It’s officially fall and the sun is beginning to set before 7PM. There is a lot of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Little Linguists Y Mas is coming to First Street in Hoboken; Reservoir #3 reopens in Jersey City Heights; and a new dispensary, Village Hoboken, opens on Washington Street. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on September 22nd, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- There’s a New Cocktail Lounge + Restaurant in Jersey City: Meet The District
- Parts of 15th Street in Hoboken Closed For 3 Months
- New Bill Will Change Hemp Sales to Be Regulated Like Cannabis in NJ
- Fire at Clock Tower Apartments on Adams Street in Hoboken
- Montclair Restaurant, Efi’s Gyro, Opening Second Location in Jersey City
- Hoboken’s Hot Chili Eating Contest is Returning for 2024
- $2M Grant Awarded to Jersey City for Mental Health Crisis Response Program
- Brown Harris Stevens Sales Associate Breaks Hoboken Real Estate Record
- TikTok-Famous Chain Kong Dog Closed its Hoboken Location
- New Cannabis Dispensary MMD to Open in Jersey City
Reservoir #3 Reopens in Jersey City Heights
Jersey City’s Reservoir #3 has been the subject of much discussion and consternation among neighbors and community leaders. The reservoir dates back to the 1870s and is listed on the state and national Register of Historic Places. But this piece of beauty and history started decaying in the late 1990s. In 2021, Jersey City leaders committed to restoring the reservoir and the surrounding park. Now, following comprehensive restoration to the site, the reservoir has officially reopened as of Tuesday, September 17th. Click here for more.
Little Linguists Y Mas is Coming to First Street in Hoboken
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Little Linguists, a Spanish immersion program daycare center, is opening a second location in Hoboken at 257 1st Street. Little Linguists shared with The Hoboken Girl that the new location, Little Linguists Y Mas, will be a Spanish immersion space dedicated to children and adults. The center will provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, Spanish language learning, social development, and cultural exploration through art, music, and storytelling. The original Little Linguists is located at 739 Bloomfield Street and will continue to run as usual. Follow Little Linguists on Instagram for more information or contact the business via email at [email protected].
There’s a New Cocktail Lounge + Restaurant in Jersey City: Meet The District
If you’ve been wondering what happened to the Harborside building, as it’s seen a lot of changes in the last few years, we have some updates — a new restaurant just opened in the building. The District, located at 210 Hudson Street in Jersey City, is a modern American restaurant with an extensive craft cocktail list + elevated dinner menu in Harborside. Click here for more.
Parts of 15th Street in Hoboken Closed For 3 Months
The City of Hoboken announced upcoming traffic detours regarding the ongoing construction of the Rebuild by Design project back in August — and the closures started Monday, September 16th. 15th Street from Park Avenue to Bloomfield Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for about three months for the construction of the Rebuild by Design Resist structure. School pick-up and drop-off will also be affected, and a community meeting was held at the beginning of this month to discuss the ongoing construction ahead of the closures. Click here for more.
New Bill Will Change Hemp Sales to Be Regulated Like Cannabis in NJ
A bill recently signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will see intoxicating hemp-based products placed under the same regulatory controls as cannabis or alcohol products. The sale of intoxicating hemp-based products is now prohibited to customers under the age of 21. Even as Governor Murphy conceded some of the bill’s flaws, the danger of underage consumers accessing these products outweighed any concerns. Click here for more.
French Brasserie, Faubourg, Opens Newest Location in Weehawken
Weehawken, New Jersey might be the famed dueling grounds of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, but a new restaurant is bringing a taste of France to the historic Hudson County town. Faubourg, a French brasserie in Montclair, recently opened a second location in Weehawken on the ground floor of River House 11 at 1100 Avenue at Port Imperial. Under the same name, Faubourg Weehawken mirrors the awarded menu and elevated atmosphere of its Essex County counterpart, serving dinner seven nights a week as well as weekend brunch. Click here for more.
Hoboken’s Hot Chili Eating Contest is Returning for 2024
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After its inaugural event last year, Hoboken non-profit Computers4People is bringing its Hoboken Pepper Fest back to the Mile Square. On Saturday, October 5th, locals will have the chance to put their spice tolerances to the test in addition to enjoying live music performances, games, and other food and drinks. All proceeds from the event will benefit Computers 4 People, which aims to limit e-waste and combat inequities in technology access. Click here for more.
