A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: a new Jaume Plensa statue, Water’s Soul, is being installed in Newport; Myron Mixon Pitmaster’s BBQ made Eater’s “Most Anticipated” NYC list; Hoboken will begin distributing $1.82M grant to small businesses, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl is TODAY
The 5th Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl event hosted by The Hoboken Girl is TODAY — happening September 19th, 2021 from 11AM-4PM in Hoboken. It’s not too late to join us, so get your tickets here.
For this year’s crawl, over 100 businesses are offering deals, freebies, and giveaways throughout Hoboken. You’ll get a map, bracelet, bag, and then walk or bike all around #Hoboken at your leisure to visit different wellness businesses locally, in any order, who all are giving away freebies, class passes, samples, and more.
We have a huge lineup of awesome businesses and a portion of every ticket sold goes to @hobokencommunitycenter food pantry more info and tickets can be found on HobokenWellnessCrawl.com – but purchase before 3:30PM today or you’ll miss out! GET TICKETS HERE.
Jersey City Police Catch Infant Dropped from Second Story Window
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On Saturday, September 18th, Jersey City police responded to a child endangerment call in which a man was threatening to drop a 1-month-old baby from a second-story window, @jerseycitynj reported. Upon arrival, police set up a perimeter to negotiate with the individual however the man did eventually drop the baby. The officers on-scene reacted quickly and caught the baby, who was not physically injured.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Expands to Jersey City
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is expanding into Hudson County by opening its second New Jersey location right in Jersey City. Kura is not your typical sushi spot – it not only offers amazing dishes but a fun dining experience that includes a revolving sushi bar. Currently, there is only one other Kura location here in the Garden State, located in Fort Lee, in Bergen County. Click here to read about this new and innovative sushi restaurant that will be opening in Jersey City.
NY Man Robs Hoboken Bank of America, Steals $18k
On Thursday, September 16th the Hoboken Police Department received communication that a male, now known to be Gunter Everton of New York, New York allegedly placed a note stating “this is a robbery give me money” on the plastic barrier of the teller’s desk. Mr. Everton left the bank with over $18k.
Following a search of the nearby area, Everton was located on the PATH train to 33rd Street and transported to the Hudson County Corrections Facility.
Birch Reopens in Hoboken: Here’s What You Need to Know
Birch, a private event venue and nightclub located at 92 River Street, is set to hold its reopening weekend on Friday, September 17th, and Saturday, September 18th. Since the venue closed in March 2020, there has been a lot of anticipation in the Hoboken community around updates. Co-owner Gary Yip is now ready to announce what locals can expect with the popular and greatly missed multi-level dance club. Click here for what we know.
Grant Secured to Remove Sunken Boats in Uptown Hoboken
September 2020 was the last we heard of the now-infamous sunken boats that have been floating in the Hudson River along the Weehawken and Hoboken shoreline, until July of this year when Hoboken residents received an update on the status of the abandoned boats. On September 10th, a confirmed plan to remove the boats was announced.
The boats in question are mainly grouped in an area called Weehawken Cove. Over the years, everyone from residents to local pilots have captured photographs of what has become known as “the boat graveyard.” And though it has become the norm, many people still want to know the story behind the boats as well as what can be done to remove them. Click here for the full story.
Hoboken Girl Founder Jen Tripucka is American Heart Association’s 2021 Survivor Ambassador
The annual American Heart Association’s (AHA) NJ Tri-County Heart Walk is taking place on Saturday, October 2nd, and you can participate either virtually OR in person at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park at 9AM! Walkers and runners can choose to participate at the park or run their own path anywhere else. Donations to the organization will help improve lives and spread awareness for stroke and heart attack victims, as well as Congenital Heart Defect survivors. One such survivor is our Hoboken Girl founder, Jennifer Tripucka. Click here for the full story.
Chipotle Opens 3rd Location in Exchange Place
Chipotle has officially opened its third location in Jersey City. The other two are located in Journal Square and in the Newport Tower. Situated at 30 Montgomery Street, the new location of the popular Mexican chain restaurant is just a short walk from the Exchange Place PATH station. Click here to read about Chipotle’s newest location.
One Dee Siam Opens in Jersey City
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The new Thai restaurant, One Dee Siam, opened at 11:30AM on Friday, September 17th. The restaurant is located at 137 Newark Avenue in Jersey City and is open for dine-in and take-out.
