Another news-filled week for Hoboken and Jersey City, like always. Among the headlines — Jersey City’s South House announced its closure, legalization for marijuana in New Jersey has officially passed, a chef from a well-known ice cream spot in Jersey City was featured on Food Network’s Holiday Wars, a taco truck in Hoboken will be launching hard-to-find Birria tacos. All that and more below — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond.
Jersey City Heights Adds 5 New Outdoor Art Installations
{Pictured: Artist Michael Cooper in front of his “Together Again and Again” art installation; Photo credit: CASID}
The Central Avenue SID Management Corporation (CASID) announced five new art installations, part of their mural program, are in the works on the bustling street of Central Avenue in Jersey City Heights.
During COVID-19, Central Avenue added two new traffic box designs: “Together Again and Again” {located off of Central Avenue and Bower Street} by Artist Michael Cooper and his wife Diana, which signifies the unity between communities, and “I Am” {located off Central Avenue and Thorne Street} by Artist Brianna McMaster, which is meant to bring positive energy to those passing by.
More large murals to come include “Be Water” by artist John Guevara {which will be located on 318 Central Avenue}, “I Heart JC” by local artists Derek Tunia and Jeff Rose {which will be located on 274 Central Avenue}, and “Vivid Flora” by artists Simone Bailey Campbell and Kyle Campbell {which will be located on 475 Central}.
This will bring the total to seven art installations in 2020, which is the most in a single calendar year since the program began in 2009. If you spot any of these installations, be sure to tag Central Ave’s Instagram account.
Statewide Single-Use Paper and Plastic Bags in New Jersey Will Take Effect May 2022
On Wednesday, November 4th, Governor Phil Murphy signed new legislation banning the use of single-use plastic and paper bags in all stores and foodservice businesses in the state of New Jersey. The new order will take effect beginning May 2022.
“Plastic bags are one of the most problematic forms of garbage, leading to millions of discarded bags that stream annually into our landfills, rivers, and oceans,” said Governor Murphy in a press release. “With today’s historic bill signing, we are addressing the problem of plastic pollution head-on with solutions that will help mitigate climate change and strengthen our environment for future generations.”
It seems like Hoboken and Jersey City residents are already used to this ordinance considering the ban has been in effect since January 2019 for Hoboken and June 2019 for Jersey City. If you’re looking for a cute bag to use while shopping, check out Hoboken Girl’s shop for a JC or Hoboken tote.
&pizza Opens Near Jersey City’s Exchange Place
{Photo credit: @andpizza}
A DC-based pizzeria chain, &pizza, recently opened at 30 Montgomery Street near Exchange Place in Jersey City. &pizza offers a small menu of ready-made pizzas and a make-it-yourself option, as well as gluten-free options and a meatless option made with vegan mozzarella. You can place your order online or visit the pizza joint in person.
&pizza Jersey City is open seven days a week {from 11AM to 11PM Sundays-Thursdays and from 11AM to 12AM on Fridays and Saturdays}. The chain has plans to expand to two other Jersey locations – Edison and Union. Read more here.
7-Year-Old Jersey City Student Looking for Kidney Donor
A former student of Golden Door Charter School in Jersey City is looking for a kidney donor to help save his life. Seven-year-old Modak Vats was recently diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 – his kidneys are functioning at 6.5% – and he needs to receive dialysis three times a week. His family is searching for a kidney donor to save his life and donations to help pay for the expense that comes along with this.
His family has created a GoFundMe page where you can donate, find out more information on getting tested to see if you or someone you might know is a match, and help spread the news. Visit his fundraiser here for more info.
Hoboken City Council Approves Redesign of Bike Lanes on Washington Street
Hoboken City Council gathered this past Wednesday, November 4th, for a meeting agenda which resulted in approval for another redesign of the bike lanes on Washington Street.
The lengthy agenda stated, “the traffic engineer should consider various options on how using paint, poles, or other ‘quick build’ materials and methods, protected and separated bike lanes could be incorporated into a protected and separated bike lane design to minimize the costs of such a project as well as to minimize the length of time such a project would take to complete and to minimize the potential disruption to Washington Street traffic patterns while implementing and constructing the project and share a report with Mayor Bhalla, Mayor Bhalla’s Administration, and the City Council including the cost estimates for such a project in said report.”
Hoboken completed a redesign that just finished last year. “The Washington Street Project, including the installation of pedestrian countdown timers, curb extensions, electrical work, and more is scheduled to continue over the coming months. The project is 95% complete on Washington Street between Observer Highway and 11th Street,” said the City, via a press statement back in January 2019 before completion end of May.
