We’ve got crisp morning temps and pumpkin spice everything popping up on menus near and far, which means fall is just around the corner. 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 Hoboken Girl launches Dear Hoboken Girl; rock band Metallica’s Scholar Initiative partners with Hudson County Community College; and a hot chili eating contest is coming to Hoboken this October. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending September 17th, 2023.
Dear Hoboken Girl
The Hoboken Girl is proud to be Hudson County’s go-to source for everything from the best slice of pizza to local volunteer opportunities, to the unexpected gem of a spot to take a date. Now, we’re launching Dear Hoboken Girl, a column where readers can ask Team HG anything about local living, and we’ll answer it exclusively in our email newsletter. Readers can ask questions, share ideas for stories, or tell HG about their new favorite place to visit in Hudson County! HG readers can submit their questions here now. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Hoboken’s First Hot Chili Eating Contest Coming This October
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.
Hudson County Man Sentenced in Mortgage Fraud Scheme
Hudson County Real Estate Investor Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Mortgage Fraud Scheme https://t.co/rmQzJmibpj
— NJ US Attorney (@USAO_NJ) September 12, 2023
According to a press release from the US Attorney’s Office, a Hudson County man was sentenced for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme. Jersey City resident Anthony Garvin pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and four counts of bank fraud for activities that took place between 2011 and 2014. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
Resolution in Hoboken Harassment Case
What started out as a political dispute during the 2022 Hoboken High School referendum vote on funding escalated into what some say was a targeted harassment campaign against supporters of the proposal. After months of legal dispute, defendant Matt Majer pleaded guilty to one count of harassment and entered into a 12-month conditional dismissal program, according to the Hudson County View. Some of the victims who received threatening letters and packages to their homes included Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, and Councilman Phil Cohen.
Lamborghini Debuts on the Hudson
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Paramus Lamborghini hosted a debut party for its new hybrid model, the Revuelto, at Blu on the Hudson in Weehawken. According to Patch, other classic Lambo models were on site including the Lamborghini Islero in Bronze, a Lamborghini Diablo in Blue, and a Lamborghini Countach of Murcielago. The hybrid model can be charged via a plug-in and has a V12 engine.
First Contract Awarded in Gateway Development Project
According to NJ.com, the first contract in the multi-year Gateway Project has been awarded. The contract is to finish the work on an overpass on Routes 1&9 over the mouth of the new tunnel portal in North Bergen, a project that was started but then canceled in 2010. The work could begin as early as this fall.
Jersey City’s Razza Gets International Recognition
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Razza, located at 275-277 Grove Street in Jersey City, has been recognized as one of the best pizzerias in the world. According to NJ.com, the Italian pizza ranking website 50 Top Pizza ranked Razza Number 11 worldwide for its wood-fired pizza. The same site ranks Razza as the number two pizza spot in the US.
Hoboken Awarded $6 Million by FEMA for Southwest Resiliency Park
The expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park will include a playground, splash pad, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a picnic area, + native plantings. Photo credit: City of Hoboken.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced via a Nixle alert that the City has been awarded a $6.24 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park. FEMA awarded funding to various projects that provide greater resiliency to local communities through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. The expanded Southwest Resiliency Park will include above-ground green infrastructure and an underground detention system to withhold up to 328,000 gallons of stormwater caused by heavy precipitation.
Metallica Scholars Partners with Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College Returns for Year Five of Metallica Scholars Initiative https://t.co/K72JJkgQmx#HudsonIsHome @NJCommColleges @HudCoTweet @DrCReber @CCTrustees @Comm_College @HACUNews @NISOD @NJ_Reentry @PHITHETAKAPPA @NJHigherEd @AchieveTheDream pic.twitter.com/2TVngfpcaL
— hudsonccc (@HudsonCCC) August 25, 2023
The rock band Metallica played an unexpected role in the journey of several former Hudson County inmates’ journeys to becoming trained welders. According to the Jersey City Times, a partnership between Hudson County Community College and The Metallica Scholars Initiative is designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals receive training through community colleges in trades like welding and other essential skills. HCC’s program is also supported by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation and the Governor’s Reentry Training and Employment Center in Kearny.
