These cloudy and cool weekends make an excellent backdrop for the spooky decorations we’ve seen popping up around town. It’s been another week full of headlines in Hudson County and we’ve got you covered with all of the local news from the past week. Among the highlights: the Jersey City Whole Foods gets an opening date; Hoboken Public Library celebrates its renovation; and Art Fair 14C kicks off. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending October 15th, 2023.
Hoboken Business Alliance to Receive Award
View this post on Instagram
Via a press release, the Hoboken Business Alliance announced that The “Through the Windows” Art Walk Hoboken has been recognized by Downtown New Jersey as one of this year’s best downtown programs in the state. The annual event, presented by the Hoboken Business Alliance and produced by the Main Street Pops, will be receiving the “Tools of the Trade” Award. During “Through the Windows” this spring, over 75 local artists had their works displayed in the front windows of 100 Hoboken small businesses. This six-week event was an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience public art while celebrating Hoboken as a cultural, retail, and dining destination. The local artists who participated ranged from established to up-and-coming, and this year’s Art Walk included an Emerging Artist track for local youth.
Hudson Pride Turns 30
Via a press release, the Hudson Pride Center announced its 30th Anniversary celebration. Tickets are available now for the party, which will be on October 20th at 8PM at Six26, located at 128 Christopher Columbus Drive in Jersey City. The Hudson Pride Center a is 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization committed to supporting the local LGBTQIA population.
Newport Vision Center in Jersey City
^ Dr. Nida Sherwani of Newport Vision Center. Photo credit Dr. Sherwani
With the closure of Eyeshapes in Hoboken, many Hudson County residents will need a new eye care center. Eyeshape’s Dr. Kansky has personally recommended Dr. Nida Sherwani of the Newport Vision Center to take over his patients’ care after his retirement. The Newport Vision Center is located at 123 River Drive South, in Jersey City. Dr. Sherwani said, “We’re not just about routine eye exams and stylish eyewear; we’re all about your unique individual vision needs.”
Hoboken Harvest Festival + Artisan Craft Market
Fun for all at the Hoboken Harvest Festival + Craft Market will include a hay maze. Photo credit: City of Hoboken
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the Hoboken Business Alliance invite residents to the Hoboken Harvest Festival + Artisan Craft Market on October 21st at Pier A Park. Via a press release, the family-friendly festival will take place from 11AM to 3PM. and will include an array of free activities specially tailored for Hoboken’s youth such as a trackless train, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay maze, and more. The artisan craft fair and market will take place along the waterfront walkway from First Street to Fourth Street from 11AM to 6PM Local artisans and crafters will display and sell their work including one-of-a-kind paintings, art prints, handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and more.
Group Show Coming to Jersey City Gallery as Part of Art Fair 14C
Art Fair 14C announced, via a press release, I Would Prefer Not To… a group show opening at the Art150 gallery located at 157A First Street, 2nd Floor, Jersey City on October 13th, 2023, from 6PM to 9PM, during the 34th Annual Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) curated by Kele McComsey, Director of Mana Contemporary. Art Fair 14C works annually to increase opportunities for artists, expand public access to fine art, strengthen careers in the visual arts and activate under-recognized arts areas. Participating Artists: Kristian Battell, Kirkland Bray, Mary Jean Canziani, Sandra Cavanagh, Nora Chavooshian, Gabriella D’Italia, Nicholas D’Ornellas, Jesse Egner, Pauline Galiana, Ann Giordano, Kendall Henderson, Marshall LaCount, Carolyn Lambert, M P Landis, Osy Milian, Deborah Pohl, Margaret Roleke, Regina Ruff, Sajal Sarker, Fabricio Suarez, Hui Tian, Abhishek Tuiwala, and Renelle White Buffalo.
Twin Hoboken Scholars Recognized
Two Hoboken High School students who happen to be twins have both been recognized for their academic achievements by their acceptance into the 2024 class of the Governor’s STEM Scholars. According to TapInto, Morgan and Madison Walia-Peters, juniors at Hoboken High School, were both accepted into the program, which offers networking, research, and other academic and professional resources for high-achieving students. The two are the first HHS students to be accepted into the program.
Art Fair 14C Opens in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
The 5th Edition of Art Fair 14C will be held October 12th to 15th at the historic CRRNJ Terminal Building, located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive in Liberty State Park. According to a press release, hundreds of regional and international artists are slated to participate in Art Fair 14C through more than 80 exhibition spaces for galleries, organizations, and artists. In addition, 33 esteemed New Jersey artists were selected by a panel of judges for The Showcase.
