Home Events + News 40 News Stories You Missed This Week in Hoboken + Jersey City

40 News Stories You Missed This Week in Hoboken + Jersey City

by Hoboken Girl Team
cleaning services
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Temperatures dropped considerably this week and it’s finally beginning to feel like November weather. 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: Pershing Field Ice Rink reopens in Jersey City; Hoboken eliminates free Sunday parking on Washington Street; and New Jersey declares a statewide drought warning. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on November 17th, 2024.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].


Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):

  • Hoboken Man Tries to Pull Over Drivers; Arrested for DWI + Impersonating Police
  • Jersey City Taco Spot, Gringo’s, Announces Closure
  •  ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ is Casting New Jersey Locals as Extras
  • Revised NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Set to Start in January 2025
  • New Residential Building at Former Malibu Diner Space in Hoboken Now Leasing
  • Milkshake Factory is Coming to Former Milk + Cream Cereal Bar Location in Jersey City
  • Trans Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil Happening at Stevens Park in Hoboken
  • New Jersey Declares Statewide Drought Warning
  • Pershing Field Ice Rink Reopens in Jersey City
  • Hoboken Eliminates Free Sunday Parking on Washington Street
  • Hoboken Resident Nicole Pellegrino Launches Gluten-Free Carrot Cake at Alfalfa
  •  

 


Cynthia Erivo Makes Appearance at Jersey City Target for Wicked Press Tour

cynthia erivo jersey city

As part of the Wicked press tour, the upcoming movie adaptation of the musical of the same name, Cynthia Erivo (who plays Elphaba) stopped by the Jersey City Target today, November 15th. The Target, located at 100 14th Street, is hosting the movie’s largest activation yet, with various pop-ups and immersive experiences currently set up throughout the store. Ethan Slater, who plays Boq in the movie and is dating Ariana Grande, was spotted by a Hoboken Girl reader this morning. Rumors were swirling that Ariana was also set to make an appearance, but there were no sightings at the event. Click here for more.


New Jersey Declares Statewide Drought Warning

drought new jersey november 2024

Club Pilates 2023
sojo spa

New Jersey has experienced concerning weather-related issues for the past few weeks, from raging wildfires to above-average temperatures to historically low precipitation rates. On November 13th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) released a statement declaring a statewide drought warning. Click here for more.


Jersey City Taco Spot, Gringo’s, Announces Closure

 

Zap Fitness
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Gringo’s Tacos (@gringostaco)

 

Gringo’s, a popular taco spot in Jersey City, announced its closure via Instagram on November 15th. The restaurant encouraged patrons to visit during its final days, November 16th and 17th. Gringo’s will continue to operate its food truck at Pier 13 in Hoboken.


Jersey City Moves to Build New Recreation Centers in Every Ward

Jersey City is advancing an initiative to establish permanent recreation centers across all six wards. Per the Jersey City Times, Mayor Steven Fulop and Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley are leading the effort, which will allocate a $467,000 contract to FC3 Architects for the initial designs of new community facilities. The first phase of the project includes three key locations: a new center at Bayside Park in Ward A, a revitalized Joseph Connors Senior Center in The Heights (Ward D), and the completion of the Boiler Building in the Powerhouse Arts District (Ward E).


Services Held for Hoboken City Council President Jen Giattino

jen giattino hoboken

Four-term Hoboken city council member and current City Council President Jen Giattino passed away suddenly at the age of 53 on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Jen represented Ward 6 and was a longtime Hoboken community member. Visitation took place on Monday, November 11th from 2PM-9PM at the Lawton-Turso Funeral Home located at 633 Washington Street in Hoboken. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, November 13th at 10AM at Saint Peter & Paul Church located at 404 Hudson Street in Hoboken. Click here for more on how to help Jen’s family during this time.


Hoboken’s Double Dough to be Featured on Cookie, Cupcake, Cake on Hulu

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Jordan & Joelle Hernandez (@double_dough)

 

Cookie, Cupcake, Cake, a high-stakes baking competition show hosted by Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss) and Samantha Seneviratne, is featuring Hoboken’s Double Dough this season. Jordan and Joelle Hernandez announced via Instagram that the show is streaming on Hulu on Monday, November 18th. We will share more updates as they become available.


New Metaphysical Shop, Chrissy the Crystal Indigo, Opens in Hoboken

chrissy the crystal indigo

A new metaphysical shop hosted its grand opening on Washington Street in Hoboken on November 11th after moving from Jersey City to the Mile Square. Chrissy the Crystal Indigo is located at 423 Washington Street 2nd Floor in Hoboken, and provides a variety of services like energy healing, aura photography, mediumship, and more along with selling crystals, books, herbs, and other products. Click here for more.