The Hive Opens in Hoboken This Monday
{Photo credit: @hellofromthehive}
This Monday, new business The Hive — owned by two Hoboken moms — will be opening at 10th and Park. There will be Kobrick Coffee, a retail area featuring products from women-owned businesses, and even a play area for the little ones. Stay in the know by visiting their website found here and check out a sneak preview from a few months back here.
Hoboken Twin Sisters’ Eco-Friendly Clothing Line Worn by Actress Halle Berry
{Pictured: Halle Berry with her BFF and style director, Lindsay Flores; Photo credit: @respin}
Fashion label Curic&Curic received some amazing news this week — Halle Berry herself was spotted wearing their very own “BFF” jacket. Creators Marija and Ivana, who happen to be twin sisters, shared their excitement on the eco-friendly brand’s social media page:
“THANK YOU @halleberry and our angel @iamlindsayflores who accepted our eco-friendly hand-painted “BFF” jackets! People dream of many things but we have never thought @halleberry and @iamlindsayflores would take this iconic photo and remind us all what real friendship is! Check @respin the most amazing wellness website!”
Curic&Curic – which received Bella Magazine’s Independent Handbag Designer Award 2020 – has been part of Hoboken since 2017. The sisters now do everything from their Hoboken apartment.
Jersey City Housing Authority Announces ‘Multi-Disciplinary Approach’ to Reimagine Public Housing for Holland Garden Residents
In a November 4th press release sent by the Office of Mayor Steven Fulop in conjunction with the Jersey City Housing Authority, it was announced that a “multi-disciplinary approach” to reimagine public housing will include opportunities for affordable homeownership, financial stability, and onsite resources for the neediest residents.
The Visioning Plan began in 2019 with Holland Gardens {a family public housing site near the Holland Tunnel containing 192 public housing units} residents to “address the site’s aging infrastructure and further address residents’ needs,” but now steps will be taken further to “enhance the redevelopment vision by introducing a new affordable homeownership component and is incorporating a wide array of onsite resources, including a new library branch and a Resident Services Office.” The redevelopment would also include commercial space for a supermarket, bank, or similar commercial entity to benefit residents.
Mayor Fulop said in the release, “We want to change the antiquated approach to public housing by creating never-before-seen opportunities for our residents to achieve greater financial stability and self-sufficiency, which is especially important in these incredibly uncertain times due to the pandemic.”
Marijuana Legalized in the State of New Jersey
Legalization for marijuana has officially passed in New Jersey. Per the election results, the majority of voters decided that cannabis should be legalized for adults at least 21 years of age. The amendment will not take effect until January 1, 2021. Read more about the legalization news and what dispensaries are coming to Hoboken and Jersey City here.
Two Men Arrested in Hoboken on Halloween
Last Saturday night on Halloween, Hoboken Girl has learned that two men were arrested in Hoboken for a DWI within 23 minutes apart. First, Waleed Abdouni, 26, from Fairview, NJ, was arrested at 500 Washington Street at 11:49PM for offenses including Eluding, DWI, Reckless Driving, Wrong Way on a One Way, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Officers observed he was driving the wrong way on a one way – the vehicle was traveling westbound on 1st Street from Washington Street. After cops approached him, Abdouni proceeded to drive around them and onto the southwest corner sidewalk, striking a one-way sign. A field sobriety test was performed, and he was then placed under arrest for Eluding and Driving While Intoxicated and transported to police headquarters.
Minutes later, Timothy Bracero, 46, from Union City, was arrested at 131 Willow Avenue at 12:12AM for numerous offenses including Possession of CDS Phencyclidine, Possession of CDS Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle, and Driving on a Sidewalk. According to the Hoboken Police Department, Bracero was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility and is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hoboken Taco Truck Launching Birria Tacos
TasteBuds, a taco truck parked on 4th and Garden Street, will be launching Birria tacos {made with a savory Mexican beef stew} starting this Thursday, November 5th. We’re told they’ll have the only Birria tacos in town. The truck popped up in Hoboken last year, serving residents delicious tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. Make sure to stop by and test them out — more info coming soon!
Hoboken Historical Museum Recently Featured on News 12
While Sinatra is celebrated year-round at the Hoboken Historical Museum, there are special pop up exhibits that take place for a duration of time — and this week, the museum was featured on News 12. Currently, you can view the “Greetings from Hudson County: A Postcard History Then and Now” Exhibit that features over 700 historic postcards from all 12 cities and towns of the county.
