Earlier this week, it was announced that there would be a virtual meeting with Hoboken City officials and the development team working on the redevelopment of the Neumann Leather factory located on 300 Observer Boulevard. This issue has been of great interest to local residents because the building, which was built in the 1860s, is often open to the public for events such as the annual Art Studio Tour, plus it houses studios for artists, musicians, and small businesses. We were planning to report on the highlights from the meeting, however, the meeting lasted only 10 minutes. Why? Because it was Zoom-bombed — with porn.
Inappropriate and shocking as the situation was, 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco had the perfect Jersey response. Read on for what we know about the incident.
Hudson County View reported that only several minutes into the virtual meeting, which was open to the community, the presentation was interrupted when an unknown participant began writing “No one cares lol” on the images being presented. Community Development Director Christopher Brown was giving a recap of the redevelopment plan that was approved by the council in 2015, and announced, “Great, are we getting Zoombombed?”
Read More: New Textile Recycling Program Coming to Hoboken
As the virtual slides continued to be scribbled on, the presentation was paused. Then, per HCV, the participant, who remains unknown, began playing a pornographic video.
Brown responded with, “Oh that’s not good. Oh that’s not good. Oh come on,” after which Brown apologized, but declared that the meeting would have to be rescheduled. One participant, according to HCV, had signed in from Tel Aviv, where it was 1AM, just to participate.
While we obviously don’t have any developments to report on in regard to Neumann Leathers, it is worth noting that Councilman DeFusco made it loud and clear that Hoboken, New Jersey is not to be messed with — not by other states, not by hungry seagulls at the shore, and certainly not by Zoom-bombers.
See More: Proposed Taco Bell + Wendy’s in Bloomfield Denied by Planning Board
Per HCV, his message is this: “To the punk responsible, let me tell you something: in Hoboken politics, we don’t hide behind Zoom to attack someone, we do it face to face. You’re pathetic.”
As reported, Public Safety Director Kenneth Ferrante added that while there was no additional available information on what transpired during the meeting, from prior experience, it will take several weeks to receive information from Zoom — if they receive anything at all.
35 News Stories You Missed This Week in Hoboken + Jersey City | January 19 2025
A polar vortex is expected to reach New Jersey this week causing temperatures to drop 25-30 degrees below average for this time of year. 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: Hoboken Mayor Bhalla announces his candidacy for state Assembly seat; Jersey City Mayor Fulop proposes reverse congestion pricing; and a groundbreaking was held for the residential portion of Hoboken Connect Project. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on January 19th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- City of Hoboken Announces Critical Project to Rehabilitate Sinatra Drive Seawall
- Local Trainer Courtney Roselle to Open Personal Training Studio in Hoboken
- New Chilean-Puerto Rican Fusion Restaurant, OrGovia, Opens in Hoboken
- New Bagel Shop, B Bagels, Soft Opens in Downtown Jersey City
- Police Seek Man Accused of Installing Skimming Device at Wells Fargo Branch in Hoboken
- Proposed Plan Looks to Redevelop Hoboken Parking Garage into Mixed-Use Apartment Building
- Jersey City’s Café Alyce Test-Opens New Pizzeria, One World Pizza, Right Next Door
- NJ REAL ID: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the 5/7 Deadline
- New Cafe, Just Friends, Soft Opens on Monmouth Street in Jersey City
- Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses Hosting Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts
Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses Hosting Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts
Since January 7th, wildfires have burned across Los Angeles, destroying residential property and county structures, and affecting the lives of thousands. Cities from the West Coast to the East Coast have pitched in to aid where they can, including Hoboken and Jersey City. From donation drives to fundraisers, Hudson County stepped up, and there are multiple businesses and organizations in the area that continue to accept donations. Click here for more.
