Another weekend come and gone, and now that it’s Sunday, time for our weekly recap of the most noteworthy news headlines that happened between our neighboring cities. ICYMI, there’s been a ton going on — from new openings and closings to a local coffeehouse staple garnering recognition in a national magazine. Keep reading to find out all that’s been happening in Hoboken, JC, and beyond:
Hudson Coffee Wins Food Network Magazine Award for Best Coffee Cup Design in NJ
{Photo courtesy of Justin DePascale via @hoboken_love}
Food Network Magazine has named the best coffee mugs in the USA… and Hudson Coffee tops the list! The magazine feature named a “best mug” in each state and Hudson Coffee {located at 1100 Maxwell Street} took home the gold on behalf of New Jersey.
10 Liquor Stores Busted for Selling to Underage Kids
The Hoboken Police Department recently busted 10 local liquor stores for selling to underage decoys during an undercover operation. On January 5th, Hoboken’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Unit conducted the citywide operation, led by Sgt. Charles Kucz and Detective Anthony Caruso, with the help of two undercover officers from Jersey City. Both of the JC officers are under the legal drinking age.
A total of 12 liquor stores were visited, 10 of which were issued summons. The following liquor stores were charged: Village Market {702 Washington Street}, Cork Wine & Spirits {1450 Washington Street}, Blue Ribbon {450 1st Street}, Daniel Liquors {87 Garden Street}, Ottomanellis {422 Monroe Street}, Hoboken Discount Liquors {at 98 Willow Avenue}, Augie’s Liquors {419 Adams Street}, Hoboken Vine {at 400 Newark Street}, and Yash Liquors {1004 Washington Street}.
Hoboken Police say it’s the first of other operations to come.
Carlo’s Bakery Closes Two More Locations
Carlo’s Bake Shop, the bakery made famous by the reality TV show Cake Boss, has reportedly shut down two more of its New Jersey locations. Following last year’s closing of the Red Bank and Westfield locations, the Google knowledge panels for both Morristown and Ridgewood are marked as closed. Both businesses’ phones have also been redirected to voicemail.
The Ridgewood location opened back in 2013 at the height of Cake Boss popularity, and Morristown followed suit in 2014.
Madison Street Park Project Breaks Ground
{Photo courtesy of City of Hoboken}
The Madison Park Project has officially broken ground as of this week. Mayor Bhalla and other Hoboken officials visited the site to commemorate the launch of the project.
The finished park will include new park equipment, which includes two new sections of playground area for different ages. There will also be an upgraded spray feature, swing set, climbing net, shade structure, more seating, and a new bathroom. The park will also have safety features such as a safety surface and protective fencing.
“A major priority for my Administration is to continue with open space projects and upgrade our city parks, and I’m pleased that the Madison Street Park renovation will result in substantial quality of life improvements for local residents,” said Mayor Bhalla. “When completed, children in the surrounding area will have new playground equipment that provides for a safer place to play, learn, and interact. Thank you to the many residents who provided critical feedback to make this project a reality.”
Bellamy, New Rental Commercial Kitchen Opens in Union City
{Photo courtesy of Bellamy}
Bellamy Kitchen has launched the opening of its new commercial kitchen facility at 913 New York Avenue in Union City. The facility is the first of its kind in Hudson County. Bellamy is 3,000 square-feet of commercial kitchen, now open for business.
“As a small food business owner, I witnessed the struggle of finding modern and consistent commercial kitchen space for food production,” owner Meredith Chartier says. “I wanted to help others like me make their business dreams a reality.”
“Bellamy Kitchen offers 4 package options, with customization available to meet the needs of all businesses, whether they are established or just starting out,” Chartier adds.
The kitchen is equipped with freezer storage, a baking studio, and two culinary kitchens, as well as a loading zone for deliveries.
Jersey City Schools Go Into Lockdown After Daytime Shooting
Three Jersey City schools were put on lockdown after a daytime shooting took place on Grant Avenue last Wednesday. Two people were shot during the lunchtime shooting, which took place near 12 Grant Avenue. The two victims were in a vehicle at the time of the shooting. Schools 29, 41, and the Early Childhood Center on Claremont Avenue were close enough to the location that they quickly enabled lockdown after shots were fired. According to a school district official, the two victims drove their vehicle into the parking lot of School 41 on Wilkinson Ave.
Both victims had wounds a hospital spokesperson deemed “not life-threatening” and are expected to recover. A police investigation is currently pending and police have responded to a JC address allegedly connected to the owner of the vehicle.
