It’s been another busy week here in Hudson County with plenty of news from the area to catch up on. Among the Hoboken + Jersey City news highlights: a branch of the Bayonne library will be closed this summer; the Hoboken Community Center purchased a new property; and a new pho restaurant opened in Jersey City. Read on for more about news for the week ending June 4th, 2023 in Hudson County.
Hoboken Kicks Off Pride Events — Including Crosswalk Repainting
The City of Hoboken has kicked off its Pride Month events, including this weekend’s volunteers taking part in the City’s Pride Crosswalk Painting at the intersection of Washington and Newark Streets. From 7AM to 3PM, Washington Street will be closed in both directions from Observer Highway to First Street. Newark Street will be closed between Hudson and Bloomfield Streets. The New Jersey Transit #126 bus will be diverted off of Washington Street and run on Hudson and Bloomfield Streets between Observer Highway and 11th Street. Read more about all of Hoboken’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Month events here.
New Summer Menu at Ani Ramen
View this post on Instagram
Local ramen shop Ani Ramen has announced a new menu for summer. The cold menu features brothless bowls, rice bowls, and skewers in addition to bao buns. Ani Ramen is located at 218 Newark Avenue in Downtown Jersey City.
Jersey City Arts and Music Festival Announced
Art Wall JC and CoolVines announced via a press release the 4th annual JCAM Festival – an outdoor
rooftop live music festival with a live art auction featuring many pieces donated by Art Wall’s sponsored artists. Of course, with CoolVines as co-host, there will also be amazing wine, cocktails, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, great food, and desserts. The festival is Art Wall’s primary fundraising event and all proceeds will be used to support its programs for the next year. JCAM will take place on Saturday June 17th, from 4-9PM, on the rooftop of the Modera Lofts building in Jersey City, 350 Warren Street. For more information, click here: www.artwalljc.com.
This year’s musical lineup features: CR and the Nones, Royal Blush, Safer at Nite, Kendra McKinley, and DJ Echoplex. Artists featured in this year’s auction include Eileen Ferara, Lucy Rovetto, Kevin Darmanie, Paula Sierra, Ivette Pueriet, George Madarasz, Lulu Jiang, and James Welsh.
Fire Destroys Two Jersey City Brownstones
A four-alarm fire on Tuesday, May 30th destroyed two Jersey City brownstones, located at 234 and 236 Montgomery Street near Van Vorst Park. According to the Jersey City Times, four firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze. There were no injuries but four adults and one child were displaced as a result of the damage.
Hoboken Community Center Buys New Property Downtown for Food Pantry
View this post on Instagram
The Hoboken Community Center (HCC), a nonprofit organization that provides essential services and spaces to support the well-being of the community, announced via a press release that it purchased the property at 122 Adams Street in Hoboken. The site is envisioned to be the future permanent home for the organization’s community resource Pantry program, which serves more than 2,400 households with supplemental food, hygiene, and pet supplies.
In the weeks ahead, the HCC will demolish the existing structure, clean, and fence off the site, while plans proceed to design and build a new pantry. The HCC is launching a $2 million fundraising campaign to complete the design and construction for the new permanent pantry. Donations can be made at hobokencc.org/pantryfund.
The new pantry will feature a customer choice program allowing clients to select the food and products they need for their home. There will be scheduled appointment times for services during regular business hours.
The relocation of the Pantry from its temporary location at 1301 Washington Street is also necessary to allow the HCC to undergo a full renovation to revitalize the former YMCA into a community space for all ages for recreational, cultural, and educational programming.
City of Hoboken wins $1.39 Million Grant for Willow Avenue Vision Zero Improvements
The City of Hoboken announced via a press release that the City was awarded over $1.3 million in grant funding by the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to construct Vision Zero safety improvements to Willow Avenue, through a partnership with Hudson County.
The funding will be used to upgrade Willow Avenue from 11th Street to 16th Street, which is a key action item of the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan as the corridor is part of the City’s High Crash network.
