After a nice break with friends, family, and incredible food, it’s time to get back to the regular grind, for the next few weeks, at least. 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 crane that played a role in Bayonne’s manufacturing history could get historical protection; a new restaurant in Hoboken from the same team as popular Millburn spot Common Lot will open next year; and PATH commissioners allot funding to repair delay-causing issues. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending November 26th, 2023.
The Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2023 Guide Finalists Announced — VOTE NOW!
The finalists for the Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2023 Guide are in! Thank you to everyone who nominated local businesses and people in Hoboken + Jersey City to receive the recognition that they deserve. Those who received the most nominations in each category advanced to the top three finalists, so before anyone says so-and-so was robbed, remember: we make the rules, we don’t pick the finalists. Click here to read the list and vote for your favorites.
The Hoboken Girl Team Donating $1000 to Two Local Non-Profits of Readers’ Choice in Giving Tuesday Giveaway
The countdown to the world’s ‘Biggest Day of Generosity,’ Giving Tuesday 2023, is on November 28th, and two local Hudson County non-profits are going to receive $500 each from The Hoboken Girl team, a hyperlocal media and lifestyle site that is part of The Local Girl Media Group network.
In an effort to spread the cheer and magic of the holiday season, we are thrilled to announce this year’s The Hoboken Girl Gives Back Giveaway — where two lucky readers will each receive an individualized prize from local businesses, and pick where The Hoboken Girl team will donate $500 to a local Hudson County non-profit.
This giveaway will take place virtually on Tuesday, November 28th through Wednesday, November 29th on Instagram @TheHobokenGirl. The winner will be announced Thursday, November 30th. Follow along on Instagram to learn more and participate.
City Bistro Owner Denies Sale Rumor; Shares Upcoming Hoboken Plans
Rumors were flying high in the Hoboken dining scene as whispers of City Bistro, a rooftop restaurant and lounge bar located at 56 14th Street in Hoboken, was listed for sale on LoopNet. To clear the air, The Hoboken Girl had a sit-down with the owner, John Avoletta, who denied any intention of selling the establishment. Contrary to the rumor, John plans to introduce a new concept in the new year for his other restaurant The Stewed Cow, located at 400 Adams Street in Hoboken. Read on to learn more about the rumor as well as the rebranding of The Stewed Cow.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop Coming to Downtown Jersey City Spring 2024
The ice cream scene in Downtown Jersey City is getting a serious addition with the arrival of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop at 347 Grove Street. The well-known ice cream shop is taking over the empty spot which was once home to the Borinquen Laundromat, and it plans to open in spring 2024. This will be the popular ice cream chain’s second New Jersey location, with the first being in the American Dream Mall in Rutherford. Continue reading for more details about Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop coming to Downtown Jersey City.
Multi-Agency Task Force Investigation Yields Seven Handguns, 17 Kilos of Narcotics in Hudson + Essex Counties
According to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, six people were arrested after a multi-location search in Hoboken, Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Montclair. The months-long investigation yielded seven handguns, two of which were reported stolen, over 17 kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, over 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, and various illegal narcotics with a street value in excess of $15 million recovered. Additionally, over $20,000 in suspected proceeds from narcotics transactions was seized. Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and Hoboken Police Department with the investigation, with assistance from the Essex County Tactical Response Team, Union County SWAT, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit, the Montclair Police Department, the Elizabeth Police Department, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, and the Essex County K9 Unit in the arrests.
Hoboken Public Safety Department Offers Winter Safety Tips to Residents
^ Winter is coming, but heating season is here. Photo credit: City of Hoboken.
The winter heating season is here, and the Hoboken Public Safety Department and Hoboken Health Department remind residents to stay warm, safe, and healthy. According to a press release, Hoboken property owners are required to provide adequate heat from October 1st through May 1st. Tenants experiencing insufficient heat, or other heat-related issues should contact their landlord first. If the issue is not resolved, residents should contact the Hoboken Health Department at 201-420-2375 or schedule an appointment with the City’s tenant advocate. Click here to read the Hudson County Winter Emergency System Protocols.
Bayonne Christmas Tree Lighting Rescheduled Due to Weather
The Bayonne Christmas Tree lighting celebration has been moved to November 29th, according to NJ.com. The event will take place at Lance Corporal Stanley Kopcinski Park near 19th Street and Broadway at 5:30PM. Various entertainers will provide music, and photos with Santa will be available.