The Historical Museum, which opened in 1986, also has engaging weekly kids art classes, book discussions, and lecture series. It’s open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and costs $5 for admission {free for children and members}. To get a glimpse of the tourist spot, check out News 12 New Jersey’s news clip that aired earlier this week.
NJ State Officials Taking More Steps to Fix MVC Long Wait Times
Something drivers in New Jersey might have all experienced during the pandemic – the dreaded line at the MVC. Waking up extremely early to wait in line. Having anxiety from making sure all documents are printed and approved. And, making sure half your day is blocked off for the Motor Vehicle Commission. Well, hopefully, this won’t be the case in the near future. Earlier this week during a news conference held by Governor Phil Murphy, state officials said they’re taking additional steps to fix driver’s license services and many of the MVC’s online services.
“In a massive series of IT projects, we dramatically expanded our online capabilities, adding dozens of new transactions and streamlining others with new payment options, longer grace periods, and new ways to verify ID,” Motor Vehicle Commissioner Chair and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton said during a news conference on Monday. “We may keep many of these changes because they make things move faster. We’ll keep transactions online, and our appointments will depend on what’s more convenient.”
Murphy said the MVC is seeing more transactions now than it did prior to the pandemic. There has been an increase in online transactions (44%) – compared to last year (21%) – and two-thirds of renewals are now taking place online, as opposed to one-third previously. Check out MVC’s online services fact sheet for more info.
Chef from Jersey City’s Cryo Cream Competes on Food Network’s ‘Holiday Wars’
{Photo credit: @cryocream}
Chef Matt Marotto of Jersey City’s Cryo Cream made an exciting announcement on his Instagram page – he was “away filming two back to back competitions” for Holiday Wars. The first episode premiered November 1st.
Holiday Wars airs Sundays at 8/7c on Food Network. The show is hosted by actress Raven Symoné and features cake and sugar artists competing against each other to create “mind-blowing, holiday-themed creations.” In the end, one team will be awarded $25,000.
Cyro Cream, located at 413 Monmouth Street in Jersey City, is known for its one-of-a-kind ice creams that are made in front of you with liquid nitrogen. The shop is open for pick up and delivery. Find more info on their website here.
New Urgent Care Center in Jersey City Offers Rapid Covid Test
A new, state-of-the-art medical facility, Urgent Medical Care & MRI, has opened at 3548 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City in front of St. Anne’s Church offering the Rapid PCR Covid Test “While You Wait.” Walk-ins are welcome or you can schedule an appointment on the center’s website.
Verizon Provides 5 Businesses in Hoboken with 5G Technology
Verizon announced earlier this week that it is providing five businesses in Hoboken with 5G technology as part of their “5G Impact Challenge,” in partnership with TechUnited: New Jersey. Verizon officials said the companies selected for the 5G Impact Challenge will receive Inseego MiFi M2100 5G hotspots and Samsung Galaxy S10 5G smartphones, as well as a small business solutions package customized to their needs. Businesses participating in the challenge include Elysian Cafe, SOHO Flower & Garden, Joey No Nuts, and Corporate Realty.
Jersey City’s South House Restaurant Announces Its Temporary Closure; Updates on Management + Ownership
{Photo credit: @southhousejc}
In a letter to their customers, South House announced its closure after five years in business. Founder and CEO David Hohensee wrote, “Myself, and my founding right-hand team of rock star sisters, have decided to step away from the daily grind and close South House doors until a new management team is selected to carry the torch…Reaching this moment has certainly been a long, successfully traveled road. It marks the end of an era for SOUTH HOUSE, and it turns the page to a new beginning for our future hospitality ventures.”
The southern-style bar and restaurant is located in the heart of the Pedestrian Plaza of Downtown Jersey City. We’ll share more updates about what is to come there as we know more.
First Batch of Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzer with 902 Brewing Co. Almost Sold Out in Stores Around New Jersey
The Hoboken Girl team announced a collaboration with 902 Brewing Co. about a month ago — our very own Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzers. Our first flavor, Blood Orange, is almost sold out of its limited-edition quantities — in time for the fall season, with everything created and produced locally in Jersey City and Hoboken. The second flavor will most likely debut in a month or two in time for the holiday season. Read more about the 100% local collaboration here, and click here to see where you can find it in New Jersey to purchase.
Jersey City Voters Approve New Tax to Support Arts and Artists
Approximately 64 percent of Jersey City voters in this year’s election were in favor of the new tax to support local arts and artists. The arts and culture trust fund {which will come from a new tax on property owners, of up to two cents per $100 of assessed value per year} is expected to generate between $1 million and $2 million a year. The arts community will be represented by a member put forth by the Jersey City Arts Council.
