A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — local artist joins Rolling Stone Culture Council, Hoboken residents 12+ can now be vaccinated, the Jersey City School Board finalized an $814M budget for the coming school year, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Local Hoboken Artist Joins Rolling Stone Culture Council
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken artist, Ricardo Roig recently debuted an art gallery on Washington Street and has now garnered the attention of Rolling Stone with an invitation to its Culture Council. In a post he shared on Facebook, Roig said:
“Didn’t see this happening but Rolling Stone saw my art process video and invited me into the “Culture Council” : ) Will be submitting some articles about living an Art Life soon and they might even be published on RollingStone.com. Pretty cool how things link up and wanted to share.”
Mamoun’s Falafel Celebrates 50 Years in Business
Popular Middle Eastern eatery Mamoun’s Falafel has recently reached its decade-long milestone in Hoboken and celebrated its 50th anniversary in business on May 11th. Upon bringing the brand to Hudson County, it quickly became a hot spot for the restaurant’s falafel sandwich. Hoboken Girl chatted with Mamoun’s co-owner and CEO, Hussam Chater, to get the scoop on how the famous joint plans on expanding and the challenges Mamoun’s had to overcome over the years. Click here to learn more about Mamoun’s 50th anniversary.
NJ Transit Lawsuit Settled From 2016 Fatality
In 2016 a train crash in the Hoboken Terminal resulted in the death of a young mother and injuries for three other passengers. On Wednesday, May 12th their respective multi-million dollar lawsuits were settled, per NJ.com. The crash caused $6 million in property damage.
According to NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder, each claim was in excess of $500,000.
Hudson River Paddleboarding Date Ends in Rescue
On Thursday, May 13th, a woman was saved from the Hudson River thanks to rescuing efforts by the Hoboken Fire Department and FDNY. The woman was paddleboarding in the Hudson when it flipped over. The rescue occurred around 4:15PM off the Union Dry Dock, near 8th Street and Sinatra Drive in Hoboken. Click here to read more.
Hudson Gives Returns to Hudson County
The last year has largely been about “giving back” to those who were in need from first responders to small businesses on the brink of closure. Hudson Gives is an annual event that encourages that spirit of giving back but only this time, to local nonprofits. On May 13th from 12:00AM to 11:59PM, the 24-hour period will take place to get involved in #HudsonGives, an online-giving event with a goal to help and donate to local nonprofits in order to help keep them operating and their mission alive. Bringing the community together and raising money for nonprofits are goals of #HudsonGives. It goes without saying that COVID-19 has had an effect on many if not all of these nonprofits, so this year’s event is even more important! Click here to learn more.
CDC Approves Vaccine For Teens
This week the CDC approved the emergency-use authorization of the vaccine for teens ages 12-15. New Jersey Governor Murphy said all New Jersey teens in that age group would be able to get the shot as early as Thursday this week.
“Every New Jersey resident within this age group will be eligible to receive Pfizer’s vaccine wherever it is being administered,” Murphy said. “This will be a big step forward for public health…We encourage all parents to talk now with their adolescent children about getting vaccinated. And when the CDC approval is given, to go out and do so.”
Nucky Thompson’s Moonshine Speakeasy Opens in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Last fall, Hudson Hound debuted in the pedestrian plaza after Talde closed. Already a long-time New York favorite — with sister locations in the West Village and the Financial District— the Irish-American bar and restaurant aims to bring modern and easygoing fare to Jersey City. Since September, owners Jason O’Brien and Donal Crosbie, longtime Jersey City residents themselves, have expertly navigated through the challenging process of launching a restaurant amidst industry uncertainty. But, with brighter days on the horizon and NJ bars opening once more, O’Brien and Crosbie are excited to introduce “Nucky Thompson’s,” a moonshine speakeasy within the broader restaurant. Click here to read more about the new Jersey City-based speakeasy Nucky Thompson’s that opened in early May 2021.
Hoboken Police Investigating Hit + Run
On Friday, May 7th a 65-year-old man who was driving an electric bicycle to deliver food was hit by a car, per the Hoboken Police Department. The Hoboken police are searching for the driver responsible for the accident. The crash occurred in downtown Hoboken, at the corner of Observer Highway and Jackson Street.
