The leaves are changing, Halloween candy is everywhere, and those warm afternoons seem to be shorter and shorter. 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: Weehawken schools rank high in a statewide survey; a jazz age version of Romeo and Juliet debuts in Jersey City; and Hoboken launches a grant program for businesses impacted by the February 2023 water main break. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending October 8th, 2023.
Introducing The Hoboken Girl’s Fall Refresh Guide 2023
Fall has officially made its way to Hudson County with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and leaves changing colors. With the new season upon us, there is nothing better than a little seasonal refresh — whether it’s unwinding with a facial, going out to a solo dinner, or starting a new workout routine. To get into the fall spirit, we’ve put together a guide to local businesses — ranging from healthy food + drink, wellness, mental health, beauty, fitness, + more, so our readers can explore new and local businesses around the area using a code exclusive to The Hoboken Girl to shop locally and achieve the perfect fall refresh. Read on for more.
Jersey City Mayor Commits Funds to Sustainability Initiatives
Via a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced several key sustainability initiatives this month, allocating nearly $3 million in grants for critical environmental improvements to boost quality of life, public health, environmental impacts, and economic opportunities. These efforts include Youth Tree Ambassador Programs for community building, workforce development, expanding the Forestry team to sustain and grow the City’s tree canopy, and over 160 tree plantings for beautification, stormwater absorption, and improving public health.
Hoboken’s Antique Bar + Bakery to Open New Breakfast + Lunch Concept Down the Block
Antique Bar + Bakery, the hard-to-book Italian eatery and bar on Willow Avenue, has storied Hoboken roots that date back to over 100 years ago. That story, which starts with a 30-ton coal oven, is adding a new chapter to its pages: and it comes in the form of a micro-diner down the block. The owners of Antique Bar + Bakery and Antique Loft are expanding their culinary talents to the former One12 space to open a separate, all-day restaurant called Antique at 112. This new BYOB spot is slated to serve up “cherished comfort foods” (burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs) with modern twists and allergy-friendly modifications. Antique at 112 is gearing up for a mid-October opening at 112 Willow Avenue, and The Hoboken Girl got an exclusive inside look at what to expect. Read on to learn more about Antique at 112, the latest project coming to Hoboken from the team behind Antique Bar + Bakery.
Hoboken [solidcore] Grand Opening on October 14th
Photo Credit: Golin PR
Popular workout spot [solidcore] will open its 106th location in Hoboken with a Grand Opening celebration on October 14th, according to a press release. The new fitness studio will be located at 1000 Maxwell Lane Suite 105. [solidcore] is a high-intensity, low-impact 50-minute workout on a Pilates-inspired reformer. Read on for what we know about [solidcore]’s arrival in Hoboken and its grand opening event.
NJ DEP Sets Start Date for Liberty State Park Remediation Efforts
A date has been set for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to begin cleanup work at Liberty State Park. According to NJ.com, the work will begin to remediate an area that has been closed off to the public for several years. Work will begin on October 18th, but critics say that the DEP has been dragging its feet to get the work started.
7 Seventy House in Hoboken Getting a New Cafe
New York-based coffee shop set up shop in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City earlier this year, and now it is expanding to the Mile Square. Gotan Cafe serves up high-quality Counter Culture coffee and Mediterranean cuisine, bringing some staples from the Tribeca location across the Hudson. The Hoboken location is aiming to open in the winter of 2023, and will be located at 770 Jackson Street inside 7 Seventy House. Read on for more about Gotan coming to the Mile Square this winter.
Jersey City Whole Foods Could Be Looking at November Opening
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As locals know good and well, the arrival of Whole Foods in Jersey City has been a marathon, to say the least. Since news broke in October 2020 that the organic retailer would be coming to Washington Street, there’s been little movement in the project’s development. Fear not, foodies: new signage went up back in April at the 286 Washington Street location and in August, Whole Foods put up job listings for the Jersey City location — two indications that an opening date could (emphasis on the conditional) be near. There are rumblings that the organic grocer is looking at a November opening date, though Whole Foods has not confirmed. Read on for more about Jersey City’s impending Whole Foods Market.
