It’s finally beginning to feel like summer is around the corner with plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Hoboken HoLa 8th grader receives 2024 Promising Young Writer Award; Mango Mango Dessert opens in downtown Jersey City; and another dog is rescued from the Hudson River in Hoboken. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on May 26th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
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- The Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar Opening in Former Jersey Social Space in Jersey City
- Hybrid Coffee Opens Second Location in Jersey City’s Mana Contemporary
- Another Dog is Rescued from the Hudson River in Hoboken
- New Restaurant The Roxy Now Open in Jersey City
- Barricaded Hoboken Man Leads To Shelter-In-Place At Connors Elementary School
- La Milpa Taqueria Opens in Jersey City Heights
- Hoboken HoLa 8th Grader Receives 2024 Promising Young Writer Award
- Le Dîner en Blanc Returns to Jersey City
- Mango Mango Dessert Opens in Downtown Jersey City
- Marty’s Burgers Opening Second Jersey City Location at McGinley Square
This Hoboken Veteran Was the First Woman Grand Marshal to Lead the Memorial Day Parade
Photo Credit: Sue Stephens
Hoboken’s annual Memorial Day Parade was held on May 22nd. This year marked the first time a woman was honored as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Recipient, Sue Stephens, is a veteran who served in the Army for 24 years and was a flutist in the US Army Band unit. Sue shared with the HG Team that she was inspired to join the military in college after a few of her friends joined the National Guard. Click here for more.
Hoboken Council Hears Public Art Proposals Including Sculpture at Pier C
The Hoboken City Council heard public art proposals at the council meeting on May 15th. Hoboken Business Administrator Jason Freeman explained this was a presentation of potential projects and there wouldn’t be a vote that evening. Per the Hudson County View, the ideas include a mural at city hall, a sculpture at Pier C, and a statue of LGBTQ icon Marsha P. Johnson. Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour noted that some residents have expressed concerns about having the sculpture, called The River That Flows Two Ways at Pier C since it would obstruct the waterfront view.
Hybrid Coffee Opens 2nd Location in Jersey City’s Mana Contemporary
Hybrid Coffee opened its second location on the ground floor of Mana Contemporary, an art studio and museum at 888 Newark Avenue. This cafe offers coffees, teas, smoothies, and breakfast items like avocado toast, brioche french toast, and waffle sandwiches. Click here for more.
Barricaded Hoboken Man Leads To Shelter-In-Place At Connors Elementary School
Connors Elementary School had to shelter in place in southwest Hoboken on May 17th when a man barricaded himself in his nearby apartment. Per Patch Hoboken, Public safety spokesperson Marci Rubin said, “An individual barricaded himself into his apartment earlier this afternoon, forcing surrounding roads to be closed to vehicular traffic.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson said Hoboken police asked the school to temporarily shelter in place, as a safety measure. No injuries or hostages were reported.
HCCC Awarded a $600k Grant for Women’s Cybersecurity Program
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Hudson County Community College received a $599,811 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for its program “Nurturing Resilience: Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals with a Focus on Women.” Per the Hudson County View, the program goals are to recruit more women in the HCCC Cybersecurity Program; strengthen the program, and contribute to the development of an expanded cybersecurity workforce.
Hoboken HoLa 8th Grader Receives 2024 Promising Young Writer Award
Georgie Galindez, an 8th grader at HoLa Hoboken Dual Language Charter School received the 2024 Promising Young Writer award from the National Council of Teachers of English. Per the Hudson County View, Georgie received recognition for reflecting on a personal story of post-pandemic disconnection and grief. Her submission was in response to The Miracle of Morning, by American Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
Don’t Tell Liv, a Speakeasy-Style Lounge, Inches Toward Opening in Jersey City
Don’t Tell Liv is a new, upscale lounge with speakeasy vibes on the second floor of 138 Newark Avenue, above Oliva Market just steps away from the Grove Street PATH Station. It was first announced in December 2022 and over a year later, construction is underway. Click here for more.
Portions of Jersey City Heights’ Reservoir #3 Expected to Open this Summer
Jersey City’s Reservoir #3 dates back to the 1870s and is listed on the state and national Register of Historic Places. But this piece of beauty and history has been decaying since the late 1990s. In 2021, Jersey City leaders committed to restoring the reservoir and the surrounding park. Now, local leaders expect some portions of the park to be open to pedestrians come summer 2024. Click here for more.
