A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: COVID-19 transmission rates in New Jersey have dropped, the founder and artistic director of the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken is stepping down, selling baked goods from home is now legal in New Jersey, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Fall Fest at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is Back
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Halloween is in full swing at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. The @libertysciencecenter account shared, “FALL FEST has arrived at Liberty Science Center! 🎃👻🕷 Pick out a pumpkin in NJ’s largest indoor Pumpkin Patch. Make your way through the Spider Maze (our version of a corn maze!). Encounter cockroaches, tarantulas, scorpions and more at the Creepy Crawler Corner. Experience one of our new, Halloween-themed shows in the planetarium!” The Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City and is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10AM to 5PM.
Cooked Dispensary to Host Cannabis Expungement Clinic in Jersey City
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On Saturday, October 23rd, Cooked Dispensary will host a free cannabis expungement clinic at the Jersey City Hall Annex located at 4 Jackson Square in Jersey City. Hudson Pride Center is co-hosting and shared more details via Instagram. “If you or someone you know has non-violent cannabis charges or questions about their cannabis charges, there will be lawyers on site to help assist in clearing your record. FREE legal expungements, education, document prep, and wrap around services will be provided for New Jersey residents!! Walk-ins are welcomed, no appointments are required. Although we cannot undo the harm the War on Drugs has caused, this is a step toward restoration for our communities! Join us for expungements, food, beverages, and music.”
Guyanese Caribbean Restaurant Opens in Jersey City
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A new Caribbean restaurant, Tradewinds II, has opened at 580 Montgomery Street in Jersey City. The menu features fresh natural juices and authentic Guyanese cuisine including jerk chicken, shrimp, and fish. Tradewinds II started as a successful food truck and the team has spent the last year prepping the Montgomery Street location for business.
Eater New York Features Fiore’s Deli in Hoboken
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The foodie publication Eater New York included Fiore’s House of Quality in a recent article entitled, “15 Restaurants to Seek Out in Hoboken.” The @fioreshouseofquality account shared the news via Instagram saying, “Thank you for putting us on the list @eater_ny !!!” The deli is located at 414 Adams Street in Hoboken.
Best-Ranked Taqueria in Jersey City Opens New Location
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Ranked as the best taco shop in New Jersey, Taqueria Mi Mariachi has opened a second Jersey City location at 6 Jordan Avenue in the McGinley Square neighborhood. The McGinley Square Special Improvement District account shared the news via Instagram. “Taqueria Mi Mariachi#2 is our New Mexican Restaurant! This a great opportunity to try tacos, burritos you choose! Free Delivery!”
Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre Founder Stepping Down
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After 19 years as the Artistic Director at the Mile Square Theatre, founder Chris O’Connor is stepping down to pursue his academic career, according to NJ.com. O’Connor has held a position at Molloy College in Rockville Center, New York since 2003 and was recently granted tenure. As of January 2022, O’Connor will turn all his attention to his work as the chair of the theatre department at Molloy College.
Alessio’s Cafe Opening Italian Store in Hoboken
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Italian restaurant Alessio’s Cafe, located at 539 Park Avenue in Hoboken, is opening an online store where you can order products to make your own authentic Italian meals. The new store called Casa Italia will ship nationwide, sharing the good news in an Instagram post saying, “Ciao! We are happy to announce we are creating a new platform where you can buy original and delicious food from Italy. Let’s get it started!” Follow along for updates.
Pitness In the Park Event to Take Place on October 16th
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Pitness In The Park is hosting its next event in Hamilton Park on Saturday, October 16th from 11AM to 2PM. All dogs, regardless of breed, are welcome as long as they are friendly and on a non-retractable leash. The event aims to spread positive PitBull power while raising local awareness for the loyal, loving breed. All proceeds go to Jersey Pits Rescue.
Our 7th Annual Fall Photo Contest Continues on Instagram
To commemorate the season’s beauty and living locally, Hoboken Girl readers are invited to join Hoboken Girl’s 7th Annual Fall Instagram PhotoContest, #FallinLovewithHoboken. This is your month to enter and win amazing prizes from 12 local businesses by posting your favorite things about Hoboken and Jersey City in the fall on Instagram. Click here to read all about our fall photo contest, how to enter, and some past inspo to #FallinLoveWithHoboken.