Jersey City-Based Pholk Beauty is Featured in Upcoming American Airlines Amenities Kits
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Pholk Beauty, a female-owned, Jersey City-based beauty brand that specializes in “soul food for the skin” will be featured in upcoming American Airlines amenities kits. Niambi Cacchioli is the founder of Pholk Beauty and shared the news with the Hoboken Girl team. Per American Airlines Newsroom, during the next few weeks, customers flying on American Airlines will enjoy a new limited-edition specialty kit highlighting the airline’s longstanding fundraising campaign with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). The kits feature Pholk Beauty hand lotion and facial mist. Pholk will be in flight through October 19th.
Nonprofit Contemplates Suing Jersey City for High Cost of Hiring Off-Duty Cops
Jersey City nonprofits claim the city is failing to provide discounted rates for security at parades and outdoor celebrations. One nonprofit is contemplating a lawsuit against the city on behalf of all local tax-exempt groups faced with the burden of raising the extra funds. Per the Jersey City Times, spearheading the cause is Nicholas Grillo, who organizes La Festa Italiana, a five-day outdoor festival at Holy Rosary Church on Sixth Street, and the Columbus Day Parade. Based on his calculations, Nicholas said the city overcharged roughly $8,000 for festival security for this year and last year plus an additional $5,000 to $7,000 for last year’s parade. The Festa Italiana organizers are contemplating suing the City in hopes of pocketing the difference in fees between last year’s event and this year’s.
Montclair Restaurant, Efi’s Gyro, Opening a Jersey City Location
Earlier this year, we reported that Faubourg, a popular French brasserie in Montclair, was making its way to Weehawken — and it made its debut in Hudson County this August. Yet another Montclair restaurant is entering the Hudson County food scene, this time in the Newport Area of Jersey City. Efi’s Gyro, a casual Greek spot on Bloomfield Avenue, is opening its second location at 171 River Drive in a new residential building. Click here for more.
“The Heap” Interactive Puppet Show Returned to Hoboken on 9/18
Photo Credit: Puppet Heap
On Wednesday, September 18th, an interesting-looking man carrying a cast of characters made his way down Washington Street, only he wasn’t a man, he was a puppet. “The Heap” returned to Hoboken for one afternoon only. On its back was a collection of stories, some alive, with connections to the Mile Square City. Click here for more.
Jersey City Officials Cut Ribbon on Mixed-Income Housing Complex
Jersey City officials cut the ribbon on the Fairview Heights mixed-income housing complex in Ward B on September 13th. Per the Hudson County View, the new mixed-income development, located at 43 Fairview Avenue, rises nine stories in the city’s vibrant McGinley Square neighborhood, steps away from public transit, neighborhood shops, and houses of worship. 52 of its 92 units are designated as affordable housing.
1-Day Pasta Pop-Up in Hoboken From a Michelin-Star Chef
Photo Credit: MISIPASTA
After hosting a one-day pop-up event in Montclair back in July, Michelin-star-rated, James-Beard-Award-Winning Chef Missy Robbins’ brand MISIPASTA came to the Mile Square. On Saturday, September 21st, Chef Robbins Brooklyn-based Italian specialty boutique was at the W Hoboken, selling top-notch Italian eats as a one-time pop-up. Click here for more.
Hoboken Business Alliance Announces New Asphalt Mural, “Hoboken Kaleidoscope”
Photo Credit: Jersey Photographer
The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) announced on September 18th the completion of a new asphalt mural, “Hoboken Kaleidoscope,” at the intersection of Jackson and 4th Streets by artist Ana Milena Torres in collaboration with Community Lifestyle and the Jubilee Center. Per an HBA press release, this mural is a result of partnering with Community Lifestyle, a local nonprofit committed to empowering Hoboken youth with the resources and safe environment needed to learn and grow, and the Jubilee Center, which provides after-school care and enrichment.
Hoboken Dual Language Charter School to be Named “International Spanish Academy”
HoLa’s Students Will Soon Be Able to Graduate with Diplomas from the U.S. and Spain thanks to a new partnership. HoLa, a Hoboken Dual Language charter school, was recently named an International Spanish Academy by the Spanish government, the only public school in New Jersey to receive this designation for their highly-rated bilingual education program. Per a HoLa press release, a flag ceremony was held on September 20th from 8:30AM to 9:15AM at the dual language charter school, 123 Jefferson Street, to officially incorporate HoLa as the first official New Jersey school of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Art Fair 14C Happened in Jersey City’s Journal Square on 9/21
Photo Credit: Andrew Nicolas + Art Fair 14C
Art Fair 14C, in partnership with Goldman Sachs, hosted its fifth and final art crawl of the year — this one in the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City — on Saturday, September 21st from 3PM-7PM. The art crawl featured multiple galleries as well as various artist open studios, The event took place in the areas between Mana Contemporary and SMUSH Gallery in Jersey City. Click here for more.
