Now that everyone is back to school and fall is almost here, we’ve got you covered with all of the local news from the past week. Among the highlights: Hoboken is officially a Book Sanctuary; missing Jersey City goats have been found; and a Mexican ice cream spot has opened in Uptown Hoboken. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending September 10th, 2023.
Road Closures in Hoboken This Weekend
Via a Nixle alert, Hoboken residents were notified about local road closures this weekend. The 2023 Hoboken Italian Festival will take place on Sinatra Drive from Thursday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 10th. First Street Sundays will begin on Sunday, September 10th.
Mexican Ice Cream Spot Opens in Uptown Hoboken
Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Back in late June, we heard about Hoboken salon and barbershop Spesh closing its Washington Street storefront and converting to mobile-only — and now a unique ice cream spot has taken its place. Morelia Gourmet Paletas serves up paletas, a Mexican frozen dessert that comes in a variety of fun flavors. This new took over the former salon space located at 932 Washington Street — and as of Wednesday, September 6th, it’s officially open. Read on for more about Morelia Gourmet Paletas, now open in the Mile Square.
First Phase Complete at Jersey City Shelter
After many years of planning, fundraising, and construction, work on the first phase of the new St. Lucy’s Shelter in Jersey City is now complete. Per NJ.com, the shelter is located at 619 Grove Street and has space for emergency shelter, administrative offices, and apartment-style housing for families. The five-story building has 34 more beds than the previous building.
NFL Star Makes Cameo at Napoli’s in Hoboken
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NFL star C.J. Mosley made a surprise appearance at Napoli’s Pizza in Hoboken where he filmed an episode of Undercover Athlete. Per Patch, the Jets linebacker made pizza, took orders, and challenged fans to carry a 50-lb bag of flour to win a free pizza. While many Giants fans were in Napoli’s on the day of filming, most were excited to meet the Jets captain.
City Hall Celebration for Hoboken Hero
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Per TapInto, a Hoboken teen was honored at City Hall with a proclamation for his actions at the Jersey Shore this summer. Sean O’Callahan, a rising senior, was a lifeguard this summer at Chadwicks Beach in Toms River. Over the July 4th weekend he was instrumental in rescuing 12 swimmers who got caught in a riptide.
Updates at Jersey City’s Leonard Gordon Park
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According to TapInto, long-awaited improvements will begin at Leonard Gordon Park, located at 3303 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. The work will include making safety improvements to paths and stairways, drainage improvements throughout, and refreshing the animal statues. Flood mitigation and historical preservation are two of the main drivers of the effort.
West Orange-Born Comedian Takes on All 21 New Jersey Counties
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Chris Gethard, a comedian from West Orange, is taking on New Jersey one county at a time. According to NJ.com, the tour is called “New Jersey is the World” and he means it in every sense: most of the jokes are about New Jersey, and he is performing in all 21 counties.
Hoboken Pizza Fest Returns this Fall
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Hoboken Pizza Fest is back this fall for its seventh year. According to a press release from event organizers, this year’s event will feature pizza slices from participating restaurants, which include some of Hoboken’s best. Tickets are available online now.
Bomb Threat at North Bergen Elementary School
On Tuesday, September 5th, a bomb threat to the principal’s cell phone was the reason behind an evacuation at Lincoln Elementary in North Bergen. According to NJ.com, the school was evacuated for about an hour before law enforcement cleared the scene. Students’ first day of school at Lincoln Elementary was Thursday, September 7th.
Barrow Street Closure in Jersey City to Extend through December
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As part of a pilot program to calm traffic, Barrow Street between Christopher Columbus Drive and Bay Street in Jersey City has been closed to vehicular traffic since June 20th. The City has announced plans to extend the closure through December 2023 and will make the street into an extension of the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, according to Jersey City Times. The street will be enhanced with seating, lighting, and artwork including murals.
Multiway Stop Signs Coming to Five More Hoboken Intersections
Via a press release, the City of Hoboken announced plans to add multi-way stop signs at five more intersections. The changes in traffic control at these five intersections, which will include new stop signs and high visibility stop markings at previously uncontrolled approaches, were approved by a unanimous vote of the Hoboken City Council and are expected to be implemented this fall. The five intersections are Eighth Street and Jefferson Street; Fifteenth Street and Madison Street; First Street and Garden Street; Ninth Street and Adams Street; and Twelfth Street and Grand Street.
Jersey City Artist Mourned
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Per Patch, Jersey City artist Matthew Caputo passed away last week, prompting tributes from friends and fellow artists. He was an illustrator and pop artist whose work frequently featured pop culture references. He was a 15-year resident of Jersey City.
Hoboken Becomes The First Book Sanctuary City in New Jersey
For the first time ever, New Jersey will have a book sanctuary city. On Wednesday, September 6th, Hoboken City Council voted on a final decision on Hoboken becoming an official book sanctuary city — the first in New Jersey. This decision has been influenced by a movement that began in Chicago back in 2022 as a response to the massive bans imposed on literature. Read on to learn about what this means for Hoboken.
