A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — Mike Tyson visited RingSide Lounge in Jersey City, CitiBike docking stations have been installed in Hoboken and Jersey City, Vitamin Shoppe to open on Washington Street this month, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Jersey City Native Awarded 2020 Junior Sailor of the Year
Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Cabell, a Jersey City native has been awarded the Junior Sailor of the Quarter and the 2020 Junior Sailor of the Year, per NJ.com. The awards are given to a junior sailor who exemplifies outstanding dedication to duty and superior performance. Cabell is serving with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. Following the awards, he advanced in rank to petty first officer first class.
Hoboken-Based Wedding Planner Launches One-of-a-Kind Wedding Planning Subscription Program
A new wedding planning subscription, Power Couple, has hit the wedding market just in time for summer 2021 weddings — thanks to local bi-coastal Hoboken + LA wedding planning company The Wedding Plan & Company [formerly EVJ Wedding Co]. This service offers engaged couples creative control over their weddings while avoiding critical wedding planning mistakes — by having access to a professional wedding planner — minus the price.
“To date, the only way to have a wedding planner was to invest in a traditional wedding planner or to hire a month-of planner. But what about all of those couples in between? Power Couple by The Wedding Plan & Company is the solution for those couples who want control over the wedding vision but also want the reassurance of an expert planner,” says founder and CEO, Jacquelyn Mavrookas. Learn more herehere.
Commuter Updates: Ferry Resumes Downtown Service + NYC Subways Reopen 24/7
Photo credit: Instagram via @nywaterway
NY Waterway has resume downtown ferry routes from Hoboken and Jersey City to Lower Manhattan. The ferries run Saturdays and Sundays from Paulus Hook in Jersey City and downtown Hoboken to Brookfield Place and Battery Park City. The first ferry departs Hoboken at 10AM while the first ferry from Paulus Hook leaves at 10:10AM. The final return ferry leaves Brookfield Place at 8PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Click here for all the details.
Urban League Sells Land Slated for Affordable Housing
Photo credit: Google Maps
The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency is suing the Hudson County Urban League’s affordable housing arm after it sold three city lots for nearly $1.5M that were originally meant to be developed for affordable housing, per NJ.com. The lots in question were sold to the Urban League Affordable Housing Community Development Corporation for $1 in 2004. According to the contract, the Urban League was supposed to secure a building loan 60 days after receiving the property and then start construction a month later. Instead, the land was sold in 2009 for $1.45M to Starting Points of Hudson County.
Kiddie Academy Worker Arrested for Allegedly Abusing 9-Month Old Girl
PRESS RELEASE: Hoboken daycare worker charged with abusing 9-month-old girl. pic.twitter.com/y1CJ03O3nX
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) May 5, 2021
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, on Tuesday, May 4th, the Special Victim’s Unit arrested Diana Camacho, of Jersey City, who has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Allegations claim that Camacho abused a nine-month-old girl in her care as an employee at Kiddie Academy of Hoboken. Camacho was arrested after she turned herself in.
Hoboken City Council Voted Down Fining Elected Officials $500/pp for Blocking Constituents on Social
On May 5th, the Hoboken City Council voted on the first reading of an ordinance that would fine elected officials up to $500 for each person they block on their social media accounts. The argument was that by blocking constituents, the officials aren’t being transparent — and conversely, what role does the 1st Amendment play in the privacy of said officials. The ordinance was defeated by a vote of 5-4 with Council Members DeFusco, Fisher, Ramos, Giattino, and Falco voting against.
The measure was sponsored by 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, who released a statement to the press prior to the vote. The document cites a 2020 decision from the 8th Circuit U.S. District Court of Appeals that says public officials cannot block individuals where their social media profile “is an organ of business.”
Mike Tyson Makes Appearance at RingSide Lounge in Jersey City
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On Tuesday, May 4th, former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson made an appearance at the RingSide Lounge in Jersey City, per Patch. There, he shook hands and took photos with Mayor Fulp and Councilman Saleh. In an Instagram post, Councilman Yousef Saleh wrote, “So nice to see THE CHAMP @miketyson come back to his old stomping grounds in the Jersey City Heights, and show some love!”
Daughter of Jersey City High School Teacher Apologizes for Father’s Racially-Charged Tirade
What started out as a class conversation on climate change, dissolved into a Jersey City High School teacher, Howard Zlotkin verbally attacking students which included his thoughts on Black Lives Matter and George Floyd, per NJ.com. His daughter, Aliya Jackson, 32, took to social media to apologize in an open letter to the students.
She wrote, “I can only imagine how it must have felt to have an authority figure, someone who is supposed to understand and guide you, instead judge and mistreat you,” Jackson said in the letter. “You did nothing to deserve this treatment.
