Every week, we gather the highlights you missed in the news this week in Hoboken + Jersey City. Among the local headlines: Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were at Hudson Hall in Jersey City; 78 gas stations in New Jersey have dropped gas prices to offer ‘self-serve’ prices; Hoboken has been awarded $967K in Community Development funding; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken to Host COVID-19 Booster Clinic
The City of Hoboken will host a pop-up COVID-19 booster clinic for residents over the age of 50 on Monday, May 23rd from 10AM to 12PM at 5 Church Towers and from 1PM to 3PM at 15 Church Towers. According to a press release, individuals 50 years old and older who received their initial booster dose at least four months ago are eligible for an additional booster.
Liberty Humane Society to Host Fee-Free Adoption Event in Jersey City
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With the support of Best Friends Animal Society, the Liberty Humane Society (LHS) will host a fee-free adoption event this weekend aimed to help pair animals over six months old with their forever homes. All adopted animals will be vaccinated, tested, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. If you attend the adoption event be sure to take a peek at the new mural covering the building by local artist, Distort. LHS is located at 235 Jersey City Boulevard.
Walk_Bye Public Art Presents Far East Group Show in Jersey City
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The Jersey City Public Library invited artists to submit works in which they interpret the “Far East” theme and join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. The Walk_Bye outdoor show opens to the public on Saturday, May 21st, hosted by the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association throughout Jersey City. This event is outdoors, free, and open to the public. Far East public art exhibition will close at the end of July.
A No-Cost + Vegan Community Fridge is Coming to Jersey City
A Jersey City shop that’s become a hub for affordable vegan food supply is adding another resource to its agenda. Plant Base Market, located at 370 Pacific Avenue in Jersey City, is expanding to include a new community space next door called Plant Space. Click here to read about Plant Space and what it will provide to the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood and beyond.
Just Salad is Coming to Hoboken: Signs Just Went Up Downtown
The latest in a wave of NYC-based restaurants to expand to the Hudson County area is Just Salad. With over 50 locations in the big city alone, the chain has become well known with locals across the river. The newest Just Salad location in New Jersey will be its Hoboken shop at 114 Washington Street — and on May 19th, salad-covered signs were spotted hung up on the storefront, meaning its arrival is inching closer. Click here to read about the new Just Salad coming to Hoboken.
Alessio’s is Back at Pier A Park This Summer With 2 Kiosks
Alessio’s has been a fan favorite since it opened its doors at 539 Park Avenue at the height of the pandemic lockdown. It quickly became known for its pizza, gelato, pastries, and all-around great quality products. The café announced last year that it will be opening a second location at the kiosk in Pier A Park — and this year, Alessio’s will be back with two kiosks instead of one. Click here to read more about Alessio’s and its Hoboken outposts along the pier.
New Cocktail Lab + Eatery ‘The Lola’ in Hoboken Set to Open Soon
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 a few months back, and we have a bit of an update for you. 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 — set to open in a few weeks, as long as things go to plan. Click here for what we know so far about the opening of The Lola in Hoboken at 100 Sinatra Drive.
Hoboken Water Main Breaks: An Update
Routine water system testing by SUEZ has resulted in two water main breaks in Hoboken, disrupting water service, commutes, and daily life for many residents. Two water main breaks in one week is definitely a lot, but it seems like Hoboken has perhaps more than its fair share of water-system woes. From storm-related flooding to burst pipes, the infrastructure in the Mile Square could use some TLC. Click here for what we know about the water main breaks in Hoboken.
New Vietnamese Restaurant, Bon Banh, Opens in Hoboken
A new Vietnamese restaurant — Bon Banh — opened in Hoboken on May 10th after months of anticipation. This fast-food eatery took over Stacks Pancake House at 506 Washington Street. Diners can finally try out this Vietnamese spot, and The Hoboken Girl has learned exclusive details of what customers can expect when they go. Click here to read about Bon Banh in Hoboken.
Hoboken Girl Launches Real Estate Directory
The Hoboken Girl readers are always seeking recommendations on everything from real estate rental buildings and condos for sale in the North Jersey area, so we thought it’d be helpful to create a guide to these buildings and homes. Meet our new Real Estate Directory, a curated (and ever-growing) list of real estate buildings in Hoboken, Jersey City, and the greater North Jersey area. Discover these local real estate properties, compare and connect for tours, and keep checking back as the directory will be updated on a routine basis with new listings.