Hoboken Entrepreneur Takes Side Hustle Full-Time
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Local entrepreneur Rachel of Hometown Hello announced this week she is taking her side hustle full-time. For a number of years, she has sold candles, coasters, signs, and other customized items in local shops in Hoboken. She shared via Instagram, “After working for 9 years at the same company, in the same department, I decided it was time to take a leap and do something a little crazy and outside of my comfort zone. Friday was my last day at my corporate job and I am officially pursuing Hometown Hello full time!! This is something I’ve daydreamed about for years and I don’t even think it’s fully hit me yet! Leaving a steady job and paycheck was a scary decision and I have felt every emotion over the last two weeks, but I know this is what I want to do.
I’m excited to design my workdays, create new products, fill more orders, and ultimately grow my business. Thank you for your support, encouragement, kind words, and trust over the years in making your customer purchases and gifts for loved ones…you played a part in making this day happen 🙂 so with that.. Happy Monday!! I guess I should get to work!”
Hosiery and Things Reopens with Ribbon Cutting
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Founded in 1985, Hosiery & Things held a grand reopening event on Sunday, October 2nd, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The @jerseycitynj account shared via Instagram, “Established in 1985 by owner Pat Sebron, “Hosiery & Things” was born out of a lack of similar stores in the area. Mrs. Sebron is often referred to as “The Stocking Lady” and has established a reputation in the community for providing quality products and outstanding service. From lady’s legwear; hosiery, tights, and socks to beautiful jewelry, a large array of casual and dress scarves, and gorgeous pocketbooks — patrons discover it all at fantastic prices. Hosiery & Things is a warm and friendly environment that has always remained committed to its community and its customers.” The shop is located at 503 Martin Luther King Drive in Bergen-Lafayette.
Vintage Around the Park is Happening October 10
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The Vintage Around the Park event is happening today, Sunday, October 10th from 10AM to 5PM in Shipyard Park. The Hoboken Historical Museum announced the event via Instagram. “Clear your calendar this Sunday, October 10th, for “Vintage Around the Park,” from 10AM to 5PM in Shipyard Park. Shop for Halloween and other holiday parties and gifts among 25 taste-maker local vendors with carefully curated retro and hand-embellished fashions, furnishings, and accessories. Like shopping Etsy, but IRL, with coffee and donuts, too! (Rain date October 16th) Visit HobokenMuseum.org for details, or follow @vintagearoundnj on Instagram.”
Is Jersey City’s Longstanding Moloney’s Meat Market Closing?
Moloney’s Meat Market, the oldest butcher shop in Hudson County, located at 627 Newark Avenue is a true staple in the community. Since being built in 1875, generations of locals have stopped into the market for fresh, high-quality poultry and meat products. The family-owned and operated Irish market has been operated by Tom Moloney for decades. Hoboken Girl readers have shared their concerns that Moloney’s may have closed or will be – click here to read what we know.
Hoboken Bridal Shop Moves to New Location on Washington Street
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Ally’s Bridal has moved from its Park Avenue location to a new space at 636 Washington Street, according to an Instagram post. Ally’s Bridal has been a popular Hoboken business for some time, well-known for its beautiful selection of dresses and expert alterations.
New Jersey COVID-19 Transmission Rate Has Dropped
On Tuesday, New Jersey reported another 1,255 cases of COVID-19 and 37 deaths, per NJ.com. Fortunately, these numbers have indicated a lower daily case average and rate of transmission. As the colder months approach, it is expected that cases will rise.
New Jersey Commuters to Pay Increased Toll Into New York
The ongoing “border war” concerning New York City’s most congested areas is about to get even more heated as city officials plan additional toll hikes, reported NJ 101.5. This will apply to the central business district. If the toll includes New Jersey commuters, they could pay up to $175 extra per week. Funds from the tolls will go towards New York City’s $1 billion transit improvement plan.
Community Meeting Held to Discuss Development Projects Near Route 440
The mostly commercialized Route 440 corridor continues to be the site of multiple residential and community construction projects, according to Jersey Digs. Route 440 Developers, LLC held a community meeting on Wednesday, October 6th to discuss their plans. Many new buildings have been built since 2017, and proposed projects include an eight-story development where a diner used to be and a two-building complex on the site of a Carbon Place scrap metal yard.
Selling Baked Goods from Home Now Legal in New Jersey
On Monday, October 4th the State Department of Health officially permitted home bakers to run “cottage food” businesses from their homes. New Jersey is the last state in the nation to allow this kind of business, out of concern for health and safety. Freedom for home bakers came as a result of the New Jersey Home Bakers Association and the Institute for Justice challenging these restrictions in court. Permits will now be available for $100 on a bi-annual basis. Click here to read more about what this means for home bakers.
