No fooling around here – it’s been another busy week in Hudson County and there are plenty of headlines to catch up on. Among the highlights: a new coffee shop co-owned by former Jets player Braxton Berrios opened in Jersey City; a waterfront property in Bayonne will be available for redevelopment for the first time in decades; and Hoboken Police announce arrests in an investigation into illegal cannabis sales. Read on for more.
The Local Girl Real Estate Listings — Live Now!
Nobody loves living in New Jersey more than The Hoboken Girl + The Montclair Girl teams — but we also know that finding a home here is half the battle. To make home hunting that much simpler, our parent brand The Local Girl has launched a Real Estate Listings Directory. The directory is an ever-growing, curated list of real estate throughout New Jersey, from Hoboken and Jersey City all the way down to the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re looking for a new house, condo, rental, or you’re looking to list your property as a realtor or owner, we’re here to help you find your way home. Read on for more about our new Real Estate Directory + how to list your property.
The Company Kafe Coming Soon to Hoboken
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Mile Square coffee lovers, ring the alarm. A new coffee shop is in the works at 527 Jefferson Street in Hoboken. While our little city certainly has no shortage great place to grab coffee, The Company Kafe seems to be bringing us a steamy cup of nostalgia. Read on for what we know so far about The Company Kafe coming soon to Hoboken.
Hard Grove Has Closed, Owners Bringing
New Spot to Newark Avenue
If there’s one thing we love, it’s authentic food. Whether the cuisine hails from Italy, an island in the Caribbean, or anywhere in the world really, we’re fans of traditional fare. One such restaurant that provided us just that was Hard Grove in Jersey City. Unfortunately, as of a few days ago, the restaurant announced that it was officially closed. Not to worry, loyal Hard Grove fans, the owners are already developing a new place on Newark Ave. Hard Grove showcased the best flavors from Cuba and featured brunch, lunch, and dinner menus filled with many popular Cuban dishes, as well as some classic delights that showcased the incredible work of owner Carmen Mendiola and chef Evelyn Padin, a James Beard Foundation Recipient. We’ll bring you more updates on the new place as developments continue, but read on to learn more about Hard Grove’s closure, plans for the new spot, and everything we will miss about this Jersey City gem.
Rapper Flo-Rida’s Son Injured in Fall at Jersey City Apartment
A Jersey City boy who is the son of rapper Flo-Rida was injured last week in a fall in an apartment building, per Patch. The six-year-old boy, Zohar Dillard, lives with his mother Alexis Adams in Jersey City and fell out of an apartment window on March 4th. The family has brought a lawsuit against the property owner, alleging that the boy’s injuries are due to the building owner’s negligence.
Hoboken Waterfront Updates
In a message to constituents, Hoboken City Council member Phil Cohen shared updates about the Hoboken Waterfront. At the Monarch site on 16th Street, new pavers are being installed by the City to provide more space for pedestrians to enjoy beautiful waterfront views. This will enhance the experience for all who walk or jog along our world-class waterfront park. As we expand our waterfront park on the Union Dry Dock site, expand Harborside Park, and upgrade Weehawken Cove, we ensure that our world-class waterfront will be vibrant, connected, and publicly accessible for all to enjoy. These waterfront improvements, along with our unbreakable commitment to complete our Rebuild by Design resiliency efforts, will enhance the quality of life for all Hoboken residents and make our city an even more desirable place to live, work and raise a family.
Hoboken Housing Authority Considers Market-Level Pricing
Per Patch, as part of its redevelopment plans, the Hoboken Housing Authority is considering whether to make some units market-rate. The question is being asked of residents as the City gathers community feedback about what’s next for the 1,354 housing units.
La Isla Announces Closure of Its Uptown Hoboken Location
In 2015, La Isla opened its second Hoboken location at 25 12th Street. The 100-seat space is much larger than its downtown counterpart, but it’s just as cozy and the food is just as authentic and delicious. Now, eight years later, La Isla Uptown has officially announced that it will be closing Sunday, April 9th, due to quality of life concerns. The downtown Hoboken location will remain open. Read on for what we know about the closure of La Isla Uptown.
