As always, there is plenty of Hoboken + Jersey City news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — Hoboken schools to switch to remote learning the week following spring break, the Jersey City Housing Authority is preparing to launch the nation’s first municipal vertical farming program, a new Stack Creamery shop is slated to open in Jersey City, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken Veterinary Emergency Group is Going 24 Hours
Hoboken VEG {Veterinary Emergency Group}, located at 14th and Willow in uptown Hoboken, is going 24 hours starting April 2, 2021, according to its marketing team. With locations throughout the country, Hoboken VEG opened in Hoboken in late 2018. Previously, it was open only overnight to complement the hours of other local vets. Now, it will be open 24/7 as of 4/2.
Delays to Add $300M to New Hudson River Tunnel Costs
Plans have been in the works for years to build new tunnels under the Hudson River, but delays in the process have made the project more expensive, officials overseeing the project told NJ.com. The price to build two new tunnels under the Hudson River and rehabilitate the existing 110-year-old tunnels {known as the Gateway project} is now estimated at $11.6 billion, a $300 million increase over its last project estimate, said Frank Sacr, Gateway Development Corporation interim executive director.
Hoboken to Host Meeting on Neumann Leathers Redevelopment Plan
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Rehabilitating the Neumann Leathers complex, located at 300 Observer Highway in Hoboken, has been discussed since 2017 when new ownership took over the property. The original portions of the building date back to 1863 and were used for decades to produce and tan leather. Plans for the space include a revitalized industrial arts space, several large public plazas, and a major influx of apartments and retail that will soon be discussed by the community.
Teachers Eat for FREE at Curry Up Now 3/16 through 5/25
Curry Up Now, located at 91 Washington Street, is offering free meals to teachers as a show of appreciation. “Calling all teachers and school staff members! Curry Up Now in Hoboken would like to welcome teachers and school staffers every Tuesday from March 16th – May 25th, 2021, for a free bowl or burrito when they show their ID as a token of their appreciation for all that teachers do for their communities.”
Hoboken Schools to Switch to Remote For Week Following Spring Break
Hoboken Public Schools will operate remotely for the week following spring break, said Hoboken Schools Superintendent Christine Johnson. From Monday, April 12 through that Friday, students will learn from home and those returning to on-site education must get a coronavirus test the weekend before, per Patch. Several school districts in the area, including Hoboken, went remote for a week or two after winter break.
Hoboken Little League Agrees to Share Batting Cages with City
Prime Cycle has been utilizing the Maria Pepe Batting Cages as part of Hoboken’s program to offer space to fitness centers impacted by COVID-19 and there appears to have been a miscommunication about the use of the space, according to Tap Into. The Hoboken Little League said, “After an hour of purposeful discussion, we managed to hammer out an agreement that would allow the local business to co-locate with the Little League in the cages. The City and the Little League are working on a schedule that will afford the Little League access to at least one lane in the facility on weekdays after 3PM, and at most times throughout the weekend. This will be in effect until Governor Murphy opens similar businesses to full capacity. Like most compromise, this agreement left us all wanting more but in the end, we believe we came to a fair conclusion.”
Barbés Owners to Open ‘La Boheme,’ A French Riviera-Inspired Restaurant in Downtown Hoboken
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The Instagram account for La Boheme says, “A little piece of the French Riviera coming soon to Hoboken”. The restaurant will take over the space at 233 Clinton Street and open at the end of April. The location was previously occupied by the South American restaurant Cucharamama which closed last summer. Read more about La Boheme here.
New Dim Sum Spot to Open in Hoboken
A new dim sum spot is opening in Hoboken, according to Jersey Digs. South Lions Dim Sum Coffee + Tea is reportedly opening at 512 Washington Street in the former Off the Wall Chinese spot — its second location in New Jersey. Read more here.
Infrared Sauna Studio Sweat + Glo Opening in Hoboken
Sauna lovers, this one’s for you. Maridian Properties announced the opening of 16 new businesses in Hoboken in its commercial rental property locations, including Sweat + Glo, a new infrared sauna studio coming to Hoboken in April. Sure, Hoboken’s no stranger to a good sauna, but this would be a studio that specializes in the sauna experience. We had a chance to chat with the owners about what locals can expect. Click here to learn what we know about Sweat + Glo opening in Hoboken at 80 River Street.
City Council Urged to Hold on Extending Rent Freeze
The Jersey City Property Owners Association requested the city council table an ordinance Wednesday that would extend the city’s rent hike freeze until Governor Phil Murphy calls an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, according to NJ.com. Excluded from this legislation are owner-occupied homes with up to four units. The request comes as Jersey City continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools much-anticipated reopening, the city’s Recreation Department programs resuming soon, and certain restrictions on restaurants being lifted.
