Another long and eventful week has passed in Hudson County and with this many headlines, it’s been pretty challenging to keep on everything. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled all the highlights — every important thing Hobokenites and Jersey Citians need to know about what went on in our hometowns this past week. From Tony Boloney’s finally opening up its new JC location to a new poke spot in uptown Hoboken, keep reading to find out the top news in Hoboken and Jersey City this week.
The Hoboken Wellness Crawl is One Week Away
That’s right, wellness enthusiasts. The third annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl is just one week away, happening on Sunday, April 28th. With over 100+ vendors, the event will be a wellness extravaganza right here it the Mile Square. Tickets can be purchased here, with $1 per ticket going towards The Water Project.
Fire at Body Balance in Hoboken on 2nd Floor
{Photo credit: Twitter}
A fire broke out at Body Balance Massage + Skincare Spa on Hudson Place earlier this week. According to Hoboken Fire Department’s official Twitter, the fire started around 3:00AM on April 14th.
“Fire occurred on the 2nd floor of 20 Hudson Place [at Body Balance],” HFD wrote in a tweet. “Two people on the 1st floor were treated for smoke inhalation.”
The tweet also gave thanks to BC Moyeno and Group A for working to extinguish the flames.
While we’re not exactly clear on what the details are or how the fire started, Rick Huet from Body Balanced told Hoboken Girl in an email that the massage spa will be temporarily close its doors.
“Body Balance is temporarily closed for emergency repairs. We will be posting updates on the Body Balance Hoboken web page. We look forward to opening soon,” Rick writes.
Stevens Institute Passes Refugees Welcome Proclamation
The Student Government Association at Stevens Institute of Technology passed a proclamation earlier this week declaring that the Institute welcomes refugees.
From April 8th to April 14th, the Amnesty International student group and the Student Government Association worked in tandem to take action around refugee and migrant rights on campus during National Week of Student Action.
According to the proclamation: “The 106th Senate of the Student Government Association and students of Stevens Institute of Technology welcome refugees and declare their support for the resettlement of refugees no matter their religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin, in Hudson County and call upon the New Jersey communities to join them in supporting a stronger national effort to resettle the world’s most vulnerable refugees.”
City of Hoboken Finalizes Agreement With SUEZ Water
https://www.facebook.com/RaviBhallaHoboken/videos/317617732258316/
{Video credit: Mayor Ravi Bhalla via Facebook}
Last Friday, the City of Hoboken reached an agreement with SUEZ Water for a new service contract.
“This new contract will invest an unprecedented $33 million into upgrading our water main infrastructure over the next 15 years,” Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla said in a statement. “Thanks to this renegotiated agreement, we’re not on track to just make the necessary repairs to our water main system — we’ll be making multi-million dollar investments to replace our aging water mains.”
According to a press release from the City, the new contract contains three main parts. First, Hoboken — as opposed to SUEZ — will take the majority of the revenue from the system and proactively invest millions of dollars into water infrastructure through a public water utility.
Secondly, $2 million will go toward smart leak technology, which is thought to help irregularities in the system and save Hoboken customers money in the long-run. Smart meters will be installed at every City water meter.
Thirdly, $2.2 million will be invested each year into water main replacement and repair. As per the current contract with SUEZ, only $350,000 is set aside for water main repairs.
“I want to give a special thank you to Mayor Zimmer for beginning this process several years ago, SUEZ for coming to the negotiating table, the infrastructure sub-committee, and Business Administrator Stephen Marks and Director Jennifer Gonzalez for leading our team in negotiations,” Mayor Bhalla added.
How to Compost in Jersey City for Free: A Map
Jersey City has released a handy-dandy infographic regarding how to compost in town with just three easy steps. The map includes drop-off points for food scraps, what to include in your compost, and what to exclude, and more. For more answers to your composting questions, check out our ultimate guide to composting here.
Over 6,000 People Participate in Hoboken Grace’s Easter Egg Hunt
{Photo credit: @hobokengrace}
More than 6,000 people participated in Hoboken Grace’s Annual Easter Egg Hunts. This is the egg hunt’s third year in Hudson County and its biggest yet. The event — which featured two Easter egg hunts, a variety of games, pictures with the Easter bunny, face painting, arts and crafts, and more thanks to the help of over 400 volunteers — completely sold out beforehand.
“This event gets bigger and bigger each year,” says Chris High, Pastor of Hoboken Grace. “This year, we added 6,000 Easter eggs and two more Easter bunnies to ensure each family had an opportunity for a photo. We’re thrilled to be able to serve and love our community here in Hoboken in such a big way each year.”
The event is completely run by volunteers and took place at the corner of Fourth and Jackson Streets in Hoboken. Members from Hoboken Grace, the community, and local businesses all came together to volunteer for this completely free event and make sure all the participating families had a great time.
Tacos Victoria Is the Newest Taco Spot in Jersey City
A new taco shop called Tacos Victoria has debuted in Jersey City. The Mexican restaurant doesn’t have much information on its website as of yet, but we can confirm it’s at 324 7th Street in JC and will be open 9:00AM-10:00PM Sunday through Saturday.
A statement on the Tacos Victoria website reads, “We will do our best to make you feel at home, and will strive to serve you the best authentic Mexican food you’ve ever eaten. Mexican food is very flavorful, but this does not mean it is ‘hot.’ However, for our brave amigos, if you would like it hot, just ask!”
Jersey City Harborside Announces Spring Lineup
Jersey City’s Harborside has announced its spring event lineup — everything from food and beverages, family-friendly activities, and artisanal events on the vibrant waterfront cultural district. All events are open to the public.
The City’s first-ever food hall — District Kitchen — is now open and features food from local vendors like Ani Ramen, Angry Archie’s Modcup Coffee, and more. Lutze — Harborside’s seasonal biergarten — reopens May 16th.