October is Fire Safety Month with the Hoboken Fire Department
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Via a press release, The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Fire Department announced a joint effort with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Week, October 8th to October 14th, 2023. This year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The campaign is meant to educate the public about simple and important actions that can be taken when cooking to keep everyone safe in the kitchen.
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States and unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. HFD reminds residents of cooking safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire, including:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking and set a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and always keep a lid nearby to slide over the pan in the event of a small grease fire.
- Have a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove or grill.
New Brunch Menu at The Table at 3 Acres, Bottomless Drink Option Available
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The Table at 3 Acres, located at 400 Clairmont Avenue in Jersey City, has announced a new brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Chef Daniel Latham has packed the menu with classics from Latham House and guests can add on bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, or bellinis for two hours for $25. The Latham Brunch menu includes the Ridiculous Egg Sandwich, Eggs Benedict, Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, Cast Iron Mac + Cheese, French Toast and Fresh Berries, Biscuit, Sausage Gravy & Eggs, Chilaquiles, Huevos Ranchos, and more. Brunch is served from 12PM to 4PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Read more about The Table and our visit to check out the new space.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Hoboken Public Library to Debut 3rd Floor Renovations
Photo credit: Hoboken Public Library
The Hoboken Public Library invites neighbors to celebrate the ribbon cutting on the newly renovated 3rd floor of the Library. The celebration will take place on October 14th at 11AM at the library, located at 500 Park Avenue. The ribbon cutting will be the official grand opening of the restored and renovated youth services floor, and the opening of the library’s new makerspace.
Romeo + Juliet at Jersey City’s Nimbus Theater
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A jazz-age retelling of the Shakespearean classic Romeo + Juliet will play at The Nimbus Theater, located at 329 Warren Street in Jersey City, through October 22nd. The performance features TV sensation Aria Shahghasemi as Romeo and Italian actress and Venice Film Festival award winner Anita Pomario in her American stage debut as Juliet. The show is produced by The Curtain, Jersey City’s classical theater. Tickets are available now.
Hoboken City Council Election Debate Scheduled
Hoboken voters are being invited to attend, or watch live online, a pre-election debate featuring all of the 14 candidates running for Hoboken City Council in this year’s election. According to a press release, the Hoboken City Council Ward Election Debate will take place at the Demarest School Auditorium, 158 4th Street, on Tuesday, October 17th. Candidates from Wards 1, 2, and 4 will debate from 6PM until 7:30PM while candidates from Wards 3, 5, and 6 will debate from 8:00PM until 9:30PM, Voters and residents are invited to watch the debate live and in person. It will also be streamed live on Facebook by TAPinto Hoboken.
Liberty House in Jersey City Hosting Movies in the Park
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We already know that Hoboken’s yearly Movies Under the Stars series is a local favorite, and now there are some fall movie events coming to Jersey City to enjoy during the crisp, fall weather. Liberty House and Maddy Rose Restaurant, along with Nathan’s Famous, will be hosting a free weekly movie night on Wednesdays in October on the lawn outside Liberty House in Jersey City. Read on for what we know about this Movies in the Park series coming to Jersey City for October 2023.
Hoboken’s First Hot Chili Eating Contest is This Weekend
Hoboken has seen many a food festival, but a local non-profit is introducing something a little bit spicier to the Mile Square event scene. Computers 4 People — a non-profit organization started by Hoboken resident Dylan Zajac when he was just 15 — is hosting Hoboken’s first-ever Pepper Fest on Saturday, October 7th, where local residents have the chance to put their spice tolerances (or lack thereof) to the test, in addition to enjoying live music performances, games, and other food and drinks. The event is fundraising for Computers 4 Peoples’ donation program, which aims to limit e-waste and combat inequities in technology access. Read on for details about Hoboken’s first-ever Pepper Fest, a fundraising event hosted by Computers 4 People.