Hoboken Mayor Encourages Resident Feedback for Housing Plan
In a press release from the City, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla encouraged residents to participate in the Hoboken Housing Authority Redevelopment plan. The Redevelopment Plan will allow the City to implement new land use and infrastructure requirements that will guide future development and allow the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) properties to be redeveloped or substantially rehabilitated through a phased approach without displacing current residents.To take the online survey in English, go to hobokennj.gov/hhaplansurvey. To take the online survey in Spanish, go to hobokennj.gov/encuestaplandehha. The survey will be open until April 5.
Mixed-Use Project Coming to Grand and Grove Streets in Jersey City
Per Jersey Digs, a vacant lot at the corner of Grand and Grove Streets in downtown Jersey City will become a mixed-use building. The property is part of the Liberty Harbor development and is being designed by MHS Architecture. The building will have 106 residential units and ground-floor commercial spaces totaling 3,241 square feet.
Jersey City Announces Pay Transparency Campaign
A press release from the office of the Jersey City Mayor announced the launch of the Campaign Awareness for Pay Transparency to educate and enforce Jersey City’s Pay Transparency Ordinance designed to promote fairness and equity in the workplace. The ordinance requires City employers with five or more employees, staff, or independent contractors to include salary range and job benefits in every job posting, whether print or digital. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is joined by several City Council members in this effort.
The Campaign Awareness for Pay Transparency will officially launch on Monday, April 3, 2023, to promote compliance. The purpose: To help attract and retain the best talent, foster a better work environment through unity and trust within an organization or company, and ensure all residents and employees are paid fairly and equally regardless of gender, race, or any other unjust factors.
Former Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Tremitiedi Remembered
Former Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Tremitiedi passed away this week, according to Patch. Chief Tremitiedi was a 1955 graduate of Hoboken High School and joined the Fire Department in 1960. He was promoted to Fire Chief in 1990 and retired in 1995. Chief Tremitiedi was the President of Fire Smart, Inc. and provided coaching and tutoring as a Certified Assessor and Civil Service Expert to upcoming firemen for 20 years. An obituary is available here.
‘Almost Home’ Opens Coffee Cart in Jersey City’s
Hudson House Lofts
Jersey City is full of excellent coffee shops — from bwè kafe on River Drive to Dream Vista on York Street. Now, you can add another one to that list, because there is a new coffee spot in the lobby of the Hudson House lofts. Almost Home is a coffee cart co-owned by entrepreneur Rob Doran and former NY Jet and current Miami Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios, and just had its official opening event today, March 29th. Read on for what we know about Almost Home and its following in Monmouth County, as well as the new restaurant the team is planning to open next year.
West New York Approves Development
A nine-story development in West New York has been approved. Per Jersey Digs, the building will have 50 residential units and a two-story restaurant space on the ground floor. The lot is located at 6018 Buchanan Place. Union City-based Pereiras Architects Ubiquitous are involved in the project.
Iron Culture Gym Opens in North Bergen
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Iron Culture, a luxury high-intensity gym located at 7700 River Road officially celebrated the opening of its North Bergen location with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 30th. Founded by Arthur Imperatore Jr., the second location of Iron Culture opened in October 2022, and is currently home to 1,800 members. Since opening Iron Culture in North Bergen, NJ, the team has committed to several charitable foundations including Tunnels to Towers and Reps for Responders and is working on forming its own charitable foundation to assist high school and college athletes who struggle with mental health issues.
Jersey City Police Officer Loses Battle to Cancer
JCPOBA sends our deepest condolences to the family & friends of Officer Noel Santiago, Jr.
As our Jersey City community mourns the loss of Noel, we’re forever inspired by his bravery, professionalism, and dedication to the people he served.#FuckCancer #EOW #JerseyCity #JCPD pic.twitter.com/8Gx7GM2k52
— Jersey City P.O.B.A. (@JerseyCityPOBA) March 25, 2023
A Jersey City Police Officer died on March 24th of cancer. Per the Hudson County View, Officer Noel Santiago Jr. joined the JPCD in 2014 after stints as a Hudson County Correctional Officer and an officer in the Hudson County Sherriff’s Office. A fundraiser has been set up for the benefit of Officer Santiago’s family.
