Even though Hudson County is decked out in its autumn best, including Halloween decorations, it’s hard to get outside and enjoy when it’s yet another rainy weekend. 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: Liberty Humane Society will close; the Hoboken Fire Department swears in nine new members; and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will open a store in Jersey City. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending October 22nd, 2023.
Liberty Humane Society to Close; Volunteers + Adopters Needed
During the summer, the Liberty Humane Society asked residents and advocates for help after facing an overcrowing of pets in the shelter. With success, LHS was able to find homes for these dogs through either fostering or adopting. Now, months later, Liberty Humane Society is faced with a difficult situation again. The City of Jersey City has terminated its long-standing agreement with LHS. Read on to learn more about what this means for Liberty Humane Society and how to help the organization.
Boomerang Bites Has Soft Opened in Hoboken
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Boomerang Bites, a Jersey City bakery specializing in Australian recipes, has been in Hoboken for quite some time — with its pastries sold out of local coffee shops like bwè kafe. Now, the sweet shop is becoming a full-time Hoboken resident, moving from its Jersey City Heights location to take over the Madison Pizza Lab space at 152 Newark Street. At this time, it’s unclear when Madison Pizza Lab has officially closed its doors, according to sources close to the pizzeria. Boomerang Bites is now in its soft opening stages as of Monday, October 16th — and is doing so with a larger selection of Aussie bakery products. Read on for what we know about Madison Pizza Lab’s Closure and Boomerang Bites’ arrival at 152 Newark Street in Hoboken.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop Coming to Downtown Jersey City
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The ice cream scene in Downtown Jersey City is getting a serious addition with the arrival of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop at 347 Grove Street. The well-known ice cream shop is taking over the empty spot which was once home to the Borinquen Laundromat. This will be the popular ice cream chain’s second New Jersey location, with the first being in the American Dream Mall in Rutherford. Continue reading for more details about Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop coming to Downtown Jersey City.
New Bar ‘The Waiting Room’ Takes Over Former Bobbleheads Location
This year, Hoboken has welcomed over a dozen new beauty businesses, but there are two Hoboken bars undergoing their own makeovers. First, HG shared with readers the new vibe at 80 River Street, which is now a vintage-style garage bar. Now, HG can share news about the bar formerly known as Bobbleheads, located at 72 Hudson Street. The bar will now be called The Waiting Room and hosted its soft opening this past weekend. Read on to learn more about the revamped downtown spot in Hoboken, NJ.
Jersey City Collision Kills 3, Injures 3
An early morning two-car crash in Jersey City on Monday, October 16th claimed the lives of three and left three hospitalized, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. The accident took place on Patterson Plank Road south of Congress Street, a stretch of roadway that is known for being dangerous. According to NJ.com, eight people over the past seven years have been killed on that road.
Hoboken Fire Department Swears in 9 New Members
^ Family, friends, + local officials celebrated the newest members of the Hoboken Fire Department during a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on October 16th. Photo credit: Jerry Lore
The Hoboken Fire Department swore in nine new firefighters this week at a ceremony at City Hall attended by Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Fire Chief Anton Peskens, according to a press release from the City. Vincent Libretti, Thomas Pettit, Rafael Flores, James Davis, Nicole Barron, Chris Picinic, Kaylee Olivieri, and Joseph Rossano joined the department after graduating from the Bergen County Fire Academy last week. Zachary Bascio comes to the Hoboken Fire Department from the Meadowlands Fire Department.
Jersey City Walks Back Plans for Mental Health Crisis Response Program
Jersey City has pulled plans for a $4.2 million investment in a mental health crisis response program. According to NJ.com, the plan was pulled to give city officials more time to coordinate with leaders from Jersey City Medical Center, which would staff the response program. The proposal has already been approved in theory but the City has had trouble finding the right partners.