Jaume Plensa Statue Water’s Soul Installed in Newport
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Artist Jaume Plensa contributed a giant sculpture to an exhibit in front of the Rockefeller Center in 2018 and it would appear the artist has a new installation on this side of the Hudson River. Currently being installed along the waterfront in Newport, the statue features a giant head made of white polyester resin and marble dust, facing New York City. The sculpture is called Water’s Soul and will stand 80 feet tall. The expected completion date is October 21st. Click here to read what we know.
2021’s Wine Spectator Restaurants in Hoboken + Jersey City
Restaurants have faced an exceptionally challenging past year and a half, but the prestigious annual Wine Spectator Awards aim to recognize those in the industry that have excelled in their wine programs in spite of these tough times. More than 2,900 restaurant recipients from across the United States and over 70 countries were announced in the August 31st issue of Wine Spectator magazine, “honored for their dedication to wine.” Among the winners are 72 New Jersey spots, including four outstanding restaurants in Hoboken and Jersey City. Click here to read about the local Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants and their acclaimed wine programs.
Bruce Springsteen Live! Exhibit Coming to Newark
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A new Bruce Springsteen Live! exhibit is coming to the Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark, according to app.com. Starting on October 1st and running through March 20, 2022 guests can see artifacts, live performance footage, instruments, stage costumes, exclusive interviews, concert posters, and photography — all centered around New Jersey’s music legend Bruce Springsteen.
ACME Markets Add Liquor Department
ACME Markets located at 614 Clinton Street in Hoboken, has added alcoholic beverages to its inventory, Jersey Digs reports. Customers can now purchase beer, wine, and spirits in the new liquor department, in addition to the rest of their ACME shopping list.
Celebrate Life at Home Opens Shop in Hoboken
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Yesterday, Celebrate Life at Home held a grand opening event at its new location in Hoboken at 1200 Park Avenue. The shop sells Annie Sloan chalk paint, one-of-a-kind upcycled furniture, home decor, handmade select pieces by local artisans, and gift.
Empanada Cafe Switches Locations with Latin Rotisserie on Washington Street
Located at 121 Washington Street, Latin Rotisserie has officially opened, switching spots with Empanadas Cafe which is now where Charrito’s Downtown was located for 17 years. Empanadas Café, an Argentinian restaurant offers various empanadas like spicy chicken, spicy pork and fig, ham and cheese, bacon and egg, spinach, etc.
Lions Den Shear and Shave Company Comes to Hoboken
Lions Den Shear and Shave Company has officially opened in Hoboken. Located at 601 Jefferson Street, the barbershop offers haircuts and beard care along with hot towel steams and facial massages. It is under the same ownership and much of the same team as Crew Cuts, a longstanding barbershop in Hoboken that recently closed.
Independents Remain on Hoboken City Council Ballot
Three seats in the Hoboken City Council are up for re-election in November and at this point, 10 individuals are in the running. It was revealed on Monday that Hoboken Mayor Bhalla’s legal team had attempted and failed to remove three of the candidates, Patch reported. A Hudson County Superior Court judge ruled that all 10 candidates qualified to remain on the ballot despite allegations saying otherwise.
Feel the Love Events to Host Exclusive Day of the Dead Brunch
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Feel the Love Events and Chef 201Mex are hosting a private and exclusive Day of the Dead Brunch on Halloween, October 31st from 1PM to 4PM at a secret Jersey City location, according to the Feel the Love Events Instagram post. An authentic 3-course Mexican brunch and signature drink will be prepared and served by a private chef.
Top 9 NJ Universities Ranked According to U.S. News List
The U.S. News List has ranked the nation’s top universities, including 9 in New Jersey, per NJ.com. Princeton University ranked first, followed by Rutgers tied for 63rd, and Stevens Institute of Technology tied for 83rd. The full list is available here.
Myron Mixon Pitmaster’s BBQ Makes Eater’s “Most Anticipated Openings” NYC List
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Myron Mixon Pitmaster’s BBQ is officially the only restaurant outside of NYC to make the Eater’s “Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings” list. Slated to open this fall at 618 Washington Street in Hoboken, the menu at Myron Mixon will include dry-rubbed barbecue beef, baby back ribs, smoked half chickens, and all the fixins.