Bryan Cranston + Aaron Paul Were at Hudson Hall in Jersey City
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The list of celebrities visiting local Hoboken + Jersey City spots this spring just keeps growing. Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were at Hudson Hall in Jersey City the night of May 17th. This marks yet another stop on the duo’s New Jersey tour to promote their mezcal called Dos Hombres — on the morning of May 17th, fans were lined up for hours in Glen Rock to get their mezcal bottle signed by the Breaking Bad actors at The Glen Rock Bottle King. Click here for what we know about Dos Hombres, the star-studded men behind it, and their appearances in Jersey City + other New Jersey spots.
Ukrainian Refugees Revitalize Jersey City School Garden
The war in Ukraine has had an immeasurable impact on so many Ukrainians, including countless displaced families who were forced to flee the country. In the wake of such dark news, the Hamilton Park Montessori School — located at 1 McWilliams Place #206 in Jersey City — is emblematic of hope. The school has taken in three Ukrainian refugee students all on need-based scholarships, and two current students— along with their father — volunteered to revive the school’s rooftop garden and apiary, a space that suffered immensely during the height of the pandemic. Click here to read about the Hamilton Park Montessori School’s garden revitalization project and the Ukrainian family who is taking the lead.
NJCU Names Commencement Speakers
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and state Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz are the commencement speakers for the New Jersey City University graduation, per NJ.com. The two 2022 graduations will be held on June 2nd in the Prudential Center in Newark. NJCU will be awarding 1,876 degrees. Menendez and Ruiz have been invited to speak because they are both receiving honorary doctorate degrees.
Jersey City Municipal Council Hires Law Firm for Ward Commission Lawsuit
The Jersey City Municipal Council has voted to hire the law firm of Murphy Orlando, LLC to represent the City’s Ward Commission in a lawsuit, per Tap Into. This is the lawsuit that was brought before the commission by Jersey City United against the Ward Map. The city is slated to respond to the lawsuit this week.
Hoboken Elks Lodge 74 to Host “When Two Decades Meet”
Hoboken Elks Lodge 74 will be hosting ‘When Two Decades Meet’ on Saturday, May 21st, per Tap Into. This event will be a 1960s/1970s-themed party that will support the work being done by the Detective Melvin Vincent Santiago Foundation. This is an organization that honors slain Jersey City Police Officers through acts of goodwill and charitable giving.
The Kill Room Continues to Film in Hoboken
The Kill Room, starring Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, continues to use Hoboken locations as the backdrop for the film, reported Patch. On Monday, May 16th, the crew set up at the former Maxwell’s rock club, now called Backstage. ‘No Parking’ signs were still posted on nearby streets.
Hoboken Board of Education Approves 2022-23 School Year Budget
The Hoboken Board of Education has approved the budget for the 2022-2023 school year, reported Tap Into. The $67.3 million budget was approved in a 9-0 vote from the board. This budget will allow the district to maintain programming and will allow for new positions to help meet enrollment growth.
National Formula Shortage Affects Hudson County
The national formula shortage is also affecting Hudson County, per NJ.com. It is mostly WIC recipients who are searching for the formula that is selling off the shelves quickly. Many people say that while the shortages are being investigated, it could cause production to slow down and they might not be fully stocked until the fall. Click here for what we know about the formula shortage in NJ and a roundup of local resources for parents struggling to find supplies.
Repeat Tire Deflator Caught in Bayonne
The repeat tire deflator in Bayonne has been caught by police, per Hudson Reporter. The Bayonne Police Department has reported the arrest of Paul C. Campbell as the one who was slashing the tires. The investigation into the tire slashings ran from September of 2021 to May of 2022.
Hoboken Officials Discuss Temporary Department of Public Works Garage
Hoboken Officials have discussed the possibility of a temporary Department of Public Works garage, per Hudson County View. They also talked about how the version of the meeting that residents favored was the one that would cost about $192.5 million. This is a measure that was closely approved by the Hoboken City Council in February in a 5-4 vote.
Magda Bostros Named Jersey City’s Educator of the Year for 2021-22 School Year
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Magda Botros has been named Jersey City’s Educator of the Year for the 2021-22 school year, reported Tap Into. Botros is a first-grade teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. School. She is now also being considered for Hudson County Teacher of the Year.
Gas Stations in Hoboken + JC Join 78 Others in Lowering Prices
Willow Sunoco in Hoboken and six stations in Jersey City are a part of 78 gas stations in New Jersey that have dropped gas prices to offer ‘self-serve’ prices, reported Patch. The discounts are a part of a campaign to push state lawmakers to add self-service options to the pump. Discounts vary at each station.
