We know you’re busy — which is why we cover the local news to bring you a weekly roundup of everything you might have missed in Hoboken + Jersey City. Catch up on all there is to know, including the following headlines: Jersey City’s Madame Claude Bis opens as ‘Madame’ under new owners; water main break affects service in North Hoboken; new restaurant Wu Tong is coming to Downtown Jersey City; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
FBI Charges Teen with Making Threats Against Local Synagogues
The FBI has charged 18-year-old Omar Alkattoul with making threats to attack a New Jersey synagogue, according to Tap Into. He is charged with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. U.S. Attorney Phillip Sellinger stated, “No one should be targeted for violence or with acts of hate because of how they worship.”
KiKiLu Gelato Debuts New Espresso Bar
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An artisanal gelato and espresso bar called KikiLu Gelato officially opened in Hoboken a few months ago. After it was confirmed that KikiLu would be the new home at 900 Garden, locals eagerly awaited its arrival — and this summer, it finally opened. Stories began popping up on Instagram on July 21st of everyone trying out the new gelato spot — and now, the shop announced that it’s officially debuting its new espresso bar. The soft launch of the espresso bar happened on Friday, November 11th until 12PM, and the team is potentially planning to roll out the espresso bar for real this coming week. Click here for what we know.
Best of Hoboken + Jersey City Guide 2022: Nominate Your Local Favorites
The end of the year is approaching, which means one thing: the Best of Hoboken and Jersey City 2022 Guide is back! In a blink of an eye, 2022 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’ + more. These reader-selected awards give businesses bragging rights for months (and sometimes years) to come. Click here to nominate your local favorites.
Hoboken + Jersey City Election Results 2022
Election Day 2022 has come and gone in Hudson County and around New Jersey. Now that everyone has gone out to the polls and voted, it’s time to tally the votes and announce winners. This year, locals in Hudson County voted for candidates for the 8th Congressional District Representative, the Hudson County Sheriff, Hudson County Clerk, and new Hoboken + Jersey City Board of Education members. Click here to see the 2022 Hoboken + Jersey City Election results.
Jersey City’s Madame Claude Bis Opens as ‘Madame’ Under New Owners
Madame Claude Bis, located at 390 4th Street in Jersey City, will be reopening under new owners sometime soon with a speakeasy component — and it will be operating under the name ‘Madame.’ Madame is co-owned by Jamie Knott, Robert Palmer, and Gabriel Rieben, who all also co-own tiki bar Cellar 335 in Jersey City. Since Madame and Cellar 335 are connected via a shared door, there’s talk of there being some collaborative parties + events between the two businesses. Click here to read about the opening of Madame in Jersey City.
Water Main Break Affects Service in North Hoboken
A water main break at Clinton + 11th Streets affected service on Tuesday, November 8th. According to Patch, Veolia Water confirmed that bottled water had been delivered to those without service. The water main break was caused by vibrations from milling and paving on those streets.
Jersey City Crash Involves 2 Officers + Multiple Cars
A Jersey City police SUV crashed into three parked cars on Monday, November 7th on Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. According to NJ.com, a Jersey City police officer lost control of the vehicle, colliding with the other vehicles and sending himself and his patrol partner to Jersey City Medical Center with mild injuries.
Touch the Heart Closes, New Vegan Burger Spot Opens in Hoboken
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In 2020, Touch the Heart — a new BYOB dim sum restaurant — moved into the storefront at 324 Washington Street in Hoboken. Now, just over a couple years later, readers began noticing the spot appears to have closed — and Hoboken Girl can confirm that this is the case. Owner Daniel Grey told HG that he and his business partner made the difficult decision to close down in late October after the owner of a vegan burger spot in New York City called Jerrell’s Btr Brgr offered to buy the lease from the team. Click here for what we know about Touch the Heart’s closure in Hoboken, along with the new spot — Jerrell’s Btr Brgr — that has been confirmed to be taking its place.
New $19.5M North Bergen Library Now Open
Local officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $19.5M North Bergen library and recreation center, Hudson County View reported on Sunday, November 6th. Ground broke for the new facilities, which include 62 parking spaces, back in April 2019 so this opening has been a long time coming.
Central Avenue Buildings Sell for $3.8M in Jersey City
Two mixed-use buildings sitting on a corner lot in Jersey City Heights recently sold for $3.8M, per Jersey Digs. Located at 320-322 Central Avenue, the buildings are currently occupied by City Discount & Furniture and a Verizon Wireless outpost.
Local Poet Creates Interactive Exhibit in Jersey City
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Benedicto Figueroa is a poet performer who held a long tenure as Union City’s official Poet Laureate before pursuing connections within the creative community of Jersey City. The community he has found and built here centers largely around the vibrant SMUSH Gallery, where he is co-artistic director with Katelyn Halpern. Benedicto’s immersive art and poetry exhibition, Are You There, is now open to the public at SMUSH, located at 340 Summit Avenue in Jersey City, from November 4th – December 2nd. Click here for what we know.
Murphy Announces New Legislation Amidst Auto Theft Trend
New Jersey has been experiencing a wave of car thefts, so much so that it has become a central election issue, North Jersey reported. On Monday, November 7th, Governor Phil Murphy promised more intense penalties against auto theft crimes, in addition to more funding to combat key criminal gangs who have played a part in the crimes.
Weehawken Group Holds Rally for Removal of NY Waterway Facility
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A group of Weehawken residents has allegedly had enough of the noise, pollution, and eyesore that they say is associated with the NY Waterway’s ferry maintenance and refueling facility in the neighborhood. According to NJ.com, individuals in support of removing the facility from its current location gathered last weekend to make those thoughts known. The facility was originally intended to be temporary but has lasted for decades, and now that Hoboken has made plans for the Union Dry Dock, a new location must be found.
