Spring is slowly but surely making its way to Hudson County. It’s been another busy week with plenty of headlines. Some highlights include: Hoboken-based artist Ricardo Roig named as Kean University’s Artist-in-Residence; Stevens Institute announces Governor Murphy as its commencement speaker; and the Bayonne City Council approves an enormous proposal to rehabilitate a 64-acre site into a film production campus. Read on for more Hudson County news stories you missed this week.
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.
Hoboken High School Team Wins Big at Harvard Model Congress
The team from Hoboken High School won high marks at the Harvard Model Congress in Madrid, Spain. Per a press release from the school, several students were recognized individually for their contributions, while the team took home 12 awards. Each member supported the others as they developed their academic and social skills and the team excelled in this year’s conference.
Jersey City Night Market Returns April 1st
The Jersey City Night Market will open for the season April 1st at the City Hall Ancillary Lot located at 179 Montgomery Street. The Night Market is collaborating with local organizations, such as JC Families and JC Pride, to provide even more diverse and exciting events. The season opener on April 1st, which is a collaboration with JC Families, promises to be an exciting start to the year of events. From 3PM-5PM families can enjoy free children’s activities and take photos with the Easter Bunny.
Fight Over Jersey City Ward Map Continues
Per NJ.com, the fight over creating new ward maps for Jersey City marches on. Over a dozen local groups have called for the Court’s previous dismissal of their lawsuit to be reversed. The original lawsuit was filed in March 2022, after the new maps were drawn using 2020 Census information. The lawsuit was dismissed in August 2022, and the city’s ward commission stands by its work.
Nine Car Trains Debut on PATH
Nine-car trains have debuted on the Newark to World Trade Center PATH line. According to a press release from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the nine-car trains will be added gradually over the next 12 months. By the beginning of 2024, nearly all trains on the NWK-WTC line at peak times will be 9-car trains. The addition of a ninth rail car to trains during peak hours is to increase capacity and provide a safer, more convenient commuting experience for customers.
Walking Dead Spin-off is Filming in Hamilton Park
First Hoboken, now Jersey City – the undead are headed for Hamilton Park. Film crews for The Walking Dead spin-off series starring Danai Gurira and Andrew Lincoln, have been spotted in JC. The latest venture for the long-running zombie franchise was recently seen filming in East Rutherford, NJ, and now, has set up shop in Jersey City’s Hamilton Park. Called The Walking Dead: Summit (coincidentally another New Jersey town), the show is billed to be a love story between fictional characters Michonne + Rick. Read on for what we know about the new Walking Dead spin-off being filmed right here in the Garden State.
Babka Bailout x Boomerang Bites Hosts a
Pop-up with bwe kafe
bwe kafe will be popping up at the Babka Bailout x Boomerang Bites store, located at 476 Central Avenue in Jersey City. According to a message from the team, bwe will be popping up starting this weekend, Friday through Sunday, from 8AM to 1PM. ” In addition to coffee Babka Bailout and Boomerang Bites are going to introduce a surprise new pastry every weekend. We have an exciting lineup of delicious treats that will be available weekends (Friday-Sunday) only at our store and of course, babkas and bites will also be available.” Read more here.
Arrest Made in Fire at Hoboken Train Terminal
An arrest has been made in a fire that disrupted travelers on Sunday, March 19th. Per Patch, the fire began near the outdoor bus lanes around 2:45 PM. The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries. 37-year-old Kevin Newton of New York City was arrested and charged with arson.
City of Hoboken Partners with Conservation Group for
Weehawken Cove Project
The Hoboken City Council approved the funding of a project that will engage the American Littoral Society to advise as the city works to rebuild a natural shoreline in Weehawken Cove. According to NJ.com, the contract will be for $45K for the organization, which is a New Jersey-based non-profit focused on coastline and marine ecology and conservation. The organization will act in an advisory capacity, reviewing project designs and assisting in public outreach efforts.
Jersey City Cannabis Applicant Denied
Plans for a downtown Jersey City cannabis dispensary were rejected by the Jersey City Cannabis Review Board after intense criticism from the community, per NJ.com. The applicant, The Green Ashram, wanted to open at 17 Division Street. Neighbors banded together to resist the plans, citing the dispensary’s proximity to The Brunswick School, the Little Gym, and nearby parks and daycare facilities.