Hoboken Police Celebrate Promotions, Welcome a New Officer
L-R Police Officer Anthony Ingraffia, Sergeant James Barbro, Sergeant Justin DePascale, Sergeant Joseph Mezzina, + Lieutenant Donald Rosso. Photo credit: City of Hoboken.
Via a press release, the Hoboken Police Department announced the promotion of four of its own and swore in a new police officer on September 13th, 2023. During a ceremony at City Hall, Sergeant Donald Rosso was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Police Officers Joseph Mezzina and James Barbro, and Detective Justin DePascale were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Police Officer Anthony Ingraffia, formerly of the Elmwood Park Police Department, was sworn in as a Hoboken Police Officer as per an intergovernmental transfer.
Jersey City Opens New Shelter
Photo credit: City of Jersey City
Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, joined partners Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, Arc Building Partners, Claremont Development, City Council members, and Jersey City residents for the official opening of the St. Lucy’s Complex, a brand-new 60,000 square foot facility providing a continuum of housing and supportive services for unhoused individuals in the community. Per a press release, the facility is located at 612 Grove Street in Jersey City and has residential and drop-in services, short and long-term housing, and on-site programming to help individuals access resources.
Ice Cream Eating Contest in Hoboken
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Main Street Pops will host the second annual Mile Square Meltdown ice cream eating contest on Sunday, September 17th. Tickets are required to participate, and the contest will take place during the regular Artisan’s Market from 11AM to 4PM at 1401 Adams Street. Participants of all ages are welcome, and funds will go to the Hoboken Family Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families in the community.
Organizer of Hoboken’s Italian Festival Lobbies for Lower Fees
The organizer of Hoboken’s popular Italian Festival has asked the City for a break on the fees required to run the event. Per Patch, event organizers appealed to the Hoboken City Council to reduce the fees charged to put on the event, which is run by a nonprofit group and uses the money raised to support community events. Other community-focused groups have felt the pinch of high fees from the City this year, including Community Lifestyles, which focuses on children’s programming.
Jersey City Middle School Renamed in Honor of County Executive
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At a ceremony on Thursday, September 14th, the Community and Education and Recreation Center located at 180 9th Street in Jersey was renamed in honor of outgoing Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, according to NJ.com. The building houses Hudson County Schools of Technology’s Explore Middle School; Hudson Technical: Post Secondary; the district development office; and the Bob Hurley Basketball Court. After 20 years of service to Hudson County, DeGise will not seek re-election this fall.
Hoboken Housing Authority Receives $250K Grant
According to the Hudson County View, the Hoboken Housing Authority is set to receive a $250,000 grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to increase safety measures. The money will be used to increase lighting and fencing around the buildings and to install key fob systems.
Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy Celebrates 20 Years
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The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy (JCLC) hosted its 20th annual Preservation Awards this week at Barrow Mansion in Jersey City. According to Jersey Digs, the organization screened part of its Oral Histories project and held a silent auction fundraiser in addition to the awards. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving landmarks in Jersey City.
Barbie Makes Her Way to New Jersey
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After a summer of Barbie everything, the iconic doll is taking the show on the road, literally. According to NJ.com, Barbie is on a nationwide road trip with stops in New Jersey to show off exclusive merchandise in conjunction with the Barbie movie. The tour, called the Dreamhouse Living Tour, will make three stops in New Jersey in the coming weeks.
Hoboken’s Newly Installed Floodgates Didn’t Activate During Storm, City Investigating
Many Hoboken residents and city officials were left wet and wondering on Monday, September 11th when the city’s newly installed flood gates didn’t activate during an intense rainstorm, resulting in the flooding of several streets. Per Patch, a city spokesperson said that a sensor that would activate the gates wasn’t triggered and that the city is in contact with the system provider to improve the sensors. Residents are still reminded to not drive or walk through flooded roadways.
New Jersey Ranks High in National Survey of Pizza
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In a recent roundup of the best pizza in the US, The Washington Post included 29 New Jersey spots in its list. The article organized the most popular type of pizza by state. Jersey City’s Low Fidelity, located at 328 Palisade Avenue, was recognized for its Detroit-style pizza.
