A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: Rabble + Lion Coffee is now open in Jersey City, two New Jersey Colleges have been selected for a National Transfer Student Success program, NBA star Louis King arranges Thanksgiving food and coat giveaway in Jersey City, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Garden State COVID-19 Rates Rising as Holidays Approach
A report on Monday, November 22 indicated another 1,330 COVID-19 cases and seven COVID-19 deaths this week, per NJ.com. Every county is reporting higher numbers going into the Thanksgiving Weekend, as seen in the 20% increase in the seven-day average since last week. “Please, please, please enjoy this holiday,” Gov. Phil Murphy said, “but enjoy it safely and responsibly at every level.”
Jersey City’s ‘Golden Cicada’ Location Reopening This Week — Same Name, Different Concept, Different Owners
In September, Hoboken Girl got the exclusive information that legendary bar Golden Cicada, located at at 195 Grand Street was in fact going to be opening as a completely different concept with new ownership — yet keeping the old name. And now, the official reopening date is happening quite soon – click here for the details.
Plans for a New Hoboken High School Released — And
Just last week, the Hoboken Board of Education announced that the district will present plans for a new high school to the city’s Planning Board next month because of a significant increase in enrollment and the aging of the district’s school buildings. While the reason for finding a new home for students was explained – that the current High School was built in 1962, the building’s deterioration over time – the location was the proposed plan had not yet been released, until November 22nd. Click here for what we know.
New Food Truck ‘Disco Dillas’ Coming to Hoboken Next Year
A new food truck called Disco Dillas will make its debut next year in Hoboken, and those who were in town recently might have gotten an exclusive sneak peek. Run by two siblings, Disco Dillas will have Hoboken residents flocking to the decked-out party truck upon its arrival. Click here for what we know about this new addition.
Rabble + Lion Coffee Now Open in Jersey City
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Rabble & Lion Coffee is the latest coffee shop to open its doors in Jersey City. The pop-up coffee brand that has become a fixture at the Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park Farmers Markets for the past three years now has a permanent location in town. Located at 156 Brunswick Street, R&L is officially open as of November 22nd. Click here to read about Rabble & Lion Coffee.
Full NJ School Year COVID-19 Report Released
New Jersey schools released the first full report on COVID-19 cases from the school year on Monday, November 22, according to NJ.com. Since the start of the academic year, there have been at least 22,842 positive reported COVID-19 cases among students and staff at 2,081 New Jersey schools. There were additional reports that indicated 85% of staff are vaccinated.
Statue of Civil Rights Leader Mary McLeod Bethune Erected in Jersey City
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Jersey City unveiled a new bronze statue of Mary McLeod Bethune at Bethune Park on Saturday, November 20th, according to Hudson Reporter. The nine-foot-tall statue is the first statue in Jersey City to honor an African-American woman and stands as a reminder of Bethune’s Civil Rights work during the late 1800s. “This statue of Ms. Bethune puts a special focus on the importance of education and perseverance,” Council President Joyce Watterman said, “which will empower our residents now and for generations to come.”
Jersey City Welcomes New Blue Foundry Bank Branch
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Blue Foundry Bank announced its newest location in Jersey City, per Hudson Reporter. The “reimagined” branch is located at 123 Montgomery Street. Because the bank boasts individualized, dedicated service to the community, it has revamped its look to “reflect the bank’s reinvention and create an unmatched banking experience for the modern-day movers and shakers of Jersey City that it serves.”
Flexible Workspace Coming to Newport Tower in Jersey City
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Workplace provider Industrious is partnering with BentallGreenOak to bring a new flexible workspace to Newport Tower, reported Jersey Digs. The 43,000 square-foot space will be located on the tower’s third floor, which overlooks the Jersey City waterfront. This project is an example of the many back-to-work strategies companies are employing to excite workers who are returning after the pandemic.
Two New Jersey Colleges Selected for National Transfer Student Success Program
Hudson County Community College and New Jersey City University are teaming up to participate in the Aspen Institute-American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive (TSSEI) Cohort, according to Tap Into. This program provides monthly sessions that support partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities, and help ensure success for students transferring to those universities. “As always, we are very proud to partner with NJCU, and to have been chosen as part of this nationally recognized initiative,” Dr. Christopher Reber, President of HCCC, said. “We thank the Aspen Institute and AASCU for their leadership in providing more equitable educational opportunities for the men and women of our community.
Teens Encouraged to Join Hoboken Youth Advisory Commission
Teenagers ages 13-18 can apply to join the City of Hoboken’s Youth Advisory Commission until Wednesday, December 1st, per the City of Hoboken. The program is designed to help youth develop leadership skills, advocate for positive causes, and become more involved in the city government. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla will select the 12 committee members after reviewing the applicants.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Available in Hoboken
The City of Hoboken hosted COVID-19 booster clinics this week to help residents receive their vaccines for the holiday weekend, reported the City of Hoboken. “As we all look forward to gathering with loved ones over the Thanksgiving dinner table, it is crucial that we take every precaution to ensure we do so safely and that includes getting your booster shot,” Mayor Bhalla said. Boosters became available after the FDA authorized adults over the age of 18 and encouraged all adults over the age of 50 to get one.