Artist Makeup Academy Relocating from Hoboken to Rahway
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Artist Makeup Academy, a beauty school offering professional training in many aspects of beauty and styling, has announced it is closing its Hoboken location and moving to Rahway. In a social media post from the company, a grand opening celebration at the new location was held on Thursday, March 30th. The new facility is located at 1530 Irving Street in Rahway.
Online Petition Launched to Expand Liberty State Park
A Jersey City resident has launched an online petition calling for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to take action regarding the possibility of development in Liberty State Park. According to NJ.com, the petition urges Governor Murphy to use the state’s power of eminent domain to seize Liberty National Golf Club and make the land part of Liberty State Park. The petition states: “The additional acreage will provide lots of land for active recreation for the community. And the state-of-the-art clubhouse will become NJ’s preeminent cultural center, a venue with sweeping views of the park, Jersey City, and New York.”
Jersey City Cannabis Dispensary Gets Full City Approval
Plans for a Jersey City dispensary were given full approval by the City, according to Jersey Digs. Cannaboutique will be located at 125 Columbus Drive and is owned by Jersey City native Julissa Bonilla. A fall 2023 opening date is anticipated.
Construction Begins on Jersey City Powerhouse Substation Project
Work has begun on a Port Authority-led project to build a new substation in the Powerhouse Arts District in Jersey City, per Jersey Digs. The existing powerhouse will be decommissioned, and the new facility will be modernized and flood-proof. The work is anticipated to be done in late 2026.
Hudson County Student Competing at World Championships on
USA Junior Women’s Saber Fencing Team
Hudson County Schools of Technology student and fencer Kaitlyn Pak is heading to Bulgaria this week to compete in the Cadet and Junior World Championships with the USA Junior Women’s Saber Fencing Team. According to a press release, she will work towards trying to qualify for Olympic Qualifiers leading up to the 2024 Summer Games. Pak, a senior at High Tech High School is majoring in Design and Fabrication and has been fencing for a decade. She is dedicated to maintaining her outstanding academic performance in addition to excelling at her sport. In addition to working towards competing in the 2024 Olympics, Pak will continue her fencing career on Harvard University’s team where she has already been accepted and where she will attend in the fall.
Hoboken Police Announce Arrest in Bank Robbery
The Hoboken Police Department announces the arrest of a 24-year-old man charged with robbing the Santander Bank located at 214 Washington Street in Hoboken. At 2:47 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Hoboken police responded to Santander Bank following reports of a robbery in progress. The investigation found that Jamil Deacon of Hoboken passed a note to bank tellers demanding $40,000 cash be handed to him and verbally threatened to shoot them if they did not comply. The suspect was given what was in the teller’s drawer, approximately $1,100 cash and left. When Hoboken Police arrived at the bank, witnesses informed them that the stolen money had a tracking device attached, which allowed officers to quickly track the money to the area of Second and Bloomfield Streets. Officer Roberto Cuevas spotted Deacon nearby that location, and along with Officers Dylan Archilla and Marco Grossman made the arrest.
Waterfront Property in Bayonne To Get New Life
According to NJ.com, a commercial property currently used by a bulk liquid storage company will get a new life as the company that owns it is consolidating its operations. According to a press release from the company, “International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), the consolidation will enable IMTT to serve its bulk liquid customers more efficiently and attract additional economic development opportunities to the Bayonne area. Even after the anticipated reduction in storage capacity, IMTT’s Bayonne terminal will continue to be the largest bulk liquids storage terminal in the New York Harbor area.” The plans will see 130 of the company’s 450 acres become available for redevelopment.
Newly Released Movie John Wick: Chapter 4 Features
Jersey City PATH Station
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Per NJ.com, fans of the John Wick franchise will see some familiar sights in the newest iteration of the story. In John Wick: Chapter 4, the main character, played by Keanu Reeves, exits the Journal Square PATH Station. Viewers had previously noted the character’s vintage car displaying a New Jersey license plate.