NJ Top Education State In Latest U.S. News Ranking
The U.S. News & World Report published the 2021 Best States ranking and placed New Jersey ahead of all states. “Investments in our students are investments in the future of our state, and I am incredibly proud that our schools have been ranked number one in the nation,” Murphy said in a news release, per Patch. “Today’s recognition by U.S. News & World Report proves that students across New Jersey—starting with our youngest learners—are given the opportunity to achieve long-term success. I would also like to thank the educators who work tirelessly to make sure that our students receive the best possible education.”
New Pet Waste Stations Approved in Hoboken
The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) just announced via press release that they will be adopting more than 50 pet waste stations to install west of Washington Street to help further the City’s efforts in promoting clean streets in the City of Hoboken. Hoboken currently has 30+ pet waste bag dispensers with the new stations will be installed in the coming weeks. There are more than 500 public waste cans around the City to properly dispose of the pet waste bags.
1st Vertical Farming Program to Launch in Jersey City
The Jersey City Housing Authority is preparing to launch the nation’s first municipal vertical farming program in collaboration with AeroFarms and the World Economic Forum. The Vertical Farming Program will consist of ten vertical farms throughout Jersey City. Jersey City was selected as the first partner in the Healthy Cities and Communities 2030 Initiative. When complete, the farms are projected to yield 19,000 pounds of vegetables annually to be dispersed among the community.
Shop With Tonette Rebrands as Farewell Exchange
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Shop With Tonette has rebranded its Jersey City store, launched with a new name and new business model as Farewell Exchange. In an Instagram post Tonette said, “This rebrand isn’t just a name change—it’s a WHOLE NEW MODEL built to sustain my MISSION for helping to create a better more sustainable future of fashion. I’d like to invite each of you to come check out the new website & sign up to join the community!”
Hoboken Gets Two Parcels for Open Space in Settlement with Ironstate Development
Photo credit: Google Maps
The Mile Square City is slated to acquire almost three acres of property they hope to turn into parks as part of an agreement with a local company, per Jersey Digs. Hoboken’s city council approved a deal that should end longstanding litigation with Ironstate Development regarding the 1.4-acre plot of land. Ironstate Development had plans to build a 78-unit project called The Monarch that would consist of two 11-story towers on the land. Now Hoboken will have a continuous waterfront for public use.
New North District Police Station Coming to Heights
In a Facebook post, Mayor Steven Fulop said, “We have been upgrading facilities in Jersey City that has been neglected for decades. The North Police Precinct is a good example of this.” Current plans will update the current North District that is more than 100 years old and in disrepair, get all of the police vehicles that park on the street to be off the street and located in the police facility, and will create meeting space for community groups that want to utilize it. “We have met with the community in the surrounding area numerous times and have incorporated their feedback. They requested the building design be changed to be more consistent with the aesthetics in the area, and they requested that we don’t use Sherman as an access point being it is one way – both of those requests we took seriously and incorporated.”
Hoboken Reports 295 New Cases of COVID Last Week
Almost a year into the pandemic, Hoboken has reported nearly 300 new cases of COVID-19 in the period between February 27 and March 5. “The Hoboken Health Department reports that a number of the cases reported above stem from a recent backlog in cases from a laboratory,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “However, even taking this into account, it’s clear that cases are continuing to increase, and that it’s still critical to take the virus seriously.” Residents are still advised against any unnecessary travel and other high-risk activities.
Stack Creamery in Westwood Expanding to Jersey City
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The Westwood custom ice cream sandwich shop, Stack Creamery, is expanding its reach to include a shop in Jersey City, per News Break. Serving ice cream sandwiches crafted using ice cream made from “real and simple ingredients” like butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla. The various cookie flavors, including a seasonal flavor, and brownies — which are all homemade and baked in-house.
NJ’s 1st Arts & Culture Trust Fund to Generate $1M Annually for Jersey City
The Jersey City Municipal Council announced that New Jersey’s first municipal Arts and Culture Trust Fund will generate $1 million annually in critical long-term funding for Jersey City’s arts community. The Arts Fund is being implemented following the November 2020 election where voters largely supported the sustainable funding source’s implementation to directly benefit local artists and arts organizations, including youth and community programming, to help them grow and thrive.
Tacoria Set to Take Over Frankie + Ava’s Location in Hoboken
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. That is the case for Italian eatery Frankie + Ava’s and Tacoria. Frankie + Ava’s, located at 208 Washington Street, will be closing its Washington Street doors around June/July in its current location, and the well-known regional Mexican restaurant, Tacoria, is moving into its location. Hoboken Girl spoke to one of the co-founders of Tacoria, Chuck, about the new taco spot expanding to the Mile Square. Click here to learn about what we know regarding the opening.
