It’s been another busy week in Hudson County with plenty of headlines to catch up on from Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond. Among the highlights: Hoboken announces a program to replace lead pipes; a Jersey City cannabis shop owner sues the city; and two Jersey City middle schoolers won an award for a documentary about gun control. Read on for more news you missed from the Hoboken + Jersey City area.
Lightning Strikes One World Trade + Tornadoes Hit New Jersey
(Photo: Gary Hershorn)
Some interesting and unusual weather has been making its way through the area – this following a surprisingly mild winter and temperatures reaching the 70s this week. On Saturday, April 1st, intense weather passed through the Hudson County area and one photographer captured a picture worth over a million views. Other areas of New Jersey were impacted by the storm, and a record-setting seven tornadoes were confirmed in Southern and Central New Jersey. Read on for more about the record-setting weather and how to be prepared for tornadoes.
Alfalfa Officially Expands into Jersey City
Alfalfa said hello to Jersey City this past Monday, April 3rd at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newest location. The eatery, best known for its unique salads, wraps, breakfast burritos, homemade gluten-free donuts, and more, opened in Hoboken in 2019 and will be hosting its official grand opening in JC on Saturday, April 8th. Located in the Powerhouse Arts District at 160 1st Street, this location is the brand’s first complete build from scratch and showcases the Alfalfa story while mirroring the same delicious menu as their Hoboken location. The JC location will be the third Alfalfa restaurant, joining the one in Hoboken + another in Santa Monica – both of which have already charmed salad lovers on the East and West Coasts. Read on to learn more about Alfalfa and all that we know about their grand opening in Jersey City.
Fundraiser Announced for Hoboken Doctor
Dr. Ahntu Vu, part of the Hoboken University Medical Center Family Medicine Program, has recently been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare brain tumor. His friends and colleagues have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to support Dr. Vu and his family throughout the treatment.
The Price is Right Coming to Newark
Come on down! On 10/5, YOU could be the next lucky contestant on @PriceIsRight, as the iconic game show jumps off the screen and onto the njpac stage. Grab tickets TOMORROW with presale code WINNER: https://t.co/WXHnfjiu3U pic.twitter.com/o6iBEeYdJq
— New Jersey Performing Arts Center (@NJPAC) April 5, 2023
The Price is Right will be live in New Jersey in Fall 2023. The show will be at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on October 5th. Tickets are available now through the NJPAC website.
Hey Coffee People: A New Cafe is Open in Hoboken
Hey, coffee people – yes, we’re talking to you – a new cafe has come to downtown Hoboken and it’s just your type. Located at 103 Garden Street in Hoboken, this new java spot is speaking directly to its target market with a warm hello and hot coffee. Cleverly named Hey Coffee People is now open as of Monday, April 3rd. Read on for what we know about Hey Coffee People, a new cafe now open in Hoboken.
North Jersey Rents The Most Competitive in the US
A new study from Rentcafe.com named North Jersey as the number one most competitive rental market in the US. The study pointed to the increase in high-income renters and low turnover in apartments as contributing factors to North Jersey’s score. Of course, the best place to find housing in via The Local Girl’s new real estate directory.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Athletic Fields at Northwest Resiliency Park in Hoboken
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, community members, and elected officials officially cut the ribbon on the new multi-purpose athletic field at the Northwest Resiliency Park, opening the City’s first athletic field in over a decade, according to a press release. Hoboken’s youth recreation baseball and softball teams joined the Mayor and elected officials for the ribbon cutting, which was immediately followed by an inaugural practice. “This new field is a game changer for our community, which will serve as a major benefit to residents of all ages and our recreation programs,” said Mayor Bhalla. “The creation of this field and the entire Northwest Resiliency Park has been a major priority for my administration, and this is an exciting day for Hoboken that has finally arrived in time for our spring season. I look forward to the grand opening of the rest of the park this summer!”
The Northwest Resiliency Park athletic field is located at 12th and Jefferson Streets. The Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund provided two grants totaling $1 million, which funded field construction and other recreation amenities throughout the park.
Hudson County-based Robotics Team Wins Big
A team made up of Hudson County-based high school students won big at a recent FIRST Robotics Competition. According to Patch, the team is made up of high school students from Secaucus and Jersey City. Over the past two weeks, the team has taken home the coveted “blue banner” as a district event winner and earned the “Rookie All Star” and “Rookie Inspiration” awards. Up next, a regional event in Pennsylvania and a worldwide competition in Texas. To support the team, visit its fundraising page here.
City of Hoboken Seeks Resident Feedback for Maritime Park
The City of Hoboken launched an online survey to gather public input for the concept design of Maritime Park. The survey follows the first community meeting he
The design team will use feedback from the survey, community meetings, and future public engagement to create concept designs for Maritime Park that include features and amenities reflective of the community’s needs.