The City and County will launch a public planning process to solicit community feedback on proposed improvements to the corridor, which will focus on making the area safer for all modes of transportation. Potential improvements include the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proven safety countermeasures such as crosswalk visibility enhancements, pedestrian refuge islands, and curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances, bicycle lanes, leading pedestrian intervals, and other traffic calming improvements.
The $1.39 million award marks the fourth grant the City has received through the last six highly competitive TAP funding cycles. The funding was allocated for Hoboken and Hudson County by the NJDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program (TAP).
For more information on the City’s Vision Zero initiative and Vision Zero Action Plan, go to vzhoboken.com/.
Restaurant Lineup Announced for Taste of Hoboken This Week
View this post on Instagram
Taste of Hoboken, a fundraising event in support of the Hoboken Community Center, will be on June 6th, 2023, and the final list of participating restaurants has been shared. Per Patch, participating restaurants include: Alessio’s, Anthony David’s, Antique Bar and Bakery, Baking Mama, Barbès, Bin 14, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Do Good Donuts, Double Dough, Fat Taco Tequila Bar, Fruiti Fi, GTK, Halifax, Hoboken Farms, Il Tavolo di Palmisano, Karma Kafe, La Boheme, Leo’s Grandevous, The Madison Bar & Grill, Merry Hot Cocoa, Montebello Bakery, Moo Jersey, Orale, Panela, Plaka Souvlaki, The Shepherd & The Knucklehead, and Tony Boloney’s. Tickets are still available through the event website. And head to our restaurants section
New Pho Restaurant Opens in Jersey City
The Corner Pho, located at 234 10th Street, has opened, according to Jersey Digs. The restaurant is on the ground floor of the newly opened Schroeder Lofts building and is run by the same family that operates Pho Binh Duong in Parsippany. An application for a liquor license is in progress, so patrons have to wait a few more weeks to enjoy the full-service bar.
Private Heliport Coming to Newport Area in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Per NJ.com, plans have been announced to build a private heliport in the Newport area of Jersey City. Blade, a private aviation company, will begin operations later this summer using an existing heliport located behind the Citigroup building. Members of the citizen advocacy group Stop the Chop have criticized the plans, saying that the increased air traffic will negatively impact residents.
Bayonne Library Closed for the Summer
View this post on Instagram
The Bayonne Library branch located at 697 Avenue C will close for the summer on June 5th due to repairs, according to the Hudson County View. Services will still be available at the Story Court location, at 16 West 4th Street. Repairs are needed in the elevator system, but to access the system, work also needs to be done on the boiler system, creating a big disruption in the building.
Jersey City’s Exchange Place Corporate Challenge 5K race Announced
Winning Events Group is back at it again to raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits. Winning Events Group today announced the date of the third annual Exchange Place Corporate Challenge 5K race.
The race will take place at Liberty State Park on Thursday, June 22 at 6 PM. This event challenges local businesses and corporations to rise to the occasion to get fit and give back! Winning Events Group challenges corporate companies to use the event as a platform for promoting health and fitness in the workplace. Additionally, it fosters goodwill and promotes team building among its employees while raising funds for a worthy cause.
This year, City Challenge Youth Foundation was named the beneficiary. Corporations will be running to support the underserved children that the foundation serves.
City of Hoboken Announces Preliminary Court Street Design
The City of Hoboken shared via a press release two preliminary concept designs for the Court Street Historic Rehabilitation Project, which aims to upgrade Court Street while maintaining its historic character. To gather public feedback on the preliminary designs, the City also launched an online survey today at https://hobokennj.gov/courtstreetsurvey and will host a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, June 14th, at 6:30PM.
To take the online survey, go to https://hobokennj.gov/courtstreetsurvey, The survey is scheduled to close on June 15th at 6PM.
To register for the virtual community meeting on June 14th, at 6:30PM, click here.