Solar Energy Firm Soltage Expands Jersey City Office
Soltage LLC has signed a lease for a larger space in Jersey City, per ROI-NJ. The solar energy firm acquired 9,065 square feet of the 51,307-square-foot office building located at 333 Washington Street. David DeMatteis and Mina Shehata, who represented the tenant in the transaction, expressed their excitement to see companies making long-term commitments in Jersey City. Soltage aims to increase access to reliable, clean energy and foster local job creation across the nation.
City of Hoboken Celebrates Local Green Businesses
Mayor Bhalla recognized over 30 businesses on Saturday for their efforts to promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, according to a press release. At the 10th Annual Hoboken Green Fair, Mayor Bhalla said, “Now more than ever, as Hoboken faces increasing frequency and severity of weather events caused in part by climate change, it is important that businesses integrate sustainable and environmental best practices… These businesses lead by example and are doing their part to fight climate change each and every day. I thank the owners of these establishments for being conscientious entrepreneurs.” You can find a list of the businesses recognized here.
Candidates Debate for Position of NJ Lieutenant Governor
Incumbent Sheila Oliver and Republican opponent Diane Allen participated in the debate for lieutenant governor on Wednesday, October 6th, per New Jersey Globe. The debate took place at Rider University and was rebroadcast on Saturday, October 9th on Talk Radio 77 WABC at 4 PM.
New Garden State Electric Transmission Projects to Accelerate Renewables
New Jersey continues to spearhead the carbon-free effort with new wind farms to connect to the regional grid, reported E&E News. Observers expect that other states will adopt this renewable option, with a projection of 7,500 megawatts of wind resources built off the Jersey Shore alone by 2035. The arrangement is expected to provide the resources necessary to keep up with the state’s needs and contribute to President Biden’s decarbonization goals.
Propelify Covers Pertinent Worldwide Topics at Hoboken Festival
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Propelify Innovation Festival took place in Hoboken on Wednesday, October 6th at Maxwell Place Park and online, according to Propelify. There, experts including Al Roker, Bradley Tusk, Alex Manshinsky, and Jamie Rogozinsky spoke about Crypto and COVID-19, technology, and more. All in-person attendees were required to be vaccinated.
CarePoint Health to Operate as Nonprofit
CarePoint Health is making the transition to a “community-based, nonprofit” organization across its three locations, per Patch. This “will open up a wide array of opportunities to support patients from Hudson County’s underserved communities,” according to its leaders. This includes many uninsured patients.
Workers Aged 70+ Now Protected by New Anti-Discrimination Law
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law on Tuesday protecting workers from age discrimination, reported NJ.com. This undermined previous loopholes that allowed for older workers to be forced out of their job because of their age. Murphy expressed the importance of “correcting these injustices” and enforcing fairness in the workplace.
Vaccination Mandate Still ‘On the Table’ for New Jersey Students
Following California’s recent mandate requiring school children to be vaccinated, Gov. Phil Murphy expressed doubt about implementing the same in New Jersey, although still possible, according to NJ.com. He expressed confidence in the current system in schools, which requires students and staff to wear masks and requires teachers to be vaccinated or tested regularly this fall.
FEMA Representatives Provide Aid at Union City High School
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After Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc throughout the community, residents reported cracked floors, water-seeped walls, broken sewage pipes, and lost items, according to Hudson County View. About 75 people in need came to Union City High School, where FEMA representatives provided assistance. Those who applied online now await an appointment with an inspector to access property damage.
Hoboken Schools Among Lowest Death Rates and Highest Vaccination Rates in Country
Among the many tragic deaths from COVID-19 in America, New Jersey sits at the seventh-lowest deaths per capita, per Patch. Testing and vaccination enforcement in the Hoboken school district has “among the strictest” requirements. Gov. Phil Murphy has been encouraging vaccination, especially within schools, which now adds up to over 90 percent of school staff and adults in Hoboken.
Annual Hoboken Turkey Trot Announced for 11/20
The Annual Hoboken Turkey Trot 5K has been announced for Saturday, November 20th at Pier A Park. The 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 9AM followed by the 5K at 9:30AM. Those interested in participating in the waterfront run can register here.