Hoboken’s Midtown Garage in Need of Repair
Following the conclusion of an engineering study, a parking garage in Hoboken will be getting a significant overall. According to NJ.com, the Midtown Garage, located between 3rd and 4th Street on Clinton Street, was built in 2003 and is showing significant signs of deterioration. Estimated repair costs are $40 million. A bond referendum has been introduced by the Hoboken City Council.
Fulop Administration Completes Transformational Improvement Projects at Over 25 Neighborhood Parks Citywide
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Last week’s ribbon cutting at Bayview Park in Jersey City marked the 25th completed parks project in 2023, according to Hudson County View. The City has completed improvements throughout the city, upgrading eight parks in Ward A, five in Ward B, three in Ward C, one in Ward D, five in Ward E, and five in Ward F. The Jersey City Parks Coalition (JCPC) has worked as a liaison between residents and the city to provide feedback.
City of Hoboken Recognized for Environmental Leadership
According to a press release, The City of Hoboken was recognized by environmental impact nonprofit, CDP, as one of 119 cities from across the world for its leadership on environmental action. Of the 939 participating cities, Hoboken was one of only a few municipalities to receive a top score from the CDP, as just over one in 10 cities received an A. According to the CDP, as an A-List City, Hoboken has taken four times as many climate action mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities.
2024 Jersey City Stop&Shop Facility Closure to Result in Layoffs
Changes at a Jersey City Stop & Shop delivery facility will result in layoffs. According to NJ.com, the Ahold eCommerce Sales Company facility at 255 Route 1&9 South will close in March 2024 and over 400 employees will be laid off. After the closure, online grocery orders will be filled by a third-party service.
Remembering George “Funky” Brown + the Jersey Roots of Kool + The Gang
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Jersey City native George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of New Jersey soul band Kool & The Gang passed away this week, according to NJ.com. The band was formed in Jersey City in 1964 and went on to have a prolific career, including being the number one most sampled band in history. Read more about this iconic musical group and the members’ New Jersey roots in our piece here.
Museum of Jersey City Opens with Exhibit About Former Mayor
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The Museum of Jersey City will open on December 2nd with an exhibit exploring the legacy of former mayor Frank Hague, according to NJ.com. The Museum is located at 298 Academy Street in the Apple Tree House. The opening celebration will run from 12PM to 5PM on Saturday, December 2nd. The exhibit will be open through 2024.
North Bergen Nurses Set to Unionize
Nurses affiliated with Complete Care at the Harborage, located at 7600 River Road in North Bergen have filed the required paperwork to join the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union. According to NJ.com, more than 40 nurses joined the petition, and 120 workers at the same facility are already part of the union. A date for the union election has not been set.
New Jersey Commits to Support SciTech Scity Technology Hub through Management Entity, $20 Million Investment
A new agreement between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Liberty Science Center will create a limited liability company to manage the construction and operation of SciTech Scity, a technology and education hub to be built in Jersey City. According to a press release, the agreement is currently a non-binding letter of intent that is subject to approval by the Board of the NJEDA. The company will be called Edge Works and the Board will also contribute up to $20 million to the effort.
Hoboken, Jersey City Rents Rank High
A report from apartment rental site Zumper concluded that Hoboken has the fastest rising rent in the area, with a 20.7% increase over last year. The study also found Hoboken to have the second highest rents in the area, behind only New York City. Jersey City was the third most expensive.
Discounted Holiday Parking in Hoboken
According to a press release, visitors can get a 50% discount on metered on-street parking from November 28th through December 31st, using “SHOPHOB” promo code in the ParkMobile App. Also, starting 11/25, Small Business Saturday, will be free weekend parking for up to four hours in municipal Garage B (28 Second Street), Garage D (215 Hudson Street), and the Midtown Garage (371 Fourth Street) for those who spend at least $20 at Hoboken shopping or dining establishments. Drivers must show proof of purchases to the garage attendant.
Crane in Bayonne Under Consideration for Historic Designation
The city of Bayonne has begun the process of creating a historical designation for a crane that was part of the city’s manufacturing history. Per NJ.com, the crane was part of the Electric Launch Company, known as Elco, facility during WWI and WWII. Boats including the PT-109, which was the boat future President John F. Kennedy commanded, were manufactured at the facility. The crane was used to lower the completed boats into Newark Bay.
