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 opening a permanent location in Jersey City, a Secaucus Police Department therapy dog will now visit school children, Jersey City Public School Superintendent Franklin Walker is retiring, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Children Ages 5-11 Can Now Receive COVID-19 Vaccination
On Friday, November 5th the City of Hoboken announced it will offer pediatric vaccines through partnerships between Hoboken Health Department and local providers beginning on Monday, November, 8th. The Food and Drug Administration and Center for Disease Control recently recommended a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11, according to the press release. This vaccine will contain one-third of the typical adult dose, and be administered with a smaller needle for children. The state ordered 203,800 vaccines, which will be offered at 203 locations across all New Jersey counties.
Hoboken + Jersey City 2021 Election Results Are In
After sending in mail-in ballots and spending hours at the polls, the residents of New Jersey have spoken. The new and re-elected Hoboken and Jersey City Council Members and Mayors as well as the seat for NJ Governor and Senator have announced. Click here to see the full list of final results of November 2nd.
After a Decade of Dispute, Hoboken’s Monarch Agreement is Finally Settled
A real estate settlement agreement signed by the City of Hoboken has closed the book on what has been a years-long property dispute. The waterfront property at the corner of 15th Street and Shipyard Avenue, known as the ‘Monarch Site,’ was the subject of a long-running battle between the City of Hoboken and the Ironstate Development Company. The dispute even made its way to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2020. The agreement, signed on November 4th, 2021, awards properties to both the City and Ironstate and sets a timeline for the exchanges to occur. Click here to read more about the settlement and what’s next for the land.
Bill Murray, Zac Efron, Russell Crowe Filming Movie in Hudson County
Bill Murray was spotted in North Bergen on the morning of November 5th — and is just one of a handful of A-list actors, including Zac Efron and Russell Crowe, currently filming and slated to be involved with the production of the film The Greatest Beer Run Ever.
The film is directed by Academy-Award-winning Peter Farrelly, famous for comedies and dramas such as Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and Green Book. Farrelly is shooting the film locally in Jersey City, North Bergen, and Weehawken — as well as in Thailand. Click here to read what we know so far.
Hoboken Personal Trainer Turned Alignment Coach to Host Business Workshop 11/11
Hoboken resident, Vanessa Checchio left the corporate world to hustle as a personal trainer but fast forward to today and she has pivoted once again to launch Rose Star Co., a blend of spiritual and business coaching. Rose Star Co.’s first official workshop, BREW SESH, is kicking off on Thursday, November 11th. This workshop is geared towards conscious coaches and solo-preneurs, but all are welcome. You can register here for the workshop.
Discounted Citi Bike Memberships Now Available to HHA Residents + SNAP Recipients
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DYK Hoboken Housing Authority residents and SNAP recipients are now eligible for a discounted Citi Bike membership, according to Citi Bike. The discounted memberships have been reduced to $60 per year or $5 per month. You can visit the Citi Bike website to get started.
Vintage Shop Sure Things Now Open in Jersey City Heights
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Sure Things, a vintage store specializing in found objects and used books, recently opened at 561 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City Heights. The shop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 12PM to 6PM and Saturdays and Sundays 11AM to 6PM.
Amazon Close to Finalizing Jersey City Waterfront Expansion
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According to Jersey Digs, Amazon is in the final stages of taking over the newly renovated Mack-Cali Harborside complex in Jersey City. The space at 150 and 210 Hudson Street features 400,000 square feet of office space. The renovation included a new facade, infrastructure upgrades, and the construction of a new public opens space called Hudson Green.
The Flow Initiative + Hoboken Girl Period Product Drive Runs Through 11/15
The team at Hoboken Girl and The Flow Initiative are working with the community to donate period supplies to at least one school or community center in all 11 towns that make up Hudson County this year. That means reaching last year’s number of 30,000 supplies or more. In Hudson County, 28% of surveyed students reported missing school because they could not afford or had no access to period products.
Donated items can include tampons, pads, panty liners, individually wrapped sanitary products, and heating pads. Donations can be dropped off at Little City Books, Mint Market in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ Acupuncture, JaneDo, the MAX Challenge, and Word Bookstore. This event will run through Monday, November 15th.
Senior Hop Bus to Follow New Schedule This Month
Hoboken Native Designs New Eco-Friendly Products
Ken Zorovich, a Hoboken native and founder of the lifestyle brand ZOKU® recently launched new eco-friendly products. ZOKU’s mission is to inspire moments of joy, ease, and simplicity for each user based on a strong commitment to creating exceptional products customers continue to love. The new product pictured above is a telescoping pocket straw. It extends up to 9 inches long and fits any glass size. It also comes with a loophole for key rings on the carrying case and includes a cleaning brush.