Free Health Screenings for Youth Athletes in Jersey City
The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes (Morahan Center) at RWJBarnabas Health will provide free cardiac and concussion baseline screenings to young athletes on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 8AM to 12PM at Jersey City Medical Center Rehabilitation Center, 100 Town Square Place, Suite 208, in Jersey City. Per Patch, the screenings are free of charge and a parent or guardian is asked to be present. An appointment is required. To request an appointment time, parents/guardians are asked to visit rwjbh.org/jcmcevents and search by event name.
Hoboken Launches Applications for Lead Service Line Replacement Grants
Property owners can now apply for $1,000 in funding through the Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program.
Apply: https://t.co/TmY52PVPBL
More info: https://t.co/BOTVW7vWyX— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) April 5, 2023
While no lead is present in water leaving the treatment plant and there are no lead water mains in Hoboken, it is possible that a property owner’s service line from the water main to their meter could contain lead as lead was the industry standard for small-diameter water pipes prior to June 1986. According to a press release from the city, applications are now open for the Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program, which aims to provide eligible Hoboken property owners with $1,000 in funding to replace their lead service lines. The program is part of the Hoboken Water Utility’s initiative to ensure high-quality service through the identification and replacement of all lead service lines citywide as mandated by Governor Phil Murphy’s adoption of amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act and Municipal and County Utilities Authorities Law.The online application is available at www.hobokennj.gov/lslr-grant. Applicants must be Hoboken residents who own their home and have verified that their property’s service line from the water main to their property contains lead materials. The Utility launched the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2022, which aims to replace all lead service lines by 2031. Through a partnership with property owners, lead service lines will be prioritized and replaced through scheduled paving work, scheduled water main replacement work, or as identified as areas with high densities of children, areas of high-density lead service lines or unknown service lines, and as areas of overburdened environmental justice communities.
Uptown Hoboken Bank Announces Closure
Kearny Bank, located at 1470 Garden Street in Hoboken, has announced its closure. Per Patch, customers can still go to the bank’s North Bergen location. The bank’s last day of operation at the Garden Street location will be June 30, 2023.
Muslim Heritage Month Proposal Approved
There are 300,000 Muslim Americans in NJ, including numerous current and former elected officials dedicated to public service. It is long past time to recognize our Muslim brothers and sisters for their contributions to the diverse fabric of our state. https://t.co/dVtGaGB9oK
— Sen. Joe Pennacchio (@joepennacchio) February 2, 2023
A proposal to mark January as Muslim Heritage Month has moved forward in the New Jersey Legislature. Per Patch, the bill was introduced by State Senator Joseph Pennacchio (R). The bill SJR105/AJR194 passed the Senate in February and passed the Assembly in late March. It passed unanimously in both houses.
Om Sweet Home Relaunches Bakery
Om Sweet Home, a vegan and gluten-free bakery, will have products in several Essex County retailers starting April 7th, according to an Instagram post from the company. The bakery closed in July 2021, and at the time, owner Dawn Pascale wasn’t sure what was next for the brand. Om Sweet Home’s baked goods will now be available at Black Rail in Hoboken and The Grind Shop in Jersey City.
Surreal Creamery Coming to Uptown Hoboken
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An inspired ice cream shop with roots in New Brunswick has plans to open a location at 1122 Washington Street, according to Jersey Digs. The store started in 2016 and has already grown to locations throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, NYC and Texas. The Hoboken location will be the store’s third New Jersey shop, joining the New Brunswick and Westfield locations. The store’s signature items are sundaes served in Mason jars and floateas which are bubble tea-based ice cream floats.
State Funding for Electric Vehicles Approved
Per NJ.com, several localities in New Jersey will get state funds to expand resources for electric vehicles. The money comes from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI, and will go toward adding electric vehicle chargers and expanding electric vehicle fleets, including school buses and trucks.
New Jersey Launches Website with Transgender Resources
On #TransDayOfVisibility, we’re launching New Jersey’s first Transgender Resource Hub — home to information important to transgender and non-binary communities, such as how to change your name, obtain medical support, learn about your rights, and more.
🏳️⚧️https://t.co/5wAWRWdM55 pic.twitter.com/aBlwSgehq0
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 31, 2023
March 31st is known as the Trans Day of Visibility and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took the opportunity to launch a new webpage with resources for trans New Jerseyians. According to NJ.com, the Murphy administration said it consulted with more than two dozen transgender and non-binary groups to work on the website, which officials described as a work in progress. It will be rolled out in a beta version to get more suggestions from users.
Jersey City Middle Schoolers’ Documentary Wins Award
Each year, #StudentCam winners take home their share of $100,000 in cash prizes!