Updates on Fire at Clock Tower Apartments; Fundraiser Set Up for Hoboken Family
On the morning of September 19th, 2024, a fire broke out at The Clock Tower Apartments, located at 300 Adams Street in Hoboken. The fire was on the Adams Street side of the building. Per NJ.com, a fire ripped through at least one apartment, and the building was evacuated. No injuries were reported at the time and the fire was under control, per Hoboken Councilman Michael Russo. An AngeLink fundraiser has been set up for Christina Ortiz and her two daughters, a Hoboken family whose apartment and belongings were destroyed in the fire. Click here for more.
WARN Notices Issued to 2,600+ CarePoint Employees for Possible Layoffs
Notices of potential layoffs have been distributed to the 2,602 employees of the struggling CarePoint Health hospital network that owns Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital, and Hoboken University Medical Center. Per NJ.com, the letters notify employees they may be laid off effective December 12th, and the letters were issued as CarePoint Health, which converted from a for-profit to a nonprofit two years ago, has begun seriously exploring bankruptcy or other forms of financial restructuring.
$2M Grant Awarded to Jersey City for Mental Health Crisis Response Program
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Jersey City moved a huge step closer to establishing a mental health crisis response program when the state approved the city’s second application for $2 million in funding from a law that bears the name of a city victim of police violence. Per NJ.com, the act, signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in January, was named after Andrew Washington, of Jersey City, and Najee Seabrooks, of Paterson, both who were fatally shot by police officers during a mental health crisis. The new application was produced by Jersey City Anti-Violence Coalition Movement Founder and Executive Director Pamela Johnson.
Brown Harris Stevens Sales Associate Breaks Hoboken Real Estate Record
Brown Harris Stevens sales associate, Sharon Shahinian, has broken a Hoboken real estate record. Brown Harris Stevens shared with The Hoboken Girl that the $3.8M brownstone was sold at 1225 Garden Street in Hoboken only 10 days after it was listed. The c.1892 four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom four-story brownstone with 11-foot ceilings is the highest-priced Brownstone sold in Hoboken in 2024 to date, and the highest-priced on the Garden Street block in Hoboken history. Historically, the highest-priced home on the block sold a few years ago for $3M at 1254 Garden Street. The most recent sale on the block is $2.67M.
TikTok-Famous Chain Kong Dog Closed its Hoboken Location
Photo Credit: @r_mac9595
Less than a year since it opened, it appears that Kong Dog — a Korean-style corn dog joint — has closed its Washington Street outpost in Hoboken. Signage for the TikTok-famous chain first went up last fall at the former Zero Otto Uno location, and by March 2024, the fast-casual restaurant celebrated its grand opening. Over the past few weeks, however, the business has been notably vacant, and the 502 Washington Street commercial property is now available for lease. Click here for more.
Jersey City Cannabis Board Denies Local Modiv’s Application For the Second Time
The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board (CCB) denied Local Modiv’s application for a second time at the September 11th meeting. Per the Hudson County View, CCB Chair Brittani Bunney recused herself from the Local Modiv hearing, which has been attempting to open at 155 Newark Avenue for over two years. Garden Greenz and downtown FLWR had sued them over the business’ violation of the so-called “600-foot rule” and they also sued the CCB last year. While a judge remanded the matter back to the CCB and they approved them in April 2023, the matter remains unsettled. The application was denied 2-0, with Bunney abstaining.
Movie Trucks Line Hoboken’s Washington Street
Five large film trucks were seen on Washington Street in Hoboken on September 18th, but not for a major movie production, as they have been recently. Per Patch Hoboken, crews were at Sixth and Washington streets to film a Warby Parker eyeglasses commercial. Merman, an international company, is filming the commercial at the Warby Parker store at 538 Washington Street.
Court Rules Hudson County Jail is Not Responsible for Inmate’s Fatal Crash
Hudson County jail officials were not responsible for the safety of an inmate after he was released from the Kearny jail and killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking on a nearby highway, an appellate court panel ruled. Per NJ.com, in a 13-page decision released September 18th, the panel upheld the lower court’s summary judgment dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Naphtali Dykes of East Orange. The lawsuit claimed that the jail had neglected its responsibility to keep Naphtali safe when they discharged him at 1:36AM on March 10th, 2018. Since no buses were running at the time, Naphtali tried to walk to his mother’s home in Newark.
