And just like that, it’s time for everything holiday-related. It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the news to get you caught up. Among the highlights: a historical baseball game is played in Hoboken; a bubble tea cafe opens in Journal Square; and Secaucus police officers save a woman using CPR. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending November 12th, 2023.
Popular Hoboken Coffee Shop ‘The Hive’ Opening Jersey City Location
Hamilton Park will soon be abuzz with something new: Hoboken favorite The Hive will open a Jersey City location in Spring 2024. The Hive, located at 1000 Park Avenue in Hoboken, is known for its creative coffee drinks, cinnamon rolls, and kid-friendly play space. The Hoboken Girl got the exclusive scoop from the team behind The Hive, Kristin Karotkin and Catherine Willhoit. Read on to learn more about The Hive’s expansion to Jersey City.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City Guide 2023: Nominate Your Favorite Local Businesses!
The end of the year is approaching, which means one thing: the Best of Hoboken and Jersey City 2023 Guide is back! In a blink of an eye, 2023 is almost over — and now is the best time to think about all of your favorite local businesses and nominate them for an award. As always, we have lots of categories for Hoboken and Jersey City, ranging from the ‘Best Date Night Spot’ to ‘Best Hair Salon’ to ‘Best Pet Groomer’ and more. These reader-selected awards give businesses bragging rights for months (and sometimes years) to come. Best of luck to all the local businesses — and don’t forget to nominate your favorites! Read on for more and to vote for your favorites.
Cliffside Park-Based Pizzeria ‘Ovale’ is Coming to Hoboken
In 2022, Hoboken was named New Jersey’s most densely pizzeria-populated city in New Jersey. For locals, this title is pretty unsurprising — our bank statements prove just how plentiful pizza options are — but perhaps what is surprising are the new pizzerias that continue to pop up, even in the face of so much crust competition. A Cliffside Park-based restaurant, Ovale, is the latest pizza joint to enter the Hoboken ring. The Hoboken Girl readers noticed signage for the eatery at 305 Willow Avenue earlier this week, and an opening date is in the near future. Read on for what we know about Ovale Pizza, the newest pizzeria coming to Hoboken soon.
North Jersey Awarded $4.2 Billion for Infrastructure Improvements
The New Jersey Congressional Delegation announced over $4 billion has been committed to improving transit in Northern New Jersey under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). According to the Hudson County View, $3.8 billion has been earmarked for the Hudson Tunnel, part of the Hudson Gateway project. Leaders said that the remaining funds would go to other infrastructure projects in the area including roads and bridges.
City of Hoboken Expands EV Charging
^ The City’s first DC fast chargers are now operational on Monroe Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets. Photo credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken today announced four new on-street EV charging stations, including the city’s first two DC fast charging stations, are available for public use in western Hoboken. The new stations will help increase EV charging accessibility and further the City’s Climate Action Plan goals of being net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.
NJ Mom + NJ Baby Expo Coming to Hoboken
NJMOM.com, the premier New Jersey website for finding the best family-friendly businesses around New Jersey, is hosting its annual NJ Baby Expo on November 12th, 2023 from 9:30AM to 1:30PM at the W Hoboken, located at 225 River Street. Per a press release, the expo will connect parents-to-be and new parents with over 50 premium baby and toddler exhibitors including best-in-class baby gear and accessories, clothing, skincare, local childcare providers, pediatricians, cord blood banking, and more. Throughout the event, parents can test products and take advantage of one-day-only discounts, check out educational demos led by industry-leading experts, enjoy pampering treatments, enter to win thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, including strollers and car seats, and take home VIP swag bags.
GoFundMe for Jersey City Family
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started for a Jersey City family. Jersey City resident Guillermo Acevedo was killed in an accident leaving behind his wife and three children. The funds raised will help support the family.
Second Hate Crime at Uptown Hoboken Cafe, Permanent Painting Added to Sidewalk
View this post on Instagram
Uncle Milton’s Cafe, located at 1119 Jefferson Street in Hoboken, has been hit with a second hate crime in a month, according to Patch. On Sunday, October 8th, owner Milton Reyes observed that someone had torn down the Pride flag hanging outside the restaurant. The flag was replaced and the Hoboken Police Department treated the investigation as a hate crime. On Sunday, November 5th, the flag was once again torn down. Hoboken Police continue to investigate. On Thursday, November 9th, Milton unveiled a stretch of rainbow-painted sidewalk in front of the cafe courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
Civil Case Against Jersey City, DeGise, to Proceed
A judge has ruled against dismissing a civil case filed against the City of Jersey City and Councilwoman Amy DeGise, stemming from a July 2022 car accident. Per NJ.com, the city argued that Councilwoman DeGise was not acting in her official capacity during the time of the accident, in which bicyclist Andrew Black was struck. Judge Anthony D’Elia ruled that the case must proceed to the discovery phase to determine liability.