Headroom LGBTQ+ Lounge to Open in New Location
After permanently closing its original location in May of this year, Headroom Lounge, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, has announced its reopening. Founder Joseph Cameron said that a new location has been secured in Jersey City, however, details of the location are said to be released soon. Click here to read what we know so far.
The Hoboken Shelter to Host 18th Annual Winter Auction
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The Hoboken Shelter has been a pillar in the community since 1982 and continues to be a place of refuge and hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. To house 50 individuals nightly and serve 500 meals daily, the shelter requires the support of the community. To support this need, the shelter is hosting its 18th Annual Winter Auction Fundraiser, virtually, this December. Hoboken Girl had the chance to connect with co-chairs of the auction, Tiffany Kane and Hannah Osterman, to learn more about the event and how to get involved. Click here to read about the Hoboken Shelter and how the community can support its mission.
New Co-Working Space Opens on Newark Avenue in Hoboken
The best parts of working in an office and the comfiest parts of working from home come together in the newest membership-based co-working space in Hoboken, Sweven. The space at 33-41 Newark Avenue in Hoboken, is designed to meet the needs of its members, offering meeting rooms, event space, a podcast studio, a media production team, and more. Sweven is part of the Antique Bar & Bakery and Antique Loft family, and the same welcoming feeling at its other venues carries over to this new space. Click here to read about Hoboken’s newest co-working space.
Cilantro Pizza + Burgers Opening Soon in Jersey City
Cilantro Pizza and Burgers is one of the newest restaurants to be opening soon in Jersey City. Located in a former McDonald’s storefront, Cilantro’s storefront sign is up, the tables and chairs are in place, and the menu is set. Those who pass by 564-566 Newark Avenue will see for themselves. Click here to read about Cilantro Pizza.
Bayonne’s Fitzpatrick Park Makeover Receives Additional Funding
Photo credit: Google Maps
An additional $917,214 has been approved for Fitzpatrick Park renovations, according to Hudson Reporter. An ordinance from the Bayonne City Council is providing for “modern park improvements and stormwater management upgrades,” including police and firefighter-themed playgrounds that pay homage to the park site where the Police and Fire Headquarters were formerly located.
Rabble + Lion Coffee Opening Permanent Location in Jersey City
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Rabble & Lion Coffee is getting ready to open its doors. 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 is now opening a permanent location in Jersey City. Located at 156 Brunswick Street, R&L will soon be opening to the public…and hint, hint, there will be more than coffee. Click here to read about Rabble & Lion Coffee.
WundaBar Pilates Opens This Week in Jersey City
WundaBar Pilates is ready to open its 10th location. The fitness studio is opening its first location in New Jersey, at 65 Bay Street in Jersey City, on November 4th. A decade after establishing WundaBar in 2011, creator and CEO, Amy Jordan, is excited to bring the WundaFormer (Pilates reformer) and the WundaBar Pilates Method to the ever-growing downtown Jersey City neighborhood. She shares with Hoboken Girl what prospective members and first-timers can expect at the new location. Click here to read more about WundaBar Pilates.
Lawsuit Claims Hoboken Officials Have Denied Property Plan Approved Last Year
On Friday, October 29th, Just Block 112 LLC, property owners on Jefferson Street in Hoboken filed a lawsuit claiming local officials are reneging approval of the 357-unit redevelopment project that was approved by the Hoboken City Council last year. According to Jersey Digs, the lawsuit cites issues regarding the height of the proposed building.
Hoboken Nonprofit Support Program Applications Now Accepted
Hoboken-based nonprofit organizations are now able to submit applications for the Hoboken Nonprofit Support Program, reported Tap Into. The support grants are worth up to $50,000 and can be applied toward unplanned expenses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible nonprofits must be a 501(c)3 and be located and operate in Hoboken. Applications are due by Friday, November 12th.
Secaucus Police Department Therapy Dog to Visit School Children
Oakley the therapy dog will be brightening students’ days at Huber Street School, according to Hudson Reporter. A partnership between the Secaucus Police Department and Huber Street School is undergoing a trial period for Oakley’s bi-monthly visits meant to provide stress relief to students.
Jersey City Public School Superintendent Franklin Walker Retiring
Jersey City public school Superintendent Franklin Walker is retiring in January, per The Jersey Journal. Walker has filled the position since 2019, after decades of experience in the school district. Mayor Fulop congratulated Walker on the decision on Monday and expressed appreciation for the work he has done.