Jersey City Mayor Proposes Reverse Congestion Pricing
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who is also running for governor of the Garden State, is proposing the idea of a reverse congestion pricing toll after New York City implemented its controversial toll last week. Per the New York Post, the mayor said he believes reverse congestion pricing is the appropriate response to New York City’s new toll, which imposes fees on vehicles that enter busy parts of Manhattan as a way to encourage people to take the subway. The details of Fulop’s proposal are not yet finalized, and it is unclear if New Jersey residents would be required to pay the toll to re-enter their home state like some New Yorkers do for congestion pricing.
Hoboken Mayor Bhalla Announces Candidacy for State Assembly Seat
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Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has announced his candidacy for a state Assembly seat in the 32nd Legislative District. Per the Hudson County View, Bhalla is running for the seat currently occupied by Assemblyman John Allen. The mayor pointed to Hoboken’s successes when it comes to Vision Zero, climate change initiatives, and receiving a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for its LGBTQIA+ for seven years in a row as examples of what he would bring to the statehouse.
City of Hoboken Announces Critical Project to Rehabilitate Sinatra Drive Seawall
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken announced on January 17th plans to rehabilitate and stabilize Sinatra Drive following a months-long investigation after the sinkhole near Sybil’s Cave. The investigation determined there is significant erosion of the decades-old concrete seawall beneath portions of the waterfront walkway and road. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the Sinatra Drive Seawall Rehabilitation project will lay the foundation for the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project, which will include Vision Zero upgrades and install a two-way protected bikeway from Fourth Street to Sinatra Drive North, create safer pedestrian crossings, plant 164 trees, upgrade lighting, and add on-street parking.
Port Authority Police to Host Climb With A Cop Event at Gravity Vault in Hoboken
Photo Credit: Port Authority Police Department
The Port Authority Police Department is hosting a fundraising event, Climb With A Cop, for the Special Olympics at Gravity Vault, 1423 Clinton Street in Hoboken on February 1st from 10AM-2PM. The entry fee is $35 and all proceeds will go to Special Olympics NJ, a nonprofit organization offering individuals with intellectual disabilities free sports and health opportunities. The event is a great way for local law enforcement to engage and build relationships with the community for a great cause. For those who aren't able to attend the event, but would like to support the cause, donations can be made via the Venmo QR code on the event flyer above.
$25M for Jersey City Improvement Project Secured by U.S. Representative Menendez
U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) secured a $25 million federal grant for Jersey City’s 12th Street Corridor Improvement Project that will include a bike lane. Per the Hudson County View, the federal grant funds the design, environmental studies, and construction of an off-roadway protected bike corridor that adds east-west connectivity in Jersey City. The project specifically includes constricting the existing six mainline eastbound lanes down to four lanes along 12th Street, adding new traffic signals and lighting equipment, widening sidewalks and curb bump-outs, adding bicycle facilities, safety improvements, landscaping and streetscaping including green infrastructure, and access improvements to businesses.
Hoboken Councilperson-at-Large Emily Jabbour Announces 2025 Mayoral Run
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Hoboken Councilperson-at-Large Emily Jabbour formally announced plans to run for Hoboken Mayor in 2025 via a press release on January 13th. Emily was first elected to her current position in 2017. Click here for more.
New Chilean-Puerto Rican Fusion Restaurant, OrGovia, Opens in Hoboken
A new restaurant has been added to Hoboken’s extensive food scene. OrGovia is a Chilean-Puerto Rican fusion restaurant located at 1119 Jefferson Street. The head chef combines ingredients from one part of the world with spices from another to create bold and unexpected flavors. This new spot is the only place where diners can find alcapurria bites and tostones waffle fries in Hoboken. Click here for more.
Cheech's Bagels to Open in Downtown Jersey City in March
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A new bagel shop is coming to Jersey City in March. Cheech’s Bagels is a new bagel concept opening at 176 Erie Street in the Swift + Co. building — near Hamilton Park. The visionary owners behind Cheech’s Bagels are Gianluca Fernicola and John Ballan, lifelong friends and Jersey City residents who saw a need for more bagel options in the area. Click here for more.
