The days are staying lighter longer, and the first blooms of spring are popping up all over town. It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the local news: a new farmer and artisan market will launch in Jersey City; Hoboken’s Little City Books gears up for Hoboken Literary Weekend; and both Jersey City and Hoboken mayors announce details for their respective State of the City addresses. Read on for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending March 17th, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to hello@hobokengirl.com.
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- New restaurant/cafe coming to Maxwell Place in Hoboken
- New Farmer + Artisan Market Coming to Coles Street Park in Jersey City on 4/16
- Carmelo Bakery Opens in Bayonne
- Hoboken Approves Rebuild by Design Study
- VIP Diner in Jersey City May Be Reopening
- Hoboken’s Main Street Pops Artisan Market Announces 2024 Schedule
- Hoboken Literary Weekend Set to Return on 4/5
- Naya Middle Eastern Counter + Grill Comes to Jersey City
- Eleven Hoboken Businesses Awarded Funds from Water Main Break Recovery Program
- Innovative Outdoor Classroom Opened at Hudson County Schools of Technology
- Proposal for $213 Million in Resiliency-Related Improvements Approved for Hoboken Terminal
The Hoboken Girl x YogaRenew Women Entrepreneur Event Raises Hoboken Girl $2560 for the York Street Project
Thank you to all the lovely Hudson County women business owners who came out to our Hoboken Girl x YogaRenew Women Entrepreneur event on Thursday, March 14th — you are all so special to our community, and we loved meeting you! We were able to raise $2560 (all proceeds of this event are being donated to the Jersey City non-profit). A huge thanks to our sponsors — Alessio’s Cafe, Hayley’s Donut, Nute Juicery, Poppi, Hampton Water, and Some Shelly Photography — and all who attended. We can’t wait for the next one!
New Cafe/Restaurant Coming to Maxwell Place in Hoboken
We have our eyes peeled at 1000 Maxwell Place, thanks to a reader tip — where there is a new cafe/restaurant coming. to the space Construction signs are posted outside of the location in the building facing Elysian Park, which state that the construction will ‘Fit out the existing commercial space as a cafe restaurant with seating as per plan.’ This was posted in early 2024, and the windows and doors have been papered up since. We’ve reached out to the Maxwell real estate team and will update with more details to come.
New Farmer + Artisan Market Coming to Coles Street Park in Jersey City on 4/16
It’s staying lighter later outside, the weather is warming up, and spring is on the horizon — it’s time for the spring farmers’ market season. This year, a new market is being added to the mix. The Coles Street Market will debut at Coles Street Park in Jersey City on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024. Click here for more.
Carmelo Bakery Open in Bayonne
Carmelo Bakery, which specializes in South American treats and is located at 589 Broadway in Bayonne, is now open. Per Jersey Digs, the shop celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. The bakery is owned and operated by the Pereira family, who have roots in Argentina and Uruguay. The shop is open seven days a week with breakfast, lunch, and freshly-baked bread and other items available daily.
Hoboken Approves Rebuild by Design Study
The Hoboken City Council approved $75,000 to fund an engineering study for the city’s Rebuild by Design Efforts. This study will specifically look at the easements required from the border with Jersey City, according to the Hudson County View. In particular, engineers will explore the impact of possible transit improvements or construction in Jersey City that would impact Hoboken’s Rebuild by Design plans.
Updates: 1st Reported Jersey City Homicide in 2024 Takes Place
On Saturday, March 9th, 2024 in the early hours of the morning, a shooting took place in Jersey City leaving one person dead and two others injured. A further update on March 9th provided updates on the victims, including the name of the victim who was fatally wounded, as well as other details. Click here for more.
Jersey City Bachata Group Takes Anti-Bullying Message on the Road
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A Jersey City band is going on tour with a message against bullying. The bachata group DNX4, whose members are from Jersey City, is making appearances on its Stop Hate Teen Tour. Per NJ.com, the band started the effort in May 2023 in Jersey City and is now performing at schools and after-school programs elsewhere on the East Coast. The goal of the performances is to raise anti-bullying awareness.
Arrest Made in 2022 Hoboken Zelle + Venmo Scam
On December 22nd, 2022, the Hoboken Police Department sent out a message alerting residents about a scam happening around town. The scam involves unidentified males asking for donations via electronic payments through Zelle or Venmo. The request is an attempt to gain access to the person’s phone to gain control of their phone and bank account information. Now, in March 2024, HPD has announced an arrest in the case. Click here for more.
Redesign of Coles Street Underpass in Jersey City to Begin in April
A section of a Jersey City street known to be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists is about to undergo a renovation. The City recently approved a resolution to start construction on The Coles Street underpass, which is located near the Holland Tunnel under 12th Street. Construction is set to start in April of this year. Click here for more.