Local Artist Captures Hidden Faces in Hoboken Architecture
The Hoboken Museum is hosting another live-streamed artist talk on Friday, March 12 at 7PM, with local photographer McKevin Shaughnessy, according to NJ.com. The show, “The Hidden Faces of Hoboken, Photos by McKevin Shaughnessy,” will open in the upper gallery of the museum beginning Sunday, March 14. A Hoboken resident since the mid-1980s, he started noticing how many faces are embedded in Hoboken’s cityscape when his work commute shifted from Manhattan to Hoboken’s Southwestern corner and started his journey towards this collection.
Wonder Lofts to Open Soon in Hoboken
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The iconic “Wonder Bread Building,” which produced Wonder Bread has been painstakingly renovated and redefined as a residential building while still maintaining its original characteristics. This new collection of sophisticated loft-style residences and modern amenities will have sales available in the spring. The community also includes a newly constructed five-story building located across the street which is home to 15 of the residences.
Wicked Scents, an Apothecary-Style Boutique, to Open in Hoboken
A new apothecary, Wicked Scents, is slated to open in the retail space at 163 2nd Street in Hoboken. The shop will mainly offer candles, bath bombs, soaps, and diffusers/essential oils, according to its owner. Follow along on its social media for updates on the store. We’ll share more info as it becomes available.
Teachers Take Priority in Jersey City’s Vaccination Schedule
Hoboken Considers Plans for Decommissioned PSEG Substation
The City of Hoboken held a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday, March 10 to discuss potential re-use and development opportunities for the property located at the site of the Marshall Street Substation. A presentation was provided on the Alternatives Analysis for the Marshall Street Substation by Rutgers Graduate Students as part of their Spring 2020 studio course. In the meeting, a survey was conducted that showed a majority preference for the space to be converted for retail use, indoor recreation, or revitalized open space.
Chip City, a NY-Based Cookie Company, Coming to Hoboken
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Signs announcing that Chip City is “coming in hot” are up in the window at 113 Washington Street, in the space previously occupied by Imago Beauty group. Chip City is a New York-based cookie company offering 4 unique cookie flavors each day to pair with their in-house coffee or milk.
Jersey City Construction Worker Dies in 9-Story Fall
A Jersey City contractor fell nine stories down an elevator shaft just before 8AM on Wednesday morning The building in progress, 136 Summit Avenue is located in the Bergen Hill neighborhood, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, NJ.com confirmed. The 44-year-old contractor, whose name has not been released, was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hoboken Man Assaults Store Workers After Stealing Merchandise
Hoboken resident, Kyeise Lopez, 22, was arrested by Sergeant Francisco Rosa and Police Officer Jonathan Figueroa on Tuesday, March 9th for stealing merchandise and assaulting store workers, reported Tap Into. Just before Noon on March 9th, Sergeant William Bullock, Police Officer Teddy Santiago, and Police Officer Anthony Olivera responded to a retailer near 3rd and Jackson Street in Hoboken, where an employee was reportedly assaulted. The report said that following a verbal dispute, a customer pulled items off the store shelves, and punched one employee in the face, and pushed a second employee to the ground as he left. Lopez was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, harassment, and criminal mischief. He was then transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Water Main Break on Sinatra Drive
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On Sunday, March 7th, a massive water main break on Sinatra Drive flooded the waterfront road. Workers from SUEZ Water North Jersey were seen addressing the problem and SUEZ Water NJ sent out this tweet that morning: “Attention #Hoboken: SUEZ crews are responding to a broken water main on Sinatra Drive. The road is closed in both directions between 4th and 11th streets. Water service to customers in the area is not impacted as a result of this repair.”
Hoboken Announces Improvements in 3 Vision Zero Safety Categories
Significant improvements have been made in Hoboken’s Vision Zero safety categories. From 2019 to 2020, Hoboken saw a 54% decrease in pedestrians struck by a vehicle, a 13% decrease in bicyclists struck by vehicles, and a 37% decrease in vehicle-on-vehicle crashes. In 2020, and for the third consecutive year, Hoboken had 0 traffic-related fatalities.
“It’s clear that our Vision Zero pedestrian safety campaign is creating even safer streets for all of our residents and vulnerable users, despite nationwide trends going in the opposite direction,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Our focus on improved street designs that include a variety of pedestrian safety measures including new high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, bike lanes and more are a major reason why we’ve had another year of 0 traffic-related deaths in Hoboken. We will continue to prioritize safe streets in the years ahead to achieve our goal: 0 traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2030.”