What’s Going on at the Former Malibu Diner Space in Hoboken?
Malibu Diner, located at 257 14th Street in Hoboken, was an unofficial welcome mat on the north side of town for decades of visitors since its opening in 1941. It closed on December 31st, 2021, with promises to come back in the same spot in a new format. In June 2023, plans were released for its return — but as of September 2024, there is now a “For Lease” sign seeking a retail tenant in the space. So, what’s going on at the former Malibu Diner space? Click here for more.
Officials Approve Taller Development at Former Jersey City Unleashed Site
A proposal to revitalize a former pet spa near the Holland Tunnel feeder roads will now be a bit higher as officials approved revamped plans that will add more retail space to the neighborhood. Per Jersey Digs, Jersey City’s Planning Board initially approved plans to revitalize the former home of Jersey City Unleashed about a year ago. The board approved changes to the application late this summer that will now allow two towers to rise 17 stories and 169 feet tall each. Despite the approved changes, Pegasus Partners have not indicated when the project could break ground.
New Cannabis Dispensary MMD to Open in Jersey City
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Jersey City’s newest cannabis dispensary, MMD, will open on Saturday, September 28th in Journal Square at 655 Newark Avenue. You might know MMD from the landmark HULU reality series High Hopes, produced by Jimmy Kimmel. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 12PM-8PM. MMD is celebrating with 50% off everything in-store, treats from local favorites like Stack Creamery, DJs, gifts with purchases, surprises, and raffles throughout the day. Click here for more information about the event.
Jersey City Ward E Councilman Solomon Launches Mayoral Bid
Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon launched his mayoral bid in front of a huge crowd on September 19th. Per the Hudson County View, Solomon, currently in his second term as the downtown councilman, emphasized unity, stating several times that Jersey City can rise to the needs of its people if they work together. Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali are also declared mayoral candidates in the non-partisan November 4th, 2025 contest.
New Dispensary, Village Hoboken, Opens on Washington Street
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A former NBA star with Jersey roots is the latest business owner to open a cannabis dispensary in Hudson County. Village Hoboken, which is now open at 516 Washington Street, is owned by Al Harrington, an Orange native and a 16-season NBA veteran. His company, Viola Brands, has sold its products in other dispensaries in the state, and this new business will sell Viola products. The NBA veteran was spotted at Village Hoboken on Wednesday, May 29th, and the new cannabis dispensary made its debut on Washington Street on Saturday, September 21st following a ribbon cutting that was held on Friday, September 20th. Click here for more.
Woman Gets Resentenced to 70 Years in Killing of Couple in Jersey City
A woman implicated in the 2010 execution-style killing of a Jersey City couple has been resentenced to 70 years in state prison by a Superior Court Judge. The robbery, which ended in the shooting deaths of Michael Muchioki and Nia Haqq, took place in front of their Randolph Avenue home as the couple was returning from their engagement party. Per the Jersey City Times, on September 16th, Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez resentenced Latonia Bellamy for her role in the killings. Latonia will not be eligible for parole until 64 years of the sentence is served. Latonia was convicted at trial in 2021. The resentencing was required following a 2021 Appellate Court ruling that affirmed Latonia’s conviction but remanded the matter back to the court to consider additional records.
Statue of LGBTQ+ Icon Marsha P. Johnson to be Placed at Stevens Park in Hoboken
Photo Credit: Randy Wicker
Long before RuPaul sashayed from the runway and into America’s hearts, there was Marsha P. Johnson and a deep connection to Hoboken. But what did Marsha, the “true Mother of Drag” according to RuPaul, have to do with Hoboken? It may surprise readers that perhaps the most important and famous trans woman in history — a trailblazer in her time — found solace in Hoboken. Today, murals and monuments around the globe celebrate Marsha P. Johnson, the trans woman who fought for her rights during and after the Stonewall Uprisings. While this world-renowned activist had once been homeless, she made Hoboken her home. After locals advocated for Marsha to receive a memorial in the Mile Square in recent years, Hoboken City Council recently approved the building of a statue at Stevens Park — right outside of where she once lived. Click here for more.