Ice Cream Shop No Longer Taking Over Giorgio’s Space: What We Know
Back in June 2022, we reported that we knew what would be taking over the retail space at 1112 Washington Street in Hoboken, the former home of the beloved Giorgio’s Pasticceria. The Hoboken Girl was the first to share with readers the news of the bakery’s closure and the building’s sale. A new generation of local business owners was slated to take over the retail space, but now, plans have changed. Brix Haus, a Brooklyn-based ice cream shop owned by Tara Glick, will no longer be moving into the 1112 Washington Street location. Read on for the latest update on the old Giorgio’s space in Hoboken.
Hudson County Community College Expansion Plans Worry Students
Hudson County Community College has big plans for expanding its campus, but the plans are causing some students to worry. According to Jersey Digs, the students are especially considered by the fact that plans for a new building in Journal Square will eliminate one of the main parking facilities for the students, forcing them to pay higher rates for parking. The school said it was exploring other options for providing parking for students, including some commuter lots.
Hoboken Literary Weekend Returns March 31st
Little City Books, located at 100 Bloomfield Street, will host Hoboken Literary Weekend from March 31st through April 2nd, according to the event website. The event will feature both in-person and streaming events with authors from a variety of genres. Tickets are required and are available through the event website.
Bayonne Gives the Greenlight to 1888 Studios Project
On the third try, the Bayonne City Council approved a project that will transform a 64-acre former Texaco facility into 1888 Studios, a large film production campus. According to Hudson County View, the project includes a $65 million bond from the City with a 30-year agreement of payment in lieu of taxes and a labor agreement between the developer and local unions. The total project is expected to cost $925 million and generate jobs for thousands of local residents.
There’s a New Coffee School on Monroe Street in Hoboken
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If you’re a café owner, barista, or someone that just loves everything about coffee, there is a new spot in the Mile Square where you can diversify your coffee skills. New Jersey Coffee School, located at 720 Monroe Street Suite C508 in Hoboken, is a new spot where you can participate in a variety of fun, interactive, educational, and hands-on coffee classes in a state-of-the-art coffee lab. Read on to learn more about New Jersey Coffee School in Monroe Center.
Hudson Regional Hospital Honors Local Heroes
The Hudson Regional Hospital award its Lifesaver Award to a team of EMTs and police officers at a ceremony on Tuesday. Per NJ.com, four EMTs and three Secaucus police officers were awarded for their efforts to save an unconscious man in January.
Jersey City Ranks High in Places to Live
A new study released by Niche.com ranked Jersey City high among the best places to live in the US. According to Patch, Jersey City ranked 78 out of the top 100 best cities to live in. Jersey City received high marks for nightlife, outdoor activities, and health and fitness.
Hummus Republic is Open in Journal Square
Hummus Republic is branching out and opening its fourth New Jersey location in Journal Square today. This nationwide Mediterranean franchise is known for serving fresh plant-based food and serving organic wraps, pitas, and bowls with different protein and hummus options. Located at 2 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, the new location is now officially open – with a location in Hoboken soon to follow. Read on to learn more about Hummus Republic in JSQ.
Hoboken Receives Grant for EV Chargers
The City of Hoboken was awarded a $150,000 grant from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to install two publicly accessible DC fast chargers, according to a press release from the city. The new chargers will enable electric vehicle (EV) owners to fully charge vehicles in under an hour. The two ChargePoint charging
Bayonne Development Changes Hands
An approved development in Bayonne has been sold to a new owner for $9.9 million, according to Jersey Digs. The property is a multifamily development on and around Mechanic Street in Bayonne. There will be a six-story building with various residences from studio apartments up to two bedrooms, and parking for 245 cars.
Jerrell’s Betr Brgr Opens in Hoboken
(Photo: Kevin Pineda-Gould)
Back in October, we reported that Touch the Heart, a BYOB dim sum restaurant on Washington Street, officially closed its doors nearly two years after opening. In its place comes an NYC-based vegan burger joint called Jerrell’s Betr Brgr. The restaurant hosted its grand opening on Tuesday, March 21st. This new spot offers a slew of vegan burgers, shakes, fries, and other late-night bites. Read on for what we know about Jerrell’s Betr Brgr and its arrival at 324 Washington Street in Hoboken.