Hoboken Social Security Office to Close for Five Months for Renovations
The Social Security office in Hoboken will close for approximately five months due to renovations. Per the Hudson County View, its phone number 1-877-505-4547 will remain active. Other northern New Jersey locations that will remain open are 325 West Side Avenue in Jersey City; 935 Allwood Road (second Floor) in Clifton; and 401 Hackensack Avenue, the second floor of the Continental Plaza in Hackensack. Social Security office hours are from 9AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday.
Proposed Plan Looks to Redevelop Hoboken Parking Garage into Mixed-Use Apartment Building
A 40-year-old parking garage in downtown Hoboken could be transformed into a new apartment building. The City of Hoboken proposed plans to transform Municipal Parking Garage B at 28 2nd Street in Hoboken into a mixed-use building. The plan was unveiled during a virtual community meeting on January 7th, 2025, but has yet to be adopted by the City Council. Click here for more.
Firefighters Respond to Five Blazes Across Jersey City
Four people were injured and 19 people were displaced from their homes as Jersey City firefighters responded to five blazes across the city over a 32-hour span. Per NJ.com, six tenants were displaced from their Gifford Avenue homes early in the morning on January 13th because of a basement fire, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. Many residents escaped the burning six-story multi-family building using fire escapes. The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist the displaced residents, offering shelter and support as they recover from the incident.
Free Indoor Play Area Opens at Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City
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Newport Centre Mall celebrated the opening of PLAY, the first free indoor play area in Jersey City, on January 13th from 11AM-1PM. Per a press release, PLAY is an interactive space for children located on level 1 near Kohl’s, The Children’s Place, and H&M. Kids can climb, explore tunnels, glide down slides, and play games on U-Create monitors, which feature 16 interactive educational games. There is also a seating area with phone charging stations. This play area is intended for children under 42 inches.
Hoboken Exotic CBD Shop Closes Again After Reopening in 2024
A reader shared with The Hoboken Girl that Hoboken Exotic is closed and all of its inventory has been taken out. The store recently reopened its doors at 521 Washington Street in October 2024 after being ordered to close in 2023. Per Patch Hoboken, two adults, and a juvenile were arrested in March 2023 in connection with a narcotics investigation at the Hoboken CBD and exotic snack shop and the Xity ordered it to close.
Jersey City’s Café Alyce Test-Opens New Pizzeria, One World Pizza, Right Next Door
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Café Alyce announced via Instagram that it recently test-opened One World Pizza, a new pizzeria at 49 Baldwin Avenue in Jersey City. “There is no sign. Just a door to the left of Café Alyce. It quietly celebrates earth’s diversity in a pizza,” the caption read. “One World Pizza brings a chef’s nuance to the classics and celebrates what pizza feels like in the ancestral homes of Jersey Citians.” Diners can expect Elote Pizza, Shakshuka Pizza, and more. Click here to place a delivery or takeout order.
Hot Pot Restaurant, Shoo Loong Kan, Opens in Downtown Jersey City
Shoo Loong Kan, an international hot pot restaurant chain with over 800 locations worldwide, has opened its second New Jersey outpost in Downtown Jersey City. Per Jersey Digs, the restaurant is located inside the 253 Washington Street office building in the space formerly occupied by Mantra. Shoo Loong Kan is now open in Jersey City for lunch daily from 11:30AM until 3PM. Dinner service at the restaurant starts at 5PM daily, ending at 10PM Sunday through Wednesday and 11PM Thursday through Saturday.
NJ REAL ID: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the 5/7 Deadline
Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a new form of ID for domestic travel: a REAL ID. This new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs primarily serves to prevent fraudulent identification. Unfortunately, you can’t simply order it online or by phone — you must go in person to request a REAL ID. Starting May 7th, 2025, passengers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID for domestic flights, unless using a U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. Until that date, a standard NJ driver’s license is still valid. Click here for more.