Wildfires in New Jersey: What to Know

new jersey wildfires

New Jersey has reported seven wildfires that have burned across the Northern, Central, and Southern areas of the state. Although the cause of most of these fires is still under investigation, the state’s drought status has been a contributing factor. Click here for more.


4-Alarm Fire In Jersey City Heights Being Investigated By Arson Squad

The county Arson Squad is probing a four-alarm fire in Jersey City Heights that displaced 26 people on November 8th. Per Patch Hoboken, the Jersey City Fire Department was notified just before 11PM of a fire at 3507 Kennedy Boulevard. The fire is believed to have started in a ground-level business and spread quickly to apartments nearby. The fire, which came amid a weeks-long drought, could be smelled throughout the area. The cause remains under investigation.


Adam Sandler + Ben Stiller Seen on Happy Gilmore 2 Set in Kearny

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Adam Sandler (@adamsandler)

 

Ben Stiller, who played Hal L. in the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore, has returned as Hal in Happy Gilmore 2 — which is filming in New Jersey. Per NJ.com, Ben filmed with Adam Sandler at Roosevelt Elementary School in Kearny on November 8th. The movie has been filming all over New Jersey, including in South Orange, Newark, Ideal Beach in Middletown, and the golf courses of private country clubs like Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster.


Hoboken Council To Appoint New Member by December 5th Following Giattino’s Passing

As Hoboken continues to mourn the death of City Council President Jen Giattino, her Sixth Ward city council seat could be filled before the end of the year. Per NJ.com, the City Council has 30 days to appoint a new council member to represent the Sixth Ward through the next general election in November 2025. The appointment would require a majority vote of the council and would have to be completed by December 5th.


Paris Baguette to Open in Downtown Jersey City

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Paris Baguette (@parisbaguette_usa)

 

Paris Baguette, a baked goods, coffee, and lunch chain will be setting up shop soon in Jersey City. Per Jersey Digs, the cafe will be located at 570 Washington Boulevard in a Newport office building. Paris Baguette recently opened a location in Hoboken at Maxwell Place. The chain has not announced any estimated timeline for the opening of its Jersey City store.


Hoboken’s First Street Barber Shop Closes + Barbers Move to Studio Z Salon

Last week, First Street Barber Shop, located at 55 First Street, closed. Per Patch Hoboken, the spot had displayed an old-fashioned barber pole, with frequent holiday and Sinatra decor in the window. Now, the barbers of First Street Barber Shop can be found closer to the train station inside Studio Z Salon at 80 Hudson Street.


Jersey City Councilman Saleh to Host Thanksgiving Food Drive

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Yousef J. Saleh (@yousefjsaleh)

 

Jersey City Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive to help local families in need. The drive will collect non-perishable food items to help provide essential meals for local families facing challenges this Thanksgiving. Per the Hudson County View, donations of canned vegetables, boxed rice, mashed potatoes, and other shelf-stable products are being accepted. The drop-off location will be the first floor security desk of 394 Central Avenue in the Heights now through November 20th, between 8AM and 6PM. All contributions will directly support Jersey City families in need this holiday season.


Hudson County Community College to Debut its First Athletics Department in 50 Years

Hudson County Community College is creating the first full-fledged athletics department in the school’s 50-year history, a move that school officials see as beneficial in many ways. Per NJ.com, Nick Chiaravalloti is steering the creation of the Hudson County Community College Athletics Department. The construction site of the HCCC Center for Student Success is located at 2 Enos Place and is expected to debut in winter 2026.


Hoboken Resident Nicole Pellegrino Launches Limited-Edition Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Alfalfa

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Nicole Pellegrino (@nicolepellegrin0)

 

Social media sensation and host of Honey, We’re Home podcast, Nicole Pellegrino, announced on November 15th via Instagram the launch of a limited-edition gluten-free carrot cake in collaboration with salad franchise, Alfalfa. This will be Alfalfa’s first-ever dessert collaboration with a content creator. The limited-edition carrot cake features warm spices, sweet carrots, and a maple cream cheese frosting with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle. The decadent dessert is now available in all of Alfalfa’s East Coast locations.


