It’s been another busy week in Hudson County, with plenty of news headlines to get caught up on. Among the highlights: a Mexican frozen treat shop is coming soon to Hoboken; Jersey City is experimenting with a summertime road closure near the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza; and Hoboken approves a loading zone program for downtown businesses to reduce congestion. Read on for more of the Hoboken and Jersey City highlights for the week ending June 25th, 2023.
The Pulaski Skyway is Closed in Both Directions This Weekend (June 23-June 25)
It feels like deja vu from 2014-2018, but we’re here to tell you that the Pulaski Skyway near Jersey City is closed this weekend in both directions — so make alternate transport plans. It will be closed Friday evening, June 23rd, through Sunday morning, June 25th. Read on for what we know about the upcoming Pulaski Skyway closure.
3 Jersey City Residents Named to US National Women’s Soccer Team
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Three Jersey City residents have been named to the US National Women’s Soccer Team, per NJ.com. Defender Kelley O’Hara, midfielder Kristie Mewis and forward Lynn Williams will a part of the team that will take on the World Cup tournament this summer representing the US. All three women play on the NJ/NY Gotham in the National Women Soccer League (NWSL).
Beloved Hot Cocoa Bar Coming to Pier A Park Kiosk
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Cariana Fasciano is the woman behind Merry Hot Cocoa, a pop-up hot cocoa (and now, frozen hot cocoa) bar that made its debut in November 2022, just in time for the holidays. The shiny black trailer decorated with greenery can be found at Church Square Park in Hoboken and popping up throughout Hudson County — but now Cariana is putting down permanent Hoboken roots. Merry Hot Cocoa has been approved for a kiosk at Pier A, joining local favorite Alessio’s in the beloved Hoboken park. Read on to learn more about Cariana’s background and the delicious hot cocoa available at her truck, plus details on the upcoming Pier A kiosk.
The Local Girl Course Opens Summer 2023 Registration
The Local Girl Media Group (The Hoboken Girl + The Montclair Girl) founder, Jennifer Tripucka, launched a course program earlier this year for media entrepreneurs called Becoming The Local Girl: How to Create Your Own Online Media Business. Its summer 2023 cohort is open for registration starting Friday, 6/23 through 6/30.
Whether you’re looking to build your social media platform, brand, or are already in the media/marketing world, the program teaches you how to build a hyperlocal media community around your social media account or business that is engaged, sustainable, organized, and monetized.
The course is six pre-recorded modules filled with lessons and can be done completely at your own pace. Throughout the program, you’ll learn all about content creation, SEO strategy, brand building, organizational management, monetizing, and more. Here’s the link to the course site, where you can find more info + learn how to register.
Moxie Salon to Open in Hoboken
It was only a matter of time before a Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar made its way into Hoboken and neighbors may have seen signage for its new digs uptown. Taking over the former D+V Barbershop, which recently moved next door, Moxie will soon set up shop at 1032 Washington Street. Read on to learn more about what we know about this salon and its newest location in the Mile Square.
Bonita by the River Opens in Edgewater
Bonita by the River, a Spanish/European bar, restaurant and lounge, has opened in Edgewater. The restaurant is located at 190 River Road, 2nd floor, and boasts an eclectic menu with Spanish inspired small bites, a raw bar, and more. Bonita by the River is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, and can accommodate private events.
‘It Ends With Us’ Halts Production in New Jersey Due to WGA Strike
The past month in Hoboken can be largely characterized by sightings of Blake Lively + Justin Baldoni, two stars who had taken up residency in town to film the upcoming movie “It Ends With Us.” Since we broke the news in early May, locals have visited the 10th + Bloomfield filming location to snag photos and selfies with the stars — but at the same time, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Strike continued to build steam. As of June 16th, the Colleen Hoover novel-turned-film has officially halted production due to the ongoing WGA strike. Read on for the latest updates on “It Ends With Us” in Hoboken.
North Jersey Magician Wows on America’s Got Talent
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Anna DeGuzman, from Bergen County, wowed the judges on America’s Got Talent with her magic tricks. Per the Daily Voice, Anna is a self-taught performer. Anna’s audition was successful, and she made it to the next round of the reality-tv talent show.
Hair Removal Center ‘Laser Away’ is Opening in Hoboken
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Just in time for summer, nationwide chain Laser Away will be expanding into Hoboken. This aesthetic dermatology provider will be located at 220 Washington Street and will provide laser hair and tattoo removal as well as other dermatological services. Read on to learn more about what we know about Laser Away’s newest location in the Mile Square.
