Another news-filled week in the books. Among the headlines — Hoboken honors General Lumber with street name, 39 states are on NJ’s COVID-19 quarantine travel list, Jersey City’s Whole Foods is getting closer to opening, and SouzaFit opens in Hoboken. All that and more below — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond:
Jersey City is Getting Closer to Having a Whole Foods in Town
Jersey City has been rumored to have a Whole Foods coming town for years — and now, it’s finally becoming a reality. The organic retailer has posted a “COMING SOON” sign on the corner of Washington and Columbus Drive in Jersey City. Whole Foods will take up approximately 47,542 square feet of space, which had formerly been occupied by HopsScotch and Five Guys in JC.
And if that’s not enough WF for you, the grocery store will also build its new Northeast headquarters in the 10-story building.
“We are very excited that Whole Foods Market selected Harborside for its future Jersey City store,” Mack-Cali Realty Corporation’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Deidre Crockett, said in a press release.
Read more about the soon-to-be opening here.
The Flow Initiative: Hoboken Girl Hosts Local Period Product Drive Oct 10-30th
To both raise awareness for and combat period poverty, we are collaborating on an initiative to help women get access to the period products they need locally.
The Flow Initiative Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect all girls, women, and menstruators from a lack of access to period products while erasing the stigma, shame, and humiliation associated with period poverty.
39 States on the New Jersey COVID-19 Quarantine List
The state of New Jersey now has the quarantine list ever after Governor Murphy added Arizona and Maryland to it. Anyone who travels from the listed 39 states is asked to quarantine for two weeks after returning to New Jersey. Travelers are asked to self-quarantine at home or in a hotel. Click here for the full list.
Exchange Place PATH Station Closed For Renovation of Escalators
The Exchange Place PATH station will close on Friday at 10:00PM and reopen on Monday at 5:00PM to work on repairs to the escalators that were damaged during Hurricane Sandy. The station is scheduled to be closed during the weekends of November 20th – 23rd and December 4th – 7th during the same hours as well, NJ.com reported.
Mayor Bhalla Blames COVID Spike on Indoor Parties — Hoboken City Council Moves to Fine Indoor Parties of 25+
Mayor Bhalla reported on Tuesday, October 22nd, that 22 Hoboken residents have been confirmed for contracting COVID in a four-day period from Friday to Monday, Patch stated. The total amount of cases among residents since the start of the pandemic is 890.
“During contact tracing, the Hoboken Health Department is observing a pattern of increased cases associated with various indoor social gatherings and parties,” he said, according to Patch. “A similar trend in New Jersey as well, which continues to have a transmission rate above 1. Additional cases in Hoboken have also been traced to members of the same household contracting the virus.”
Just this past Friday, the City of Hoboken and Mayor Bhalla released a statement noting, “The Hoboken Police Department has responded to several house parties over the past few weekends, some of which were identified by the Health Department as contributing to clusters of cases. To that end, my administration has introduced to the City Council a new ordinance that provides fines of up to $1,000 for large, indoor gatherings above 25 people that are also violating other ordinances in the City including a disorderly house, noise, or disturbing the peace.”
The City of Hoboken also sent a follow-up to Hoboken Girl directly after publication to note, “The ordinance is in line and consistent with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order which mandates that indoor gatherings (with certain exceptions, including religious gatherings) be limited to 25 people or less.” Read more here.
Our 6th Annual Fall Photo Contest #FallinLoveWithHoboken is in Full Swing
Hoboken Girl’s month-long 6th annual fall photo contest #FallinLoveWithHoboken that begins on October 1st and ends October 31st. To enter and have a chance to win a ton of amazing prizes from 13 local businesses, post your favorite things about Hoboken and Jersey City in the fall on Instagram, tag us, follow the contest sponsors {listed in the post}, and hashtag #FallinLoveWithHoboken. Read here for the guidelines and we’ll see you on Instagram!
Jersey City’s HDSID Hosting 3-Weekend-Long Market
Starting October 24th and happening on Halloween and November 7th, Jersey City’s Historic Special Improvement District is hosting an Artist + Maker Market event at the Grove Street PATH Plaza and Newark Pedestrian Mall. Stop by each Saturday through 11/7 between 12PM-6PM to enjoy art, vintage goods, and more. Email artistandmakermarket@gmail.com for more info.