Unsavory Phone Scams Tricking Hoboken Residents
Police have issued a warning after Hoboken residents have repeatedly been tricked by deceitful phone scams.
“Some of the most recent scams have been from callers claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security Office,” police said. “The victim is threatened with arrest if they do not withdraw money from their bank accounts and purchase gift cards. The money is later withdrawn after the victim provides codes for the gift cards.”
Police are urging Hoboken residents to please be wary of such fraudulent calls, suggesting anyone who receives a call should not engage the caller and instead, immediately end the call.
Hudson County Releases 2018 Market Report
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has released its end-of-the-year 2018 Market Performance Report for the housing market in Hudson County. The report features data from Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, and Weehawken. To access the full report and see how your home fared in 2018, click here.
Another Repeal Turned Down in Quest to Stop Monarch Project
Despite the City of Hoboken’s attempts to stop the Monarch Project championed by Shipyard Associates, another repeal to halt the project has been denied. The project has been in court for the past five years.
“In the current litigation, Shipyard filed suit to prevent the City from enforcing the ordinances to block construction of its project,” New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Judges William Nugent, Susan Reisner,and Hany Mawla wrote in their January 7th decision.
The most recent appeal was meant to determine whether or not the city’s land use laws could prevent the project. The Monarch Project seeks to build 11-story condo towers on the Hoboken waterfront.
Tacoria, Mexican Street Food, Coming to Downtown JC
{Photo credit: Instagram}
Tacoria, a new eatery that specializes in Mexican street food, is coming to Downtown Jersey City! With three existing locations in Montclair, New Brunswick, and Princeton, Tacoria is expanding its NJ presence with its latest venture at 238 First Street. Formerly the location of Burger Eatery, one of the main goals of Tacoria is striving for freshness. In fact, the restaurant will have no freezers.
“JERSEY CITY — WE ARE COMIN FOR YA !! Opening soon!” the official Instagram account of the eatery wrote. “As for all of our Tacorians who have been patiently waiting for our Morristown location, we greatly appreciate your support ! We are still planning to open, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it has been pushed back several times. We can’t wait to become a part of the Motown community very soon and we appreciate your continued patience!”
The menu will likely feature a small kids’ menu and vegan and gluten-free options.
Police Cracking Down on Cyclists Who Run Through Stop Signs
The Hoboken PD is cracking down, which is resulting in an uptick in traffic violations. The latest offense on police radar is cyclists who do not come to a complete halt for stop signs.
HPD wrote, “POs Estella & DiMartino were out on 1st & Hudson St this morning monitoring, educating & summonsing bicyclists who fail to follow traffic laws. Every motorist, bicyclist & pedestrian must do their part for safer streets. Send traffic issues to Traffic@Hoboken.org.”
These string of tickets is the latest in Hoboken’s recent and ongoing efforts to make the city safer for pedestrians. The safety initiative has so far also included undercover busts at crosswalks, in which officers in plainclothes cross the street. Any cars that do not adhere to the regulations of the crosswalks are ticketed.
Hoboken says its efforts are not just with car drivers and cyclists. They’re also focusing on “illegally parked shuttle buses,” too.
Frank Sinatra’s Birthplace Transforming Into Luxury Condos
The site of Frank Sinatra’s birthplace is going to be developed into luxury condos. If you know anything about Sinatra’s Hoboken history, then you’re aware he was born at 415 Madison Street, a site that has been long gone, though its place is marked with a bronze star situated on the sidewalk.
This past week, Chairman of the Board, Corp., took over the property and is moving forward will plans for the condos. During construction, the bronze star has been removed from its place on the sidewalk. It will be restored and returned to its OG spot upon completion of the project.
“The star is going to be restored by Tony Pignotti who is a Hoboken resident and big Sinatra fan,” developer John Heidenry told hMag. “I got Tony’s name from Robert Foster at the Hoboken Historical Museum. He will restore the star and then replace it in the new sidewalk when we are done in late 2019.”
What can we expect from the luxury condos that will soon take over the property? A 7-unit building with one 4-bedroom and six 3-bedroom apartments. On-site parking is also included, as is two private yards with three separate entertaining sections and two outdoor kitchen areas.
The Newport Mall In Jersey City is the Scene of a Shooting
On Friday evening, three shots went off in the food court of the Newport Mall in Jersey City and the shops were put on lockdown until authorities officially arrived. Following the accident during a press conference, Mayor Fulop and Chief Ferrante reported that two were shot and in critical condition. Stay tuned for updates.
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