$25 Million Federal Grant will Kickstart Gateway Tunnel Project in Hudson County
Per NJ.com, a federal grant will finish work that began in 2010 on a bridge that is part of the Gateway Tunnel project. The grant is $25 million and will build a new roadway bridge for Routes 1 & 9/ Tonnelle Avenue and relocate utilities in North Bergen. Work on this area of the river crossing was cancelled by then-Governor Chris Christie in 2010.
7th Street Burger Opening in Hoboken Next Month
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Here in Hoboken + Jersey City, we’re not exactly hard-pressed for delicious burger options — within just a few short miles, our neighborhood packs a mighty punch of smashed, steakhouse, and even fully vegan options. Even so, there’s a new burger joint daring to enter the ring, and it comes to us from across the Hudson. 7th Street Burger has built quite a reputation for itself in New York City, with many internet goers dubbing it the best burger NYC has to offer (the $6.50 price point might aid that effort). Now, this popular burger joint is venturing to Hoboken, taking over the former Happy Vegans space at 410 Washington Street (the irony there is not lost on us) on Sunday, July 2nd. Read on for what we know about 7th Street Burger’s arrival in Hoboken.
Founder of McCabe Ambulance Company Passes Away
The founder of local ambulance service McCabe has passed away at age 76. According to the Hudson County View, H. Mickey McCabe founded McCabe Ambulance Services in 1973. The company provides ambulance services to the City of Bayonne and several local hospitals.
Jersey City Summer Restaurant Week Announced
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Popular restaurant promotion Restaurant Week will return to Jersey City from July 15th-28th, according to a social media post from the organizers. Participating restaurants will have special deals on lunch and dinner menus. Jersey City locals and visitors are encouraged to try new restaurants during the promotion.
Announcement Next Month for Tap-and-Go PATH Payments
PATH officials hinted at an update on moving to the tap-and-go system currently used in NYC transit systems, according to NJ.com. After a PATH board meeting this week, leaders deferred answering specific questions about the project, which has been in the works since November 2021, when commissioners approved a $99.4 million contract with Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. to complete the design and installation of the new contactless PATH fare payment system. That is the same contractor that designed and installed OMNY, the tap-and-go payment system in place in NYC.
Acting Police Chief Named for Jersey City
Jersey City’s Deputy Police Chief has been named Acting Police Chief, per NJ.com. Deputy Chief Robert J. Kearns, a 35-year veteran of the force, took over the role on May 31st. The department’s former chief, Mike Kelly, retired in early 2021.
New Plans for Proposed Food Hall in Hoboken Released
New plans submitted for the renovation of 710 Clinton Street in Hoboken reveal the developer’s vision for a modern, airy food hall — and the plan continues to move forward as new renderings of the potential space were just released. The building was previously a production studio, and the plans contemplate a complete overhaul, adding 11 residences in addition to the first-floor food hall. The Hoboken Girl caught up with the developer to learn more about the plans and what could be in store for Hoboken residents. Read on to learn more.
Roast’d Coffee Coming to Jersey City
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According to Jersey Digs, Roast’d Coffee is opening soon in the Newport neighborhood of Jersey City. The shop will be located at 10 River Drive South. Roast’d has three other New Jersey locations and one New York location.
Hoboken Police Department Announces Arrest
Via a press release, Hoboken Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante and Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar announced the arrest of 23-year-old Keshon Crandell of Hoboken on attempted murder charges in connection with a Father’s Day shooting incident.
On Sunday, June 18th, 2023, at 2:15PM. uniform patrol officers, under the supervision of Sgt. Adam Colon responded to the 500 block of Jackson Street, on a report of shots fired. After an initial search and investigation, the incident was corroborated and turned over to the Hoboken Police Department’s Investigation Bureau, under the supervision of Det. Sgt. William Collins and Det. Lt. Richard Torres. No one was injured in the shooting, and no property was damaged.
A 2-day investigation led by Detectives Tyler Soto, Michael Losurdo, and Fabian Quinones
identified Crandell as the suspect, and a warrant was executed for his arrest. Today, Tuesday, June 20th, at 12:20PM, Crandell turned himself in to Hoboken Police Headquarters without incident. He was charged with criminal attempted murder; possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes; unlawful possession of a weapon; causing or risking widespread injury.
Crandell was also processed on an aggravated assault summons for his involvement in a street
fight in Hoboken on May 7th, 2023. Crandell was transferred to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Hoboken-Based Real Estate Group Acquires Historic Building
Photo courtesy of Maridian Properties
Per ROI-NJ, the historic office building located at 95 River Street has a new owner and a new name. The building is now owned by Hoboken-based real estate group Maridian Properties and will be called Lion’s Gate, in homage to the lion’s head frieze that decorates the exterior of the building. The five-story building was built in 1910 and upon taking ownership in December 2022, Maridian has updated the interior while maintaining the building’s historical charm.