Solid Core Fitness Studio to Open in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Word on the street is that New York-based fitness gym Solid Core is setting up shop in Jersey City – expanding its extensive portfolio that consists of studios in over 20 states. Solid Core is a 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact resistance training Pilates workout. A job posting for a studio manager at the new location was posted on May 8th, which tipped off a savvy reader locally and thus ensued some sleuthing. Click here to read more about the opening.
Climate and Energy Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas in Jersey City
On Tuesday, May 11th the City Office of Sustainability and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop announced the first Climate and Energy Action Plan, per NJ.com. Following six years of studies and planning, this action plan should effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the city energy and money.
The City Council will review the plan this week which consists of more than 50 actions, including a new community solar program specifically for renters and low-income homeowners.
Flip Sigi Filipino Taqueria Expands to Jersey City Location
View this post on Instagram
When a community favorite pop-up shop announces it is opening a storefront, there is reason for celebration: Manhattan-based Filipino taqueria Flip Sigi is making its way across the bridge and opening a location in Jersey City. Flip Sigi is known locally as the eatery that takes over the O’Bagel space in Hoboken at {600 Washington Street Thursday through Saturday evenings. Soon, locals will be able to visit the new eatery at the Nest Mico Apartments located at 190 Academy Street in Jersey City.
The news was shared last week after the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new apartment building that not only would new residents be welcomed to the neighborhood, but the living quarters would share space with the future Flip Sigi. This Filipino American taqueria is set to open its doors in mid-June with the traditional menu known globally and some new additions. Click here to read more about Flip Sigi Taquieria opening an outpost in Jersey City.
Groundbreaking Launches $230M Flood Mitigation Project in Hoboken
After years of planning, this week’s groundbreaking ceremony launches the beginning of the $230-million dollar ‘Rebuild by Design’ flood mitigation project, per Jersey Digs. Governor Phil Murphy attended as the master of ceremonies to announce the beginning of construction at Pier A Park in Hoboken.
“Our partnership with both the federal and local government to build a stronger and more resilient future for New Jersey’s waterfront communities is transformational,” Governor Murphy said at the groundbreaking. “The comprehensive and innovative Rebuild by Design infrastructure project will mitigate the range of weaknesses along the Hudson River exposed by Superstorm Sandy and provide a suite of innovative solutions to address sea-level rise.”
NJ Residents + Small Businesses to Receive $275M In COVID Relief Funds
New Jersey is rolling out $235M for a new small business fund and $40M in funding for an excluded residents fund helping those impacted by the pandemic, per Patch. This new funding for small businesses will fulfill existing Phase IV small business grant requests which have been submitted to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The resident assistance program will those who have been excluded from previous pandemic relief funds.
“COVID-19 has created unimaginable challenges for our economy over the past year,” Murphy said. “As we emerge from this pandemic, we need to make targeted investments in both our small businesses and our workforce to lay the foundation for a stronger and fairer future that works for everyone.”
Raine + River Apothecary to Open in Jersey City Next Month
View this post on Instagram
One of the most exciting parts of this past year has been looking forward to the openings of new storefronts, restaurants, salons, and more. Things that the public can regularly enjoy post-COVID-19. Hoboken Girl has learned that Raine and River, a Herbal Apothecary for all physical and spiritual needs, is opening a store location in Jersey City next month. Click here to learn more about Raine and River Apothecarys including the mission, the founder’s background, and what customers can expect at the shop.
Former Weehawken Resident’s Pet Dies During Grooming at PetSmart, Employees Charged With Animal Cruelty
View this post on Instagram
On Wednesday, May 5th criminal charges were filed against four PetSmart employees who were involved in the unexpected death of a customer’s dog, per NJ.com. Just before Thanksgiving of last year, AJ Ross brought her toy poodle, Kobe to PetSmart for a routine nail trimming only to return to find him lifeless on the grooming table. collapsed on the curb, cradling the lifeless body of her toy poodle. She took Kobe to a nearby veterinarian, who pronounced him dead.
