If you had a whirlwind week and couldn’t pause to catch local news, here’s what you missed in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: Sting was spotted at Hoboken’s Blue Eyes restaurant; the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority is poised to spend more than $1 billion on sewer upgrades; Southern restaurant chain Bojangles is coming to New Jersey, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City + beyond.
Park and Bloom to Expand Inside Uptown bwè Kafe
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The @bwekafe account shared the news this week that its market space will be taken over by local flower shop Park and Bloom. According to the post, “We are thrilled to share that @parkandbloom will be expanding along with our bwè market space and will be making that cozy nook our new home! We have been working with Sarah from @parkandbloom for many years from holiday pop-ups to workshops, to large storefront installs (check out our Washington st location right now!). She will be beautifying the space with options of dried and fresh stems, as well as fun gift items for all those special occasions!” The mini flower market is expected to open in mid-March. Little City Books was the former occupant of the space within the case, read more about its closure here.
Local Business Sells Dog Park Merch, Donates Proceeds to Liberty Humane Society
Former Hoboken resident Mark Sarian has launched a business selling dog park merchandise with the idea of “buy a hat, help a dog.” The LA-based company Dog Park LA donates a portion of proceeds to Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City. New Jersey-centric designs include Elysian Park in Hoboken and Van Vorst Park in Jersey City.
Hoboken Mayor to Deliver State of the City Address 3/7
Members of the community are invited to view the State of the City address by Mayor Bhalla on Monday, March 7th at 7:00PM, according to a press release. The virtual address to the public will be broadcasted on Hoboken’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages, and will discuss the various quality of life initiatives in the City of Hoboken.
Rubgy New York Opens Spring Season at JFK Stadium in Hoboken
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New York’s professional rugby team, Rugby United NY, is playing its home games in Hoboken at JFK Stadium this season. The home opener is on Sunday, March 6th at 3:00PM against neighborly rivals, the New England FreeJacks. You can use code HOBOKENGIRL22 to receive 20% off tickets through Sunday at 4:00PM. Click here to purchase tickets.
Montauk Brewing Co. to Open in Hudson + Bergen Counties
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NYC-based Montauk Brewing Co. announced it will be launching in Hudson County + Bergen County. Vaughan Cutillo, the founder of Montauk Brewing Co. told Hoboken Girl he has plans to open with big events in April. Stay tuned for more info!
New Mental Health Practice Provides Teletherapy to New Jersey Clients
Rachel Kaplan, LSCW recently opened her own practice, Rachel Kaplan Therapy, offering teletherapy sessions for clients in New Jersey and New York. Rachel shared with us, “I offer free 15-minute video consultations so that clients can meet with me to decide if I am the right fit for them.” She specializes in helping individuals cope with anxiety, chronic illness, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns to Jersey City
New Jersey is preparing for a full roster of St. Patrick’s Day Parades following two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, per NJ.com. Parades throughout the state typically occur on weekends during the first three weeks of the month. Jersey City’s parade is on Sunday, March 13th, and will use a new route, from Dickinson High School to Jersey Avenue via Newark Avenue.
BK Lobster in Hoboken Rebrands to City Lobster
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In an Instagram post on Wednesday, March 2nd the former BK Lobster restaurant shared that it is rebranding to City Lobster. The post reads, “Without Commitment You Won’t Start ..! Without Consistency You Won’t Finish… There’s A Blessing In Every Lesson 🥂.” City Lobster is located at 732 Washington Street in Hoboken.
FDNY Deputy Chief Passes Away Following Health Complications
Hoboken resident Emily Chatterton recently lost her father who worked as an FDNY firefighter for the past 27 years and who passed away following a battle with his health. Richard Chatterton worked for several months in the aftermath of 9/11 and ended his career with the FDNY as the Deputy Chief. He passed away on Tuesday, March 1st. A GoFundMe has been organized to assist with funeral and medical expenses.
Bloomie Flower Studio in Hoboken to Donate Proceeds to Support Ukraine
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Bloomie Flower Studio, located at 107 4th Street in Hoboken, announced it will donate a portion of its proceeds to support Ukraine. The Instagram post says, “💙💛Our hearts stand with Ukraine 💛💙 A part of our profits will be donated for logistical and medical support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If you want to contribute please stop by our studio this weekend to purchase a small bouquet or donate directly here – ukraine.ua 🙏”
NJCU + Mission 50 to Host Entrepreneurship Competition
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New Jersey City University and local coworking business, Mission 50 are celebrating its continued partnership with a competition, according to NJ.com. The entrepreneurship pitch competition will start on Tuesday, April 26th. All NJCU students are eligible to compete. The prize is $5,000 to launch the winning business idea.