Court Street was constructed in the late 1800s, and most of the seven blocks remain in their original condition, necessitating improvements proposed in the plan. For more information on the Court Street Historic Rehabilitation Project, click here.
Hudson River Showcase in Hoboken Taking Place June 11
View this post on Instagram
Per Patch, both celebrities and local children will be part of the judge’s panel at the inaugural Hudson River Showcase on June 11th. The event will take place from 10AM to 2PM along the waterfront. Cars featuring models from pre-1959 through the 1990s will be displayed on the waterfront.
Bayonne Hometown Fair this Weekend
The Bayonne Hometown Fair will take place this weekend, June 3rd and 4th. Vendors and organizations will be at tables along Broadway from 21st Street to 25th Street, featuring food, merchandise, information about community organizations, and giveaways. The fair will feature rides, games, food, and entertainment.
Jersey City to Launch Digital Customer Portal
Via a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Department of Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce (HEDC) and the Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) announced the upcoming launch of Jersey City’s digital Customer Portal, improving local government efficiencies and public services by creating a one-stop online platform for all permitting and licensing applications pertaining to HEDC and JCMUA. From applying for business licenses to obtaining construction permits and everything in between, the integrated portal is scheduled to launch on June 14th, 2023.
To meet the growing demand, all HEDC Divisions will now be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on one system for a more uniform application process and greater public access to information and documentation. All applications and violations associated with a particular parcel, both previous and future, will now be linked. The new unified software will use Value Payment Systems (VPS) to provide access to HEDC services in one location, eliminating past practices of making payments at multiple websites or City offices. Additionally, the new system allows constituents to look up public records rather than submitting an OPRA request. The new portal will help expedite the thousands of permitting and licensing forms submitted under HEDC and JCMUA every year.
The Customer Portal will be available online beginning on June 14th, 2023. Please visit the HEDC website for further updates. As HEDC transitions to the new system, no electronic applications will be accepted June 8th – June 13th. All applications must be submitted in person at the HEDC offices in the City Hall Annex during this time.
My Way Frank Sinatra Singing Contest Returns to Hoboken
The My Way Singing Contest will return this year. The contest will take place on June 22nd at 6:30PM at Sinatra Park located at 525 Sinatra Drive. Participants compete for the title of Best Sinatra Style Singer.
May Celeb Sightings in Hoboken
A ton of celebrities have visited Mile Square area recently — including Blake Lively, Susan Sarandon, Vince Vaughn, and just this past week, Lisa Rinna formerly of RHOBH, who posted that she was shooting a project and staying in Hoboken. In the spirit of Hoboken being in its Hollywood era, we’ve rounded up all the notable people seen in Hoboken + Jersey City this past month. Click here for a list of celebrities who have visited Hoboken + Jersey City this month.
Stevens Institute Graduation Marred by Errors, Apology Issued
According to NJ.com, what should have been a day of celebrating recent graduates was marred by poor planning and disorganization. President of Stevens Institute, Nariman Farvardin, issued an apology to the graduates and their families and refunded them each $250 after the chaotic event. In the statement, Mr. Farvardin blamed poor planning for the frustrations that many experienced while not being able to enter the Prudential Center in Newark for the festivities.
NJ Devils to Host NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium
View this post on Instagram
The popular NHL Stadium Series is coming to New Jersey, according to NJ.com. In February 2024, two games will feature the Devils vs. Flyers and Rangers vs. Islanders. Stadium Series games are played outdoors, and this game will be the first outdoor NHL game played at MetLife Stadium.
New Jersey Students Compete at National Spelling Bee
View this post on Instagram
Among the students who took part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee earlier this week were six New Jersey residents, according to the competition. Kavya Jakasania, grade 7, is from Hudson County. Kavya won the Hudson County spelling bee earlier this year. Congrats, Kavya!
Residents Invited to Hoboken Artists’ Studio TourThis Sunday
Via a press release, The City of Hoboken invites residents and visitors to the annual Hoboken Artists’ Studio Tour on Sunday, June 4.