Harsimus Cove Cemetery Goats Found After Neighborhood Jaunt
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The Jersey City and Harismus Cemetery on Newark Avenue in Jersey City has been hiring goats to help maintain its landscape since 2014. It’s an eco-friendly solution since the goats love to eat weeds and greens. However, during the goats’ visit to the cemetery earlier this week, two broke loose and took themselves on a tour of the neighborhood, according to NJ.com. But, the Cemetery updated its social media approximately 24 hours later to share that the goats had been found in the nearby woods.
CarePoint Health Systems Launches CarePoint CAREs
Via a press release, CarePoint Health Systems announced the official launch of its new community outreach and volunteer program, ‘CarePoint CAREs. CarePoint CAREs’ is a program designed to strengthen CarePoint’s connection with the Hudson County community by empowering employees to give back and make a difference in the lives of those in need through volunteer work. CarePoint CAREs will aim to address various social, health, and wellness challenges faced by community members by partnering with local nonprofits and civic organizations and hosting its own giving projects.
JC Green Half Marathon Event Coming in October
Beautiful Lincoln Park in Jersey City will play host to the JC Green Half Marathon, 10k, 5K, and 1 Mile Community Walk/Run on October 1st, 2023 in honor of Healthy Lung Month. This event is organized by Sustainable Jersey City, the City of Jersey City, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Sustainable Jersey City (SJC), is a 501(c)(3) Jersey City-based nonprofit working with the City of Jersey City and local community stakeholders to strengthen and promote a number of environmental justice and sustainability initiatives, including this event, which is designed to bring attention to the fact that Jersey City has one of the highest rates of asthma prevalence in Hudson County. Registration is open now.
$5 Million in Federal Funds Dedicated to Hoboken Railyard
In a recent round of federal funding, Hoboken came out a winner with $5 million allocated for the design and construction of multilevel rail inspection pits. According to the Hudson County View, the money is from the Federal Highway Administration and is part of a larger $425 million allocation to New Jersey as a whole. The railyard improvements will allow for easier, more frequent inspection of multilevel railcars.
Journal Square Urby Tops Out at 265 Feet
Journal Square Urby, the new residential tower rising across from the Journal Square PATH Station in Jersey City, has reached its topping-out point at 265 feet, according to a press release. The building is located at 575 Pavonia Avenue and is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2024. Once complete, the building will have 317 units with studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
With Negotiations Stalled, NJ Transit Engineers Authorize a Strike
The union representing NJ Transit engineers has authorized a strike. According to the New Jersey Monitor, mediation between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has been ongoing since the union has had no contract since 2019. While the union did vote in support of a strike, other rules governing the mediation mean that a strike would be several months away with other efforts to resolve things in the meantime.
SW3AT Wellness Announces Grand Opening
SW3AT Wellness, a Hudson County-based wellness brand, has announced the grand opening of its new facility in Jersey City Heights. Known for its infrared saunas, yoga classes, sound baths, and more, SW3AT Wellness will open up at 317 Central Avenue in Jersey City Heights on September 16th. Read on for what we know about SW3AT Wellness’ new JC location.
Envisioning the Future of Jersey City’s Newport Centre
Plans are in the works to make Jersey City’s Newport Centre into more than just a mall, according to NJ.com. Developers are working on plans to make the shopping center more connected to bordering Marin and Washington Boulevards by making it more pedestrian-friendly. The mall itself will increase its dining options, entertainment offerings, and outdoor spaces.
New Jersey Ranks High for Making Stars
A new study ranks New Jersey ninth nationwide for producing the most stars. According to TicketSource.us, which conducted the survey, the headcount included actors, musicians, athletes, and comedians. When examining only actors and actresses, New Jersey ranks sixth.
Glowbar to Take Over Dekalash Space in Hoboken
When it comes to getting your skincare fix, options are limitless here in the Mile Square. Recently, Hoboken has been having a beauty moment from new salons like BOND to laser treatment removal spots like Laser Away. To add to Hoboken’s lineup of beauty businesses, Glowbar, a skincare chain specializing in facial treatments, is making its way to the neighborhood and taking over the former Deka Lash space at 612 Washington Street. Read on for more details surrounding Glowbar’s arrival in Hoboken.
West New York Names New Public Safety Director
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West New York has a new Public Safety Director. Per NJ.com, Alejandro DeRojas, who recently retired as the deputy police chief, was unanimously approved by the city commissioners. He is the third retired police officer to hold the role.
Victorian Mansion for Sale in Jersey City
A historic, Queen Anne-style mansion in Jersey City is on the market again. The 132-year-old property, located at 2456 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, is being sold as-is, mid-renovation. According to NJ.com, the property has been a home and a synagogue during its storied past.
Hoboken High School to Debut Play
Hoboken High School will be the first high school to perform the Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Per Patch, Hoboken High School’s production will be the pilot for all future high school productions of the show. It will take eight months to put the program together before its early 2024 debut.
Three-Alarm Fire at Jersey City Garage
A three-alarm fire at a garage in Jersey City was extinguished after destroying two vehicles. According to NJ.com, the garage at 555 Duncan Avenue was caused by a fuel leak in a county sheriff’s vehicle. The fire spread as repairs were taking place, and it took 125 Jersey City firefighters and Office of Emergency Management members and 31 Jersey City Fire Department units to control the fire. No injuries were reported, two vehicles were destroyed, and some structural damage to the building was reported.