Jersey City Mayor Delivers State of the City Address
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Jersey City Major Steven M. Fulop delivered the State of the City address on Tuesday, March 28th. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, the speech highlighted the City’s progress on several fronts, including public safety and education. “Jersey City has become the economic backbone of the state with economic growth, housing development, attracting businesses large and small, and ultimately accruing tax revenues that help alleviate financial burdens for all Jersey City and New Jersey residents,” Mayor Fulop said during his State of the City address. “We have a lot of truly incredible development happening in every corner of our City. In fact, we are literally surrounded by progress as I stand before you today, delivering my 10th State of the City address from the 9th floor of this highly anticipated Public Safety Headquarters.”
No Plans to Merge Fire Departments with Jersey City,
Says Hoboken Official
According to the Hudson County View, there are no plans to merge the Hoboken Fire Department with the Jersey City Fire Department. While the two departments had been in conversations about merging during spring 2022, nothing official was decided. An email from Jersey City Fire Officers Local 1064 President Peter Nowak said he and Jersey City Firefighters Local 1066 President Joseph Krajni had met with Jersey City Major Steven M. Fulop and his team to discuss their opposition to the concept.
Mile Square Theatre Debuts Play About Hoboken’s Controversial History
A new play debuted on March 31st at the Mile Square Theatre here in Hoboken. Playwright Joseph Gallo, a Hoboken resident, is behind Yuppies Invade My House at Dinnertime, a new play based on the book of the same name. The play covers the history behind the Hoboken fires in the early 1980s and how they relate to gentrification. The Hoboken Girl caught up with Joseph to learn more about the inspiration behind the play and what he wants residents to think about after viewing the play. Read on for more from our conversation with Joseph.
Jersey City Police Discover Unlawful Marijuana
Growing Operation Near School
In the course of an eviction proceeding, Jersey City police discovered an unlawful marijuana growing operation at an apartment located near School 18. According to NJ.com, the officers discovered 18 planter pots containing suspected marijuana and growing materials, in addition to psilocybin mushrooms. The apartment at 630 Bergen Avenue is located within 500 feet of School 18.
There’s an Indian-Inspired Ice Cream Spot Coming to
Downtown Jersey City
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As spring settles in and the weather starts warming up, there is nothing like a nice scoop or two (or five, we don’t judge) of ice cream to brighten up your day. Soon, you can add another spot to your list to try out, and this one has a twist. An ice cream spot and cafe called Happy Dayz that originated in Middlesex County recently put up signage on Morgan Street at the Canopy by Hilton in Jersey City. The new spot will serve up Indian-inspired ice cream as well as other food and drink items, including vegetarian options. Read on for more about Happy Dayz and its expansion to Hudson County.
First Payments from New Jersey Tax Relief Program Distributed
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the first payments from the ANCHOR program had been distributed. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) property tax relief program updates and expands upon the former Homestead Benefit property tax relief program by extending eligibility to renters for the first time in a generation, as well as increasing the income threshold for eligible homeowners. “At a time when families are facing increasing pressure on their wallets, it’s a good feeling to know we are following through on our promise to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Governor Murphy. “This is real relief getting sent to more of our hardworking taxpayers than ever before, proof that a future we are determined to make more affordable and full of opportunity is possible.
GoFundMe Set Up for Family of Hoboken Teen
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the family of a Hoboken teen who recently passed away. According to Patch, 17-year-old Madison Ramos was a senior at Hoboken High School. She passed away after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. More information can be found on the GoFundMe page.
Hoboken Lit Up for Stevens + JED Neon Nights
On March 30th, the campus of Stevens Institute was aglow. The campus, located at 1 Castle Point Terrace, is the site of the inaugural Neon Nights celebration, an event aimed at bringing awareness of mental health to the forefront of campus conversations. The event is hosted in partnership with the JED Foundation, an organization committed to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults. Read on to learn more about this special event and how to get involved.
200-Unit Redevelopment Project Approved in
Jersey City’s West Side
An ambitious project to redevelop a vacant industrial space into a mixed-use complex has been approved. According to Jersey Digs, the property located at 301 West Side Avenue will become a multifamily development with commercial elements, and materials and elements from the existing building would be incorporated into the design. The residences proposed are 200 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans.