Le Dîner en Blanc Returns to Jersey City
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Le Dîner en Blanc is set to grace Jersey City for its third consecutive year, promising an evening of elegance and community spirit. This Parisian-inspired urban picnic, renowned for its enchanting all-white dress code, will once again captivate attendees at a secret location unveiled only moments before the event. To secure an invitation, guests can either be invited through the hosts’ network or affiliated partners or register for the Phase 3 waiting list via the official website by clicking on the “Attend Le Diner en Blanc” tab.
Hoboken Developer is Awarded $45k in OPRA Suit
Hoboken developer Pegasus Partners was awarded $45,517 by Hudson County Superior Court Assignment Judge Jeffrey Jablonski for expenses related to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) lawsuit against the City of Hoboken. Per the Hudson County View, Judge Jablonski ruled in October that the City of Hoboken must release police station appraisal per Pegasus Partner’s OPRA request, and while the city appealed, it eventually opted not to pursue the case any further.
Marty’s Burgers Opening Second Jersey City Location at McGinley Square
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Marty’s, a popular burger spot with three NJ locations, is opening a fourth in the state and second in Jersey City at 713 Bergen Avenue in McGinley Square. The newest location is already posted on its website, although it’s still marked as closed.
Another Dog is Rescued from the Hudson River in Hoboken
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On May 18th, a woman’s dog jumped in the Hudson River and became stranded. A man who saw the situation unfold, quickly jumped in the river to rescue the dog. The HG Team posted a video of the rescue via Instagram on Saturday morning. Thankfully, all were safe. This is the second time in three weeks that a dog was rescued from the Hudson River in Hoboken. Hoboken public safety spokesperson Marci Rubin said via newsletter on May 20th that all dog owners are reminded to keep their pet on a leash when outside and not in a designated dog park/run, as is required by city code.
Mango Mango Dessert Opens in Downtown Jersey City
Mango Mango Dessert is officially open in Jersey City at 175 2nd Street. The original New York-based dessert shop opened over a decade ago and expanded across the US, with five locations in New Jersey. Mango Mango has a variety of handmade fresh fruit drinks and desserts that are different from the average dessert eateries. Click here for more.
Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive, Delivers State Of The County Address
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Hudson County Executive Craig Guy delivered his State of the County Address on May 7th to highlight the administration’s accomplishments during his first four months in office. Per NJ.com, the County Executive addressed community engagement, new affordable housing, careers and opportunity, the arts, and Vision Zero initiatives. Guy also announced a listening tour in each municipality to hear the concerns directly from community members.
Secaucus Teacher + Former Hudson County Official Dies
Carol Ann Wilson, 81, a local teacher and author who wrote a history book about Hoboken died on Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her obituary. Per Patch Hoboken, Carol Ann served an important post in Hudson County government, taught in the Secaucus public schools, eventually becoming the director of Health and Human Resources for Hudson County. Her book Soup Spy, Tea Acolyte was a chapbook for the Hoboken Historical Museum about her summer and after-school jobs in Hoboken.
Rep. Bill Pascrell Announced Nearly $1M Federal Grant to Replace Kearny Lead Pipes
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U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. announced on May 10th a $959,752 federal grant to remove and replace lead water pipes in Kearny. Per NJ.com, this grant will help Kearny replace ancient lead pipes and secure the city’s drinking water supply.
Sean Gallagher, Jersey City Clerk, Gets Award of Excellence
Sean Gallagher, registered municipal clerk of Jersey City, is the newly elected vice president of the Hudson County Clerks’ Association. Per the Jersey City Times, Gallagher received the Joel Popkin President’s Award of Excellence on May 9th at a swearing-in ceremony sponsored by the Municipal Clerks Association of New Jersey in Alexandria Township. Gallagher will be striving to build participation in the Hudson Clerks’ Association as part of his mission in his new role.
Mordi’s Sandwich Shop Opens 2nd Jersey City Location in Journal Square
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Mordi’s Sandwich Shop is a favorite among locals in the Bergen-Lafayette area of Jersey City. Owner Mordechai Chichportiche opened a second shop at 132 Baldwin Ave, on the corner of Academy Street in Journal Square on May 20th. Per its Instagram, soft opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10AM to 4PM.