Join the Hoboken Art Walk + Studio Tour
The Hoboken Art Walk + Studio Tour will feature work by artists like Shauna Finn at over 43 locations on Sunday, November 12th. Photo credit: City of Hoboken
Via a press release, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken invite residents and visitors to the annual Hoboken Art Walk + Studio Tour taking place on Sunday, November 12th, from 1PM to 6PM. The Hoboken Art Walk + Studio Tour is a free, self-guided walking tour that offers participants a unique opportunity to explore 43 local galleries, artists’ studios, murals, and group art exhibition displays featuring work from over 100 artists.
Liberty State Park Design Task Force Announced
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced the members of the Liberty State Park Design Task Force, which will assist the DEP as it moves forward with an ambitious revitalization plan for the park. Per NJ.com, the 23-member group has been approved to access $50 million in COVID relief funds to spend on park improvements. The task force is made up of elected officials and their appointees, interested parties, and local residents.
Pedestrian Accident in Jersey City
On Sunday, November 5th, a pedestrian was struck and killed near Newport Centre in Jersey City. Per NJ.com, the incident occurred at the intersection of Marin Boulevard and 16th Street. No further information was released about the victim’s identity. This death marks the 24th roadway death in Jersey City this year.
Milk Tea Spot I’Milky Opens in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
While the Jersey City location of I’Milky Tea has been ‘coming soon’ on the company’s website for a while, eagle-eyed neighbors have spotted the cafe in operation at 40 Journal Square. A Reddit poster shared a picture of their order from the cafe. I’Milky is a New York City-based cafe that specializes in boba tea, milk tea, rice balls, and bento boxes.
Hoboken Legion Post 107’s ‘Ruck the River’ to Honor Afghani Forces
View this post on Instagram
On Thursday, November 9th, Hoboken American Legion Post 107 hosted an inaugural outdoor event to honor a group of Afghani soldiers who helped U.S. forces following the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. ‘Ruck the River’ was held in honor and in support of Badger Six, a group of Afghani soldiers who were instrumental in helping American soldiers immediately after 9-11. Read more about the event here.
GoFundMe for Hoboken Family
A Hoboken neighbor has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help a local family in need. Ashley Kortan is organizing the fundraiser to benefit her neighbors Juan and Marcella who have been evicted from their home, along with their three dogs. The money raised will go toward ensuring the dogs are cared for while Juan and Marcella find housing. All three dogs need spay/neuter surgeries and other medical care, and will be placed in foster homes or boarded at local facility Camp Bow Wow in the meantime.
Teen Founder of Hoboken Non-Profit Makes National TV Appearance
View this post on Instagram
Computers4People, a Hoboken-based nonprofit with the goal of connecting people to technology, got national attention this week when teen founder Dylan Zajac was a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. According to information from the organization, the episode aired nationwide on NBC on Thursday, November 9th. Dylan chatted with Kelly about his efforts and she signed a note to his teacher excusing him from class.
Fort Lee Sues Over Congestion Pricing Based on Environmental, Health Concerns
In an effort to stop NYC’s plans for congestion pricing, the city of Fort Lee has sued the Federal Highway Administration and New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority in a class action suit, alleging that the increased traffic would increase air pollution, harming residents. According to NJ.com, this is the second type of suit based on environmental concerns in relation to the congestion pricing plan. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy filed a suit in June 2023 challenging the FHWA’s environmental impact findings regarding the congestion plan.
Jersey City Budget Audit Reveals Ineffective Systems, Other Problems
An audit of Jersey City’s finances revealed several systemic problems, according to NJ.com. Two main findings of the report indicated that Jersey City’s financial reporting system is unreliable and not timely, lacking internal controls and that the city’s overspending has left it $27 million in debt. A corrective action plan was included as part of the report.
Bayonne Resident’s Incredible Marathon Journey
View this post on Instagram
Roberto Romero was one of the thousands of runners at the New York City Marathon last weekend, but his journey to the finish line was unique. According to NJ.com, Jersey City native Roberto has recovered from his second bout with cancer, including participating in an experimental study for a new kind of treatment. Roberto ran to raise money for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s group, Fred’s Team, which is dedicated to fundraising for cancer treatment research. Roberto is a former Marine and a graduate of New Jersey City University, where he now works as the University’s assistant director of information technology.
City of Hoboken Conducts Climate Stocktake
^ The City’s Climate Stocktake will be used to update the City’s Climate Action Plan. Photo credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken completed its first Climate Stocktake and “mini-COP”, an inclusive and collaborative event that brought together nearly 50 stakeholders, to evaluate the City’s climate action and sustainability initiatives. According to a press release, the assessment will be used to identify gaps and update the City’s Climate Action Plan, originally drafted in 2019, to help accelerate efforts to combat climate change.