Next Phase for Jersey City’s Port Liberté Approved
The final phase of a large redevelopment has been approved, per Jersey Digs. The approval application did not expose what will be happening on some portions of land for the project. While the green light has been given, a groundbreaking date has yet to be announced for the next installment of Port Liberté.
Hoboken Cannabis Review Board Signs Off on Another Retail Location
Hoboken’s Cannabis Review Board has signed off on another proposed retail cannabis business, per Tap Into. During their virtual meeting on Monday night, the three-person board approved the application filed by The Jersey Joint LLC. This will allow the proposal to move forward to the Planning Board approval, which is the next step in the process.
Local Girl Scout Donates Trees to Jersey City Memorial Garden
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Julie Peters, a member of Girl Scout Troop 10094, donated 29 trees to Leonard Gordon Park, per Jersey Digs. This donation of mostly eastern redbuds will go towards a memorial grove dedicated to the death of a local councilman. This will also be a memorial grove for all of those who lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jersey City School Named One of New Jersey’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places
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A Downtown Jersey City school has been named as one of New Jersey’s 10 most endangered historic places, per NJ.com. St. Peter’s Grammar School has been named a top 10 endangered place by a non-profit group that works to save historic structures. The school is in danger of being demolished by the city.
Massive Sinkhole in Jersey City Causes Traffic Delays
A massive sinkhole caused traffic on the west side of Jersey City on Monday and Tuesday, per Patch. It reopened later on Tuesday for local traffic. The sinkhole was caused by a sewer collapse and it swallowed up part of Sip Avenue. This crater was the second one that was formed on that street within the past couple of weeks.
City of Hoboken Awarded Community Development Block Grant Funding
The City of Hoboken was awarded $967,580 in Community Development Block Grant funding, per Patch. This money will be allocated to various non-profits and public agencies throughout Hoboken. The city will be awarding these funds this summer. The recipients will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Jersey City Allocated $10M+ for Revitalization
Jersey City has been allocated more than $10 million to help turnaround struggling neighborhoods, per Tap Into. The money will also expand access to affordable housing in the area. This money will come from the more than $177 million that New Jersey will be receiving in order to support the revitalization of communities across the state.
13 NJ Breweries to Attend Meadowlands Racetrack Beerfest
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Local breweries will be able to get the attention as the Meadowlands Racetrack Beerfest returns in 2022, per NJ.com. The beerfest will return on Saturday, May 21st with 60 breweries participating in the event. 13 of the breweries are local to New Jersey.
Jersey City Approves Revitalization Plan for St. Paul of the Cross
Jersey City has approved the proposal to revitalize the former convent of St. Paul of the Cross, located at 156 Hancock Avenue, per Jersey Digs. The revamped parish was designed by Jersey City-based firm Weckenmann Architecture and will consist of 13 residential units. A groundbreaking date for this project has not yet been announced.
Jersey City at Crossroads for Powerhouse Building Redevelopment
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Jersey City is currently at a crossroads on how to redevelop the iconic Powerhouse building, currently recognizable for its unique architecture and yellow boarded up windows, per NJ.com. The building, located at Washington and Bay Streets in Jersey City, was built in 1908 and it helped power the train system between New Jersey and New York. The city is trying to decide how to redevelop it or if it should be redeveloped given its historical significance.
Hoboken Homeless Shelter Plans 40th Anniversary Gala
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The Hoboken Homeless Shelter has planned a 40th Anniversary Gala for Wednesday, June 15th. This gala be held from 7PM to 10PM on Spirit Cruises, leaving from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken. The event will feature a DJ, deck games, and a live auction. The dress code is festive attire and the final deadline to purchase a ticket is Tuesday, May 31st.
Jersey City’s Learning Community Charter School Opens School Pantry
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Learning Community Charter School in Jersey City and Stop & Shop held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s new food pantry, per Patch. This pantry is located in the office of the Assistant Heads of School and will help students at the school who are experiencing food insecurity. This pantry is being supported by a $10,000 donation from Stop & Shop.
Jersey City Students to Host Pro-choice Rally in Front of JC City Hall
McNair Academic High School students will lead a pro-choice rally in front of Jersey City City Hall on Sunday, May 22nd, per NJ.com. The rally is expected to include Mayor Steven Fulop and other elected officials. This event has been organized in response to the leaked decision from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade on a federal level.
Jersey City to Push Forward with Plans for Sixth Street Embankment Park
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Jersey City is moving forward with plans to create an elevated public park out of the Sixth Street Embankment, per NJ.com. The future of this embankment will be determined by the federal Surface Transportation Board. If approved, the project would result in a park similar to The Highline in Manhattan.