Check out each of our winners and see when their documentaries might air on @CSPAN by visiting https://t.co/drsLVNJODh.#Contest #CashMoney #Prizes #Winners pic.twitter.com/7AWLq6i8TT
— StudentCam (@StudentCam) March 17, 2023
Two students at Frank R. Conwell Middle School No. 4 won an award for their documentary project on gun violence. Per Patch, Simran Marwaha and Gwenyth Friedman were recognized by C-SPAN for their documentary, Control Your Guns, Control Our Futures. The documentary was created as part of C-SPAN’s national 2023 StudentCam competition.
500-Spot Parking Garage Opens in West New York
West New York celebrated the opening of a 500-spot parking garage, according to Patch. The garage has eight stories, charging stations for electric vehicles, and on-site security 24 hours a day. It is the first new parking structure built in West New York in 12 years.
Back to the 80s Fundraiser for Hoboken Shelter
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The Hoboken Shelter has announced its Back to the 80s Fundraiser, scheduled for May 6th. Per Patch, the annual event took a pandemic-related hiatus and this is the first year back. Tickets are available now.
Former Hoboken Fire Chief Returns to Work After Two-Year Leave
Hoboken firefighter Brian Crimmins returned to work on April 3rd, 2023 after a two-year administrative leave. According to the Hudson County View, Crimmins joined the fire department in 2004 and reached the rank of chief in 2018. Crimmins was placed on paid leave in May 2021, and there has been no statement from either Crimmins or the City explaining the circumstances of his leave or why he returned to the department at the lowest rank.
All About Casa de Lobo: A Members-Only Restaurant in Jersey City
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Casa de Lobo, located at 475 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, is unlike anything Hudson County has ever seen. And that’s exactly what the owner and Hoboken native Cesar Alvarez had in mind. Casa de Lobo is a members-only restaurant serving Mexican-inspired tapas and large plates. The Hoboken Girl caught up with Cesar to learn more about this Jersey City newcomer. Read on for more info about Casa de Lobo in Jersey City.
Choose New Jersey Opens Israel Office
Remember that announcement we hinted at? INTRODUCING: The New Jersey Israel Center! 🇮🇱 Our office in Tel Aviv (led by Peres & Associates) is a gateway for Israeli businesses to break into the American market in New Jersey. #NJIsraelMission
More here: https://t.co/IcjApfA6Ri— Choose New Jersey (@ChooseNJ) March 21, 2023
Choose New Jersey, an economic development group focused on increasing investment in New Jersey, has recently opened an office in Israel. According to Patch, the goal of the new office is to strengthen the relationship between New Jersey and Israel and to increase commercial, academic, and cultural opportunities. The office is located in Tel Aviv.
Jersey City Cannabis Shop Owner Sues Competitor,
City Planning Board
A Jersey City cannabis shop owner has sued both a competitor and the city planning board. According to NJ.com, the city planner incorrectly stated there were no competing businesses within 600 feet of the applicant business. The Cannabis Place 420 alleges that competitor Kushmart’s application was unlawfully approved, as it is located only 338 feet away from its storefront.
Blood Drive Announced in Hoboken
The next community blood drive will take place on Friday, April 14th from 8:30AM – 2PM at Hoboken City Hall, located at 94 Washington Street. The event will be in the ground floor conference room, so please enter via the Newark Street door that is between Washington and Bloomfield. To register to donate with Vitalant New Jersey, please click here.
Jersey City Medical Center Announces New Lab for Stroke-Related Diagnoses
Jersey City Medical Center, located at 355 Grand Street, announced a new lab equipped with specialized equipment to diagnose strokes and related issues. Per Patch, the technology in the newly opened Neuro Interventional Cath Lab will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of stroke and complex neurovascular diseases such as aneurysms. JCMC is now the only facility in Hudson County with this type of equipment, which will also allow providers to perform more minimally invasive procedures to treat a variety of problems.
Smorgasbar Announces Plans to Return to Jersey City
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Smorgasbar has announced plans to return to Jersey City for the 2023 season. Per JC Families, the return of Smorgasbar is limited to only the outdoor bar area on the Jersey City waterfront, not the full Smorgasburg food-festival experience. No reason was given for Smorgasburg’s decision not to return, but the parking lot that had previously been host to the event is currently under construction. Smorgasbar will open for the season on April 29th.
Hoboken Non-Profit Announces Fundraising Event
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Community Lifestyle, a Hoboken-based non-profit that supports children and teens, has announced its ‘Be Someone’s Hero’ fundraising dinner. According to the organization, the event will take place on April 27th, and tickets are available now. Community Lifestyle provides a safe space for youth and teens including access to support services.
Jersey City to Introduce ‘Right to Counsel’ Legislation
Per NJ.com, Jersey City lawmakers are set to advance a proposal creating a fund to pay for tenant advocacy, paid for by developer fees. According to a press release from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s office, Councilmembers James Solomon, Frank Gilmore, and Yousef Salef also support the legislation. An Affordable Housing Trust fund would be funded solely by fees paid by developers, and the money would go toward representing low-income residents in eviction hearings and expanding affordable housing in Jersey City.