Pilsener Haus to Launch Month-long Oktoberfest in Hoboken
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This week Pilsener Haus + Biergarten announced its upcoming month of events celebrating Oktoberfest. The post says, “October 1st starts our MONTH OF EVENTS As we count down to our ANNUAL STREET OKTOBERFEST. Get ready for lots of beer, food, live bands, DJ’s and plenty of fun to go around.” The restaurant is located at 1422 Garden Street in Hoboken.
Thatz Koththu Returns to Union City with Fresh Menu
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Starting on Sunday, September 26th Thatz Koththu is back with a fresh menu of Sri Lankan street food. Available for pickup in Union City and delivery in neighboring cities, Thatz Koththu announced its return via Instagram this week. The post says, “Announcing our first event following our summer break. We are bringing back 3 of our most popular flavors. Make sure to order early to secure your koththu.” Click here to read more about what to expect.
Hoboken Teen Teaches Summer Guitar Lessons, Donates to OHMI Trust
Young entrepreneur 13-year-old Lucas is an 8th grader at Hoboken Middle School and spent his summer introducing local Hoboken kids to guitar and ukulele. Culminating the season with 11 students (ages 3-10), Lucas donated 25% of his earnings to the One-Handed Musical Instrument (OHMI) Trust which designs instruments that help musicians with one hand or who are differently-abled to play music.
Exchange PT Group to Open in Uptown Hoboken
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Exchange Physical Therapy will open this week at 1325 Hudson Street in Hoboken following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 21st at 2PM. The event will be catered and is open to the public. Exchange Physical Therapy Group specializes in orthopedics, pre and post-surgical rehabilitation, women’s health, and pediatric physical therapy.
E-Scooter Driving Wrong Way Collides with Vehicle in Hoboken
Shortly after 2PM on Monday, September 13th an e-scooter rider collided with a vehicle while driving the wrong way on 8th Street, Tap Into reported. The Hoboken Police Department responded to the scene at the intersection of 8th Street and Garden Street. The vehicle driver remained at the scene while first responders treated the e-scooterist who was later brought to Jersey City Medical Center with minor injuries.
Hoboken to Begin Distributing $1.82 Million Grant to Small Businesses
Hoboken is beginning to distribute $1.82 million in grant funding for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, according to Hudson Reporter. 179 small businesses will receive an average of $9,800 of grant funding, with a $1,500 vaccine bonus if 75 percent of their employees are fully vaccinated. These funds come from the American Rescue Plan.
8 Out of 9 Hoboken Hospital Patients with COVID-19 Are Unvaccinated
Mayor Bhalla said in a statement that eight out of the nine patients being treated for COVID at Hoboken University Medical Center are unvaccinated, Tap Into reports. The city saw 56 new cases between September 4th and September 10th, and nearly two-thirds of those cases were individuals aged 20-39. Hoboken’s vaccination rate is 65%.
Annual Our Lady Of Grace Funfest Returns After COVID-19
The annual Our Lady of Grace Funfest is returning this year after COVID concerns last year caused it to be canceled, according to Tap Into. The 15th annual event is set for the last weekend in September on the property of Our Lady of Grace Church. The FunFest will feature alcohol, DJs, food, a used book sale, games, and activities for kids.
Jersey City Jazz Festival Returns September 25th
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The Jersey City Jazz Festival is set to return on Saturday, September 25th in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District, New Jersey Stage reports. The Jersey City Jazz Festival features a wide range of artists in all styles of jazz. This year’s festival will include eight bands, with food trucks, libations, and VIP experiences.
Public Schools Confirm First COVID-19 Case in Jersey City
The Jersey City School district has reports its first confirmed case of the coronavirus, after just days of full in-person learning, per NJ.com. Four students and a staff member have tested positive for the virus at Schools 15, 28, 23 and the Anthony Infante Early Childhood Center. All four schools are still open for in-person learning.
Jersey City Loews Theater Organ Damaged by Tropical Storm Ida
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The historic Loews Theater announced that the pipe organ in the theater has been seriously damaged after Tropical Storm Ida swept through, according to Patch. The sheer volume of water pouring in during the devastating floods damaged the ceiling, and a few leaks damaged part of the pipe organ in Loew’s theater. The damage is serious, but not irreparable.