Secaucus Officers Revive Unconscious Woman
Two Secaucus police officers are being recognized as heroes after successfully using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive an unconscious woman, saving her life. Per Patch, the incident occurred at the Hudson County Meadowview campus, located at 595 County Avenue on Tuesday, November 7th. Police Officers Nicholas Spangenberg and Kasey Kelly revived the woman, who was unresponsive, not breathing, and had no pulse. She was then safely transferred by ambulance to Englewood Hospital.
New Cafe Opening on Erie Street in Downtown Jersey City
It’s always exciting when a fresh, new business opens up in Downtown Jersey City. Signage recently went up for Cafe Tabarka at 18 Erie Street, which is taking over the former 9 Bar Cafe space next to Torico. Cafe Tabarka is rumored to be owned by the same team behind Cafe Dolma and, if that’s true, guests can expect this new spot to be a top-notch Mediterranean-inspired cafe. Keep reading to learn more about the new Cafe Tabarka opening in downtown Jersey City.
RWJ Barnabas Health Opens 23,000-Square-Foot Medical Facility in Hoboken
The RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group has opened a multi-specialty center in downtown Hoboken. According to Patch, the facility is located at 59 Newark Avenue and will have family medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, orthopedics, cardiology, vascular medicine, urology, among others. The facility will open to patients on November 27th, 2023.
NY Times Article Hails Hoboken Success in Flood Mitigation
A recent New York Times story touted Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate flood damage as an example of successful climate action. The story used a September storm that dropped nearly two inches of rain to compare outcomes in Hoboken, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Hoboken’s systems performed as designed, quickly draining water from roadways and sidewalks.
Bubble Tea Spot Tsaocca Opening in Journal Square
View this post on Instagram
Bubble tea chain Tsaocca is opening in Journal Square later this month. According to Jersey Digs, the cafe aims to open in late November. Tsaocca sells teas including bubble tea, fruit teas, and slushes. This location will also serve egg waffles.
Vintage Baseball Game in Hoboken
According to a press release from the Hoboken Public Schools, a team of student-athletes, administrators, and teachers played a friendly baseball game against members of the 1859 Baseball Team. The 1859 Baseball Team is a group of baseball enthusiasts in Hoboken who play baseball using 19th-century rules, uniforms, and equipment. They play against other similar club teams around the US. The team is sponsored by the Hoboken Historical Museum, and the game was played to celebrate a new partnership between the school district and the museum.
Jersey City Restaurant Owner Dies Months After Motorcycle Accident
Miguel Contreras, the owner Gusto Latino Restaurant at 745 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, passed away on November 4th from injuries suffered in a motorcycle collision. According to NJ.com, the accident took place on July 27th when he was struck by an SUV. No charges have been filed in the case.
Whole Foods is Open in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
As locals know good and well, the arrival of Whole Foods in Jersey City has been a marathon, to say the least. Since news broke in October 2020 that the organic retailer would be coming to Washington Street, there’s been little movement in the project’s development. Fear not, foodies: the grocery giant has officially opened at 135 Greene Street as of November 9th, 2023. Read on for more about Whole Foods’ arrival in Jersey City.
Skin Laundry Coming to Third Street in Hoboken
When it comes to skincare in the Mile Square, locals have lots of options to choose from — from Attain Med Spa and Evolve Med Spa to new spots coming soon like Laser Away. Now, there will be another skincare spot to check out. Skin Laundry, a laser facial chain, is setting up shop in Hoboken at 56 Third Street, and is looking to open sometime before the new year. Read on for what we know about Skin Laundry coming to the Mile Square.
Local Water Maintenance May Cause Discoloration
Beginning Monday, November 13th, the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) will be conducting maintenance along its Aqueduct that supplies water to Hoboken, according to a Nixle alert. During the upgrade work, there is potential for minor water discoloration due to the stirring up of sediment within the system. Discoloration would not represent any contamination. Customers who encounter discolored water in their homes or businesses should flush cold water taps until the water runs clear and resume normal use. This work will take place over two three-day periods during the weeks of November 13th and November 27th.
NJDEP To Conduct Community Outreach About Rebuild By Design
It was another milestone moment as we officially broke ground yesterday on what will become the new Harborside Park at 15th and Park Ave with with @NewJerseyDEP Commissioner @shawnlatur, former Mayor @dawnzimmer, @RajMukherji and other elected officials.
This new park, as a part… pic.twitter.com/rP0By1pxA4
— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) October 26, 2023
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host a virtual community outreach meeting to discuss the Rebuild by Design Hudson River coastal flood risk reduction project, which is beginning the construction phase for the “Resist” component in Hoboken, as well as portions of Weehawken and Jersey City. According to a Nixle alert, the meeting will take place via Zoom beginning at 6PM on November 16th.