The free, self-guided walking tour of local galleries, artists’ studios, murals, and community art displays includes over 30 locations citywide and features paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, multi-media works, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to view and purchase locally crafted art, view demonstrations, and meet over 100 artists to learn about their inspirations. This year, the tour includes a Waterfront Artisan Craft Market where local artists, crafters, and vendors will sell their wares on Sunday, June 4th from 11AM to 6PM on Sinatra Drive between Newark and Fourth Streets.
An art map and tour directory are available online here.
Rhythm x Brows Celebrates New Location’s Grand Opening
View this post on Instagram
Rhythm x Brows, a beloved brow bar frequented by many locals in Bayonne, hosted its grand opening celebration on June 1st, according to an Instagram post from the company. Rhythm x Brows is a brow and lash studio operated by esthetician Christelle Rahman, who recently moved to a bigger space with more brow artists and a growing team. The studio is located at 33 W 8th Street in Bayonne, on the side entrance. Read more on HG’s conversation with Christelle.
Weehawken Attorney Arrested, Charged in Boston Rapes
Per ABC-NY, a Weehawken attorney was arrested earlier this week in connection with a series of rapes that took place in Boston. Matthew Nilo, 35, was charged in three rapes that took place in Boston in 2007 and 2008. A relative’s DNA profile on 23andMe, a commercial genealogy database, led to the arrest.
City of Hoboken Opens Farmers’ Market in Southwest Neighborhood
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will be every Thursday from 3PM to 7PM at the Southwest Resiliency Park until mid-November. Photo courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and Councilman Ruben Ramos officially cut the ribbon on the City’s new Downtown Farmer’s Market on Thursday, June 1st. According to a press release, the market is the City’s third farmer’s market which will provide fresh produce, baked goods, and more to the southwest neighborhood.
The market will take place in the Southwest Resiliency Park on Observer Highway between Jackson Street and Harrison Street every Thursday from 3PM to 7PM until mid-November.
Hoboken offers two other farmers’ markets in partnership with the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition, in midtown and uptown Hoboken. Read more about the farmer’s markets in the area here.
Jersey City’s Art House Productions Launches
$500k Reopening Campaign
Art House Productions, a leading nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting local and regional artists and providing accessible arts programming in Jersey City, announced via a press release its $500,000 Reopening Campaign. The campaign will support the organization’s new state-of-the-art facility, a two-story adaptable-use space that will serve as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement.
Situated in the heart of downtown Jersey City steps from the Grove Street PATH, Art House Productions’ new home boasts a 99-seat black box theater, a visual arts gallery, a green room, dressing rooms, a multi-use lobby, and office space. This modern and versatile facility allows for a wide range of year-round programming, providing artists and audiences with immersive experiences and fostering a vibrant arts scene for those in the immediate and broader region to enjoy.
The reopening campaign officially launched June 2nd, during Access JC Fridays–Jersey City’s free quarterly arts festival–and is slated to run through the end of September. The coordination of the launch during Access JC Fridays will showcase the organization’s commitment to providing accessible arts programming and will serve as a platform to engage with supporters, donors, and art enthusiasts.
For more information about Art House Productions, the reopening campaign, and how to contribute, please click here.
New Health Bowl Spot Taking Over Cucina Saporita Space in Hoboken
In 1999, Trattoria Saporito (later Cucina Saporito) opened its doors on 328 Washington Street — and for the 22 years that followed, this unassuming Italian restaurant became a fixture in The Mile Square, dubbed by many locals as Hoboken’s best-kept secret. This past January, however, the long-standing bistro closed its doors for good, citing the pandemic and financial struggles as reasons for closure. In Cucina Saporito’s place comes Toast Bowl, a new business serving up healthy bowls + sandwiches. Read on to learn more about Cucina Saporito’s closing and Toast Bowl, the new business taking over the 328 Washington Street space in Hoboken.