Building Struck by Lightning Catches Fire in Jersey City
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24 people were displaced from their Jersey City homes on Monday night due to a two-alarm blaze at 108 Lembeck Avenue, NJ.com reports. A family of six slept in their van overnight after safely escaping the burning building. The Jersey City Fire Department responded at 10:30PM and the apartments were deemed uninhabitable after the fire was declared under control at about 11:30PM. A child was treated for a minor injury, and a firefighter was treated for a leg injury.
Two Jersey City Students Make National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finals
Semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program have been announced, featuring approximately 16,000 high school seniors across the country and including 2 Jersey City Students, according to Patch. The seniors have the opportunity to win one of roughly 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, awarded next spring. The semi-finalists include roughly 22 New Jersey students and 2 from Jersey City schools.
Jersey City Theater Center Presents First Immigration Arts Summit
Jersey City Theater Center will present the inaugural Immigration Arts Summit on October 3rd from 2 to 6PM, according to a press release. The Summit will take place at Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall. The event marks the official opening of JCTC’s third annual Voices International Theater Festival.
Golden Door Film Festival Returns on September 23rd
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For the tenth year, one of the foremost film festivals on the East Coast is returning to Jersey City, per NJ.com. The festival will run at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre from September 23rd to 26th. Last year’s festival was virtual due to COVID-19 concerns, but the festival is back in person this year.
Jersey City Schools Giving Short Mask Breaks During High Temperatures
New Jersey schools require masks for anyone inside the buildings, except in the cases of extreme heat, when it’s up to the individual school districts. Jersey City is offering additional mask breaks when the temperature is 80 and above, News12 reports. Some of the district’s buildings don’t have AC, and many schools are over 100 years old. In the Jersey City school district, teachers can decide when students can take their masks off due to the heat.
Petition Started to Clean and Renovate William Gallagher Park in JC
The William Gallagher Park was built about 20 years ago, and the park has seen some recent struggles. Citizens are passing around a petition calling for a cleanup and renovation, per Hudson County View. The park is located just off of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and named after the brother of Jersey City Clerk Sean Gallagher. Some notable problems include a broken sprinkler creating moss and mold, unsafe swings, and an excess of needles laying on the ground at times.
Last Record Riot of 2021 Planned for September 25th
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Jersey City’s Record Riots is hosting its last event of the year at the end of September, according to Patch. The event will be on September 25th from 9AM to 5PM, located at the Grove Street Patch Plaza. There will be over 40 tables of LPs, Cds and 45s, with a live DJ playing throughout the day.
Hoboken Bassist in Renowned Jazz Collective Releases 4-Song Suite
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Jared Michael Nickerson has been a Hoboken resident for nearly 40 years, and is a member of Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber, the renowned improvisational jazz collective, NJ.com reports. This jazz collective releases their four-song suite “Angels Over Oakanda” on Thursday, September 16th.
Hoboken Launches Citi Bike Valet Service
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Hoboken announced its launch of a Citi Bike valet service located at the Hoboken Terminal-River Street docking station, ensuring riders will have bikes and docking spots at the station, according to Hudson Reporter. The service will have staff to provide extra bikes and ensure docking space for those who drop off bikes at the station, because the station is one of the most popular docking stations in Hoboken. Valet staff will be available from 7 to 11AM and 4 to 8PM on weekdays, and the service is free for all Citi Bike riders.
Hoboken Businesses To Receive $1,500 COVID-19 Vaccine Bonus
The city of Hoboken will award $1,500 bonuses to any business that has at least 75 percent of its staff vaccinated against COVID-19, Patch reports. So far, the city says 115 businesses have already qualified. The news comes in a larger announcement from Tuesday that the city will award $1.82 million from the American Rescue Plan funds to Hoboken businesses.
Hoboken’s Yo La Tengo Takes White Eagle Next Week
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White Eagle Hall will be the host to Yo La Tengo’s return to live performances in Hudson County on September 24th, according to NJ.com. The show is scheduled for 8:30PM and is already sold out. The band has a lengthy U.S. Fall tour planned, as well as several festival appearances scheduled at Woodsist, Huichica, London Jazz Festival, and Primavera Sound in Barcelona.
Brooklyn’s Levoni America Corp Relocates to Hoboken
Italian deli meat importer Levoni America Corp. has relocated from Brooklyn to Hoboken, NJBiz reports. Levoni reportedly relocated because of lower prices, and will now coordinate imports of fine cured meats from their new Mission 50 location at 50 Harrison Street. Levoni has been open since 2014 and has been in Brooklyn since 2016.