Exchange Place Alliance Names Deidre Crockett as New Executive Director
Jersey City’s Exchange Place Alliance (EPA) named Deidre Crockett as its new executive director in a virtual meeting on May 16th. Per NJ.com, Deidre was a former executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Mack-Cali Realty Corp. She replaces Elizabeth Cain, who stepped down to pursue a new business opportunity with Corcoran Sawyer Smith, a residential real estate brokerage. Elizabeth will still be a consultant for the EPA, serving as a marketing and programming director.
New Mediterranean Restaurant + Bar With Golf Simulator Suites Opening in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Courtesy of LeFrak
Solaz is a new Mediterranean restaurant and bar with several golf simulator suites for both pros and hobby golfers to enjoy coming to Newport at 70 Town Square Place. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating and a menu curated by celebrity chef David Burke. Solaz is slated to open its doors in the fall of 2024. Click here for more.
NJ Reentry Corp. to Provide Employment Opportunities to Young Ex-Offenders
A new program is helping ex-offenders find hope by providing training and job opportunities. Per the Jersey City Times, the NJ Reentry Group Corporation (NJRC), a nonprofit dedicated to removing the barriers to employment for people newly released from incarceration, is partnering with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) to provide a summer training institute for up to 230 “court-involved” youths, ages 18 to 25. The training leads to state and federal certificates in two major career tracks, general construction, and health care technology, with an optional course in digital literacy/Microsoft basics. All classes will be held at the NJRC Training + Employment Center at 195 Campus Drive in Kearny.
NYC Fleet Week 2024 Has Started: Here’s What to Know
Photo Credit: @jenna_njrealtor
This year marks the 36th annual celebration of Fleet Week NYC. The week kicked off with the Parade of Ships on May 22nd. Per CBS New York, eight military vessels sailed into New York Harbor and then up the Hudson River, and then traveled past the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, the Hudson River Park on the West Side, the Intrepid Sea, Air + Space Museum at Pier 86, and wrapped up just below the George Washington Bridge. The theme for this year is “Fleet Week New York…Celebrating Those Who Serve.” Click here for more.
Bob Dylan Biopic, A Complete Unknown, Filming at Columbus Park
A Complete Unknown, an upcoming Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, is being filmed at various locations in Hoboken, with the most recent being Columbus Park. The park is closed May 28th from 4AM to 9PM for filming, per officials from the City of Hoboken. Click here for more.
Alfalfa Opening Second Location in Hoboken
Alfalfa, a Hoboken salad spot, well-known for its salads, wraps, breakfast burritos, and homemade gluten-free doughnuts, will open its second Hoboken location at 92 Bloomfield Street on June 22nd. It is the space previously occupied by Sobsey’s produce store. Per Patch Hoboken, to celebrate the opening, the Alfalfa team is hosting the ultimate block party, featuring giveaways, fun activities, and food. Click here for more from when we first reported on the news in February.
New Cannabis Dispensary, Cream, Opens in Downtown Jersey City
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Cream, a new cannabis dispensary in downtown Jersey City, will host its grand opening on May 31st with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Per Patch Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop will cut the ribbon, and local officials will be in attendance. AJ Prasaguet and his co-founding partner at Cream, Heinrich Badenhorst, say education and customer engagement will be a top priority at the store.
Cafe Alyce Launching Happy Hour + Late-Night Service in Jersey City
Café Alyce, a local favorite at 641 Montgomery Street in McGinley Square, is adding a new happy hour to its full bar service. Per Jersey Digs, the restaurant will have 50% off all drinks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3PM-5PM now through June. Café Alyce operates their full bar until 1:30AM daily (except Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed).
Hudson Pride’s New LGBTQ+ Center Opening in Union City
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Hudson Pride Center announced via a press release that a new LGBTQ+ Community Center will be opening in Union City. This new center will be Hudson Pride’s second location and will be a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and celebrated as well as a hub for resources, events, and support groups.
Hoboken High School to Perform at the International Thespians Festival
Hoboken High School (HHS) is the first New Jersey school to get the opportunity to perform as a main attraction at the International Thespians Festival. Per NJ.com, the HHS Theater Department (Troupe #7268) will attend the festival from June 23rd to June 28th at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Its production of Into the Woods, directed by Derek Kinnear, has been chosen as one of the best high school productions from around the world for 2024. Students will get to perform the musical, twice in its entirety on the Main Stage.
