Hudson County is always buzzing and we are never short of news. Some of the headlines this week include: Hoboken Police issue a warning to residents about a utility scam; two Jersey City residents are honored by the City; and a Netflix series films in downtown Jersey City. Read on for more Hudson County headlines and Hoboken + Jersey City news you missed the week of May 14th, 2023.
Bond Vet Opening Soon in Jersey City
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The Jersey City location of Bond Vet, located at 357 Marin Boulevard, will open on May 22nd. Per Jersey Digs, profits from the vet’s opening day will be donated to Liberty Humane Society. The clinic will be open Monday through Saturday from 8AM to 6PM.
Hoboken Police Department Recognized by State
According to a press release from the City of Hoboken, the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) has recognized the Hoboken Police Department for its compliance with Attorney General internal affairs mandates, which are meant to encourage the public reporting of police misconduct.
The OSC randomly selected 100 municipal police departments for a review of their websites. A new report of those findings shows that Hoboken was one of just five departments that fulfilled key requirements and best practices laid out in the Attorney General’s Internal Affairs Policies and Procedures, and corresponding Law Enforcement Directives, which govern the police disciplinary process.
The report looked at the requirement that departments make standardized internal affairs report publicly available online, in eleven languages and commends the HPD, saying its website “serves as an example of how an information sheet can be provided to the complainant at the time of the complaint, even when the complainant is filling out the form online.”
Read the full NJOSC report here. Learn more about the Hoboken Police Department, its internal affairs bureau, and complaint forms at: https://hobokenpdnj.gov/internal-affairs/.
Hoboken Police Department Issues Warning About Utility Scams
In a press release, the Hoboken Public Safety Department and Police Department encourage residents to educate themselves about potential fraudulent utility workers and deceptive and possibly dangerous trespassing scams, following a recent arrest by an off-duty police officer in his own home.
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Police Officer James Barbro was off duty and in his home in Hoboken when someone rang his doorbell, claiming to be from Fed-Ex. The officer buzzed the man, later identified as 26-year-old Mattew Van Putten of Brooklyn, NY, into the building. Moments later, Officer Barbro found Van Putten knocking on other apartment doors asking residents about their energy bills. Officer Barbro told Van Putten he was not allowed in the building and was trespassing, to which the suspect responded with an expletive and kept knocking on other doors. When the officer called police dispatch to inform them of what was going on, Van Putten shoved him and tried to leave, becoming combative and resisting arrest. At one point the two wrestled to the ground, and Van Putten, while being told he was under arrest, grabbed the officer by the throat. Uniformed officers arrived, handcuffed Van Putten, and took him to Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and obstruction. He was issued a summons and released. The officer was treated for his injuries. Van Putten was previously arrested on April 25 in Hoboken for a similar incident, in which he threatened a homeowner after he was asked to leave. In that case, Van Putten was charged with making terroristic threats.
“We are thankful for Officer James Barbro’s quick thinking and swift action, even on his timeoff, to prevent this suspect from potentially taking advantage of his neighbors,” said Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar. “This can serve as a reminder to our residents, and business owners to be vigilant and be on the look-out for potential scams involving fake utility workers.”
The Hoboken Police Department advises that utility workers almost never need to be inside your home, so if someone comes to your door and you have not been contacted in advance do not let them in. Employees of legitimate utility companies must carry an official company identification and present it when asked. If you don’t trust the ID is legitimate, call the company to verify. In Hoboken, you can also call police dispatch at (201) 420-2100 to confirm whether a vendor has checked-in to work in the city, as they are suggested to do.
If a resident suspects a utility worker is a fraud and/or potentially dangerous, they should ask them to wait while they close their door, lock it, and call the Hoboken Police Department at (201) 420-2100. Residents should refrain from engaging or calling them out as fake, as this could put them in further danger. These scams often target senior citizens, so residents should make sure their elderly loved ones are aware of this type of crime, what to watch out for, and how to respond. If a resident ever feels like they, their family, their neighbors, or their property are in imminent danger call 9-1-1.
Suspensions on the Rise in Jersey City Public Schools
According to NJ.com, it’s been a busy spring for suspensions for students in Jersey City’s public schools. During the month of March 2023, the district issued 485 in- and out-of-school suspensions. School district leaders say that students are struggling with mental health issues, and have opened four mental health clinics in the district’s high schools.