“It’s simply an immutable fact: you matter, your experience is valuable, and your ideas are important. You are already great. If you don’t believe me, you’ll see what I mean in time; your greatness, in all its forms, will unfold before your eyes.”
Zlotkin has been suspended with pay from Dickinson High School and Hudson Community College while the matter is being investigated.
Leasing Launched for Luxury Rentals at The Beach in Jersey City
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Leasing is now available for the new luxury apartment building, The Beach, located at 700 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, according to a press release by Le Frak. The building will house 336 units, primarily one- and two-bedroom apartments with studio apartments beginning at $2,510 per month.
CASID Shares Progress Photos of Central Avenue Project
A before and after shot of the current #centralavestreetscape! Construction is currently working its way from North St – Congress and beginning on Griffth to Hutton on around 5/6! More updates to come! pic.twitter.com/li3LfPJOBJ
— Central Avenue SID (@CentralAveSID) May 5, 2021
This week the Central Avenue Special Improvement District Twitter account shared before and after pictures of the progress being made on Central Avenue, per Patch. The revamping of this street included new storefronts and re-paved sidewalks. Construction is planned for the coming week progressing down the avenue from Griffith Street to Hutton Street.
Montclair University Student Surveying Public on Possible Electric Car Station in Hoboken
A student at Montclair State University is conducting a survey to understand the interest of an electric-car station parking garage in Hoboken for residents, commuters, and visitors. The survey includes questions about the environmental impact of fuel-efficient cars, frustrations surrounding parking in Hoboken, and whether or not you currently drive an electric car. To share your thoughts and opinions on the idea, CLICK HERE to fill out the survey.
PS: Head to TheMontclairGirl.com for more Montclair updates!
Citi Bike Installs Docking Stations in Hoboken + Jersey City
E-bikes spotted in Lincoln park!!! @bikejc pic.twitter.com/l4M0YHxiBA
— Liz (@xelazile100) May 5, 2021
The long-awaited merge has come to Hoboken and Jersey City with the installation of Citi Bike docking stations. This change means bikers can enjoy a seamless transition between both cities and Citi Bikes located in New York City.
“I’m personally very excited to launch Citi Bike by early May,” Hoboken Mayor Bhalla said. “Parking and Transportation Director Ryan Sharp and his staff have been working diligently with staff from Lyft to make this possible. By May 3rd, Lyft will phase in approximately 200 bikes and 15 stations within Hoboken, and we’ll have a total of 300 bikes and 29 stations installed by the summer.”
An official launch of the bike-share program is expected in the coming days.
Ban on Youth Sports Competitions to Lift May 19th
NEW: Effective May 19th, we will LIFT the prohibition on interstate indoor youth competitions. pic.twitter.com/mPObZ9tSWh
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 5, 2021
On Wednesday, May 5th Governor Phil Murphy announced that effective May 19th the ban on interstate indoor youth sports competitions will be lifted. New Jersey banned all interstate youth sports in November as case numbers began to rise again. May 19th will also mark the end of fixed indoor capacity limits on restaurants, personal services, stores, and limitations on outdoor gatherings.
Art Exhibit Marks Finale of Women’s History Month
Photo credit: @stybgnyc
To mark the conclusion of Women’s History Month, an art exhibit by Catalina Aranguren opened at the City Hall Plaza at 280 Grove Street in downtown Jersey City on Thursday, May 6th, per NJ.com. The artistic collaboration will be on display through the month of May. This is the seventh installation of the series aiming to allow local residents to view artwork during the COVID-19 pandemic while still being safe.
Girl Scout Troop Seeks City Council Support on Palm Oil Boycott
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Girl Scout Troop 12026 brought a resolution before the Jersey City Council on Wednesday, May 5th calling for support on a boycott against the use of palm oil used in girl scout cookies, per Patch. The resolution asks the Girl Scouts of America to find an alternative oil that would be less harmful to the environment.
According to the resolution, “The extraction of palm oil and its use harms the environment and our rainforests. The extraction and harvest of palm oil contribute to deforestation and harms wildlife habitats. In addition, studies link the palm oil industry to child labor and human trafficking.”
The resolution was unanimously passed by the City Council.
Vitamin Shoppe to Host Grand Opening in Hoboken This Month
The new Vitamin Shoppe located at 312 Washington Street in Hoboken will hold its grand opening on May 2nd and May 23rd. This outpost offers both energy and immune-boosting vitamins, as well as whey protein, women’s vitamins, plant-based products, and more. Online shopping is available until the brick and mortar store opens and, when it does, the store offers 2-hour pickup windows for curbside shopping.