Hoboken Business Alliance Calls on Council to Halt Ban on Parklets + Streateries
Via a press release, the Hoboken Business Alliance shared its concerns with Hoboken City Council about recently introduced legislation that would prohibit dining establishments across the city from installing new “parklets” to expand options for their customers. The HBA pointed out that Parklets generate meaningful additional income and employment that was crucial to saving businesses during the pandemic and continue to do so now as significant economic turbulence and rising costs continue to necessitate creative solutions. The structures themselves provide stability for scheduling customers and employees that StrEATeries do not always offer, and many businesses do not have the capacity to store removable setups when not in use. At the same time, the HBA encouraged the Council to work with businesses on rat abatement efforts.
Jersey City High School Seniors Teach Coding to Kids
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According to the Jersey City Times, two seniors at Jersey City’s McNair High School have founded a program to teach coding, robotics, and other STEM subjects to underprivileged children in the Greenville neighborhood. Games and Robotics Academy for Minorities (GRAM) was co-founded by Yuga Patel and Saleema Diallo, who are seniors at McNair High School. The two founded the organization with the goal of offering free STEM instruction to students to help increase their test scores in math.
Hoboken Home Shines in Architectural Digest Feature
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One Hoboken home has the spotlight this week after a feature in Architectural Digest. Seth and Kristina Brookman’s brownstone renovation was featured in the magazine. The couple said the brownstone had been remodeled to be a two-family home, and they took it back to a single-family home and updated it to include modern features. Some of the work included leveling the floors and updating the floor plan.
TV Chef Gordon Ramsay Visits North Jersey Restaurant
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TV Chef and personality Gordon Ramsay recently visited Bergen County restaurant Da Mimmo, located in Dumont, according to NJ.com. The visit was for Chef Ramsay’s show Kitchen Nightmares, in which he visits struggling restaurants with the intention of helping them improve. Da Mimmo is a family-run Italian restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza. Read more about Da Mimmo in The Montclair Girl’s article here.
New Nail Salon Now Open in Hoboken
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A new nail salon has opened in Hoboken. Nailed It is located at 318 Madison Street and offers traditional, gel, dip, and UV manicures and pedicures. For a full listing of services, visit its website here.
New Omakase-Sushi Spot ‘Nigiri by Honshu’ Opens in Jersey City
Omakase lovers of Hudson County no longer have to brave the bridges, tunnels, or ferries to get their fix. Nigiri by Honshu has brought the delicious and theatrical Omakase experience to Downtown Jersey City, and it comes with a view. The redesigned and finished patio at Honshu, at 95 Greene Street, now offers guests an intimate experience of four-, five-, or six-course omakase-style sushi overlooking Greene Street and a view of the Freedom Tower while seated at the sushi bar. That is if diners aren’t too busy watching the chefs at work. Read on for more about this new addition to the Hudson County sushi scene, Nigiri by Honshu.
CarePoint Health Launches Maternal Health Pilot Program
According to a press release, CarePoint Health, in partnership with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, is taking a proactive stance to combat New Jersey’s maternal mortality rates through a pilot program. Leveraging the capabilities of wearable internet technology, this initiative focuses on closely monitoring patient hypertension and Body Mass Index (BMI) outcomes during both prenatal and postpartum pregnancy phases. The primary objectives of this program are to reduce maternal mortality, enhance maternal well-being, and improve positive birth outcomes. By combining cutting-edge technology with collaborative clinical efforts, CarePoint Health aims to drive significant advancements in maternal healthcare.
Journal Square Jollibee Workers Back on the Job While Labor Lawsuit Continues
Several workers at the Journal Square location of Filipino fried chicken chain Jollibee are back on the job after being fired earlier this year after making workplace-related demands. According to NJ.com, the workers filed a case against Jollibee with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and a hearing is scheduled for November 2023. The workers are returning to their jobs under the existing conditions while the case is being worked out.