Jersey City School Board Approves $1 Billion Budget
Per NJ.com, the Jersey City School Board has approved a budget reaching over $1 billion. The budget for the 2023-2024 school year was approved at a Board meeting on Monday, March 20th. The budget will now be sent to the Hudson County superintendent for review, before final adoption in April by the School Board.
Plans Announced for New Middle School in West New York
Officials in West New York have announced plans for a new middle school, according to Hudson County View. A vacant lot at the intersection of 65th Street and Broadway is the site of the new school, which will house sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. It will accommodate 650-700 students.
Weehawken Theatre Invites Audience Participation for New Plays
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Hudson Theatre Works, located at 80 Hauxhurst Avenue in Weehawken, is hosting an event called PlayWorks, where readings of new plays by contemporary and local playwrights will be presented and the audience shares in the creative process. Admission is free, and this year’s efforts focus on women playwrights. The readings for this year’s PlayWorks are Graceland Too by Nicole Hughes on March 20th at 7PM, and Bird in a Box by Joanne Hoersch on March 27th at 7PM.
Whistleblower Lawsuit Against New York Waterway Dismissed
A multi-year whistleblower lawsuit against New York Waterway has been dismissed, per NJ.com. The suit was originally brought in 2016 by two former employees of the company, who alleged that New York Waterway illegally dumped materials into the Hudson River. The two also claimed that they were fired for their objections to the dumping.
Hoboken Fire Department Swears in Five, Promotes Six
The Hoboken Fire Department promoted six firefighters to the rank of Captain at a ceremony on March 20th, according to a press release from the city. Five new members were also sworn in at a ceremony at City Hall, attended by Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Fire Chief Anton Peskens, along with proud loved ones of those honored. “Today, the newest members of the fire department are making a commitment to the City of Hoboken and its residents, and those who were elevated to the rank of Captain are renewing that commitment,” said Mayor Bhalla. “We thank all of those being honored today for their sense of duty and dedication to keeping Hoboken safe.”
Governor Murphy Announced as Stevens Institute
Commencement Speaker
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been announced as the speaker for the 2023 Stevens Institute Commencement Ceremony. According to a press release from the school, the ceremony will take place on May 24th at the Prudential Center in Newark, and will be live-streamed for public viewing. Stevens will confer the doctor of business administration degree to Governor Murphy during the celebration.
Hoboken Police Issue Warning
The Hoboken Police Department is alerting the public to two rising crime trends in the area. One involves individuals asking for charitable donations in an attempt to access a victim’s bank account information. The second involves individuals asking victims to deposit a fake check in order to steal cash. Incidents have occurred at or near the New Jersey Transit Terminal, on Washington Street, and at the entrance of Pier A Park. Often the suspects wait for potential victims as they exit the terminal during rush hour times.
The Hoboken Police Department is working closely with the New Jersey Transit Police Department to identify and apprehend the suspects. Members of the public approached in this manner are asked to contact Hoboken PD at 201-420-2100 or NJT PD at 973-378-6565.
Hoboken Mayor Makes State of the City Address
On Monday, March 20th, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla gave the fourth annual State of the City address, which was live streamed on social media platforms. According to a press release from the City, the Mayor shared his priorities for this year, including the advancement of open space projects with flood resiliency upgrades, investing in Hoboken’s infrastructure and water main system, substantial improvements to the waterfront, and more.
Jersey City “Pride” Film to Make its Debut
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and City officials will be in the audience for the premiere showing of a film created by municipal employees that highlights the early struggles of local gay, lesbian, and queer residents for acceptance in their community and by local government. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, the film has been more than 20 years in the making and features interviews with many local leaders from the city and the LGBTQ community. The film will make its debut on March 26th at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park.
Adaptive Reuse Project Proposed on Jersey City’s West Side
An ambitious project to redevelop a vacant industrial space into a mixed-use complex has been proposed. According to Jersey Digs, the proposal for the property located at 277-301 West Side Avenue would 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.