Port Authority Holds Meetings About Hoboken PATH Station Closure

hoboken path station closure

Hoboken’s PATH station, located at 1 Hudson Place, will fully close in early 2025 for various repairs. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced the news on October 31st, saying that the station will close to complete critical track + switch upgrades and station rehabilitation work as a part of the two-year PATH Forward program. The closure will take place from late evening on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 through early morning on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025. Two information sessions about the upcoming closures were held on Tuesday, November 12th, and Wednesday, November 13th. A virtual public information session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th, at 6PM. Click here for more.


New Cafe, Bobabucks, Opens in Hoboken 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Bobabucks (@bobabucks1)

 

New Cafe, Bobabucks, opened its doors in Hoboken at 462 Newark Street on November 16th. Per its Instagram, this spot features coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, bubble tea, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, and more. Its hours of operation are Monday-Sunday from 5AM to 12AM.


Essex-Hudson Greenway Aiming for 2025 Groundbreaking

On September 15th, 2022 Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey had officially acquired a former rail line + would be converting it into a massive greenway, which will stretch from Essex County to Hudson County. This almost nine-mile linear state park, which starts in Montclair and runs to Jersey City, will serve as a recreational path for bikers and walkers — as well as provide necessary green space to a variety of communities. Now, we know that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is aiming to break ground on the Newark section of the project in 2025, and an information session was held this week. Click here for more.


Newark Street Closures in Hoboken for JCMUA Water Project

The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) project to upgrade drinking water infrastructure to improve water flow redundancy closed Observer Highway and Newark Street during overnight hours last week. Per a Nixle alert, the following closures are scheduled to take place this week during work hours of 8AM to 4PM:

  • On Monday, November 18th, and Tuesday, November 19th, Newark Street will be closed in both directions between Madison and Adams Streets. A lane shift on Observer Highway will prohibit westbound traffic from turning onto Henderson Street. 
  • On Wednesday, November 20th, Newark Street will be closed in both directions between Madison and Henderson Streets. Northbound Henderson Street/Marin Boulevard will be closed between Observer Highway in Hoboken and 18th Street in Jersey City. 
  • On Thursday, November 21st, and Friday, November 22nd, Newark Street will be closed in the eastbound direction only, between Madison and Henderson Streets. Henderson Street/Marin Boulevard will be closed in both directions between Observer Highway in Hoboken and 18th Street in Jersey City.

Daily updates on road closures can be found on the Hoboken OEM X page: @HobokenOEM. Weekly construction schedules and associated traffic impacts for ongoing City projects can be found here.


Trans Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil to be Held at Stevens Park in Hoboken

 

The City of Hoboken announced via X that the LGBTQ+ Pride Advisory Committee will host a Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, November 20th at 7PM at Stevens Park (corner of Hudson and 5th Street). This event will honor lives lost to violence and celebrate the vibrant lives of transgender individuals today.


Pershing Field Ice Rink Reopens in Jersey City

pershing ice rink jc

After two hockey seasons ruined by faulty equipment, the Jersey City Capitals and other users of the Pershing Field Ice Rink can get back on the ice this fall. After a proposal from the Jersey City Council was approved on first reading back in May 2024 to allocate the funding necessary to repair the rink’s defunct equipment, the Charlie Heger Ice Rink officially reopened on November 13th. Click here for more


Kushner Announces $1 Billion Mixed-Use Project Adjacent to Journal Square PATH Station

Kushner announced the timeline of its mixed-use project in the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Per NJ.com, The Journal, which is slated to begin pre-leasing in early 2025, features two 64-story towers that will redefine the neighborhood’s skyline. In preparation for the pre-leasing launch, Kushner has unveiled a teaser website where prospective residents can register for exclusive updates and be among the first to be contacted.


Jersey City Council Votes to Introduce Special Improvement District (SID) for Pompidou x Jersey City Project 

pompidou jersey city

Photo Credit: KRE

In June 2021, Jersey City leaders announced plans to open an outpost of the internationally renowned French art museum, The Pompidou. At the time, the museum was set to open in 2024. Now 2024 is drawing to a close and the plans are being revived for a second attempt. Millions of dollars in tax cuts and City bonds are involved in the project, which has drawn criticism from throughout New Jersey. On Thursday, November 14th, the Jersey City Council considered the first reading of a new special improvement district (SID) to help fund the project. The council voted 6-3 to introduce the SID. Click here for more.