“As the first in New Jersey to implement a sustainable funding model to support our growing arts community, we fully expect to serve as an example for others around the state,” Mayor Steven Fulop told Artnet News. “After years of lobbying state legislators for this, it’s very exciting that the voters overwhelmingly support funding for the arts, which will have greater impacts on the overall community—from attracting new businesses to boosting property values, to expanding educational opportunities, and everything in between.”
Mint Market to Host Weekly Thrift Store Pop Up in Hoboken
{Photo credit: @mintmarket}
Vintage and Contemporary Outlet Mint Market will host a weekly pop up in Hoboken, which will be located next door to its shop at 303 1st Street. The pop-up started November 7th and it will continue each Saturday from 12 to 4PM. There will be great deals on clothing, shoes, and furniture.
Property Group Purchases 9-Building Apartment Portfolio for $21.5 Million
{Photo credit: Camber Property Group}
In a press release from November 2nd, Manhattan-based firm Camber Property Group announced the purchase of the nine-building Salem Lafayette Apartment portfolio for $21.5 million. “The 74-unit, 100 percent project-based Section 8 portfolio includes 21, 25, 27, 31 and 33 Monticello Avenue; 4 and 8 Madison Avenue; and 834 and 838 Grand Street,” per the release, and “consists of 36 one-bedroom apartments, 23 two-bedroom apartments, 4 three-bedroom apartments, 8 four-bedroom apartments and 3 five-bedroom apartments.”
The Property Group will “preserve and extend the portfolio’s affordability for an additional 20 years and implement a comprehensive capital improvement plan for the properties.” More info on Camber can be found on their website.
Nominate Your Favorite Local Businesses for “Best of Hoboken and Jersey City 2020” Before November 11th
Now through November 11th, you can nominate any business or person you’d like for all categories or just a specific one. The official polls displaying the top 3 picks per category will be live in mid-November — where you can vote again for the final winner to take home the title. After that, we’ll announce the winners in each category in early December. Nominate your favorites here and check out last year’s winners here.
Jersey City Public Schools Face Estimated $300 Million Budget Deficit for 2021-2022 School Year
Superintendent Franklin Walker announced Thursday night that the Jersey City Public School District faces an estimated $300 million budget deficit for the 2021-2022 school year. Walker said that the district will need approximately $150 million from the city payroll tax to cover cumulative cuts in state education funding.
“These are very early high-level figures that I want to bring you to speed,” Walker said during the Board of Education meeting. “Judging from past experiences where the (state aid) cuts have dramatically changed every year, the $150 million figure can go higher than that.”
Purchase Your Tickets for Friends of the Hoboken Family Planning Clinic’s Virtual Wine Tasting
Friends of the Hoboken Family Planning Clinic (FHFPC) will be hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on December 10th at 7PM via Zoom to raise funds for the clinic that raises awareness and financial support for Hoboken Family Planning {a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare for uninsured and low-income women in Hudson County}.
For this year’s 8th Annual Fundraiser, the FHFPC teamed up with expert sommelier Anthony Giglio who will be hosting the event. It will also feature a tasting plate provided by local Chef Anthony Pino of Bin14 and Anthony David’s. The Silent Auction {featuring a variety of items donated by local Hoboken businesses} is live now and will remain open for bids until December 11th at 11PM. Tickets can be purchased here.
Local Hoboken Cookie Co ‘Brinkles Sprinkles Cookies’ Launches Nationwide Shipping
{Photo credit: @thebrinklessprinkles}
Brinkles Sprinkles gourmet cookie company officially launched during the quarantine, and head Baker and Founder, Brinkley Field, shared with Hoboken Girl that it was “a way to bring smiles to my friends and family’s faces during such an uncertain time in everyone’s lives!”
With much more time at home, she found herself baking cookies for her family, friends and neighbors, and dropping off cookie care packages to brighten their day. Field added, “Brinkles Sprinkles was born to do exactly that—make people happy and satisfy a sweet tooth.”
Field, who cooks from her home in Jersey City, makes each cookie from scratch and individually packages the cookies, ensuring us that they’re “COVID friendly” and “stay fresher longer.”
Vegan and gluten-free options are available and so is nationwide shipping — and there is also a seasonal cookie that rotates each month. This month, the seasonal cookie is Snickerdoodle. Visit Brinkles Sprinkles Instagram account for more info.