Local Artist is Kean University’s Artist-in-Residence
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Ricardo Roig, a Hoboken-based artist, has been named as Kean University’s Artist in Residence, according to a press release from the school. Ricardo is a Kean alumnus, and his signature style of art uses stencil layers, each patiently hand-cut from paper with a razor blade, then attached to a screen, and pulled through with vivid paint colors, layer by layer. As Artist in Residence, Ricardo will create a mural on campus, conduct workshops with students, and have an exhibit at the on-campus gallery in Spring 2024.
Monticello Avenue Project Approved by Jersey City
A proposal to build a mixed-use building at 120 Monticello Avenue has been approved by the City, according to Jersey Digs. The multi-parcel development has both historic buildings and vacant lots included, so some existing buildings will remain and be incorporated into the final product while others will be demolished and rebuilt. The street level will have two storefronts and 46 residential units.
Liberty State Park Open House Cancelled
An open house that was set to take place on Thursday, March 23rd at Liberty State Park was canceled. According to the Jersey City Times, the event was announced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection last week to present plans for Liberty State Park. However, the event was canceled and will be rescheduled for later in the spring.
North Bergen Resident Recognized for Oscar, Grammy Wins
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Percussionist Erika “Kika” Parra is a recording musician who was a part of the production for the Disney movie, Encanto, for which she won three Grammy awards and an Oscar. According to NJ.com, North Bergen issued a proclamation congratulating her for her accomplishments. She recorded and performed Colombian percussion on eight tracks for the film.
Jersey City Art Exhibit Explores Climate Change
An exhibit at Smush Gallery, located at 340 Summit Avenue, explores climate change in an installation piece that uses a looped recording, featuring projected text, vocals, piano, violin, and montaged video design. The piece, created by Jersey City-based artists Meagan Woods and Nancy Cohen, follows the journey of Coral, an anthropomorphized piece of coral as she navigates environmental challenges to her existence.
Boots + Bones Hosts Ribbon Cutting, Now Open in Jersey City
Jersey City is in for even more food news. A new restaurant called Boots + Bones has taken over The Bistro at Grove Square in downtown Jersey City. Located at 116 Newark Avenue, the self-described all-American eatery with a Southern soul (which includes a speakeasy called Under the Boot) is part of the revamp of the complex of restaurants surrounding the Grove Street PATH train. Read on for more details about Boots + Bones now open in Jersey City.
YWCA of Northern New Jersey Announces Women’s Leadership Conference
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The YWCA of Nothern New Jersey has announced its Women’s Leadership Conference – Power UP: A Day to Refuel, Reenergize & Refocus. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 29th at American Dream Mall. According to a social media post from the organization, the purpose of the conference is to bring together dynamic leaders to share key strategies on how to improve lives and create change. The Local Girl founder Jennifer Tripucka is a panelist.
Lawsuit Stemming from 2009 Hoboken Mayoral Election is Dismissed
A lawsuit stemming from the 2009 Hoboken mayoral election was recently dismissed. Yes, 2009. Per Patch, Hoboken resident Angel Alicea ran for City Council in 2009 alongside mayoral candidate Peter Cammarano. Cammarano won the election but was arrested for campaign finance law violations three weeks later. Alicea’s lawsuit was a malpractice suit against Cammarano and his law firm.
New Jersey Punk Legends to Return to Newark
SEE the Original Misfits LIVE! July 8 in Newark NJ at the @PruCenter w/ The Gaslight Anthem & Fear! Misfits Fiends Only Pre-sale Wed 3/22 @ 10am ET thru Thurs 3/23 at 10pm ET. Use PW FIEND https://t.co/CS51hbWLMQ pic.twitter.com/l4EOuDctoK
— The Misfits (@themisfits) March 21, 2023
The Misfits, legends of punk music with New Jersey roots, will return to the Garden State this summer. According to Patch, the band will play one of its three Summer 2023 shows at the Prudential Center in Newark. The band was founded in Lodi, New Jersey.
New Restaurant, Blu on the Hudson, Opening Soon in Weehawken
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A new restaurant called Blu on the Hudson will open on April 3rd in Weehawken at 1200 Harbor Boulevard. According to a press release, the restaurant will serve modern American dishes with an emphasis on seafood. There will be a sushi counter as well, and plans are in the works for a rooftop event space.