Hate Crime in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
According to a social media post, Hoboken restaurant Uncle Milton’s Cafe, located at 1119 Jefferson Street, was vandalized over the weekend. Owner Milton Reyes said that the gay pride flag hanging outside the restaurant was cut up. He reported the crime to the Hoboken Police and later shared a post with a new flag, thanking neighbors for their support and the HPD.
Work Beginning on Jersey City Waterfront Towers
Work will begin soon on two new towers on the Jersey City waterfront. The buildings, located at 50 and 55 Hudson Street, will add nearly 2,000 housing units and several thousand feet worth of retail space to the waterfront, according to Jersey Digs. A new pedestrian plaza on the ground floor of both towers will also be a part of the project.
Mysterious Brazilian Coffee Signage Emerges in Hoboken — Then Disappears
Never a dull moment in the Mile Square — several savvy readers sent photos of a new sign propped up at 606 Willow Avenue in Hoboken, a former hair salon space. It stated that a new Brazilian coffee shop was allegedly coming to town. But mysteriously, within 48 hours, the sign came down. Here’s what we know (read: not much, but the mystery has us intrigued).
Jersey City Criticizes State Plan to Widen the Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s plans to widen the highway in between Jersey City and Bayonne have drawn criticism from Jersey City’s leaders. Per NJ.com, the plan would see the roadway widened beginning at exit 14 and ending at the Holland Tunnel, and adding a new bridge between Newark and Bayonne. Jersey City officials criticized a recently released Environmental Impact Statement about the project, saying that the projected impact on Jersey City had been grossly underestimated in terms of traffic, pollution, and construction.
NJDEP Open House at Liberty State Park
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house on Wednesday, October 18th at Liberty State Park to celebrate the the beginning of the first phase of revitalization efforts and seek public feedback for future efforts. The groundbreaking will be from 4:30PM to 6PM with the public feedback session beginning at 6PM. The event will take place at the CRRNJ Terminal, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City.
Hudson Pride Paints Rainbow Sidewalks in Jersey City
According to a press release, Hudson Pride Center painted two rainbow crosswalks in front of its office at 3000 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. The organization said, ” With the mission in our hearts + minds to celebrate our queerness and foster a sense of belonging + pride for our LGBTQ+ community members. We continue to increase visibility, promote awareness, and understanding for all of us! These crosswalks are a visible sign to let you know you are SEEN, you BELONG, and you MATTER.”
A$AP ROCKY + Rihanna Take Over Jersey City’s RPM Raceway
View this post on Instagram
RPM Raceway, located at 99 Caven Point Road in Jersey City, was the site of a star-studded birthday bash last week. According to a press release, musical artists A$AP Rocky and Rihanna took over the facility to celebrate A$AP Rocky’s 35th birthday. RPM venues provide world-class, multi-level racing tracks perfect for fueling competitive socializing and creating unforgettable memories for all. Guests are in for an adrenaline rush on the meticulously designed, LED-lit racing tracks featuring lighting-fast straightaways, 90-degree hairpin turns, sudden dips, drops, underpasses, and spiraling ramps.
Aussie Sandwich Shop Inspired by Hoboken’s Own Fiore’s
View this post on Instagram
One Hoboken sandwich is so popular, it can be found on the other side of the world. According to Patch, an Australian restaurant in Melbourne called Pretty Boy Floyd’s has been serving up an Italian Roast Beef sandwich inspired by iconic Hoboken spot Fiore’s. The sandwich even comes with gravy to dip the sandwich in.
Pershing Rink in Jersey City Still Closed
Pershing Rink in Jersey City is still closed, despite months of closure and the city’s commitment of over $1 million for repairs. According to the Jersey City Times, the 30-year-old rink closed in January 2023 and was anticipated to reopen in November. But, the repairs are estimated to cost $5 million, leaving the City scrambling for funds. Youth and adult hockey leagues have had to find a new rink for the second season in a row.
Hudson County Hospitals Mask Up Ahead of COVID Spike
Per NJ.com, the rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted some Hudson County hospitals to reinstate mask mandates for patients, visitors, and medical providers. Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, and all RWJBarnabas Health system hospitals statewide have also returned to masking. CarePoint Health System’s hospitals, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, Hoboken University Medical Center, and Bayonne Medical Center, are mask-optional.
Candlelit Vigil in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
A candlelit vigil was held in Hoboken on Tuesday, October 10th to support Israel after weekend terrorist attacks, according to NJ.com. Hundreds attended the ceremony, which featured remarks by Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Rabbi Moshe Shapiro, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The vigil took place at Pier A Park.