“I thought it would be a quick in and out,” said Ross, a former Weehawken resident who moved back home to Pittsburgh during the pandemic. “The last thing on my mind was this would be a death sentence.”
An internal investigation found “unintended failure to adhere to our pet safety processes”, according to PetSmart. The employees responsible were terminated.
Stack Creamery Opens in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Some of Westwood’s favorite sweet treats have made their way to Jersey City. Located at 465 Central Avenue, Stack Creamery is bringing its ice cream and custom ice cream sandwich bar to Chilltown, complete with ready-made, ready-to-enjoy options, and pastel-colored decor to match the menu as of April 27th. Read more here about Stack Creamery expanding to Jersey City, and what you’ll find at this new spot in The Heights.
Jersey City School Board Finalizes $814M Budget
On Monday, the Board of Education in Jersey City finalized the budget for the 2021-2022 school year, with a grand total of $814M, per NJ.com. This new budget is $78M more than last year’s budget and will increase taxes for homeowners by almost $1,000.
“Money does not solve all the problems, but money will help us solve most of the ones we have,” Superintendent Franklin Walker said. “As a result of poverty, there are opportunities that many of our students don’t get based upon those circumstances. So, what this does is offers us an opportunity to provide services to all our students.”
Application Pending to Remove 17 Boats in Hoboken Cove
In September 2020, Hoboken residents signed a petition to have the City remove 11 sunken boats from Hoboken Cove. Shortly after the 795 signatures were received, the mayor’s office said the city would submit an application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to have the boats removed. The hope at the time was to get around $104K to remove 17 boats in the cove.
When asked about the status of the grant, city spokesman Vijay Chaudhuri said last week, “The application is pending. We hope to have an announcement in the coming months.” Read more about the boat graveyard here.
Local Freebies You Can Get With Proof of a COVID-19 Vaccination
View this post on Instagram
National brands across the country are working to support vaccination efforts, offering free items to help end the public health crisis. About 3 million New Jersey residents are vaccinated but those who are putting off their appointments might find a growing list of incentives worth the shot.
Krispy Kreme: Get a free glazed donut every day by taking your vaccination card to any Krispy Kreme location. Budweiser: Through May 16th {today!}, Budweiser is giving a free beer to anyone 21 years or older. All you need to do is provide proof of vaccination on ABeerOnBud.com. Lyft/Uber: Both rideshare services are offering a ride to your vaccine appointment, at a discounted rate.
Smorgasburg Founders Taking Over the Lutze in Jersey City with ‘Smorgasbar’ Concept
View this post on Instagram
The founders of America’s largest open-air food market, Smorgasburg, just announced that they are coming to Jersey City and taking over the Lutze. Originally in Brooklyn, attracting 20,000-30,000 people every weekend, Smorgasburg has expanded to pop-up locations throughout the country, with the founder’s latest venture coming to Chilltown as ‘Smorgasbar,’ a permanent Jersey City location. Click here for what we know about Smorgasbar, taking over the Lutze Biergarten, and how the founders made their way to Jersey City.
Summit for Real Estate Investment to {Virtually} Return for 6th Year
Canceled last year because of the pandemic, the Annual Jersey City Summit for Real Estate Investment is planning to come back its sixth event in June, per Jersey Digs. The virtual event will be held June 15 – 17 and is expected to host over 1,000 professionals from the field. Scheduled speakers include Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman and several officials from the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
McNair Seniors Fly Solo in Jersey City School Reopening
As Jersey City schools return to in-person class, Seniors at McNair High School are finding themselves in class sizes of three students or even sometimes just one student, perNJ.com. Raheeq Ibrahim said she felt like a freshman all over again, trying to find her classes with just weeks left in senior year following a year of online instruction. A majority of students have opted to stay with remote learning.
“You don’t get that same feeling in class,” Ibrahim said. “You can’t turn to anybody and start laughing at a joke or anything. It’s just you and the teacher, you can’t even do anything besides work.”