Lowe’s Home Improvement to Sponsor Bayonne Beautification Projects
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Lowe’s Home Improvement Center is sponsoring two beautification projects in Bayonne, according to Hudson Reporter. The projects are a part of the Lowe’s Heroes Project, a company volunteer project. The volunteers installed plants near the 14 A Turnpike interchange and revamped the playground and garden at the 16th Street Park.
Hoboken Awarded $876K for Road Improvements
Hoboken is receiving $876,000 from a Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Aid grant, reported Tap Into. The improvement projects will take place on Sinatra Drive. The announcement was made by the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which are awarding grant money to cities all over the state.
The 5th Annual Pizza Fest is Happening Next Week in Hoboken
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The 5th Annual Hoboken Pizza Fest is less than two weeks away, taking place on Saturday, November 13th from 1PM to 5PM. Tickets are $30 and include access to the best pizza in Hoboken. The event page says, “This year we’re bringing back the “crawl” format (think bar crawl but for PIZZA ), so round up your crew, grab your family, and get ready to take a tour around Hoboken to sample pizza from some of the best spots in town – or dare we say New Jersey?” Tickets are available now.
Bayonne Mayor Urges COVID-19 Booster Shots
Mayor James Davis urged Bayonne residents to receive their COVID-19 booster shots during a COVID-19 video update, per Hudson Reporter. As the winter months approach, the city is offering Pfizer vaccines on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Moderna vaccines on Wednesdays from 9AM to 5PM to eligible residents at the Korpi Ice Rink at Bayonne High School at 669 Avenue A. An appointment is not required.
Woman Dies After Being Struck by Federal Agent’s Car in Jersey City
Carmelina Tusa was taken off of life support and passed away this weekend after suffering major injuries in an accident last month, according to NJ.com. Tusa was walking to work when she was struck by a federal agent’s car while crossing Route 139 on Friday, October 22nd. Tusa is one of many who have lost their lives on the roadway, and an investigation is taking place. Her husband described her as kind, generous, and hard-working, and has not expressed anger at the federal agent involved in the accident.
Jersey City Preparing for 25th Annual Christmas Toy Drive
Jersey City is currently accepting toy donations for needy families this Christmas, per Tap Into. This will be the toy drive’s 25th year of serving children ages 1-12 in Jersey City. New, unopened toys will be accepted before the toys will be distributed on Friday, December 3rd. Toys can be dropped off at the donation center at the Resident Response Center in the Jersey City City Hall.
New Initiative to Cut Down Aggressive and Distracted Driving in Bayonne
The City of Bayonne and The Catch You Later Foundation are teaming up to eliminate unsafe driving in Bayonne, according to Hudson Reporter. The Foundation was created by Pam O’Donnell, whose parents were tragically killed in an automobile accident in 2016. The “City of Bayonne Traffic Enforcement Initiative Against Aggressive and Distracted Driving” will increase law enforcement and safety precautions as driving conditions continue to worsen due to road rage, cell phone use, and winter weather conditions.
Hoboken Food Pantry Founder Honored at Ceremony
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Toni Tomarazzo was recognized for her work as founder of the Hoboken Food Pantry at a ceremony on Thursday, October 28th, reported Patch. Hoboken officials honored her at the event after receiving the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award in September. The Hoboken Food Pantry has served residents since 2019 and increased its efforts when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the community.
Survey Lets Hoboken Residents Weigh In on Southwest Resiliency Park Expansion
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The second public engagement session regarding the expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park took place on Wednesday, November 3rd at 3PM. If you missed the meeting held at the Block 10 Site at 57 Marshall Street and 60 Harrison Street in Hoboken, you can fill out a survey to share your thoughts regarding the park. According to the City of Hoboken, the survey is available in English and Spanish.
North Bergen Officials Considering Community Garden
The township of North Bergen is open to the idea of a community garden proposed by resident Jina Morano, per Hudson Reporter. The area between 71st Street and Columbia Avenue is being considered for this communal and educational endeavor, where students at North Bergen Elementary would have access to the garden. Since Morano has outlined the proposition last month, city officials have responded positively.
The Feelies Band Performing in Jersey City This Weekend
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New Jersey band The Feelies are returning to perform in Jersey City. They will perform at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on Saturday, November 6th at 8PM. The band, which formed in 1976, has had music featured in several movies and has been recognized by Rolling Stone magazine and Spin Magazine.