New Jersey Receives Rankings + Accolades via Several Media Sites
New Jersey and several businesses and neighborhoods within have been given several accolades + rankings in recent media surveys and major travel brands, Visit NJ released. The list includes:
- WalletHub: 2020’s Happiest States in America {No. 4}
- Money.com: Best Places to Live in America
- Mt. Laurel {No. 16}, Bridgewater {No. 31}
- U.S. News & World Report: Healthiest Communities in America
- Hunterdon County {No. 15}, Morris County {No. 22}
- U.S. News & World Report: Safest Communities in America
- Bergen County {No. 6}, Hudson County {No. 18}
- Travel + Leisure: Best Beaches in the USA, Asbury Park
- Travel + Leisure: Best Beach Weekend Getaways in the U.S., Jersey Shore
- CNN: Best City for Indian Food in the United States, Jersey City {No. 1}
- WalletHub: Most Diverse City in the United States, Jersey City {No. 1}
- Livability.com: Top 100 Places to Live in the United States, Jersey City {No. 56}
- USA Today: 10 Best Casinos that Aren’t in Las Vegas
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City {No. 2}, Ocean Casino Resort {No. 4}, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City {No. 8}
- Condé Nast Traveler: Top 10 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic
- The Reeds at Shelter Haven {No. 3}, The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection {No. 4}, Inn at Glencairn {No. 7}
Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzer with 902 Brewing Co. in Stores Around New Jersey
The Hoboken Girl team announced a collaboration with 902 Brewing Co. two weeks 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.
Hoboken Honors Long-Standing Hoboken Business General Lumber With Street Name
Mayor Bhalla and the City of Hoboken celebrated a longtime family-owned business General Lumber with a ceremonial street renaming at 2nd and Clinton Street. General Lumber owners Esther and Donald Grauso, along with staff joined City officials for the celebration, where a “General Lumber Way” sign was unveiled outside of the store. General Lumber has been family owned since 1967.
“General Lumber has been, and will continue to be a staple of our community,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Esther, Donald, and their staff represent the very best of Hoboken, as a family-owned business that has gone above and beyond to literally build up our mile square into the great place it is today. The honorary street renaming is a small token of our appreciation for everything they’ve done, and we look forward to their next 50 years in business!” the press release stated.
Jersey City Council Approves Controversial Zoning Ordinance
A controversial inclusionary zoning ordinance championed by Mayor Steven Fulop and Council President Joyce Watterman was approved, with only two opposing council members. The ordinance requires covered developers to “set aside” 20% of their units as “affordable.” However, developers can reduce the set aside to 5% by contributing to an affordable housing trust fund, building off-site affordable housing, or building structures that would provide “community benefits” such as parking garages and police stations. The ordinance also allows the council to waive entirely the affordable requirements on an as-needed basis, Jersey City Times reported.
Hoboken Struggles to Decide What Schools Get Funding Formula Resolution
Hoboken City Council and the Mayor’s office have come under scrutiny after not reaching a resolution on which public and charter schools to divide $243,000. The source of the funding is a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from the developer of 7 Seventy House.
According to NJ.com, the City of Hoboken promised that the money would be given to the public schools. The issue of whether the city’s three charter schools should receive some of the money as well. The charter schools are funded with Hoboken taxpayer dollars through a state formula based on student enrollment.
The resolution would have directed 78.2% of the $243,000 toward the public school district and the rest to Hoboken’s three charter schools, but it was taken off of the agenda before they could vote.
Bridge Connecting Jersey City to Kearny Opening in Spring
The new Hackensack River bridge linking Jersey City and Kearny via Route 7 will be ready in the spring, says the Jersey City Times. The new bridge will replace the existing 90-year-old Wittpenn Bridge. It was supposed to be active by the winter of 2018, but additional time needed for logistics caused delays, according to the NJ State Department of Transportation.
Jersey City Medical Center Holds Free Diabetes Webinar with Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.
The Jersey City Medical Center is hosting a free diabetes awareness talk with Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. on Thursday, October 29th from 11:00 AM – 12:30PM. Attendees can listen to his personal story about his diabetes experience and how he successfully manages his condition.
Dr. Mindy Griffith, an endocrinologist will give an interactive presentation about the risks, symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle changes that can help lead to a full and healthy life.
To register for this webinar and more information, please call 888.724.7123. To learn more about primary care, nutrition, and additional services, visit the website.
Hoboken Man Charged Child Endangerment After Hours-Long Standoff With Police Last Weekend
Public records show that a Hoboken man was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after a long standoff with police and the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team last week. The man is not allowed to have contact with his five-year-old son until his case is resolved in court, Hudson County View reported. Read more about the incident here.
Mayor Fulop Joins Artists in Support of Municipal Question #1 to Create NJ’s 1st Local Arts Trust Fund
With Election Day less than two weeks away, Mayor Fulop joined local artists and art leaders to support a “yes” vote on Municipal Question #1. Mayor Fulop and the Jersey City Arts Coalition lobbied state legislators for two years to implement long-term arts funding, according to the press release. As a result, Jersey City could soon be the first municipality in the state to establish an Arts and Culture Trust Fund to support local artists and arts organizations, expand afterschool arts education programming, and directly support creative and cultural activities ranging from fine arts to graphic design, and everything in between.
