Every week, we gather the highlights you missed in the news this week in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: Hoboken High School has elected its first all-girls student government; Flo Rida to headline Jersey City’s July 4th celebration; Bayonne hosts lottery for Hudson River cruise; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken’s Bear Brook Dental Opens with Play Area + Prizes
A new pediatric dental clinic in Hoboken is on a mission to make visiting the dentist easier for kids. Dr. Tommy Lee and his team at Bear Brook Pediatric Dentistry have helped thousands of children keep their beautiful, healthy smiles and overcome the anxiety associated with dental care through the use of cutting-edge technology employed in a vibrant, child-friendly environment. Click here to read about Bear Brook Pediatric Dentistry, located at 727 Adams Street in Hoboken, and the upcoming grand opening event happening this month.
Pizzeria Fantastica Opens Pop-Up Location in Jersey City
Classically trained pizza master, Joseph Marazzo, has opened a pop-up pizza shop at Surf City in Jersey City. The menu at Pizzeria Fantastica features pizza classics prepared in a Neapolitan wood fired brick oven including Margherita, Bianca, Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, and Broccoli Rabe + Sausage.
Six26 + Jersey City Pride Festival to Host an LGBTQ+ Vow Renewal
To honor the day marriage was legalized for everyone, Six26 and the Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival have announced on social media that they will be hosting a vow renewal ceremony on the rooftop at Six26, located at 128 Christopher Columbus Drive. Six26, which was fittingly named after June 26th to honor the passing of marriage equality, will also be hosting an after party upon the conclusion of the vow renewal. This event is open to everyone 21+ and will be held on the evening of Tuesday, June 26th. Married LGBTQ+ couples are encouraged to email their names to info@jerseycitypride.com by June 23rd to be included in the ceremony. Click here for what we know about the Six26 and Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival 2022 vow renewal.
Jersey City Aims to Acquire Ferry Terminal
According to Patch, the Jersey City Council introduced an ordinance on Wednesday, June 8th to acquire the Port Liberte Ferry Terminal. The goal in acquiring the terminal is to offer lower fare transportation, giving commuters in the Greenville and West Side areas another option for using public transportation.
Renderings Revealed for Proposed Development in Newport
Renderings of the proposed plans for the final development along the Newport waterfront have been revealed, per Jersey Digs. The last portion of land in need of development on the Newport + Hoboken border will house residential buildings, retails space, and include a new road.
Jersey City’s New Historical Museum Invites Locals to Contribute
Jersey City has been in need of a museum much like the Hoboken Historical Museum — and there is finally one in its soft opening stages. The Historical Museum of Jersey City is not quite fully formed, but that’s by design — and the new museum has opened its doors to the local community by holding open houses to help turn the space into a thriving cultural center with the hope of opening for real in the autumn. Journal Square residents specifically, the general Jersey City population, and all of us with attachment to the Hudson County region are invited to join in the development of this new community-strong institution housed in the pre-Revolutionary War era building at what is now 298 Academy Street.
Salt + Ginger Opens on Grove Street in Jersey City
A new restaurant has taken over the former spot of Wild Fusion. Salt + Ginger, a new Chinese eatery, has opened at 313 Grove Street in downtown Jersey City. The location joins several other restaurants on Grove Street across from Jersey City Hall, within a short walk from the Grove Street PATH station. The restaurant is still in its soft opening stages, but it’s already a hit among the community. Click here to read about Salt + Ginger.
Hoboken Officially Bans Feeding Wildlife
Hoboken is home to many forms of wildlife. Between birds, deer, a seal, and even a whale spotting, many locals have enjoyed seeing animals in the area — and the City has now officially cracked down on any further interactions with wildlife. During a Council meeting on May 18th, the Hoboken City Council unanimously put forth an ordinance that would introduce a ban on feeding wildlife in Hoboken. On June 1st, the Council unanimously voted to pass this ordinance, making wildlife feeding in Hoboken officially banned. Click here for what we know about the wildlife feeding ban in Hoboken.
Flo Rida to Headline Jersey City’s Fourth of July Celebration
Flo Rida, perhaps best known for his 2007 hit “Low,” is officially coming to Jersey City next month. Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced via press release on June 8th that Flo Rida is going to be the headliner for the 2022 Jersey City’s Fourth of July Celebration. Also set to perform are FunkFlex and Shaquille O’Neal, who has taken up DJing in recent years under the name DJ Diesel. Previously, this waterfront event has attracted about 150,000 people from all over the tri-state area. There will also, of course, be fireworks to watch as well. Click here for what we know about Jersey City’s Fourth of July Celebration 2022.