Hoboken Citizen Complaints Lead to Investigation and Arrests
The Hoboken Police Department announced via a press release the arrest of two adults and a juvenile in connection with a narcotics investigation into the ongoing and illegal sales of controlled substances out of a Hoboken storefront. The Hoboken Police Department Street Crimes Unit began the investigation into Hoboken Exotics, located at 521 Washington Street, in February. This came in response to multiple community complaints alleging that the store was selling cannabis illegally without local and state licenses. The investigation involved a series of undercover purchases set up and conducted by members of the department’s Street Crimes Unit. “The sale and use of unregulated cannabis and illicit drugs has been prevalent across the state,” said Chief of Police Steven Aguiar. “Thank you to the community for coming forth to report the illegal sale of cannabis and to the hard-working men and women of the police department for their thorough investigation.”
Resident Feedback Sought for Hoboken’s Church Square Park
The City of Hoboken seeks resident input, through a comprehensive survey, on potential enhancements to the park’s amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and seating areas. With this survey and other public outreach, the City will create a Church Square Park Vision Plan to serve as a roadmap for future park upgrades and improvements and best ensure the park remains a source of pride and enjoyment for all. To learn more about the Church Square Park Vision Plan, here.
New York Waterways Announces New Partnership, Route
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Per NJ.com, New York Waterways has announced a new partnership with Big City Tourism, a black-owned tourism company. Big City Tourism will use the ferry boat Franklin D. Roosevelt to conduct its tours, which are curated tours lead by native New Yorker tour guides. The FDR was built in New Jersey and can seat up to 500 passengers.
Hoboken’s Northwest Resiliency Park to Open
A celebratory ribbon-cutting will take place on Monday, April 3rd to mark the opening of the multi-purpose athletic field at the Northwest Resiliency Park, located at 12th and Jefferson Streets in Hoboken. While construction on the larger Northwest Resiliency Park continues, and the larger park is set to open this summer, Monday marks a major milestone. Neighbors are invited to join the celebration, which begins at 3:30PM.
SW3AT Wellness Hosts Celebration for Expansion
SW3AT Wellness, located at 79 Hudson Street in Hoboken, hosted a celebration to mark its expansion. According to a press release from the company, SW3AT has redeveloped into an all-encompassing wellness model with a beautiful facility featuring showers, memberships, and steps away from the PATH train. The studio is Hoboken’s first Black-owned yoga studio. The day was marked with free wellness classes, giveaways, and champagne. The expanded facilities include sound baths, salt healing, and reiki offerings.
Jersey City Based Non-Profit Receives Building Donation
New Jersey-based Provident Bank announced the donation of one of its former branches to New City Kids, a Jersey City-based non-profit organization that offers after-school programming for local youth from traditionally under-resourced urban areas. According to a press release, the 5,472-square-foot building, located at 533 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, will be known as the New City Kids Rubingh Center for Youth Development and will serve as the organization’s fourth Jersey City location. The facility is named after New City Kids’ founders Revs. Trevor and Linda Rubingh will be used to advance New City Kids’ mission to provide spiritual, leadership, academic, and musical development for local youth.
Popular Japanese Grocery + Department Store Coming to Jersey City
A popular department + grocery store that specializes in Japanese products will open its first New Jersey location later this year. What started in Queens, then spread throughout the NYC area and soon opened across the country, is now making its way back to the east coast. Teso Life will open at 560 Washington Boulevard. Read on for what we know about Teso Life and what to expect.
Dekalash in Hoboken Closing, Moving to Montclair
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Dekalash, an eyelash and eyebrow studio, is closing its Hoboken location and many of the stylists are moving to the Montclair location, according to a social media post from the company. The Hoboken location was at 612 Washington Street and opened in December 2020. HG readers voted Deka Lash the best spot for lashes in our 2022 Best Of competition.
Hoboken, Jersey City Rank High for Party Towns
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According to Thrillist, both Hoboken and Jersey City are in the top 10 US cities for partying. Hoboken was recognized for its density of bars and restaurants. The survey measured cities in categories such as the average price of drinks, number of bars per population, number of music events scheduled, etc.