New Uptown Kiosk Makes Returns Easier for Hoboken Library Patrons
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The Hoboken Library has added a kiosk at the Hoboken Historical Museum to facilitate easier returns. According to an Instagram post from the Library, the kiosk will eventually be used to check out resources. The kiosk is located next to the Museum’s entrance at 1301 Hudson Street.
LPGA Tournament Returns to Jersey City in 2024 with Increased Prize Money
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Jersey City’s Liberty National Golf Course will host the LPGA’s Mizuho Americas Open again in 2024, according to NJ.com. The prize will be $3 million in 2024, up from $2.75 million in 2023. The tournament will take place May 13th-29th, 2024.
New Restaurant Coming to 800 Jackson Street Location in Hoboken
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The team behind the popular Millburn restaurant Common Lot has announced plans to open a new venture in Hoboken. According to the Digest Online, BYRD will be located at 800 Jackson Street. The menu is described as laid-back with global influences.
DoorDash Bringing Responsible Alcohol Delivery To New Jersey
Via a press release, food delivery company DoorDash has announced plans to add alcohol to its range of options. Users can select beer, wine, and spirits for delivery from eligible stores on the DoorDash platform. The company has committed to a robust identity verification process to prevent underage users from accessing alcohol deliveries.
Jersey City Sailor Found Safe by Cape May-Based Coast Guard Crew
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A Jersey City-based sailor was rescued by the United States Coast Guard after being overdue for his Bermuda destination. According to a press release from the US Coast Guard, the sailor’s family had lost contact on November 6th, and by Tuesday, November 14th, he was overdue at his destination. A good Samaritan spotted the boat and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson, based in Cape May, New Jersey, arrived on the scene Wednesday, November 15th, and safely transferred him aboard the cutter. The mariner was transported in stable condition and reunited with family on Thursday, November 16th at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.
PATH Commits $230 Million to System Improvements
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Commissioners of the Port Authority unanimously approved a $230 million program to address infrastructure issues in the system, according to NJ.com. Of that amount, $168 million will go to to rehabilitate the track work located mainly in tunnels between the Journal Square Transportation Center, Hoboken and Exchange Place PATH Stations. The tracks were last rehabilitated over 20 years ago, and riders have complained about increased delays.
Hudson County Students Win Contest, Will Perform on National TV
Students from High Tech High School won a contest put on by The Kelly Clarkson Show and will perform at the tree-lighting celebration in Rockefeller Center. According to a press release, the Musical Theater Voices Choir singers are members of the school’s musical theatre arts program who separately organized themselves and regularly practice together outside the classroom and perform at yearly school showcases, special assembly programs, and community events. To support their national performance, the school will receive a $10,000 donation from The Kelly Clarkson Show sponsor Balsam Hill and another $5,000 donation from NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47.
Mayor Fulop Advances Jersey City’s Fire Department with Promotions of Deputy Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, + Captains Through the Ranks
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According to a press release, at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 21st, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop joined City Fire Department and Public Safety officials to promote 1 Deputy Chief, 5 Battalion Chiefs, and 5 Captains during today’s ceremony inside Council Chambers. The historic number of promotions made by the Fulop Administration over the past 10 years has not only led to additional firefighters and more leadership department-wide, but it has also established more diversity throughout the department’s ranks and much-needed manpower for the over 13,000 annual calls for service the JCFD responds to.
The Table Kitchen + Bar and Jerzey Slingers Presents the Jerzey Slingers x David’s Barbershop Pop-Up Shop to Benefit Movember
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This special event on Monday, November 27th brings together the world of bartending with men’s health awareness and men’s style for an unforgettable evening, all while supporting a great cause – Movember. Jerzey Slingers has teamed with David’s Barbershop to host a Pop Up Barbershop during the event. The pop-up shop at The Table, located at 400 Claremont Avenue in Jersey City, will provide a full barbershop experience in The Table’s Private Event Space, complete with a barbershop atmosphere, haircuts, and a whiskey and beer bar. Tickets start at $70 and go up to $130. General admission ticket includes access to the Jerzey Slingers event: select specialty cocktails, small bites, and an a la carte menu. VIP tickets include: a full barbershop experience including a haircut, hot towel, shave, paired with an open whiskey and beer bar, and full access to the Jerzey Slingers event.