Hoboken Free Church Accepting Winter Items for Hoboken Shelter until 1/20
Hoboken Free Church at 833 Clinton Street is collecting clothes for the Hoboken Shelter until January 20th. Among the most needed items are winter coats, blankets, shoes, and socks. Items can be dropped off at the door or directly at The Hoboken Shelter at 300 Bloomfield Street.
New Cafe, Just Friends, Soft Opens on Monmouth Street in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Just Friends
The Jersey City food scene is always growing, and the Hamilton Park area of town just welcomed its newest addition. Meet Just Friends: a new Italian-American cafe currently in its soft opening stage, with a grand opening planned for next week at 500 Monmouth Street. Click here for more.
City of Hoboken Announces Holiday Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, municipal offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th. Per a Nixle announcement, street cleaning will be suspended but all other parking regulations will be enforced. Waste collection and recycling will occur as regularly scheduled. Hop shuttle service is suspended from January 18th through January 20th. It will resume on Tuesday, January 21st.
Hoboken’s O’Bagel Wins Good Morning America’s United States of Bagel Competition
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Hoboken’s O’Bagel won Good Morning America’s United States of Bagel competition in celebration of National Bagel Day on January 15th. Per Good Morning America, O’Bagel competed against Kismet Bagels from Philadelphia and won the battle 2-1 with its famous Bee Sting sandwich. The Bee Sting features crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, melted cheddar, scallion cream cheese, and a drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey.
Bayonne YouTuber Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession
A Bayonne YouTuber and rapper was indicted on January 10th for possessing an illegal gun and an extended magazine despite being prohibited from doing so as a convicted felon. Per the Hudson County View, Richard Sharp, 25, of Bayonne, also known as “Famous Richard” on social media, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on January 10th and was arrested and detained. During an altercation at a gas station on July 4th, 2024, Richard brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened to shoot other people who were at the gas station. The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition is punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Police Seek Missing 50-Year-Old Hoboken Woman
More from @HobokenPatch on Jeanine Chichizola, who has been missing since Friday:
https://t.co/LNw5j4P32HANY info: 201-420-2100 Ext 3142@HobokenPD @HobokenPSOA2 @HobokenPBA2 @CityofHoboken https://t.co/idcmcE6HvA
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) January 14, 2025
Police in Hoboken are seeking a woman who's been missing since January 9th. Per Patch Hoboken, the Hoboken Police Department posted on X, "HPD is asking for public assistance in locating 50-year-old Jeanine Chichizola of Hoboken, last seen on January 9, 2025." Anyone with information on where she may be is asked to contact Detective Luis Rodriguez: [email protected] or 201-420-2100 ext. 3142.
Hoboken Charter School Students Raise Nearly $15 for Leukemia + Lymphoma Society
Hoboken Charter School's (HCS) fourth-grade students raised almost $15,000 to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Per TAPinto Hoboken, students participated in the Light the Night walk along the Hudson River, an event symbolizing the drive to bring light to the darkness of cancer through research and cures. Since HCS began its partnership with LLS in 2018, its fourth-grade students have raised over $80,000.
Local Trainer Courtney Roselle to Open Personal Training Studio in Hoboken
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The Hoboken fitness scene is welcoming a new addition this winter. Courtney Roselle — a Jersey City resident and Hoboken personal trainer who has dominated the local fitness scene in recent years — is opening her very own personal training studio, with plans to open as early as February 2025. Iron Grace Studio will be located at 1317 Willow Avenue on the 2nd floor and will be a community space for Courtney + other local independent trainers looking to host clients in the studio. Click here for more.
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Jersey City Woman Tried To Light Her On Fire
A man accused of breaking into a Jersey City woman’s home and sexually assaulting her also soaked her sweater in rum and tried to light her on fire. According to NJ.com, Jermaine Adams, 47, who is described as homeless, broke into the McAdoo Avenue home through a dining room window, at approximately 5PM and did not leave until approximately 6:45PM when the victim escaped the home. He was arrested on January 9th for charges of aggravated assault and other offenses.