NJ Transit Replaces Company That Operated Hudson-Bergen Light Rail

The company that designed, built, and operated NJ Transit’s first light rail system for 28 years is being replaced. Per NJ.com, on November 13th, the agency’s board of directors voted to replace The 21st Century Rail Corporation, which has run the Hudson-Bergen light rail system since it was awarded a contract in 1996 to build the state’s first light rail system. The board awarded a $1.56 billion, 15-year contract to ACI-Herzog Joint Venture of Boston, Massachusetts, to operate and maintain the light rail line in Hudson County that is owned by NJ Transit and operated under contract that expires in 2025.


Hoboken PATH Closing for 25 Days: Alternative Travel Options During the Closure

hoboken path station closure

While 2025 hasn’t even started yet, we can already say that a full 25-day PATH closure was definitely not on our bingo card for the coming year. On October 31st, 2024, Hoboken residents received the news that Hoboken’s PATH station, located at 1 Hudson Place, will close to complete critical track and switch upgrades. The station rehabilitation work is a part of the two-year PATH Forward program. Closures will take place from late evening on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 through early morning on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 — leaving some commuters in a tough position to find other travel options. But not to worry — we’ve rounded up a list of travel alternatives to help locals plan ahead and make the most of the impending PATH closure. Click here for more.


New Jersey Civil Service Commission Votes to Reinstate Ex-Hoboken Fire Chief

The New Jersey Civil Service Commission voted for the reinstatement of ex-Hoboken Fire Chief Brian Crimmins, consistent with a ruling from an administrative law judge last month. Per the Hudson County View, the commission asserts that state statute only allows for counsel fees to be awarded when an employee prevails on all, or nearly all, of the disciplinary issues being appealed. A closed session to discuss Brian’s situation is tentatively scheduled for the December 4th city council meeting.


Hoboken Shelter to Host 21st Annual December Auction

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by The Hoboken Shelter (@hoboken_shelter)

 

The Hoboken Shelter announced via Instagram that it is hosting its 21st Annual December Auction, continuing a beloved Hoboken holiday tradition. This year, the event will feature a virtual auction that runs throughout the day on December 11th on the Auction’s website. In the evening, the live auction and cocktail party will take place at BIRCH, (92 River Street). Tickets for the live auction and cocktail party can be purchased online here and at the door of BIRCH on the evening of the event. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door. For those interested in sponsoring The Annual December Auction, tickets are also included with all five sponsorship levels.


New Warming Center Opens in Kearny

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy announced on November 14th the opening of the Warming Center located at the Naval Reserve Facility in Kearny, which will be operated by Collaborative Support Programs of NJ (CSPNJ). Per a County of Hudson press release, the goal of this warming center is to provide a warm and safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness to spend the night during the winter months. The Warming Center is now active through March 31st, 2025, and may be extended if a Code Blue (temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below) is called.


Milkshake Factory is Coming to Former Milk + Cream Cereal Bar Location in Jersey City

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by MilkShake Factory (@themilkshakefactory)

 

A source shared with The Hoboken Girl that Milkshake Factory is opening at the former Milk + Cream Cereal Bar location in Jersey City. The company has not shared any news on its website or socials as of this writing. We will share updates as they become available.


Happy Gilmore 2 is Casting New Jersey Locals as Extras

The upcoming film Happy Gilmore 2 is casting extras in New Jersey, specifically people who resemble Bob Barker, Frances Bay, Tom Petty, or Richard Kiel. Per NJ.com, the Netflix production is looking for people to serve as photo doubles for Bob, who died in 2023; Frances, who died in 2011; Richard, who died in 2014; and Tom, who died in 2017. New York’s Grant Wilfley Casting is asking that anyone interested who bears a resemblance submit their information via email for consideration. Applications can also be submitted on Project Casting here and here. All of the scenes in question are scheduled to film on December 5th in New Jersey.


Hoboken Eliminates Free Sunday Parking on Washington Street

washington street sunday parking hoboken

The Hoboken City Council voted on the elimination of free Sunday parking in some Hoboken business areas, and as of November 17th, it’s official. After voting to introduce the ordinance at an August City Council meeting, a public hearing and final vote took place in September — and eliminated free parking on Washington Street starting in November. Click here for more.


SantaCon + HoHoHoboken Returning for 2024

santacon hoboken girl nj

The holiday season brings many wonderful things to Hoboken: festive decor, delicious treats, general feelings of splendor and nostalgia. There’s one Hoboken event, however, that’s a little more divisive, and it comes in the form of hundreds of bar-going Santas. Love it or hate it, the SantaCon bar crawl tradition has persisted over the last decade, leaving many Hoboken locals to wonder if it’ll return in 2024. It’s confirmed that HoHoHoboken, a separate bar crawl event organized by Hoboken bar owners, will return on Saturday, December 7th. SantaCon, organized by the national company PubCrawls, is happening on Saturday, December 21st. Click here for more.