Planning Board Approves Redevelopment for Tonnelle Avenue
During an October meeting, North Bergen’s commissioners approved an ordinance allowing redevelopment plans for seven acres near the Tonnelle Avenue Station of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, per Jersey Digs. The land in question currently contains businesses including garages, towing facilities, and Hudson Bread.
Art Fair 14C Held this Weekend in Jersey City
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The largest visual arts exhibit in New Jersey is wrapping up today, Sunday, November 13th since opening earlier this week on Friday, November 11th. According to NJ.com, the exhibit is housed in the Armory in Jersey City, located at 678 Montgomery Street. The annual event features work from artists throughout the state and the world with the purpose of helping artists make a living. Further expansions are expected in upcoming years.
New Restaurant Wu Tong is Coming to Downtown Jersey City
The retail property at 10 Provost Street in Jersey City is getting a new restaurant, Wu Tong, which will be the second restaurant to open at the site, per Jersey Digs. The new tenants are welcome news for the neighborhood as the building was completed in 2017 but has since sat vacant.
Advocates for Liberty State Park Say No to Helicopters
In an effort to divert helicopters away from Liberty Island + Ellis Island, National Park Service is working to strike a deal with helicopter tour services, per NJ.com. However, advocates of Liberty State Park say those helicopters will just end up over Liberty State Park, causing noise and dangerous situations from the hovering aircrafts.
Hoboken Exotics Opens on Washington Street
A new shop has opened on Washington Street selling CBD and exotic snacks, according to Patch. Hoboken Exotics, located at 521 Washington Street, also sells cold drinks, groceries, cigarettes, and vaping products.
Canadian Artist Unveils Mural on Hoboken Parking Garage
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Canadian artist Michelle Hoogvel completed a mural along the exterior of Garage B in Hoboken this week, per Patch. The Hoboken Business Alliance and the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee hosted an unveiling event to show off the new mural, which took 15 days and 1,510 cans of spray paint.
KABR Group Requests 7-Year Extension on Journal Square Project
The development company KABR Group has requested an additional seven years for the massive project at 30 Journal Square in Jersey City, per NJ.com. The letter sent to the Jersey City Planning Board cites the need for an extension because the company allegedly won’t be able to begin construction for at least five years, perhaps up to seven years.
Cash Payments No Longer Accepted at Lincoln Tunnel Beginning 12/11
As of Sunday, December 11th, cash payments will no longer be accepted at the Lincoln Tunnel tolls. According to NJ.com, this update marks the completion of $500 million in upgrades made to six Port Authority crossings which included going 100 percent electronic. Drivers without an EZ Pass account will be photographed and a bill will be sent to the owner’s address.
The Lola Hoboken Hosts Brunch with Real Housewives Melissa Gorga
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The Lola Hoboken hosted a grand opening brunch on Saturday, November 12th with special guest Melissa Gorga from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. The new restaurant is located at 102 Sinatra Drive in Hoboken.
NJ Transit Receives $43.6M in Federal Funding
NJ Transit recently received $43.6M in federal coronavirus relief funding, per North Jersey. The funds will go toward seven new projects including solar bus shelters, bike sheds, and electric charging stations.
Manifest Comics Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Bayonne
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Manifest Comics, located at 766 Broadway #3 in Bayonne, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary as a local business. According to NJ.com, the current spot on Broadway is the shop’s third location. Despite dealing with the aftermath of Sandy and economic struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manifest Comics has made it through.
Plaintiff Drops Lawsuit Against Bergen-Lafayette High-Rise
Construction is scheduled to move forward for a new Bergen-Lafayette high-rise after the plaintiff dropped a lawsuit previously filed against Skyline Development Group. According to NJ.com, the new development will feature a 17-story building next to Berry Lane Park and will include 420 units. The building will be located at 417 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City.
Hoboken Community Invited to Share Opinions on HOP Service
The City of Hoboken has invited Hoboken residents to share opinions via a survey on the local HOP shuttle service, per Tap Into. Residents have until 6PM on Monday, November 21st to answer the survey which can be accessed via the city website.
Jersey City Council Votes Down Limit on Cannabis Companies
The Jersey City City Council voted against putting a limit in place to cap the number of local cannabis companies to 55, NJ.com reported. While some council members think 55 is too many, others feel it may not be enough, and overall, capping the number of shops might leave the southern neighborhoods in Jersey City behind.
WWI Veteran Awarded Purple Heart More Than 100 Years After His Death
U.S. Army Corporal William Herbert was killed in action in World War I in 1918 at age 20. According to NJ.com, Herbert was recently awarded the Purple Heart medal in honor of his service. Major General Edward Chrystal presented the medal to Herbert’s family on Saturday, November 5th in a ceremony held in Bayonne.
Jersey City Signs Sister City Agreement with Beit Shemesh in Israel
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Mayor of Beit Shemesh, Israel, Aliza Bloch, signed a sister city agreement this week. According to the press release, the agreement, which has been in development for many months, was initiated by the New Jersey-Israel Commission. The agreement aims to maximize the resources of each city by optimizing their shared industries, streamlining immigration and integration, leading urban revitalization in the face of rapid population growth, and codifying shared workforce development strategies.
Local Non-profit Hosting Virtual Turkey Trot to Raise Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
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Project Purple, a local non-profit, is raising awareness around pancreatic cancer this month with a virtual Turkey Trot. According to Project Purple, pancreatic cancer has an 11% 5-year survival and has become the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in 18 states. Runners can register on the organization’s website and run at any given time during November. Plus, local Hudson County businesses are encouraged to wear purple (the color of pancreatic cancer awareness) on November 17th.