Bayonne Approves Development on Exxon Site
The City of Bayonne has approved a proposal to bring a solar panel manufacturing company to the former ExxonMobil site at Constable Hook, according to the Hudson County View. The project will see five warehouses built, around 50 feet high, with 284 loading docks. The project will be built in stages to manage traffic flow around the property, which has no tenant attached to it yet.
City of Hoboken + Hoboken Business Alliance launch Water Main Break Recovery Grants Program
The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Business Alliance announced via a press release that online applications for the Water Main Break Recovery Grant Program, which will provide local businesses and certain property owners with financial relief following losses and damages incurred during the Feb. 27, 2023, water main break and boil water advisory.
Eligible businesses and/ or property owners in Hoboken who sustained physical property damage caused by the water main break repair can apply for up to $5,000 in funding at this link. The deadline to apply is November 22nd, 2023.
$50K Winning Lottery Ticket Sold in Jersey City
A lottery ticket sold in Jersey City was a winner as part of this week’s Powerball run. Per NJ.com, the ticket was sold at J & L $.99 Cents & Up located at 522 Ocean Avenue. The winning ticket is worth $50,000 and was one of three winning tickets sold in New Jersey last weekend in advance of Monday’s drawing.
Hoboken Boutique alba Celebrates 10 Years
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Hoboken boutique alba is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The store is located at 716 Washington Street, and its sister store, aXd, is located at 503 Washington Street. The shop specializes in women’s clothing and accessories.
Five Injured in Jersey City Car Accident, Shooting
Five people were injured in a shooting in Jersey City on Sunday, October 1st. Per NJ.com, the incident took place on the West Side of the City, with four men and one woman being taken to Jersey City Medical Center with various injuries. A car accident was also part of the incident, and while all of the victim’s injuries were non-life threatening, none were participating in the investigation.
Hudson County Community College Board Member Wins Recognition
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Bakari G. Lee, Esq., Hudson County Community College Board of Trustees Vice Chair, has been selected as the recipient of the ACCT 2023 Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award. Per a press release from the college, only five people receive the award each year. The award will be presented during a celebration at the ACCT Leadership Congress on October 11th, 2023 in Las Vegas. As a regional award recipient, Vice Chair Lee is a finalist for ACCT’s national honor, the M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award.
Proposal to Limit Streeteries in Hoboken
A new proposal in front of the Hoboken City Council would eliminate popular parklets and streeteries as a way to mitigate the city’s rat issues. Per NJ.com, the proposal from Councilmember Jen Giattino was introduced at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 4th. She says that the proposal would help mitigate rat issues and help solve the city’s parking crunch because these streeteries take away parking spaces.
Pediatric Urgent Care Facility to Open in Downtown Jersey City
Kinder Pediatric Urgent Care will open a downtown Jersey City location at 152 Newark Avenue, per Jersey Digs. The space is just steps away from the Grove Street PATH Station, and will be open six days a week. This is the fourth location of the practice, which has locations in Union, Metuchen, and Totowa.
Hoboken Vaccine Clinic
The City of Hoboken and Hudson Regional Health Commission announced via a press release that the two organizations will host a vaccine clinic on October 10th and October 17th to provide residents with the newly approved updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that target newer variants ahead of the winter season. The clinic will also offer residents 65 years or older the flu vaccine. The City’s clinic will be held at 605 Jackson Street. Appointments are strongly encouraged due to limited vaccine availability. Make an appointment online. Call (201) 223-1133 or email HCvax@hudsonregional.gov with any questions.
Bayonne Adds Four to its Field of Heroes
Four people will be added to the Bayonne Board of Education Field of Heroes. Per NJ.com, the four new additions are all veterans with Bayonne connections. Their names will be added during a program on November 3rd at 11AM in the Alexander X. O’Connor Auditorium at Bayonne High School.