New Residential Building at Former Malibu Diner Space in Hoboken Now Leasing

new businesses hoboken jersey city 2024 malibu diner

Malibu Diner, located at 257 14th Street in Hoboken, was an unofficial welcome mat on the north side of town for decades of visitors since its opening in 1941. It closed on December 31st, 2021, with promises to come back in the same spot in a new format. In June 2023, plans were released for its return — but as of September 2024, there was a “For Lease” sign seeking a retail tenant in the space. So, what’s going on at the former Malibu Diner space? We now know that a new residential building called The Constantine is now leasing at the former diner space — confirming that the Malibu Diner will not return to the Mile Square. Click here for more.


Revised NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Set to Start in January 2025

congestion pricing nyc

Back in 2021, NYC’s ‘Congestion Pricing Plan’ was introduced — which planned an additional toll for commuters headed into New York City’s business hub, south of 60th Street. After pushback from NJ officials and residents alike, including NJ Governor Phil Murphy attempting to block the new toll, the plan was indefinitely halted in June of 2024. Now, a revised plan has been announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which is set to start in January 2025. Click here for more.


Charity Quest Looking for Volunteers for Upcoming Campaign

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Charity Quest (@charityquestapp)

 

Charity Quest, an app that allows you to find local volunteering opportunities, is assembling a volunteer fundraising team to launch a blockbuster campaign this upcoming spring. Anyone interested in this volunteering opportunity can find information meetings on the Charity Quest app. The first one is being held on Sunday, November 24th at Paris Baguette (1000 Maxwell Lane) in Hoboken.


Hoboken Public Safety Community Meeting Rescheduled

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Emily Jabbour (@emilyhobokenmom)

 

The City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Public Safety Department, and the Hoboken Police Department announce the special public safety community meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, November 18th at 5:30PM. Per a Nixle announcement, the meeting will take place at City Hall (94 Washington Street, Council Chambers, entrance on Newark Street). Hoboken Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar, and Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla will be available to discuss public safety issues, including a recent incident at Church Square Park. The public will be informed of what is being done to keep residents and visitors safe at the park, and throughout Hoboken. Residents can watch the meeting live on Hoboken’s YouTube page.


Jersey City to Expand Citi Bike System by 50% in 2025

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by NJ Bike and Walk Coalition (@njbikewalk)

 

Jersey City announced plans to add 23 new docking stations (a 50% expansion) to its Citi Bike system in 2025, focusing on south Jersey City. Per the NJ Bike + Walk Coalition, the new stations are intended to provide more transportation and mobility options to an area designated as a transit desert, helping to connect residents to light rail, PATH, and the new Port Liberté ferry terminal.


Hoboken Man Arrested for DWI + Impersonating Police

A man was charged with DWI and impersonating a police officer after he tried to pull people over in Hoboken using a car with lights and a siren. Per Patch Hoboken, Matthew Seriale, 43, of Hoboken was arrested on October 26th around 11PM. He was in a private vehicle with police lights and a siren trying to pull other vehicles over near the intersection of First and Court Streets. Matthew was placed under arrest for impersonating a police officer. He was taken to Hoboken Police Headquarters and was given a summons for driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. He was then taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.


Updates on the Former DC’s Space in Hoboken

dcs hoboken

DC’s Tavern at 505 8th Street in Hoboken had been a go-to for many dive bar lovers looking for a good time away from the “main” bar scene on Washington Street for nearly 20 years. In 2020, right before the pandemic, it closed its doors for good. Now, word on the street is that the space will be getting a new tenant, but the info is a bit difficult to nail down. Click here for more.


There’s a New Mural on First Street in Hoboken

hoboken 2024 mural shantell martin

Photo Credit: Shantell Martin

Los Angeles-based and former New Jersey resident Shantell Martin is finishing up the final touches on the Mile Square’s newest mural, Hoboken, 2024. Shantell told The Hoboken Girl that her vision for this piece was to create something that was “very bright, black + white, calm, and minimal,” due to the mural being in a residential area. The mural represents the past, present, and future, with a large face that is looking into the future, and another face upside down looking into the past. The stick figures “hold” the drawing up, showing all of the hard work and commitment that goes into upholding the community and future ideas that we create. Click here for more.


read more news button

AXIS School of Dance

0 comment