Hoboken’s Main Street Pops Artisan Market Announces 2024 Schedule
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Main Street Pops has announced the 2024 Artisan Market schedule, which will kick off on Sunday, March 24th. The market will be located under the 14th Street Viaduct in Hoboken. Vendors are still needed for the monthly market, and those interested can contact Main Street Pops directly.
Hoboken Literary Weekend Set to Return on 4/5
Little City Books is set to host its annual literary weekend in early April. Located at 100 Bloomfield Street, the festival will have a diverse lineup of new and seasoned authors stopping by for readings, signings, Q+A, and more for the event, which will take place from April 5th through 7th. Owners Donna Garban and Kate Jacobs have been getting the store ready for ticket sales, book purchases, and the actual event. This year’s festival will host heavy-hitting, best-selling authors and a comedy show. Some author events are free to register while others require a purchase of tickets. Click here for more.
VIP Diner in Jersey City May Be Reopening
VIP Diner, located at 175 Sip Avenue, has been a Jersey City landmark since its opening in 1974. The iconic spot has been a staple of the Journal Square neighborhood for decades and even earned its spot in television history for its role as a filming location for The Sopranos. The restaurant was recently closed but is now slated to reopen. Click here for more.
Naya Middle Eastern Counter + Grill Comes to Jersey City
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Local fast-casual chain, Naya Middle Eastern Counter + Grill, made its Jersey City debut this week. Per a press release, the restaurant is located at 15 Exchange Place, serves up Lebanese fare Monday through Friday from 11AM-9PM. Patrons can expect to choose from classic appetizers like tabbouleh and hummus, in addition to create-your-own bowls, salads, and wraps.
Eleven Hoboken Businesses Awarded Funds From Water Main Break Recovery Program
Some businesses impacted by last year’s water main break in Hoboken are finally getting some financial relief. The relief comes from the Water Main Break Recovery Grant Program established by the Hoboken Business Alliance and the city of Hoboken. Eleven local businesses, including The Hive and GTK, were among those applicants awarded funds, per TapIntoHoboken. The grants vary in amount but total $52,000.
Superintendent of Jersey City Schools Asks for State Oversight
Less than two years after being released from state control, the Jersey City Board of Education may again be under state supervision. Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools Norma Fernandez has formally submitted a request to the state for a monitor. The 114-page filing submitted to the state also included a request for the nullification of a recent vote where the president and vice president of the school board were ousted, per NJ.com.
Two Graduates of Hudson County High Schools to Be Inducted Into NJSIAA Hall of Fame
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When the 2024 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Hall of Fame class was announced last month, Hudson County was well-represented. Hudson Catholic graduate and longtime NBA veteran Mike O’Koren and Bergen Catholic graduate and 16-year MLB veteran Mark DeRosa are among this year’s class, according to NJ.com. The induction ceremony will take place on March 24th.
Innovative Outdoor Classroom Opens at Hudson County Schools of Technology
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An unconventional classroom for culinary students at Hudson County Schools of Technology was unveiled last week. Built from a decommissioned school bus, The Outdoor Food Classroom bus is equipped with a mobile kitchen and is designed to offer students real-world experience working in and running a culinary business. According to Hudson County View, classes such as Safety and Sanitation, Menu Planning and Development, and Budgeting and Resource Allocation will be held in the auxiliary classroom.
Former Bayonne Industrial Site to Be Transformed Into Residential Development
Bayonne’s planning board signed off on a revitalization project at the former Caschem chemical plant site. The approved plan includes over 400 residential units across two buildings as well as a commercial coffee space. Amenities will be aplenty — with parking, bike storage, and a pool in the works. A start date for construction has not yet been set, per Jersey Digs.
Proposal for $213 Million in Resiliency-Related Improvements Approved for Hoboken Terminal
On Tuesday the NJ Transit Board of Directors voted to approve Phase 2 of the Long Slip Fill and Rail Enhancement Project. Major resiliency improvements are a focal point of the over $213 million project. Protection from extreme weather events such as flooding, expanded accessibility, and an increased number of tracks are also part of the plan, per a press release.
Disruptions at Journal Square PATH Station Due to Falling Concrete
Service at the Journal Square PATH station has been minorly disrupted due to fallen pieces of concrete from the ceiling. The small concrete pieces were first observed on Thursday — resulting in a platform closure and requiring riders to make transfers at Grove Street, per NJ.com. A PATH spokesperson urged riders to watch social media for impact alerts.
Jersey City Bayfront Redevelopment Project Awarded Federal Grant
A $1.6 million grant was awarded to Jersey City for the Bayfront Redevelopment project, a 100-acre mixed-use development on the site of a former brownfield that broke ground late last year. Per the press release announcing the grant, 35% of the housing units will be affordable housing. The project also includes other initiatives aimed at revitalizing the West Side of Jersey City such as green spaces, bike parking, and a public walkway along the Hackensack River Waterfront. Once the development project is completed, it will be the biggest mixed-income development in the Tri-State area.