Arrest Made in Hoboken Bar Altercation
According to the Hudson County View, a Union City man has been arrested in connection with an altercation at a Hoboken bar. On Friday, September 29th, police responded to reports of a stabbing at Madd Hatter, located at 221 Washington Street. The victim did not have life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 24-year-old Willam Paneque of Union City, was arrested on Sunday, October 1st after turning himself in at the Hoboken Police Department.
Weehawken Schools Rank High
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According to a new survey by Niche.com, Weehawken Public Schools rank #25 among all public schools in New Jersey. Per Patch, the study ranked districts by categories including diversity, teachers, clubs, and of course, academics. Weehawken Public Schools ranked high in every category, and several participants in the study called out the district’s small size as a major factor in its success.
Green Rock’s Golf Tournament Raises $12K for Charity
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Hoboken bar and restaurant Green Rock hosted its 2nd Annual Green Rock Classic 2023 at Knob Hill Golf Club in Manalapan, NJ. According to a press release, over 100+ participants played golf to raise awareness and education for Easterseals New Jersey.
Easterseals New Jersey is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities and special needs live better lives every day. The organization helps by providing opportunities to live, learn, and work in their communities that normally they wouldn’t receive. Green Rock raised $12,970 in total for the Easterseals New Jersey corporation with the help of friends, family, and regulars.
Hoboken Dual Language Charter School Wins Award
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Per NJ.com, the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) has won the School Leader Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). HoLa is a K-8 dual language public charter school located at 301 Garden Street. It is the first charter school to win the award.
Congestion Pricing Proposals Panned by New Jersey Leaders
Four proposals for the NYC congestion pricing scheme were panned by New Jersey officials after a presentation by the MTA’s Mobility Review Board earlier this week, according to NJ.com. The board was able to agree on some principles of the tolling system, but not others. For example, some crossings will give drivers toll credits, but others won’t, and that’s one of the specifics that New Jersey leaders including Governor Phil Murphy don’t support.
Teen Skincare Open House at Hoboken’s Attain Med Spa
Attain Med Spa, located at 720 Monroe Street in Hoboken, announced a free Teen Skincare Open House. The event will take place on Thursday, October 13th. Each one-hour session has 20 slots and pre-registration is required. Attendees will receive swag bags packed with free skincare samples, a skincare cheat sheet to jumpstart their skincare journey, and the chance to talk with the Attain team about how to best manage their skincare concerns.
NJ Transit Launches West Side Routes in Jersey City
NJ Transit has announced new routes that will ensure continued service for riders who rely on the soon-to-close A&C bus company to get around Jersey City. Per NJ.com, A+C bus company will close on October 31st, 2023. Riders on three routes serviced by the company had no other alternatives, and had organized a grassroots campaign to draw attention to the issue. The routes impacted are on the West Side of Jersey City.
386 Unit Apartment Building Approved in Hoboken
According to the Hudson County View, the Hoboken Planning Board approved plans for a building that will be the cornerstone of the city’s plans to revitalize the rail yard area at the southern end of town. The mixed-use building will have 386 apartments with 20% reserved for affordable and low-income housing. The ground floor will have retail spaces in addition to a resident lobby.
Ribbon Cutting at Jersey City’s Refreshed Exchange Plaza
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Jersey City officials and others were on hand earlier this week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new plaza in Exchange Plaza. Per the Hudson County View, the improvements include increased CCTV surveillance, more traffic controls, and more lighting. One of the biggest changes is the addition of a playground just steps from the PATH station.
Jersey City Cannabis Dispensary ‘Downtown Flwr’ Begins Recreational Sales
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Even though the retail sale of cannabis became legal in New Jersey in early 2022, dispensaries are just now beginning to open throughout the state. The second dispensary to open in Jersey City is Downtown Flwr, located at 141 Newark Avenue. The store opened up at the end of July and hosted its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of recreational sales on Friday, October 6th. Read on to learn more about the store and the team behind it.