New Operator for Long-Vacant Secaucus Hotel
The owners of the Empire Meadowlands Hotel, located at 2 Harmon Plaza near Meadowlands Parkway, have announced a deal with a new operator that will revitalize and reopen the property, according to NJ.com. The building opened as the Meadowlands Hilton in Secaucus in 1978 and was later operated as a Crowne Plaza hotel. It is unknown when the 14-story building will reopen.
Missing Hoboken Dog Returns Home
View this post on Instagram
Obi, a four-month-old bichon/poodle puppy, went missing from his Hoboken family last weekend. But, according to Patch, he’s back home safe and sound after a two-day adventure. Obi was found and brought to a vet, where his microchip was scanned, allowing the vet to get in touch with Obi’s family.
Jersey City Whole Foods Announces Opening Date, Giveaways
Big news for Jersey City residents looking forward to Whole Foods’ opening. This week the store announced a November 9th opening date. And, according to Patch, the first 300 shoppers will receive a tote bag full of coupons. Read more about the latest developments with Whole Foods in our story here.
New Jersey is the #1 Safest State
A study using the FBI’s crime data has ranked New Jersey the safest state in the country. According to Jersey Digs, the study was conducted by Innerbody, a health research company, and looked at data reporting ‘crimes against persons’ which includes assault, homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, and sex offenses. The study credited New Jersey’s strict gun control laws and the state’s efforts to reform policing, including Attorney General Mathew J. Platkin’s “Excellence in Policing” initiative.
Cafe Tabarka Signage Up in Jersey City
In other coffee-related news, eagle-eyed Jersey City residents noticed signage up for a new cafe located at 18 Erie Street. According to a Reddit post, Cafe Tabarka could be linked to Cafe Dolma, another Jersey City eatery. HG has reached out to Cafe Dolma’s team for more information. Tabarka means strength in Somali, so we hope this is a sign of excellent brews to come.
Hoboken Public Library Celebrates Historic Restoration with Library Festival + Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
New children’s seating area at the Hoboken Library. Photo credit: Clark Caton Hintz
The Hoboken Public Library announced via a press release the 3rd Floor Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and 10th Annual Library Festival. The event is set to take place on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 from 11AM to 3PM at the library and marks the culmination of a $7 million historic restoration and HVAC improvement project. The project, with support from the New Jersey Historic Trust, showcases the library’s unwavering commitment to serving the community by offering newly renovated and welcoming spaces that preserve the library’s rich history while embracing the needs of today’s readers and learners.
Jersey City Proposes a Nearly $4 Million Commitment to Mental Health Resources
According to NJ.com, a new addition to Jersey City’s budget would see nearly $4 million allocated to a mental health crisis response effort. The effort comes in response to criticism after the August 2023 death of resident Andrew Washington who was shot by police responding to his mental health crisis. The program would set up a partnership between Jersey City Medical Center and the City’s 911 call center to provide more tailored responses to mental health crisis calls.
Hoboken Tenants Prevail in Rent Control Hearing
Tenants of the Avalon Bay building in Hoboken have prevailed a hearing in front of the Hoboken Rent Leveling Board. Per Patch, the tenants argued successfully that the building was subject to rent control laws, which would negate the recent rent increases that have been as high as 30%. The Board agreed with the tenants. Avalon Bay may appeal the decision, and there is a related lawsuit ongoing between Avalon Bay and the City of Hoboken on behalf of tenants.
Jersey City Free Public Library is Now a Book Sanctuary
Via a press release, Jersey City Public Library Director Terry B. Hill, with the support of Mayor Steven Fulop and Council President Joyce Watterman, has declared the Jersey City Free Public Library a Book Sanctuary. With this designation, the Jersey City library joins with over 3,000 Book Sanctuaries across the United States in response to the growing number of challenges to books in libraries. As a Book Sanctuary, the Jersey City Free Public Library commits to collecting and protecting endangered books, making books broadly accessible, hosting book talks and events, sparking conversations about diverse characters and stories, and educating others on the history of book banning and burning.
Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre Opens 20th Season
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre, located at 1400 Clinton Street, will open its 20th Season with Funny Like an Abortion, according to NJ.com. The play tackles abortion in a post-Roe world, where the main character navigates her choices. It is a political comedy about the power of friendship.
Leah Guy Returns to Hudson County
View this post on Instagram
Therapist and author Leah Guy has announced a new space in Jersey City. In an email to subscribers, she shared that she is returning to Jersey City and taking new clients. For more information, visit her website.