Hudson County Community College Honored for Hudson Scholars Program
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The Bellwether Legacy Award was recently awarded to Hudson County Community College for its Hudson Scholars Program which has proven successful in increasing student retention and graduation rates. The program provides academic advising and financial stipends for students transitioning into college life. Participants of the program who engaged in monthly sessions with their counselors had a 90% chance of re-enrolling the next semester, according to Hudson County View. What initially started as a cohort of 800 students has grown to include over 2,500 students. Students may be eligible for the program if it is their first semester at HCCC and they are enrolled in at least nine credits in an eligible program of study.
Hoboken State of the City Address Scheduled for March 19th
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla invites residents and Hoboken community members to his fifth State of the City address on Tuesday, March 19th, at 7PM. The address will be held at the Mile Square Theatre, a non-profit professional theatre located at 1400 Clinton Street, according to a Nixle alert. RSVPs for the public will be required through Mile Square Theatre’s ticket service free of charge. A link will be provided to the public later via Nixle and the City’s social media channels.
Jersey City State of the City Address Scheduled for March 21st
The Jersey City State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, March 21st. Per a press release from the Mayor’s office, the event will be live-streamed on Facebook as it takes place live at 6PM at Jersey City Hall, located at 280 Grove Street.
Hoboken Police Arrest Union City Man With Multiple Outstanding Warrants
Hoboken Police announced the arrest of 30-year-old Lenny Bolger of Union City, who was wanted on multiple charges out of Jersey City. According to a press release shared by the department, on March 12th, 2024, at approximately 6:10PM, Police Officer Rose Kanan observed Bolger on the 300 block of Jackson Street and knew him to have multiple warrants for his arrest out of Jersey City. Police Officers Daniel Grossi, Daniel Barron, Mark Mooreman, and Jennifer Lee arrived on the scene. The officers approached Bolger, who initially gave them a false identity. When he realized they recognized him, he fled on foot. After a short pursuit, during which Bolger attempted to injure officers by swinging a gate toward them, Bolger was apprehended in a parking lot on the 200 block of Harrison Street.
Over $16 Million in Federal Funds Assigned to Hudson County Improvement Projects
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Nearly $16 million in federal funds have been assigned to various projects throughout Hudson County. According to Hudson County View, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) shared the stats via a statement. Some of the projects include $959,752 for Hoboken’s Water Metering Improvements Project; $900,000 for the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Extreme Event Coastal Preparedness and Response System Project; and $1,030,000 for Bayonne’s Public Safety Technology and Equipment Project.
Users from Jersey City Reddit Page Reportedly Help Police Locate Missing Woman
When a Jersey City police officer asked for help locating a missing woman on the Jersey City Reddit page, a Reddit user answered the call. A detective posted a photo of the woman on the forum, stating she had been missing for six months and requesting to be contacted with any information. That’s when a user responded saying they had seen the woman in Newport Mall. The woman was found shortly thereafter, with the original poster giving credit to the “keen eye in the Reddit community,” per Patch.
Jersey City Playground to Be Renamed in Honor of Former Staffer
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Local leader Jeremy Farrell left a lasting impact on Jersey City, and now, a recent resolution passed by city council will commemorate him. The city council voted to rename a park near Exchange Place the “Jeremy Farrell Playground,” per NJ.com. As the former corporate counsel and executive director of the city’s Municipal Utility Authorities, Jeremy played a role in making a myriad of initiatives happen — from the city’s prisoner reentry program to a public sculpture on the Newport waterfront.
Jersey City Capitals Youth Hockey Team Wins Division
^ The Jersey City Capitals peewee team. Photo Courtesy of Capitals Parent Will Looker.
The Jersey City Capitals peewee team (age 11-12) won the NJ Youth Hockey League playoffs. According to a message from the team, this feat was accomplished despite having no ‘home’ ice due to the ongoing work at Pershing Field. The Bantam 1/ Red Team also placed, winning third place at the NJYHL playoffs.
The Hoboken Terminal is Getting a New Look — Here’s What to Expect
While most people use the Hoboken Terminal as a pass-through space to get to one of several transit options, leaders of a new project to revitalize the area hope the improvements will encourage people to stay a while. The project, called Hoboken Connect, will preserve the historically significant architectural elements of the station while upgrading the space to have more resources for the community, like performing arts, shops, and restaurants. The Terminal’s multimodal transit options will be enhanced, and several buildings around the Terminal will undergo renovation as well. Back in October 2022, local and state officials kicked off the beginning of the Hoboken Connect project — and now, there’s an update to the project. Click here for more.