Hudson Pride Center Launches Family Support Group
Via a press release, the Hudson Pride Center announced Family Ties, a support group for parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ youth (17 and under). “We believe in peer support and educational tools to help parents and guardians better understand their LGBTQ+ youth and their needs while promoting a positive parent/child relationship,” the release said. Family Ties meets twice a month on Saturdays from 4PM-6PM. Sessions operate on a hybrid (in-person and virtual) schedule.
Jersey City to Sue New Jersey Over Legalized Cannabis
After losing two previous hearings in a case involving a police officer fired for legal, off-duty cannabis use, Jersey City is now filing a federal lawsuit on the matter. According to NJ.com, the city will challenge New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) on the basis that federal law preempts state and local law. While cannabis has been legalized in several states, it is still illegal on the federal level.
Mayor Bhalla Invites Residents to Maritime Park Design Presentation
^ The park will be constructed on the former industrial Union Dry Dock site located just south of
Maxwell Waterfront Park.
Via a press release, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken invite residents to provide feedback on the final draft concept design for Maritime Park during a community meeting on Wednesday, October 25th at 6PM at the Multi-Service Center Senior Room, located at 124 Grand Street. The project team will present the final draft concept design for the waterfront park, which will be located at the former Union Dry Dock site along the Hudson River just south of Maxwell Waterfront Park. Project consultants Dattner Architects and SCAPE developed the final concept design based on public input on the initial three design alternatives collected through previous community and stakeholder meetings and survey responses. Following the presentation, community members can participate in topic-focused discussions with the project team to provide their input on the final concept design, which will then be presented to the Hoboken Planning Board and then the City Council for approval in November.
Charges Filed in Jersey City Car Accident
After three people were killed in a head-on collision on Monday, October 16th, the driver of one of the two cars involved has been charged with several offenses, according to the Hudson County View. Ziyang Wang, 23, of Jersey City, was arrested at Jersey City Medical Center where he was receiving treatment for his injuries from the accident. He has been charged with three counts of reckless manslaughter, three counts of death by auto, and one count of assault by auto. The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit is actively investigating with assistance from the Jersey City Police Department.
Hoboken’s Ragamuffin Parade is Back for 2023
Now that we’ve officially settled into spooky season, there are so many Halloween events to check out in Hoboken, Jersey City, and greater Hudson County. One of these events that locals look forward to every year is the Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade, which is held on Halloween each year. Details have just been announced about this year’s event, but with a change. The parade will still be happening, but the costume contest is being replaced with a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Stevens Park. Read on to learn more about Hoboken’s 2023 Ragamuffin Parade, happening Tuesday, October 31st.
Historical Photo Provides Clues About Hamilton Park Home
A Jersey City property owner’s plans to renovate are on hold after discovering a Civil War-era photo of the home located at 240 7th Street. According to Jersey Digs, the home’s provenance was being investigated as part of the Jersey City Historic Preservation Committee’s consideration of a proposal to renovate the property. The home is one of the oldest in Hamilton Park and the photo shows it surrounded by grassy, open land.
Proposal That Would Ban New Parklets in Hoboken is Vetoed
The Hoboken City Council narrowly voted to approve a proposal that would prohibit any bars or restaurants from adding parklets in an effort to curb the city’s rat issues. Parklets, along with sidewalk seating and strEATeries, are some of the creative ways bars and restaurants make use of outdoor space to serve more patrons. While these setups are a fun way to enjoy neighborhood spots, many say that they also attract rats and reduce street parking. But, just as soon as the proposal was approved, it was vetoed by Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. Read on to learn more about the proposal and what’s next for parklets in Hoboken.
Temporary Speed-Calming Measures Installed on Jersey City Roadway
Following the latest deadly accident on Patterson Plank Road in Jersey City, officials have installed temporary barriers to reduce speeds, according to NJ.com. The rubberized lane delineators were bolted to the ground on Wednesday, while officials say more solutions are needed. There are plans to increase speed enforcement and improve signage on the road.