Jersey City Begins Summer Experiment to Expand Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza
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According to the Jersey City Times, this weekend will begin a summer-long pilot program to extend the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza. The small section of Barrow Street running north from Christopher Columbus Drive to Newark Avenue and used by drivers to access the Pedestrian Plaza and Erie Street will be closed. This tiny road is a popular route to access the Holland Tunnel, often overloading the surrounding neighborhood streets.
Plans Unveiled for Residential Complex at SciTech Scity
Next week, the Jersey City Planning Board will hear a proposal to build two, 250-unit residential buildings for students and other campus members at SciTech Scity, according to NJ.com. The two buildings will be built on the west side of Phillip Street, across from Liberty State Park and just south of the Liberty Science Center, and will incorporate commercial space and apartment-style amenities like a fitness center, a pool, and coworking spaces. The complex is being called Scholars Village and construction is anticipated to begin in the beginning of 2024 and be completed by 2027.
Hoboken Police Make Arrest in String of Package Thefts
Via a press release, the Hoboken Police Department announced the arrest of a North Bergen man following a weeks-long investigation into multiple complaints of package theft in Hoboken.
On June 15th, 2023, 48-year-old Christian Porchiazzo of North Bergen, turned himself in on active warrants for burglary and theft in Hoboken. The warrants stemmed from an extensive investigation led by Detective Tyler Soto, following multiple reports of package thefts in Hoboken. That included up to seven packages stolen from the mail room of a condominium building on the 1300 block of Grand Street on April 29th, 2023. As part of the investigation, photographs of the suspect were released to the public, in an attempt to track him down. The Hoboken Police Department would like to thank those who reported the initial thefts and those who helped by calling in tips. The Hoboken Police Department urges all residents to call (201) 420-2100, whenever they see a crime being committed or suspicious activity occurring.
HPD offers the following tips to help limit package theft in your building:
• Do not let anyone into the building if you do not know them and are not expecting a delivery.
• If you have an intercom system, confirm who it is before buzzing them in.
• Ask your management company to provide a secure package area or a parcel locker.
• Drop neighbors’ packages at their apartment door versus leaving them out front or in the visible lobby area.
• Track packages so you know when they will arrive and schedule delivery for when you are home if possible.
• Never engage with or chase a package thief caught in action.
New Ice Cream Spot Coming to Uptown Hoboken
Last week, we heard about Hoboken salon and barbershop Spesh closing its Washington Street storefront and converting to mobile-only — and now there will be a unique ice cream spot taking its place. Morelia Gourmet Paletas serves up paletas, a Mexican frozen dessert that comes in a variety of fun flavors. This new spot is taking over the former salon space located at 932 Washington Street. Read on for more about Morelia Gourmet Paletas coming to the Mile Square.
Hoboken Launches Housing Study
The City launched an online public survey to gather feedback on two concepts for the redevelopment plan of the Hoboken Housing Authority which includes both additional units and public open space. Image courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) shared a press release inviting residents to take an online survey to provide feedback on two preliminary concepts for the HHA Redevelopment Plan. The Redevelopment Plan will create new land use and infrastructure requirements to guide future development as the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) seeks to redevelop, rehabilitate, and add additional units to the decades-old housing stock through a phased approach without permanently displacing existing residents. Currently, 2,529 residents live in HHA properties and 580 individuals are on the waiting list.
The first concept, Harrison Courts, includes about 2,050 to 2,250 residential units in buildings that are generally between eight to 10 stories tall. Through this concept, most existing residents would be required to move only once due to the additional units and the phased approach to construction which is anticipated to take 10-15 years. This draft concept also includes a greenway with a large linear park along the western edge, as well as public plazas along Harrison Street. With the increased number of total units, this concept also provides more opportunity for mixed-income housing.
The second concept, Marshall Street Greenway, consists of approximately 1,630 to 1,820 units in buildings that are generally between six to eight stories tall. Existing residents would most likely need to move more than once due to fewer additional units than the Harrison Courts concept and a construction phasing approach anticipated to take 15 to 20 years. This concept includes a Marshall Street Greenway which incorporates an extension of Marshall Street north as a shared street.
The online survey is offered in both English and Spanish and feedback gathered from the survey, as well as the second public meeting held on June 15, will be used to refine the concepts before they are presented to the Hoboken City Council for adoption.
To take the online survey in English, click here.
To take the online survey in Spanish, click here.
The survey is scheduled to close on July 6th, at 6PM. Paper copies of the survey are available at the City Clerk’s Office in Hoboken City Hall at 94 Washington Street and through the Hoboken Housing Authority Resident Services Department at 400 Harrison Street.