Mayor Fulop Delivers State of the City Address in Jersey City
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On Tuesday, March 1st Mayor Steven Fulop gave the State of the City Address in Jersey City, per Tap Into. During the address he announced a new program that will involve the community in financial decisions. “Looking ahead, I’m pleased to announce this year we will be launching a participatory budgeting pilot program to directly involve residents in the City’s spending decisions.,” Fulop said. Local officials will take community ideas and turn them into concrete plans to be voted on.
Drivers Now Required to Change Lanes When Passing Walkers + Cyclists in New Jersey
The Safe Passing Law requires New Jersey drivers to change lanes when passing pedestrians or cyclists, according to Patch. The law was passed last August and was schedule to go into effect seven months later, which was this past week.
Hoboken Home Cook to Compete in First-Ever Primetime Julia Child Competition
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In The Julia Child Challenge, eight top-notch home cooks will compete in high-stakes culinary challenges, including Hoboken’s own Christine Fiorentino of Three Birds One Stove. The first round of the competition requires the participants to master the basics of one of Julia Child’s signature dishes. The second round requires the participants to take inspiration from one of Child’s recipes to create something of their own. The show premieres on Monday, March 14th at 9PM on Food Network and Discovery+.
Row House 70 Hudson to Close Jersey City Location
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In an email sent out to customers and shared on Instagram on Tuesday, March 1st Row House 70 Hudson, located at 70 Hudson Street, Suite 125 in Jersey City, announced it will be closing as of Monday, March 7th. “Unfortunately, due to the negative impact that the Covid pandemic has had on Row House 70 Hudson as a business, we are announcing our closing as of March 7th. This may come as a shock to some of you, as it is also happening sooner than expected for us. This pandemic has really hit the business hard and unfortunately, we just cannot go on.”
Jersey City Muralist Paints Tribute to Ukraine in Paris
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The French artist known as Seth the Globe Painter, the mastermind behind “Wendy at the Window” in Hamilton Park, took to the streets of his native Paris with a tribute to Ukraine. “Our hearts are with Ukraine💙🇺🇦 “For my Ukrainian Friends” is such a beautiful and powerful mural by @seth_globepainter,” per JC Families. The mural is located on the Rue Buot in Paris.
JP’s Bagel Express in Hoboken Offering Green Holiday Bagels
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JP’s Bagel Express, located at 52 Newark Street in Hoboken, recently announced it has a special bagel in mind for St. Patrick’s Day this year. According to a recent post, “These emerald beauties are being prepped for pre-orders! We have them available for 3/5 (Saturday) and 3/17 (St Patrick’s Day) so make sure to get yours! 🍀”
Razza in Jersey City Now Sells Bread, Indoor Dining Coming Soon
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Razza Pizza Artigianale, located at 275-277 Grove St in Jersey City, is well-known for authentic, wood-fired pizza and now customers can also find freshly baked bread on the list of things to buy. According to the Instagram post, “Big things! Bread available from tomorrow followed by indoor dining sooooon!”
Jersey City + Hoboken Hotels Make Top 10 List
The W Hotel in Hoboken and The Westin in Jersey City have ranked as number six and seven respectively on U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 list of hotels in New Jersey, according to Patch. The score is comprised of the hotel’s industry awards with its star rating and guest feedback.
Apparently, Penn Badgley Has a Favorite Hoboken Coffee Shop
Celebrities frequent Hoboken and Jersey City quite often — especially when they’re filming movies in the area. And with working on set comes the need to be caffeinated. One such celebrity, Penn Badgley, most recently known for his creepy role in the Netflix series YOU (but best known in Gossip Girl, obviously), has frequented Hoboken a bunch in the last year or so. Each time, he visits with a favorite coffee shop in his sights: bwè kafe. Click here for what we know.
Owner of Wicked Wolf Opening New Cocktail Lab + Eatery in Hoboken
There’s always something new on the horizon in Hoboken, especially in the food scene. The Hoboken Girl got the exclusive about a brand new restaurant and bar concept coming to town. Brought to you by the owner of Wicked Wolf, locals can gear up for the debut of The Lola, a cocktail lab and eatery, in the near future. Click here for what we know so far about the opening of The Lola in Hoboken at 100 Sinatra Drive.