Work Begins at Liberty State Park
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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) kicked off a multi-year effort to rehabilitate Liberty State Park on Wednesday, October 18th. According to NJ.com, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in advance of an open house event at the historic CRRNJ Train Terminal to share NJDEP’s plans for the park. The work will be a partnership between NJDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, and others.
Proposal to Redevelop Historic Home Hits Snag
One Jersey City developer’s plans to redevelop a parcel of land located at 124 Glenwood Avenue are possibly headed to court, according to NJ.com. The property is one of the Mayhew Terrace Cottages, which are Queen Anne-style single-family homes built in the 1890s. The owner wants to tear down one and build a four-unit building on the lot, a proposal which was been declined by the Jersey City Planning Board. The property has requested another hearing in front of the board, suggesting that legal action could be the next step.
Jersey City Debuts New Logo
Jersey City has a new logo, according to NJ.com. The old logo was a simple black-and-white image, while the updated version is in color. The crown of the Statue of Liberty is a design element in the new logo, a nod to the statue’s Jersey City address.
The Hoboken Girl’s Period Supplies Drive 2023
While The Flow Initiative achieved a major success this summer with the passing of Bill A1349 — which now requires schools to provide free menstrual products to students — access to period supplies continues to affect millions globally every day. When looking locally, a study by The Flow Initiative found that approximately 30% of students in Hudson County struggle to access items such as pads, tampons, sanitary wipes, liners, and more each month. The American Medical Women’s Association defines this hardship under the term ‘period poverty.’ In understanding the need for awareness and resources in this space, we have partnered with The Flow Initiative to create Project Local Access, a drive for period supplies to distribute to those in need and the community at large.
After successful drives in 2021 + 2022 — that collected over 60,000 supplies — The Hoboken Girl and The Flow Initiative have set a lofty goal: 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. Read on to learn more about how to support this effort.
Hoboken Police Department Awards Ceremony Held
^ More than 50 HPD officers were honored for their excellent service over the last five years.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar congratulated the recipients of the 2023 Hoboken Police Department Awards, as well as four officers who recently retired from the force, at a ceremony at Stevens Institute of Technology on Thursday, October 19th, according to a press release. Before their families and peers, the department recognized more than 50 members of the HPD for their dedication and service dating back to 2017. The awards honor detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, officers, and others for their outstanding professionalism and often life-saving measures in recent years. During the ceremony four recently retired officers were also honored. Captain Michael DeTrizio, Captain John Petrosino, Sargeant Arbend Drishti, and Sargeant Michael Miranda, who stepped down from the force last spring, were thanked for their decades of combined service to the Hoboken Police Department, the City, and its residents.
Kanibal + Co. Opens Summit Location
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Kanibal + Co., a gift and lifestyle store, will open its second location at 27 Maple Street in Summit, New Jersey on October 21st, 2023, according to a press release. The shop will continue to operate its flagship location in Jersey City, where it has resided for more than 14 years, selling a rotating collection of goods that are both forward-thinking and rooted in tradition. This new Summit location will carry the shop’s bestselling brands as well as an entirely new collection of apparel, gifts, and home goods.
Hudson County, Jersey City Leaders Want Solutions for Patterson Plank Road
While officials have had their eyes on remedying traffic issues on Jersey City’s Patterson Plank Road for years, a deadly crash on Monday, October 16th has leaders moving quickly to enable solutions. According to NJ.com, local leaders held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, October 17th to respond to the crash, the location of which is known to be extremely dangerous. While long-term plans are in the works, leaders discussed the fastest way to get a temporary solution in place like a Jersey wall or other barrier.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla thanks U.S. State Department for Appointment
The U.S. Department of State announced the creation of the Assembly of Local Leaders (ALL), a new venue for the Department of State to engage with mayors, governors, and other municipal leaders on key issues that affect their communities. According to a press release, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla has been appointed to the group. The first-of-its-kind assembly will include 22 elected officials from across the country who will gather to discuss, inform, and address the global matters that impact local communities, such as climate change, public health, foreign investment, and economic development.