For the first time since the pandemic in March 2020, Jersey City public schools opened their doors this week for students in fourth grade up to seniors in high school.
Jersey City Police to Take Over CCTV Monitoring
At the end of this month, Jersey City police will take over the monitoring of the city’s closed-circuit television cameras to focus on “hotspots”, per NJ.com. Police officers in the investigative units will take on this role on a full-time basis starting May 31st.
Hoboken Initiative to Celebrate Historic Preservation Month
The Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission will launch May’s Historic Preservation Month with three initiatives:
Winners of the HPC Design Awards include Verizza Port La Pizza, The Rafael, The Shade Store, Sirenetta Seafood + Raw Bar, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, The Little Local, Mojo Coffee Company, The Hive Market, St. Matthews SMT Center, LuluLemon, and Margherita’s.
The HPC will also resume its This Place Matters campaign this month. The third initiative includes compiling an oral history project led by HPS Commissioner Thaler Pekar which will be published later this month.
Police Unity Tour Honored Fallen Officers
On Thursday, May 11th City officials joined community members for a special sendoff event to show support and encouragement to the 50 Jersey City Police Officers participating in the annual Police Unity Tour. The event started at 10AM on the J. Owen Grundy Pier along the waterfront.
The Jersey City Police Cycling Team raised $100,000 in donations for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum, to bring awareness to officers who have died in the line of duty. JCPD family members of fallen police officers in attendance included: the Infantes Family, the DiNardo Family, Cathy McBride, and the Seals Family.
Vaccines Available to Residents 12+ in Hoboken
Vaccine clinics with Medicine Man Pharmacy utilizing the Pfizer vaccine are now open to Hoboken residents ages 12-15, given the new FDA guidance.
“The ability for children ages 12-15 to get vaccinated is welcome news, and we are glad to partner with our local pharmacies to expand our clinics so our younger residents can protect themselves,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I encourage parents to assist their children in signing up for an appointment utilizing the options provided through the City.”
The Health Department and Medicine Man are opening the vaccine clinic to all Hoboken residents ages 12 and older and employees of Hoboken businesses. Click here to schedule an appointment. Children ages 12 – 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian to receive the vaccine.
Updates on New Location of Frankie + Ava’s in Hoboken
Back in March, Hoboken Girl got word that the popular casual Italian eatery, Frankie + Ava’s was no longer going to be operating in their 208 Washington Street outpost. Word on the street was that the well-known regional Mexican restaurant, Tacoria, was going to be taking over the space. Click here for updates on the status of Frankie and Ava’s new Hoboken location.
Hoboken American Legion Veterans Center to Co-Host Event May 26th
The American Legion’s Veterans Center of Hoboken is working to provide more homes, specifically 18 additional units, as it expands the current building located on 2nd Street and Willow Avenue in Hoboken. To bring awareness and more funds for the project, the Legion will be co-hosting an event on May 26th with the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Fire Department at the Firemen’s Monument.
Hoboken Man Sues Vet for Decapitating Dead Cat
A Hoboken man is suing Red Bank Veterinary Hospital after it failed to disclose that his cat’s head would be disposed of following a post-mortem rabies test, per Patch. The man, Mario Quesada adopted his pet “Amor” in April 2013 as a one-pound kitten, the month following his sister’s death by suicide, his mother’s rapid decline into dementia, and the “sudden and traumatic” death of his cousin, according to court documents. The lawsuit states that the cat provided an “immeasurable emotional support for Mario during these trying times,” and never left the family’s fourth-floor apartment unit.
Elite Roofing Workers Replace 5-Year-Old’s Stolen Scooter
Photo credit: Hope Donovan via Facebook
After a 5-year-old’s scooter was stolen at Washington Park in Jersey City Heights, he stopped wanting to go to the park. Two workers from Elite Roofing were fixing the roof at the boy’s home and heard about the incident. They reached out to the mother, Hope Donovan to arrange to replace the scooter and tell the boy they would lookout for “the bad guys” at the park, per Patch. With his faith restored in humanity, his mother said, “He kept saying, ‘Mommy, it’s okay because there are good guys too, like my friends.'”