Play! Hoboken + Mile Square Theatre Team Up to Help Parents Enjoy a Date Night
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For couples with children in need of a date night, two local spots have teamed up to provide parents with an evening at the theatre while the kids enjoy some fun. The June 17th + 18th showings of 7th Inning Stretch at Mile Square Theatre will allow parents to drop their children off at Play! Hoboken for a night filled with games and food while they see the show. Click here for more information about this package and how to get tickets.
Mojo Coffee’s 2nd Location Now Open + Updates on Salon Gatto
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A few months back, we got word that not one but two women-owned businesses in Hoboken were expanding and opening second locations in the Mile Square. Mojo Coffee Company and Salon Gatto are furthering their footprints in town this year — and Mojo Coffee is now open at 8th and Bloomfield. As for Salon Gatto, the spring opening for its second location has been slightly delayed to the summer but will be coming to Hoboken very soon. Click here to read about these Hoboken businesses and their upcoming second locations.
Signs Have Gone Up at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop in Hoboken
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For anyone who loves great dumplings in Hoboken, we have good news for you. Signs have gone up outside Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, located at 514 Washington Street, suggesting its opening may be inching closer. Three years ago, there was a fire in the restaurant Dili Junction, and since then, the mid-Washington Street fast-casual spot had been closed. Now, The Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is making its way from NYC to the Mile Square. Click here to read about Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, opening in Hoboken at 514 Washington Street.
Hoboken High School Elects First All-Girls Student Government
According to a school spokesperson, for the first time, Hoboken High School Student Government features an all girls officers core. This group makes up the governing body of the school. Hoboken High School is located at 800 Clinton Street.
2 Bayonne Teens Drowned in Lincoln Community School Pool
On Wednesday, June 8th, two teens drowned at the Lincoln Community School Pool around 10:30PM, according to Patch. Bayonne Superintendent of Schools notified the school community of the passing of the two teens later that night. The three lifeguards on duty noticed the boys were unable to resurface while in the deep end, removed both victims from the pool, and immediately began lifesaving measures as 911 was called.
Hoboken Residents Organize Protest Against 14th Street Dispensary
A number of Hoboken residents have organized a protest against the proposed cannabis dispensary on 14th Street and Hudson Street, per Patch. The storefront is owned by the wife of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and her partners. The main concern of those protesting is increased traffic which could lead to other issues.
St. Peter’s Historic Buildings in Jersey City Escape Demolition
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Following a hearing held on Wednesday, June 7th, two historic buildings belonging to St. Peter’s Grammar School will not be demolished, per Jersey Digs. The buildings, located at 137-55 York Street in the Paulus Hook neighborhood, were damaged during Sandy and have been vacant for more than a decade. They were recently added to Preservation New Jersey’s list of ‘10 Most Endangered’ places in the state.
Hoboken City Officials Create First Civics Program
Hoboken city officials have partnered with the public school district to create the first-ever civics week program, per Tap Into. This program gives the Hoboken High School Student Government real life experience in government. During this collaboration, students attended municipal committee meetings and more.
New Signage is Up at Former Arthur’s Steakhouse in Hoboken
On Thursday, June 9th Patch reported that new signage has been put up at the former Arthur’s Steakhouse in Hoboken. The restaurant, located at 234 Washington Street, closed earlier this year with no clear timeline on possible future plans. The new signage shows plans for commercial and residential spaces, opening August 2023.
The City of Hoboken Announces Free Concerts in the Park Lineup
The City of Hoboken’s Free Concerts in the Park series will be running three nights a week. This program is part of the city’s “Summer Fun” initiative which will provide residents with free summer activities to enjoy, including the continued Fitness in the Park series. Click here for the official concert line up.
4,000 Bicyclists Attend Jersey City Ward Tour
More than 4,000 bicyclists turned out for the 11th Annual Ward Tour on Sunday, June 5th, per Tap Into. The Jersey City Ward Tour is part of Bike JC’s year-round work for better biking. Riders began at City Hall and ended the ride at the Jersey City Jazz Festival after traveling 15 miles through all of Jersey City’s wards.
Ukrainian JC Hosts Fundraiser Gala for Orphanages
Ukrainian JC recently hosted a fundraiser gala for those impacted by the Russian invasion, per Tap Into. During this gala, they highlighted Ukraine’s dancing, music, and art. Proceeds from the night, including a $20,000 donation from Grace Church’s foundation Grace Works, will be used to support two displaced orphanages and a displaced persons center in Ukraine.
Jersey City Receives $100k to Develop Bergen Arches
The Jersey City Council has approved a state feasibility study of $100,000 to find a use for the Bergen Arches, per Tap Into. The 100k is hoped to help find ways to use the arches for green space and transit units. The feasibility study is the first step to assess the Bergen Arches to see if they even can be used.
Bear Sightings in 2022 More than Double in First Half of the Year
In the first five months of 2022, black bear encounters around New Jersey have more than doubled last year’s total sightings, per Patch. The state tallied 473 sightings from January 1st through Mat 21st. People are being advised to remain alert if they see a bear and not to approach it or feed it.