Trash Reminder for Hoboken Residents
Via a Nixle alert, the City of Hoboken reminded residents about changes to trash collection. All garbage is to be placed at the curb for collection in a container with a tight-fitting lid. The new regulations are part of the city’s increased efforts to reduce rodent infestation.
New Cryotherapy, Sauna, + Yoga Wellness Center Opening in Downtown Hoboken
Photo Credit: Rashmina Haslani
A new wellness space is opening in downtown Hoboken, adding to the already burgeoning wellness scene. Zen Om Studio is preparing to open its doors at 129 Washington Street, led by owner and wellness expert Rashmina Haslani. This family-owned wellness center features an array of cutting-edge technologies and rejuvenating therapies and is hoping to become a one-stop wellness spot in Hoboken through cryotherapy, yoga, sauna, and more, according to Rashmina. Read on for more about Hoboken’s newest wellness spot, Zen Om Studio.
Jersey City’s Busy Bee Organics Reopens
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After being closed for a few weeks for renovations, Jersey City’s Busy Bee Organics has reopened. According to a social media post from the cafe, its fall menu is ready to go in addition to the renovated space. Busy Bee Organics is located at 451 Palisades Avenue and specializes in organic, gluten-free, and plant-forward food.
Jersey City Library Launches Pop-Up Service
The Jersey City Library announced via a press release that it is launching a new Pop-Up Library service. A QR code decal will direct users to the Pop-Up Library website. This gives them instant access to two curated collections with titles in English and Spanish at the partner sites listed on this page. No library card is required to use this service.
Hoboken Apartment Building Subject to Rent Control, Leveling Board Determines
The Hoboken Rent Leveling Board has determined that the luxury rental building The Jordan is subject to rent control. According to Patch, rent on apartments at the building, which is located at 1200 Clinton Street, are now limited to a 5% yearly increase. Hoboken’s rent control laws have come under increasing scrutiny as rents in the area increase to national highs.
Jersey City Announces Partnership with Clinton Global Initiative to Combat Substance Abuse
Via a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services announced a new partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) Overdose Response Network to unite and empower trusted faith-based leaders with effective tools to help combat the addiction and overdose crisis gripping the nation. Utilizing community-based and evidence-informed approaches, the Empowering Faith Leaders Program will directly engage and train community leaders across Jersey City’s diverse range of practiced religions to build the skills and tools to deploy ground-level actions into substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Applications will be available beginning November 2nd to fill the 20 available spots.
New Hoboken Bakery to Take Over Former Dom’s Location
For nearly 50 years, Dom’s Bakery was something of a Hoboken institution. Tucked away on 506 Grand Street, the family-owned Italian bakery didn’t only serve bread and baked goods to Hoboken locals — it provided bread for a handful of other Hoboken eateries and, at one point, even shipped special deliveries to Frank Sinatra in his California residence. It was that good. In January 2023, Dom’s permanently closed its Mile Square doors, leaving many Hoboken residents devastated, and wondering what would take the iconic bakery’s place. While the devastation may still linger, curiosity does not: per our Hoboken Girl Insiders Facebook Group, it’s now confirmed that a new bakery, Otok Bakery, is taking over the former Dom’s location — and it comes to us from the owners of Schmitty’s. Read on for what we know about Otok Bakery, the new Hoboken spot taking over the former Dom’s Bakery location.
Third Taco Bell Location Proposed in Jersey City
The proposal for the building at 421 Central Avenue in Jersey City would see the current, three-story building transformed into a mixed-use, five-story building with ten apartments. According to Jersey Digs, the first floor retail would be a Taco Bell location with a walk-up service window facing Central Avenue. The top of the building would have a roof deck. The Jersey City Planning Board will debate the plan at its September 19th meeting. There is one Taco Bell in downtown Jersey City and another has been approved near the Holland Tunnel.
NJ Transit Addresses Jersey City’s West Side Bus Route Closures
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The head of NJ Transit spoke up about the agency’s plans to handle service for riders on Jersey City’s West Side as many bus routes will be cut on October 28th when private company A&C Bus Corp. shuts down. According to NJ.com, NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said that work is happening behind the scenes to shore up the gap in service left by A&C’s closure. Riders throughout Hudson County have been asking for help from officials since many riders depend on the four soon-to-close routes for transportation.
