinton Street in uptown Hoboken. The agreement between the City and developer Bijou Properties will see a protected bike lane, a library branch, and 9,500 square feet of community space built. 38 of the incoming 382 housing units will be reserved for affordable housing.
Former Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy
Former Hudson County sheriff’s officer admits role in conspiracy to make false statements in connection with fraudulent short sale https://t.co/YsyyBVAG07
— NJ US Attorney (@USAO_NJ) May 23, 2023
A former Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer admitted his role in a conspiracy to make false statements in connection with a fraudulent short sale, according to a press release from the US Attorney’s Office. Osbado Hernandez, 54, of Avenel, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court on May 22nd, 2023, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the release of a loan. The false statements conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 4th, 2023.
Update on Rats in Hoboken’s 2nd Ward
In an email to constituents, Hoboken’s 2nd ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher gave an update on efforts to eradicate rats in the area. “For the past month or so I have been working with the city and the management and board of 1500 Garden / Harborside lofts to tackle the rat issue between this building and Harborside park. This was a problem that seemed to only be seen at night for a while and never reported. Rat sightings have increased exponentially as have the calls, texts and emails about them. The rats probably first came to the area from the construction sites on the other side of the cove in Weehawken, they stayed when they found a recurring food source in exposed trash behind 1500 Garden / Harborside lofts. When I raised this with the buildings management and condo board about a month ago, they cordoned off the area and within two days they began baiting and trapping rats. it wasn’t until last Friday they secured dumpsters to keep their trash off the ground. The building was fined. I am in touch with the city and management of both buildings, all who have confirmed they are either already increasing baiting and trapping or looking into it now. All are aware of each other’s efforts, with a goal of partnering and having a coordinated effort to tackle this issue as we move forward.”