Local Non-Profit, Community Lifestyle, Opens Youth Center in Hoboken
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A local non-profit organization, Community Lifestyle, hosted a ribbon cutting for its new space, The Center, located at 301 Jackson Street on January 16th at 4PM. The Center is a safe, supportive environment where youth and teens can feel valued and understood. Click here to make a donation to help fund year-round programs for youth and teens.
Hoboken Residents Raise Concerns About Increase in Energy Bills
Hoboken residents have reached out to the City Council about exceptionally high PSEG bills this month, despite having opted into the city’s third-party renewable energy program. Per Patch Hoboken, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher shared in her newsletter that her bill was double the prior month, and she was away for half of the month. IDT Energy, the city’s new clean energy provider, attributed this to a 'system error' and is issuing refunds by check to those who have reached out. IDT Energy has a contact form here. Direct Energy, Hoboken’s previous energy provider, is also conducting an audit, contacting affected residents via letter, and issuing refunds to any residents who were affected by the end of the month. According to Direct Energy, the average overbilling was approximately $23. Residents will not be contacted by phone, email, or in person and will only be contacted via letter.
New Bagel Shop, B Bagels, Soft Opens in Downtown Jersey City
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Over the last year, a few new bagel shops have opened in Jersey City. The newest addition is B Bagels, which soft-opened on January 15th, just in time for National Bagel Day. The new spot is located at 367 Grove Street in downtown Jersey City. Click here for more.
Hudson County Executive Guy Announces New Vision Zero Action Plan
On January 11th, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy announced Hudson County’s Vision Zero Action Plan. Per a County of Hudson press release, the announcement included the launch of the Vision Zero Target Year of 2034 to eliminate fatalities and injuries on county roads. The County Executive was joined by Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Board of County Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, Commissioner Bill O’Dea, advocacy organization Hudson County Complete Streets, and community members.
There's a Chicken Wing Contest for Charity Coming to Hoboken
After a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hoboken’s chicken wing contest is making a return in 2025. Hosted by St. Francis Church and benefitting Fr. Michael Food Pantry, 11 restaurants from around the Mile Square (and one in Jersey City) will compete for the title of “King of Wings.” The event will take place on Saturday, February 1st from 6PM-10PM at the Hoboken Elks Club, located at 1005 Washington Street. Click here for more.
Groundbreaking Held for Residential Portion of Hoboken Connect Project
The Hoboken Connect Project is a public-private partnership between NJ TRANSIT, LCOR, and the City of Hoboken, to preserve the architectural elements of the Hoboken Terminal station while upgrading the space to have more resources for the community, like performing arts, shops, and restaurants. The Terminal’s multimodal transit options will be enhanced, and several buildings around the Terminal will undergo renovation as well. A groundbreaking event was held for the residential portion of the project on January 15th. Click here for more.
Keepers + Keepers Coffee to Open in Harrison in Spring 2025
Episcope Hospitality announced via a press release the construction of Keepers and Keepers Coffee, two new culinary concepts set to open in Harrison in spring 2025. The projects will be located directly across from Sports Illustrated Stadium and will occupy the street-level retail space of The Wyldes, the latest luxury rental property within the Riverbend District.
Police Seek Man Accused of Installing Skimming Device at Wells Fargo Branch in Hoboken
Hoboken police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man accused of installing a skimming device on an ATM at a Wells Fargo branch on 14th Street. Per NJ.com, the incident occurred around 9:20PM on September 18th. Anyone with information about the person is asked to contact Detective Jesse Castellano at 201-420-2100, ext. 3127, or via email at [email protected].
Mayor Bhalla Invites Residents to Second Meeting on Maritime Park Phase I
Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the City of Hoboken invite residents to a community meeting to provide feedback on the first phase of Maritime Park. The meeting will take place on January 23rd at 6:30PM at the Multi-Service Center, at 124 Grand Street. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the project team will provide an overview of Maritime Park, an update on Phase I features and amenities, and a detailed discussion on the design of the new skatepark.