Residents of Hoboken Invited to Take Second Online Survey
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken are inviting residents to take a second online survey, per a press release. This survey is so residents can provide feedback on the preliminary design concepts for the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project. The survey will close on Thursday, June 16th at 8PM and you can find the link to the survey in the press release link provided.
Hoboken’s ‘Through the Windows Art Tour’ Now Open
Local immersive art exhibit, Through The Windows Art Tour, will be available in Hoboken through the month of June, per Patch. The City of Hoboken has partnered with the Hoboken Business Alliance and Main Street Pops to sponsor this community experience. More than 50 local artists will have their work on display in the front windows of 70 Hoboken small businesses.
Halle Berry + Mark Wahlberg to Film Netflix Movie in NJ
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A new Netflix spy thriller is set to start filming in New Jersey later this summer, per Patch. “Our Man From Jersey” is scheduled to film in Jersey City, Bayonne, Kearny, and Paterson around July 10th. This upcoming movie stars Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg.
Journal Square Revitalization Reaches Milestone
The latest update to Journal Square’s revitalization can now be found just a short walk from the neighborhood’s PATH station, per Jersey Digs. The construction site at 413 Summit Avenue has officially ended its vertical climb with foundational construction wrapping up this week. Titanium Realty Groups expects to have the work completed on the 18-story building by early next year which will include commercial space on the ground level and residential units above.
Bayonne Hosts Lottery to Win Hudson River Boat Cruise
The Bayonne Division of Recreation is offering seniors a chance to enter a lottery for a limited number of tickets for a Hudson River boat trip, per NJ.com. Bayonne residents 60 years old and up are welcome to enter the lottery at City Hall on Tuesday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 15th for the boat trip on Thursday, June 30th. Participants must provide proof of age and residency at registration.
Proposed Bill Calls for Revitalization of Liberty State Park
A bill, known as the Liberty State Park Conservation, Recreation, and Community Inclusion Act, was recently introduced in the state legislature that would approve $250 million for the revitalization of Liberty State Park, per NJ.com. Long-time advocates of the park have pushed back on the bill, saying language in the bill allows for privatization of the park which could limit public use.
Hudson Regional Hospital to Hold Community Meeting
Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus will hold its annual community meeting and Q&A session on Monday, June 13th, per NJ.com. The meeting will be held at 1PM in the GME Room on the second floor of the hospital. The meeting will be open to the public.
Hoboken Public Library Invites Class of 2022 to Decorate Grad Caps
Members of the Class of 2022 are invited to come to the Hoboken Public Library to decorate their grad caps, per Tap Into. The offering will be available through Thursday, June 16th in the TeenZone from 3PM to 5PM.
Statewide Gas Prices Hit $5 in New Jersey
The statewide average price for a gallon of gas in New Jersey has reached new heights, per this NJ.com. The average price for a gallon of gas throughout New Jersey is now $5.00, setting a new record for average statewide gas prices.
4-Alarm Fire in Bayonne Destroys Building
A multi-family home on Broadway in Bayonne was destroyed in a four-alarm fire, per NJ.com. No injuries were reported but all residents have been displaced as the six-unit building is slated for demolition following the fire, the cause of which is currently under investigation.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Young NJ Residents Projected by End of June
The youngest residents in New Jersey could soon become eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, per Patch. President Biden’s administration is projecting that vaccines for children younger than 5 could become available as soon as June 21st. The COVID-19 shot would be for children ages 6 months to 4 years.
Hudson Kitchen Named a Finalist in Small Business Contest
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Djenaba Johnson-Jones founder and CEO of Hudson Kitchen was selected as a finalist for ESSENCE + Pine-Sol’s “Build Your Legacy” contest, per a press release. This contest is to celebrate Black women in business. The lucky winner will be awarded a $100,000 grant to support their business.
Jersey City Ranks as #22 Place to Get Married
Jersey City has been ranked as a top city to get married (and stay) married. According to this Lawn Starter ranking list, Jersey City ranked 28th out of 190 U.S. cities in separation and divorce rates and 22nd overall. Jersey City also ranked 5th in outdoor wedding-friendliness.
Voices International Theatre Festival Returns to Jersey City
Voices International Theatre Festival has returned to Jersey City, according to a press release. This music festival will be taking place from June 15th through June 24th and it will be free to the public. This festival will be dedicated to Ukrainians and it will feature theatre artists from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Israel, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the United States.
Hoboken Police Make Arrest in Connection to Shooting at 4th + Jackson Streets
On Friday, June 10th, the Hoboken Police Department announced that they arrested a suspect wanted in connection to a recent shooting reported on Monday, June 6th. The victim, a 17-year-old male from Hoboken, was transported to Jersey City Medical center and was later released. No other victims were identified.