Groundbreaking Event Held for the Rebuild by Design Hudson River Project
The United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, along with Governor Murphy and other officials hosted a groundbreaking event for the Rebuild by Design project on Thursday, May 6th. The event was held at Pier A Park in Hoboken, per NJ.com. This project has been years in the making and is funded by $230M received in Sandy recovering funding.
“Government can work when we have the will to make it work,” said U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, who attended Thursday’s groundbreaking as part of her first official trip. “President Biden and Vice President Harris are serious about resiliency and prepping for the future. That is what infrastructure is. It is a foundation to build for the future.”
Construction on the project is slated for completion in 2025.
Hudson Gives 2021 Aims to Raise $20K
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Last year, Hudson Gives raised over $18K to help the community during difficult pandemic circumstances. This year, Hudson Gives is just as ambitious. In an Instagram post, Hudson County Chamber wrote:
“In 2021, we have a BIG goal: to raise $20,000 to provide summer camp to Jersey City and Hoboken youth residing in public housing! With your help, we can surpass last year’s incredible achievement and make it happen again for Boys & Girls Club kids. There’s no better time for an online fundraising campaign.”
You can help by becoming a fundraiser and starting your own team or simply by donating on May 13th.
Hoboken Motorcyclist Tragically Killed in Motorcycle Accident on Turnpike
On Saturday, May 1st a Hoboken man was riding his motorcycle on the New Jersey Turnpike when his bike collided with a curb, per Tap Into. The man, Daniel Vera, 47, died as a result of the accident. According to the New Jersey State Police, the accident still remains under investigation.
New Speakeasy Grand Opening May 13th in Jersey City
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Following a substantial facelift, Nucky Thompson’s {formerly Mrs. Wongs} the new moonshine speakeasy is set to open in the basement of Hudson Hound in Jersey City. The grand opening will take place on Thursday, May 13th. Social distancing measures will be in place for the event.
Hoboken’s 930 Monroe Street Redevelopment to Be Discussed with Public on Monday, May 10th
Hoboken residents are invited to participate in a public meeting regarding the redevelopment of 930 Monroe Street, on Monday, May 10th at 6PM. At the meeting, Monroe Properties, LLC, the Conditionally Designated Redeveloper, will present its development proposal and be able to answer questions from the public at that time. This meeting is purely informational, as there will be no voting. You can attend the meeting via Zoom through this link or click here for more information.
Carepoint Health Expands Network to Include Cigna
Photo credit: Google Maps
On Monday, May 3rd, CarePoint Health announced that Cigna will be joining its network. This agreement means that Cigna members will now be able to receive in-network care at Hoboken University Medical Center, Bayonne Medical Center, and Christ Hospital in Jersey City beginning June 1st. With the addition of Cigna, CarePoint now participates with almost every major insurance carrier including Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and United Healthcare.
“This {expansion} will lead to increased access to top-quality care and the improvement in patient health. This agreement brings more choice and other benefits of in-network access to the residents of Hudson County starting June 1st,” said the CEO of CarePoint Health, Dr. Achintya Moulick. “With the launch of CarePoint’s Innovation Center and Center for Personalized Health later this month, CarePoint’s aim is to provide individualized care using evolving technology and shift to a value-based care model, providing care continuum.”
Hoboken Art Exhibit “FaceTime” On Display Through June
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The art exhibit “FaceTime” by Barbara Shelly will be on display from Tuesday, May 4th to Wednesday, June 30th in the Main Street Pops’ Gallery in Pilsener Haus & Biergarten. The opening reception was held on Tuesday, May 4th. The exhibit showcases abstract portraits inspired by current events. Shelly is a self-taught mixed media artist who uses newspaper articles, sketches, ink, and paint in her artwork.
Revitalization Plans Finalized for Municipal Garage, Monroe Street Redevelopment
Photo credit: Google Maps
This week Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla sent a communication to residents regarding the developments pertaining to the Monarch settlement and proposed redevelopment agreement at the municipal garage at the south end of Hoboken. The redevelopment agreement has been finalized over the past three months. When all is said and done, the land at 800 Monroe Street will be used for public, open space and the current municipal garage site at 256 Observer Highway will be revitalized to include 30,000 square feet of commercial space and house 361 residential units.
“Simply put, this agreement includes substantial benefits for Hoboken that will offer major quality of life improvements,” Mayor Bhalla wrote. “The ability to protect our waterfront from large-scale development, acquire 1.45 acres for a park at 800 Monroe, and to revitalize an area of downtown Hoboken is a once in a lifetime opportunity I believe we should seize.”