Sting Spotted At Hoboken’s Blue Eyes Restaurant
Running into one of the most famous musicians in the world doesn’t happen every day. That’s why when Sting walked into Blue Eyes Restaurant in Hoboken this week, his fellow patrons couldn’t help but notice. Click here to read about the star’s visit to Blue Eyes this week.
Sticky’s Finger Joint in Hoboken Announces Opening Date
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Sticky’s Finger Joint, a wildly popular New York-based fried chicken restaurant, is spreading its wings and bringing its chicken to 112 Washington Street in Hoboken — in the former Cluck-U spot. Click here for what we know about Sticky’s expanding to Hoboken and when it will be opening its doors.
New Viennese Restaurant, Charley, Opens in Harrison
Charley, a new Viennese bistro, recently opened in Harrison and it’s nothing short of a European experience. Located at 202 Angelo Cifelli Drive, Charley is run by acclaimed chef Kurt Gutenbrunner. Click here to read about Charley, new to Harrison.
Kearny Plans to Create Permanent Health Department Annex Building
An aging building which the town transformed into a local health center early on the pandemic was useful enough to the point that the town plans to replace it with a new building for it to be housed permanently, per NJ.com. The new building would be replacing the existing prefab trailer and it would be around a similar size. In order to fund the project, Kearny still plans to use a federal grant that it received from the first coronavirus aid bill. The town is currently waiting on authorization from the county to use the funds.
No NJ Transit Fare Hikes in 2022
Fares across NJ Transit’s network of buses, trains, and light rail will remain flat through at least the first half of 2023, reported Tap Into. This will be the fifth year in a row that riders will have been spared from a hike. Governor Phil Murphy also announced that there will be free Wi-Fi installed on all NJ Transit Buses.
Ban on New Jersey Residents Pumping Their Own Gas Revisited
To pump or not to pump. One of the things that make New Jersey, well, New Jersey, is the fact that we do not pump our own gas – one of just two states with this law. As simple as that may be, it is one of the most notorious debates in the state’s history. For 73 years, New Jerseyans have relied on gas stations attendants to fill their cars with gas, rather than do it themselves. The ban on pumping our own gas has been revisited by state lawmakers who put forth a bill this week that could end the ban. Click here for what we know about the “Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act” bill that would lead Garden State residents to pump their own gas.
Jersey City to Spend $1B on Sewerage Upgrades
The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority is poised to spend more than $1 billion to repair infrastructure for drinking water and sewerage in Jersey City, per Tap Into. This is being done in order to comply with a 2011 consent decree. The MUA is expected to complete this work by 2023. This is not an issue that is exclusive to Jersey City, and it is something that state and federal officials have been concerned about for decades.
Largest Office Space Lease Signed in Jersey City Since 2020
The largest office space lease in Jersey City since 2020 has recently been signed, per Jersey Digs. This long-term lease will encompass 130,000 square feet of office space in the 10-story Harborside A building, situated adjacent to the Exchange Place PATH station. The renter is Collector Holdings, which is the parent company of the world’s largest authentication and grading company.
Renderings Revealed for New Project in Jersey City
The company behind a new development that would add to an emerging neighborhood near the Hackensack River in Jersey City has officially submitted an application, per Jersey Digs. This is a three-phase development that would add residences, retail, amenities, and greenery to the area. Plans first emerged for this project last summer.
Poggi Press Owner to Fight Plans for New Department of Public Works Garage in Hoboken
The owner of the Poggi Press building says he will fight the city’s plans to build a Department of Public Works garage and a Public Safety complex, per Hudson County View. Charles Poggi is the owner of the Poggi Press building at 1501 Adams Street, which has been home to his family’s printing company since 1928. The printing company was left inoperable due to Superstorm Sandy, and Poggi has attempted to redevelop the property himself. He is now in the middle of a high-profile settlement within the city.
Bayonne Man Arrested For Fatal Shooting
A 32-year-old Bayonne man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that took place on Sunday, January 23rd, per the Hudson Reporter. Nysheed Gleaton has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, February 27th.