Jersey City Residents Serving Those in Need for Thanksgiving
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Multiple Jersey City locals found ways to give back this Thanksgiving weekend, according to NJ.com. Basketball player Bilal Dixon raised funds through social media to buy 256 turkeys to give away. Monique Smith-Andrews, owner of Monique’s Techniques, opened her restaurant to the public on Thanksgiving Day for the 25th year in a row, where she served over 1,000 meals. Similarly, Carmen Mendiola, co-owner of Hard Grove Restaurant, continued her annual tradition of serving others on Thanksgiving by giving out about 400 to-go meals.
Jersey City’s Superintendent Walker Speaks Out About Retirement Decision
Now that the school board has approved his resignation, Superintendent of Schools Franklin Walker has expounded on his decision to retire, per NJ.com. Walker “knew it was time for a change” and now awaits the close to his 48-year tenure on Friday, December 31st. He explained that the pandemic impacted the educational structure of urban schools, and wanted someone stronger to take his place during the years to come.
NBA Star Louis King Arranges Thanksgiving Food and Coat Giveaway in Jersey City
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Louis King of the Sacramento Kings gave back to his hometown by hosting a giveaway for needy families, reported Connecticut News 12. The basketball star and Jersey City native partnered with Stop & Shop and Hunger Free New Jersey to provide food and coats to 200 families this weekend.
Chabad to Hold Annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Gelt Drop
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The Chabad Jewish Center of Hoboken and Jersey City is hosting a holiday event on Monday, November 29th at Hoboken City Hall. The City of Hoboken Instagram account announced the event saying, “Join City officials and the Chabad Jewish Center of Hoboken & Jersey City on Monday, November 29th, for the Annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Gelt Drop. Come enjoy delicious donuts, hot latkes, music, and more!”
The festivities begin at 5PM outside City Hall at 94 Washington Street in Hoboken.
Bayonne PD Hiring 12 New Officers with $1.5M Grant
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne announced a recent grant from the Department of Justice that will allow the Bayonne Police Department to hire 12 new officers, according to Hudson County View. “I am proud to help Bayonne get funds to hire more police officers to expand community policing initiatives, including crime prevention,” Payne said. “I would encourage all the law enforcement agencies in my district to apply for similar grants in the future.” The $1.5 million grant is part of an $11.7 million grant to the state of New Jersey.
Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Reviewed at Jersey City Council Meeting
The Jersey City Council reached a consensus with Mayor Steve Fulop and his administration regarding a recent inclusionary zoning ordinance that was struck down in August, per Hudson County View. The ordinance requires affordable housing percentages, and was modified to eliminate buyouts and exceptions that occurred with the old ordinance. “This is a significant middle ground that is a big improvement on that ordinance,” Fair Share Housing Center Executive Director Adam Gordon said.
These changes will permit a range of affordable options for different families.
PUMP Pilates to Open in Former Bum Pilates Hoboken Studio
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A new company, PUMP Pilates is taking over the studio space at Grand and 14th Streets in uptown Hoboken. PUMP Pilates shared the news on Instagram, saying, “We are thankful, grateful, and beyond blessed this Thanksgiving to share the news of the opening of our second studio at 1422 Grand Street in Bum Pilate’s former studio space. We are thrilled to be working with Cait from Bum Pilates on this exciting transition, and we can’t wait to welcome Bum clients to our Pump family!” A grand opening event will take place at the studio on Saturday, December 4th. Follow along via Instagram for future updates.
New “Fintage” Shop Open in Jersey City
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When you combine the words “found” and “vintage,” you get “fintage,” which is exactly what sells at the newest shop in Jersey City Heights, Sure Things. The storefront was revealed on Instagram this week, inviting customers to browse the selection of “fintage” items and used books. Sure Things is located at 561 Palisade Ave.
SouzaFit Meal Prep Kits Now Available In New Jersey
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SouzaFit Restaurant is now offering meal kit delivery in Newark, Mount Vernon, and Hoboken. The health food restaurant posted on Instagram this week about the meal kit plans, which are described as affordable, high-quality, and flexible. Customers can call in or visit the website for more information.
Cellar335 Celebrating the Holidays with its ‘Sleighs N Leighs’ Pop-Up
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Tiki-themed restaurant Cellar335 is bringing back its holiday pop-up “Sleighs ‘N’ Leis.” Cellar335 posted on Instagram to announce the month-long pop-up beginning on Wednesday, December 1st. “Sleighs ‘N’ Leis” will include “food specials, festive decorations, and [a] holiday inspired cocktail menu.”
French Modern Art Museum Coming to Jersey City
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Representatives from Centre Pompidou, a Parisian modern and contemporary art museum, visited with Mayor Fulop to discuss the gallery’s coming location in Jersey City — which we reported on previously here. Centre Pompidou – Jersey City, will be the museum’s fourth outpost outside of France. Mayor Fulop posted a photo on Instagram that showed him posing with leaders from Centre Pompidou. As plans move forward, Mayor Fulop hopes the new gallery will draw more people to the city.