For more information on the project, including a summary of the first community meeting and survey results, click here.
Food Truck ‘No Forks Given’ Hosts Brick-and-Mortar Soft Opening in Jersey City
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Jersey City’s “comfort food” food truck, No Forks Given, has found a permanent home. After being on the road for the last five years, the restaurant on wheels has soft-opened its downtown spot at 115 Brunswick Street, Jersey City. Read on to learn more about No Forks Given’s new brick-and-mortar location.
Hoboken’s Double Dough and GTK Announce Thursday Treats
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Every Thursday, guests can pick up a sweet treat at the newly-opened Go-To Kitchen, located at 1014 Washington Street in Hoboken. According to a social media post from the restaurant, it has partnered with local favorite pop-up bakery Double Dough Bakery for a special rotating Thursday treat each week. Jordan and Joelle Hernandez, the team behind Double Dough, are part of the Hoboken Girl team and we’re so excited that more Hoboken neighbors will have the chance to try out their delicious goodies.
Mr. Cone Shawarma Opens in Jersey City
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Mr. Cone Shwaarma has opened in Jersey City. Per Jersey Digs, the restaurant, located at 408 Central Avenue, serves shawarma meat in homemade cones and rolls in addition to platters and rice bowls. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Councilman Yousef Saleh took part in a grand opening celebration earlier this week.
Hoboken Approves Downtown Loading Zones
Per TapInto, the Hoboken City Council approved a plan to create new loading zones in downtown Hoboken. The vote came after a successful pilot program of the loading zones, which were meant to reduce congestion caused by delivery vehicles. Residents can also use the loading zones, which are both time- and location-limited.
West New York Officer Charged with Theft from Nonprofit
According to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, a West New York Police Captain has been charged with theft from the department. Erwin Moreno, 49, was charged by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Units following an investigation into funds reported missing by the West New York Youth Police Academy, Inc. The investigation found Moreno misused over $60,000 of the organization’s funds for personal benefit between 2016 and 2023. The West New York Youth Police Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) in which Moreno served as president.
Two New Jersey Natives to Receive Kennedy Center Honors
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Two New Jersey natives will be among the five honorees at the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors Celebration, according to a press release. Dionne Warwick, from East Orange, will be honored for her incredible singing career and social activism. Newark native Queen Latifah will be honored for her contributions to rap, as well as her acting, singing, and social activism. The ceremony will take place in December.
Vietnamese Sub + Noodle Shop Coming to Hoboken
After the closure of City Lobster — formerly BK Lobster — a new eatery will make its way into the 732 Washington Street location in the coming months. Lemongrass Vietnamese Sub and Noodle Shop will be moving into this midtown location before we know it. And while we wait on the opening of Lemongrass, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite noodle shops in the area to try in the meantime. Read on to get the inside scoop on the space and where to get noodles in Hoboken before Lemongrass officially opens in the Mile Square.
City of Hoboken Agrees to Outsource Youth Soccer
According to the Hudson County View, the Hoboken City Council approved a one-year contract for an outside entity to manage the city’s youth soccer program. Only two companies responded to Hoboken’s RFP, and Lyndhurst-based Athletes Connection Towards Success won the $180K contract.
Australian Cafe Bluestone Lane to Open Another North Jersey Location
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Popular Australian coffee shop and cafe Bluestone Lane will open another New Jersey location later this year. Per Jersey Digs, another cafe will open in Bergen Town Center located in Paramus. This location will have full table service.
Whole Spectrum Autism Hosts Jersey City Gala
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Jersey City-based nonprofit organization Whole Spectrum Autism hosted its 8th Annual Autism Acceptance Gala this week, according to a press release from the organization. The Gala is a chance for the community to gather alongside families, caregivers, and their loved ones on the spectrum, and a space to continue the dialog about autism acceptance all while celebrating autism. The Gala is the organization’s biggest fundraiser which supports the group’s free public events which encourage acceptance in society and throughout the world.
Actor Kevin James in Jersey City
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Actor Kevin James was spotted in Jersey City this week. Eagle-eyed Instagram-scrollers noticed that posted a photo that was taken in front of Battello in Jersey City. It seems to be the summer of celebs in Hudson County – read on for more about who else has been in town lately.
Beloved Hoboken Influencer’s Cobb Salad is Back at Alfalfa
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Seasonal favorite Cobb salad is back at Alfalfa, according to a social media post from the fast-casual salad restaurant. The Cobb salad by Maria Roberts has thick-cut bacon, hard-boiled egg, avocado, seasonal asparagus, corn, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and red wine poppy vinaigrette on Alfalfa’s classic salad greens mix. Alfalfa is located at 1110 Washington Street in Hoboken and 160 1st Street in Jersey City.