Bayonne High School Teacher Honored Alongside Former Student
A Bayonne High School teacher was honored alongside a former student by the organization Facing History and Ourselves.
According to NJ.com, social studies teacher Gene Williams and his former student Chevon Williams were both honored with the Upstander Award by the organization, which is dedicated to helping teachers educate students about history to build an equitable future that combats hate and bigotry. The Upstander Award recognizes “a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause.”
Bareburger Opens in Jersey City
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Bareburger, a fast-casual eatery specializing in burgers, has opened its latest location in Hudson County, located at 143 Newark Avenue. Per Jersey Digs, this location is unique in that it has a full bar. Bareburger is open seven days a week starting at 11:30AM, closing at 10:30PM Sunday through Thursday, and open till 12AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Policies on Short-Term Rentals in Jersey City Re-Examined
The policies establishing conditions for short-term rentals in Jersey City have been examined again. Per NJ.com, the already stringent regulations could be limited even further if a proposed ordinance makes its way though the Jersey City Council. The amendment was introduced at the May 10th council meeting, and would be the first changes to the short-term rental ordinance in three years.
Hudson County CASA Announces Fundraiser
Hudson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) announced its annual fundraiser, Celebrate CASA, to be held on Thursday, June 1st from 6:30PM to 10:30PM at Battello in Jersey City. According to a press release from the organization, the event will feature a short program highlighting a family who adopted a foster child with CASA’s help. Attendees will enjoy food, cocktails, a DJ, and a silent auction offering the opportunity to bid on getaways, concert tickets and much more.
This year CASA is seeking special support for Project Helping Hands, a fund for the special and important needs of foster children. Every day CASA volunteers learn of material things or opportunities their children would enjoy, ranging from a special pair of sneakers to a futon for a first apartment. Project Helping Hands is always ready to celebrate proms with dresses and manicures and to commemorate graduations with high school rings and celebratory dinners. With this fund CASA children have been able to access school trips, sports equipment, swimming lessons, new clothes for awards ceremonies, SAT tutoring and many other things. Tickets may be purchased online for $150 or at the door on the night of the event. All proceeds will directly benefit Hudson County CASA. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit https://hudsoncountycasa.networkforgood.com/events/53264-celebrate-casa
Vintage Car Show Coming to Hoboken
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In a press release, Main Street Pops and the Hoboken Business Association announced a vintage car show is coming to Hoboken on Sunday, June 11th on Sinatra Drive. The Hudson River Showcase will feature a curated collection of vintage and classic luxury automobiles lined up along Hoboken’s scenic lower Sinatra Drive, this exciting new showcase will be set against the breathtaking skyline view of NYC. There will be over 100 models from Pre-1959 through the 1990s for car enthusiasts to enjoy. Registration is free for attendees, and there is a Youth Judging event for children. Read more here.
Venti Food Truck is Opening a Permanent Storefront in Jersey City
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Since 2018, Venti Food Truck has been keeping Italian culinary traditions alive and on the go, serving up delicious Italian specialties at its four-wheel Exchange Place outpost. Now, this beloved food truck is getting a permanent home near the Journal Square neighborhood at 203 Academy Street. The new storefront will expand the Venti food truck menu, with a broader selection of house-made eats + “the freshest mozzarella around.” Read on for what we know about the permanent Venti Italian Specialties brick-and-mortar location coming to Jersey City.
Hoboken Resident Publishes 2nd Book, is Featured on NASDAQ Building
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Raakhee Mirchandani is a mother, author, journalist, and podcast host whose third book “She Persisted” recently hit shelves. Like her previous projects, her new chapter book challenges norms + aims to bring proper representation to her community. Raakhee was featured this week on the NASDAQ Building in honor of her new book. Read more about this amazing Hoboken resident.
Jersey City Neighborhood the Site of Netflix Series
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Van Vorst Park in Jersey City was transported back to the 1980s because of the filming of the limited Netflix series, Eric. Several readers spotted classic cars, faux facades on buildings, and even some of the stars walking around in between scenes. Filming was taking place at Wayne Street and Jersey Avenue.