Board of Directors of Jersey City Arts Council Supports Mayor Fulop’s Pompidou Proposal
The six-member Board of Directors of the non-profit Jersey City Arts Council says it supports Mayor Fulop’s proposal to create an offshoot of Paris’s Centre Pompidou in Journal Square. Per the Jersey City Times, according to the controversial proposal announced by the mayor, the developer of 808 Pavonia Avenue, KRE, would receive a 30-year tax abatement in exchange for the creation of a 100,000 sq. ft. space for the museum. By one estimate, the abatement would result in a loss of $180 million in revenue to the city. The administration estimates that in year one, the museum’s operating budget will surpass $21 million and rise to $27 million by year ten. As of September 19th, nineteen Jersey City arts organizations and arts professionals announced their opposition to the Pompidou plan and launched a petition drive on change.org.
Jersey City’s Animal Care + Control Address Humane Treatment of Stray + Abandoned Cats
Jersey City’s Division of Animal Care and Control and the Partnership for a Healthier JC are creating critical partnerships with active cat colony caregivers to address the humane treatment of community cats. Per a City of Jersey City press release, utilizing a $90,000 state grant awarded to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the initiative to improve public health and save cats’ lives will also take the burden off taxpayers by using fewer public resources.
Pariwaar Delights Opening 2nd Location in Hoboken in Former Mikie Squared Space
A Jersey City-based Indian food restaurant is putting down roots in the Mile Square. Pariwaar Delights, which currently resides at 827 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, will open up a second location in Hoboken in the former Mikie Squared space at 616 Washington Street. An eagle-eyed Hoboken Girl reader first noticed signage up at the new outpost on Tuesday, July 30th. Click here for more.
Hoboken Mayor Bhalla Joins CarePoint Board to Advance Oversight of Hoboken University Medical Center
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla will join the CarePoint Board as the City of Hoboken’s official representative during its meeting on September 23rd. Per a City of Hoboken press release, this step aims to provide the city with greater insight and to strengthen the flow of information between the NJ Department of Health, CarePoint leadership, the Board, and elected officials. This decision follows last week’s vote by the CarePoint Board to explore financial restructuring options, which may include bankruptcy.
Pakistani-American Fusion Restaurant, Khokha, Opens in Jersey City
Contrary to popular belief, 2025 has brought more than just congestion pricing and the end of a much-anticipated holiday break. The new year has come with an abundance of new restaurants and cuisines in the area, including the up-and-coming Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Khokha is a Pakistani-American fast-food restaurant that opened its doors at 60 Sip Avenue, Store 2B in Jersey City on December 20th, 2024. This new spot, with a halal menu of burgers, sliders, paratha rolls, lamb chops, and more, is a foodie's dream come true. Read on for more about Khokha's recent arrival in Jersey City, New Jersey.
About Khokha
Khokha is a Pakistani-American restaurant that opened in Jersey City at 60 Sip Avenue, Store 2B on December 20th, 2024 with its official grand opening. This is the restaurant's second New Jersey location, with one in Piscataway at 1358 Centennial Avenue being the first.
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According to the franchise's website, Khokha means "kiosk" in Urdu. Within Pakistani culture, this word typically refers to a local eatery where people can find "delicious and comforting food along with unique and hilarious artwork." Khokha hopes to bring that same upbeat and comforting vibe to its Northern New Jersey communities.
Read More: Mexican-Inspired Coffee Shop, Cafexico, Opens in Hoboken
The Hoboken Girl team has reached out to the business and this piece will be updated with any further information.
The Menu
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Khokha serves up a completely halal menu of fast-food favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and more. Patrons can find signature items like wagyu beef burgers, topped with chimichurri, jalapeño aioli, and romaine, as well as Pakistani-inspired options like the paratha rolls, which can be made with crispy chicken, pulled beef, or plant-based meat.
This restaurant is a great spot for plant-based folks. The menu includes options like The Modern Burger, made with a plant-based patty and topped with cheddar cheese, grilled tomato, the signature Khokha sauce, and mint chutney, and the Anda Shami, which comes with a chicken + split chickpea patty topped with omelet, cabbage, masala, ketchup, garlic sauce, and tamarind sauce.
The menu also features grilled cheese sandwiches, wings, milkshakes, desserts, and housemade drinks like the Desi Mint Margarita and Lassi, which is a yogurt-based beverage. While the restaurant has only been open for a few weeks as of this writing, menu options like the Australian and New Zealand lamb chops have quickly become must-try items for customers.
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Jersey City locals can try Khokha's expansive menu Sunday through Tuesday from 11AM to 9PM.
See More: Qahwah House: A Yemeni-Style Coffee Spot Opening in Montclair in 2025
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