All PATH Trains on NJ Transit’s NYC Side Will Now Have TAPP: Total Access PATH Payments
Per a press release, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on May 22nd, 2024 that PATH’s new contactless fare payment system, TAPP, is now available at all stations systemwide in both New York and New Jersey with the activation of new TAPP readers at the Christopher Street and 9th Street stations. As PATH adds more TAPP readers, turnstiles at all stations will continue to accept TAPP, SmartLink, and MetroCards as fare payments. This has been slowly rolling out over the last few months across the region. Click here for more.
Jersey City Man Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse + Naturalization Fraud
Ramy Mercado, 29, of Jersey City was sentenced on May 22nd to 121 months in prison in a case involving child sexual abuse and naturalization fraud. Per the Jersey City Times, during this time in which the crimes were committed, Ramy obtained U.S. citizenship and stated under penalty of perjury that he had not committed any crime or offense for which he had not been arrested. Ramy pleaded guilty in January before Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court. Judge Cecchi sentenced Ramy to 15 years of supervised release in addition to the prison term.
Is Raising Cane’s Coming to Jersey City? What to Know
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Two current job openings give reason to believe that Raising Cane’s, a Louisiana-based fried chicken chain, might be headed to Jersey City’s Stadium Plaza Shopping Center sometime soon. The address associated with the jobs is 321 NJ-440, Jersey City, which is in the Stadium Plaza Shopping Center. Click here for more.
Another Earthquake Shakes New Jersey
A 2.9 magnitude earthquake happened in New Jersey on May 24th centered in Somerset County. This follows the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that took place last month. Per the U.S. Geological Survey, the most recent earthquake happened at around 3:50AM about 3.7 miles west-southwest of Gladstone. Light tremors were felt in Sussex and Passaic counties to the north and in the Trenton area and Staten Island, New York. No damage has been reported.
Local Coffee Shop, The Hive, is Featured on The Drew Barrymore Show
The Hive, a popular coffee shop in Hoboken, and now Jersey City shared in an Instagram post that it was recently featured in a segment on The Drew Barrymore Show. Its cinnamon rolls caught a producer’s eye back when first launched in 2022 which led to the feature on broadcast television. The Hive duo also shared big news; the cinny’s will be shipped nationwide in the coming months. Updates will be shared via Instagram.
Hoboken Police Seek Public Assistance to Identify Persons in Carjacking Incident
The Hoboken Police Department is seeking public assistance to identify two persons of interest in connection with a carjacking on March 27th. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the incident occurred on the 100 block of River Street, when an unknown individual entered a running and unlocked black 2020 Range Rover. When the victim noticed the person in his driver’s seat, he jumped into the passenger seat and got into a physical altercation with the actor during which he was able to shut off the car. The actor struck the victim in the face before exiting the vehicle. He was seen fleeing on foot with another individual. Further investigation led to believe the two persons of interest left Hoboken that afternoon via PATH train.
Weehawken Pool Open for Memorial Day Weekend
The township of Weehawken announced via its website that the pool complex is open for Memorial Day weekend May 25th and 26th from 6AM-6PM and May 27th from 12PM-6PM. The pool is open to all New Jersey residents with a membership and will be open every day beginning June 25th through Labor Day on September 2nd. Click here for more.
2nd Street USA Opens in Hoboken
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Popular American/Japanese second-hand clothing and lifestyle brand, 2nd Street USA, recently set up shop at 200 Washington Street in Hoboken. Per the brand’s website, the official opening date was Saturday, May 25th. This is the 2nd Street USA’s third New Jersey location, with other locations in Montclair and Westfield. Click here for more about the spot.
Jersey City Council Approves E-Bike Delivery Ordinance
The Jersey City Council approved an e-bike delivery ordinance sponsored by Ward E Councilman James Solomon in a 7-1 vote at the May 22nd meeting. Per the Hudson County View, Andrew Martino, owner of GTK in Jersey City and Hoboken, spoke in favor of the ordinance and praised the safety protections and provisions added, which include allowing deliveristas to use the restrooms at establishments, receiving all of their tips, and canceling trips without sanctions.
Southwest Festival Returning To Hoboken in June
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The Southwest Festival in Hoboken will return this June. Per Patch Hoboken, Fourth Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos Jr. expressed his frustration last month that the festival was being postponed to fall or beyond. City officials said the hiring of a new cultural affairs director meant the event would have to be postponed. But festival organizers announced via Instagram on May 23rd that the festival will return on June 23rd. The festival is free and will include a DJ, activities, and vendors. It will run from June 23rd from 12PM-5PM on Jackson Street from Second to Fourth Streets.