Vote on Jersey City Right to Counsel Proposal Pushed
The Jersey City Council postponed a vote at its recent meeting on a proposal that would provide legal representation to low-to-moderate income renters. Per Patch, the Right-to-Counsel proposal was pushed to the May 24th meeting. The proposal was introduced by a coalition led by Councilmember James E. Solomon, and creates a developer fee that would fund the legal representation.
Jersey City Residents Honored by City Council
Two Jersey City residents were honored at the City Council’s meeting on May 10th for their contributions to the community. Per the Jersey City Times, the two honorees were Samuel Ortiz, Jr., and Joyce Davison. Samuel, a school crossing guard and retired NYPD police officer, was honored for his quick response during a four-alarm fire in a building near his post at the Julia A. Barnes Public School 12 on Astor Place. Joyce was honored as Senior of the Year for her work to encourage other seniors to lead an active lifestyle.
Jersey City Police Participate in Police Unity Tour
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On Tuesday, May 9th, a ceremony was held to send off the Jersey City Police Officers participating in the 26th annual Police Unity Tour alongside hundreds of officers from departments statewide. According to a press release from the department, the Jersey City Police Cycling Team worked to raise $85,000 this year in honor of the Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. Since 2005, the JCPD has raised over $1 million in total for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum. Over the course of the four-day Unity Tour, thousands of police officers from around the nation will bike together to reach the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 13th.
Bistro at the Bay Open in Bayonne
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New restaurant Bistro at the Bay is fully open in Bayonne after a total makeover, according to Jersey Digs. The restaurant is located at 1 Flagship Street. The menu focuses on fusion food and the full-service bar has creative items like a Boozy Mango Lassi.
Hoboken Art Gallery Transforms for Filming
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Hoboken has been the site of several filming locations for the film version of It Ends With Us, a best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover. According to Patch, Field Colony in Hoboken was transformed into a store called Maya & Maxim. Scenes will also be filmed in Jersey City and Chatham.
Fees Introduced for Jersey City Pools
Per NJ.com, the Jersey City Council compromised at its May 10th meeting, agreeing to charge fees for the city’s pools to adults only. Children can still use the pools for free. All adults in the city will be charged $3 to $4, and non-resident adults will be asked to pay $6-$8 per visit to the Pavonia/Marion and Lafayette swimming pools.
Former Hoboken Resident to Compete on Temptation Island
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According to an Instagram post, former Hoboken resident Kaitlin Tufts will be a competitor on the upcoming season of Temptation Island. Kaitlin was a long-time Hoboken resident who was an instructor at Jane Do. Kaitlin now lives in Charleston, SC, where she owns a Jane Do location. The show will premiere on June 14th on USA Network.
Jersey City, Hoboken Team Up for Summer Meal Program
Jersey City and Hoboken plan to partner up again this summer to provide meals for school-age children, according to NJ.com. The agreement would see the two cities work together to pay for and distribute the meals to the estimated 615 Hoboken students who would be eligible for the program. Weekday breakfasts and lunches would be provided to students who qualify for a free or reduced lunch.
Veterans for Peace Sailboat Coming to Jersey City
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The Golden Rule, a sailboat operated by the non-profit organization Veterans for Peace, will make its way to Jersey City later this month. According to Patch, the ship will spread its message of anti-violence as part of a larger journey along the East Coast. The ship will be at Liberty State Park on May 20th.
Hoboken Announces CAPS Forum
The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Public Safety Department will host the next Community and Public Safety (CAPS) forum on Thursday, May 18, from 4:30PM to 6:00PM at the Multi-Service Center. The event will feature representatives from the City’s Police Department, Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, EMS, and others, according to a press release from the city.
The City and Public Safety Department host the CAPS Forum every other month in different Hoboken locations as a way for the public to meet and engage with public safety officials and learn more about public safety best practices through a casual setting.
This month’s CAPS forum will also include a job and volunteer expo. Residents of all ages are invited to learn about employment and volunteer opportunities in the Hoboken public safety sector. Experts will discuss what opportunities are currently available and/or may become available, latest trends in public safety employment, what is involved in working in these fields, and what it takes to become a member of the public safety team. Applications for some open positions will be available.