SouzaFit Eatery Opens in Hoboken
SouzaFit is a healthy food eatery + meal prep restaurant that opened its doors on Washington Street this past week. Breakfast is served all day and the menu is filled with healthy options and meal prep to-go items. From wraps to steak, tofu, and salmon, there’s a varied list of options and all sections of the menu include various types of protein. For more information on the owners and what to expect at the eatery, click here.
Hoboken High School Football Player Nominated For USA Football Heart of a Giant Award
The 2020 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the NY Giants announced this year’s list of outstanding Tri-State area high school football player nominees open for voting. The students were nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication. Hoboken’s own Anthony Henriquez has been nominated.
The voting period for these nominees is now open until November 9, at 11:59PM. The final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. There will be 11 total finalists and each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant. For more information on the program, click here.
Environmentalists Fight and Win Case for Solar and Battery NJ Transit Back-Up System
After over a year of protests, environmentalists and city residents from more than 12 towns were heard: a NJ Transit project to build a back-up power system to keep trains running will be fueled by solar and battery storage instead of natural gas, according to NJ.com.
“We are reimagining the project to make it more environmentally friendly,” said Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit CEO via the article, at Friday’s Alliance for Action transportation conference. “The goal is to get to 100% renewable energy. We want to make it as green as possible.”
“NJ Transit is committed to an approach that maximizes the use of renewable energy sources, consistent with Governor Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan,” said Jim Smith, an agency spokesman.
The Hoboken Business Alliance Launches ‘Shop and Dine Passport Programs’ to Support Local Businesses
The Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District Opens
Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, announced the opening of Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District, marking the brand’s first location in the New York City Metropolitan Area. The hotel’s arrival will support the culture of the Arts District by providing a new hub for the fast-growing creative community, according to the press release.
As a tribute to the Arts District, Canopy by Hilton showcases the exceptional work of talented local artists selected by the hotel’s Art Curator, Stefania Panepinto of Panepinto Galleries. The hotel features murals by Hoboken’s Ricardo Roig and Jenna Morello, who pay homage to the Powerhouse Arts District and industrial Jersey City of the past.
2 Union City Residents Arrested for Alleged Package Theft in Hoboken
Surati for Performing Arts Hosted Their 2nd Annual Fall Colors Walk and Navratri Celebration in Jersey City
Participants met at City Hall and were able to take a Vinyasa yoga class from Chilltown Yoga if they wanted. Afterward, everyone walked along the waterfront to the beat of dhol drummers while throwing the vibrant powdered colors into the air. The walk ended in front of Zaaz Indian cuisine restaurant where participants learned Dandia dances and watched performances. Although Holi is usually celebrated in the spring, the pandemic postponed this specific celebration.
The event was hosted by Surati for Performing Arts, a Jersey City-based award-winning nonprofit organization that tours nationally and internationally with their concerts and eclectic staged productions. Surati is built on Indian culture and educates and showcases primarily Indian performing arts, themes, stories, and festivals.
Beyond The Plate Food Tours is Back After a 5-Month Hiatus With a Halloween-Themed Food Tour
Beyond the Plate Food Tours, formerly known as Jersey Girls Food Tours, offers a VIP experience and insider’s look into New Jersey’s most talked-about food destinations. Having had to shut down due to COVID-19 for over 5 months, owner Alessia Aron is excited to announce a relaunch.
For Beyond the Plate events, guests are guided on an interactive walking tour, eating and sipping their way through a variety of local hot spots.
Tickets start at $89 a person and include all curated food and drink selections at four locations, and a local guide. Tours are up and running in Jersey City and Somerville, with Red Bank and soon, Princeton. Tours are now modified exclusively to private events of 4-10 people. Exclusive Halloween-themed tours are now available as well. To view the schedule and book a private tour or to get more information, visit BeyondthePlateFoodTours.com
Hoboken’s Belo Bar & Restaurant Announces New Chef + Food Menu
{Photo credit: @belobar}
Belo Bar & Restaurant located at 104 Hudson Street announced that they are rolling out a new menu thanks to Chef Benadetta that just joined the operation.
Belo Bar, formerly the spot known as Cooper’s Union, has brought cool vibes, specialty cocktails, live music, comedy nights, and delicious food to downtown Hoboken.
The patio is open for guests to enjoy flavorful food and drinks outdoors while the weather is still warm. Learn more about Belo here.
Jersey City Resident Releases Song & Music Video
Mary Ann Farley wrote a song called “My Country” with Nicola Stemmer at Nine Lives Studio in Jersey City. She reached out to Hoboken Girl to share the news.
“This is my first single in 15 years, and it’s inspired by all that’s going on now. It’s a song about loss, but the video is my love letter to America {and my late mom},” she told Hoboken Girl. Watch the video and listen to the song here.