Union City Unveils New MLK Jr. Monument
Union City has officially unveiled the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument, reported the Hudson Reporter. The monument was unveiled on the last day of Black History Month at Ellsworth Park. The event was led by Union City Commissioner of Public Affairs Lucio Fernandez, students from Sarah Gilmore Academy, and members of the Junior ROTC from Union City High School were also present for the unveiling.
Masks Will Be Optional in Most Hudson School Districts
Most Hudson County schools will soon be mask-optional, per NJ.com. Monday, March 7th is when Governor Phil Murphy’s statewide school mask mandate will be coming to an end. Several school districts have already confirmed masks will be optional for students and staff. Masks will also be optional on school buses in several school districts.
Jersey City’s Sátis Bistro Set To Take Over John’s Pizzeria Space
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The Sátis Bistro could be potentially expanding into another space, per Jersey Digs. It could potentially expand into the previous building of a Jersey City storefront, which went dark earlier this year. The expansion application for Sátis Bistro calls for the addition of “premises located at 212 Washington Street, Units #1, #2, and #3, with the expansion premise being Unit #3.”
Bayonne Man Arrested For Attempting to Slash a Teen
A 30-year-old Bayonne man has been arrested for attempting to slash a teenage boy, 17, with a knife, reported Hudson County View. Michael Rivera was charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was taken into custody at about 4:50PM on March 1st.
Jersey City Council Considers Raising Their Own Salaries
The Jersey City Council is considering increasing their own salaries with an ordinance amendment, per the Hudson Reporter. This ordinance amendment could raise council members’ pay by 42 percent and the Council President by 38 percent. This ordinance would also allow members to hire more council aides.
4 Cars Recovered After Suspects Hold Up Valet In Jersey City
A group of men held up a valet at gunpoint in the garage of a luxury apartment in Jersey City, reported Patch. The group of men drove off in four cars on Saturday, February 26th, and all of the cars were recovered on Tuesday morning in Newark. Approximately five to six males stole keys from the valet and all of the vehicles stolen were luxury vehicles.
Capt. Steven Aguiar Sworn in as Hoboken PD’s New Acting Chief
Changing of the guard and transition of power! I was proud to be at the retirement ceremony today for Chief Dan LoBue & the swearing-in of Chief Steven Aguiar @steve_aguiar . The City, department & our profession is in the best of hands. A @CityofHoboken native leads us today! pic.twitter.com/MtC8OXg7mt
— Chief Ken Ferrante, Ret. (@KenFerrante) March 1, 2022
Hoboken Police Capt. Steven Aguiar has officially taken over as the department’s new acting chief, reported Tap Into. He was sworn in by Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro during a ceremony at Hoboken City Hall. Aguiar has succeeded Acting Chief Daniel LoBue.
Southern Chain Bojangles is Coming to New Jersey
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A popular Southern fried chicken chain, Bojangles, is officially coming to New Jersey, per NJ.com. The locations in New Jersey will open up throughout the state in several counties, including Hudson and Essex. The exact locations and opening dates have yet to be officially announced. Bojangles has about 750 locations throughout the country and has opened up 35 new restaurants in 2022 so far.
New Show by Liz and Ibou Ndoye Opening Sunday
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The artwork of Liz and Ibou Ndoye will be featured in a new Upper Gallery show titled “Adjacent”, per NJ.com. The show will start Sunday, March 6th, and will be featured at the Hoboken Historical Museum. The couple will also present an online-only artists’ talk at 7PM on Friday, March 4 for the opening. The show will run until May 1st.
Hoboken Proposes Changes to Cannabis Store Rules
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is proposing changes to the city’s cannabis dispensary rules, reported the Hudson Reporter. This is in light of the local cannabis review board approving the first retail cannabis application, despite criticism from the public. The proposed changes would limit the number of dispensaries in the city and would require notice for residents living within 200 feet of a proposed dispensary. The changes would also prohibit dispensaries from being located within 750 feet of any school or early childhood development facility.
HCPO Homicide Unit Investigating Death of Bayonne Woman
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a Bayonne woman, reported Hudson County View. She was found inside a home at 105 North Street. This is an ongoing investigation and there are no further details known at this time.
NJ Stores to Pull Russian Vodka and Products from Shelves
Bayonne-based Royal Wine Corp has announced that it will be donating 100% of its proceeds through March 10th of two of its vodka brands to Emergency Ukraine, per NJ.com. This is just one alcoholic retailer that has pledged to do something due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Another retailer in New Jersey said that it would be pulling Russian products from its stores.