‘Wonder’ Restaurant to Open in Downtown Hoboken 11/2
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Over three years out from the start of COVID-19, many of the innovative ways businesses grappled with global lockdown have become commonplace: sidewalk dining, to-go alcoholic drinks, and scannable menus, to name a few. Among these initiatives is the New Jersey-based mobile app that brought chef-prepared meals to your door. Called Wonder, the app created a new “fast fine” home dining experience, literally preparing each dish in your driveway. This past January, the service removed the food trucks from its model — and now, Wonder is in the process of transitioning into a permanent Hoboken restaurant + ghost kitchen service at 221 River Street, set to open Thursday, November 2nd. Read on for what we know about the Wonder flagship outpost coming to Hoboken.
Jersey City’s Arts + Powerhouse Building: 5 New Businesses Coming Soon
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In the heart of Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District lies the Arts + Powerhouse Building — a historic, century-old warehouse that is currently under redevelopment. The building has over 100,000 square feet of office/retail space, and will soon be home to a few new Jersey City businesses — from NYC-based restaurants to a new fitness spot. While there is still room for even more new businesses in the Arts + Powerhouse Building, we’ve rounded up which ones have been confirmed so far. Read on for more about the five new businesses coming to Jersey City’s Arts + Powerhouse Building, located at 124-134 Bay Street.
Hoboken’s Mayor Bhalla Shares Details of Death Threats
In an email distributed to Hoboken residents late Thursday afternoon, Mayor Bhalla called for inclusion, civility, and respect for shared values, commented on recent incidents of racism and intolerance, and discussed death threats he had received in Hoboken. Read more about this incident and a similar 2022 incident that was just resolved in our article here.
New York Food Festival Event Coming to the Meadowlands in New Jersey
On Saturday, October 14th, The National Thoroughbred League (NTL), the first-ever team horse racing league, is partnering with the Food Network New York City Wine + Food Festival (NYCWFF) to present “A Night at the Races” — the inaugural New York Cup at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The night will be filled with a combination of horse racing, food, and celebrity appearances. Admission is available in two categories: General and VIP. Guests can apply the code “GIRL20” for a 20% discount on tickets. Read more about this one-of-a-kind event here.
Cocktails for Comfort Fundraiser at Stingray Lounge in Hoboken
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From October 6th through 15th, Stingray Lounge at 1210 Washington Street in Hoboken will serve a special cocktail as part of a fundraiser for Chemo Comfort, a nonprofit organization that makes ‘comfort kits’ for chemotherapy patients. According to a social media post from the restaurant, the Cocktail for Comfort is made with Diplomatico Planas Rum, Smith = Cross Jamaican Rum, turmeric shrub, coconut milk, and mango. Five dollars from the sale of each cocktail will be donated to the organization.
Proposal to Make the Jersey City Library System a Book Sanctuary
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The Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation Board will introduce a resolution at the October 16th City Council meeting to make Jersey City’s library system a book sanctuary, according to a social media post from the City. The City of Hoboken recently became a book sanctuary. The concept is meant to protect books from bans and other restrictions.
CarePoint Health Announces Reopening of 15 Bed Transitional Care Unit at Bayonne Medical Center
Via a press release, CarePoint Health announced that the New Jersey Department of Health has granted approval for the reopening of the 15-Bed Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Bayonne Medical Center (BMC). This TCU facility, equipped with private and semi-private rooms, will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing exceptional post-acute care to the Hudson County community. The service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now once again available to patients.
Hoboken Police Conclude Investigation After Student Reports Interaction With a Person in a White Van
Per Patch, Hoboken Police concluded their investigation into a student’s interaction with a person in a white van. A student reported the interaction, which took place on Madison Street, on Wednesday October 4th. Parents were notified of the incident by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson, and police increased patrols.
Omakase-Style Sushi Restaurant Soft Opens in Jersey City
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A new sushi restaurant has soft-opened in Jersey City. Nigiri by Honshu is an omakase-style restaurant that shares space with sister restaurant Honshu, located at 95 Greene Street. According to Jersey Digs, the restaurant has soft opened, and will be open for lunch in advance of its grand opening on October 31st.