On May 10th, Harborside’s Midnight Market returns around 6:30PM. The Night Market is a one-of-a-kind experience for foodies, 21 and older. Vendors bring in small bites for a price of $7 or less. Admission is just $10 with Midnight Market merchandise if you purchase online. The event is cash only and takes place at 210 Hudson Street in JC.
On May 16th, Lutze Biergarten opens for the season. Patrons can expect craft beer, cocktails, great food, lawn games, and undeniable views of the Manhattan skyline. There will be daily happy hour specials and events throughout the spring and summer. Lutze is open Monday through Thursday, 4:00PM-10:00PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday 12:00PM-10:00PM and is located at 3 Second Street in JC.
On May 18th, the second annual Jersey City Fashion Forward will transform the Harborside Atrium. From 4:00PM-8:00PM, the Atrium will transform into a runway for the fashion show; this year’s theme of which is spring fling. Directed by celebrity stylist Mario B and in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event benefits the America Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased here. Harborside Atrium is located at 210 Hudson Street in JC.
On May 19th, the 2nd annual fundraiser Headstands for Hunger returns. This public yoga class {held at 210 Hudson Street in JC} works to benefit the feeding of hungry people and homeless pets nationwide, raising money for local charities such as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jersey City, and Liberty Humane Society. Doors open at 9:00AM; class begins at 10:00AM in the Harborside Atrium. Admission is $10 and 10 pounds of non-perishable food items {to be donated}. Participants should bring their own mat and can register here.
Every Thursday, Harborside offers yoga. Harborside Yoga Thursdays are a weekly yoga class every Thursday from 5:30PM-6:30PM for $15 a class. The class takes place in the space next door to Noah’s Ark Florist in the Atrium. Participants should bring their own mats and the Vinyasa will be led by Gina Garcia. It’s open to all levels of yogis and pre-registration for the class is available here
All Saints Day School Hosting Toiletry Drive
{Photo credit: Facebook}
All Saints Day School in Hoboken has launched a citywide toiletry drive led by its Service Club with the goal of providing necessary toiletries to the Hoboken Shelter and St. Mathew’s Lunchtime Ministry.
“Thank you to students from All Saints Episcopal Day School Hoboken for partnering with our Office of Constituent Services to hold a toiletry drive for the Hoboken Shelter and St. Mathew’s Lunchtime Ministry,” Mayor Bhalla wrote on Facebook. “Donation boxes to collect unused travel sized toiletries will be stationed in City Hall.”
“Thank you, Mayor Bhalla, for supporting our students and their work in helping our community!” the official Facebook page for All Saints Day School wrote in the comments of Mayor Bhalla’s post.
The Hoboken Shelter also wrote in the comments, “Thank you.”
Climate Mobilization Hoboken Chapter Hosting Town Hall
On Wednesday, April 17th, the Climate Mobilization Hoboken Chapter hosted a Hudson County Climate Town Hall in Jersey City. Mayors Steven Fulop and Ravi Bhalla — of Jersey City and Hoboken, respectively — were both in attendance and offered opening remarks. One of the main issues the forum focused on included the fight for the Union Dry Dock and the chapter’s plans to utilize that land for a public park.
Local Female Lawyers Open Practice Specializing in Cannabis Law
Hoboken Girl loves supporting and promoting local female-led businesses, which is why it was a no-brainer to share when we found out about Moyeno Gonzalez & Associates PC, a female and minority-owned law firm that provides quality legal services in the areas of corporate, intellectual property, and cannabis law.
The co-founders and partners are Rosemarie Moyeno Matos and Jessica F. Gonzalez and the company is based out of Hoboken. Both Matos and Gonzalez were featured panelists at Green Rush 2: The Future of Cannabis in NJ on April 16th in Jersey City and the Hudson County Cannabis Business Summit to be held on May 22nd in Jersey City.
New Shop Called ‘Local’ Opens in Jersey City
{Photo credit: reddit}
A new shop called Local has opened its doors at Newark and 2nd Streets in JC. While there isn’t much information available yet on the shop, locals went off in the comments on Reddit, where the original post was written. One commenter described the store as a “secondhand shop.”
Deal in the Works for Off-Duty Jobs for Jersey City Cops
Jersey City is in talks with its police unions to discuss a deal that would call for the return of off-duty cops to new jobs.
In January, two unions filed a lawsuit in Hudson County Superior Court with the intention of seeking a return of off-duty roles for officers. Earlier that month, Mayor Fulop cut those off-duty jobs with the understanding that the former program was part of a bribery conspiracy.
Ten cops were charged in the bribery conspiracy, cited for admitting they took money for jobs they did not actually perform. {Many of these cops simply did not show up to these “off-duty jobs.”} These cops also admitted they were guilty to approving fake vouchers for other cops and bribing officers to keep quiet.
Now with this amended deal, Jersey City cops may have off-duty jobs once again, though City spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione maintained in a statement: ‘There is no change to the city’s position.”
Hoboken Announces 25th Annual Spring Arts + Music Festival
The 25th annual Hoboken Spring Arts and Music Festival is going down on Sunday, May 5th from 11:00AM-6:00PM on Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Street.
Over 300 artists and vendors will be featured and there will be activities for children on 3rd Street. Activities for kids include rides, games, crafts, face painting, sand art, and more.
Spanning three main stages, there will be musical performances from Buster Poindexter, Karyn Kuhl Band, Sonic Blume, The Joe Taino Group, James Calleo Band, Debra Devi, Jeb Jones, Gene D. Plumber, Rest Ashore, Granton Ave., Maxima Alerta, Mariachi Artistico, All Saints Episcopal Day School and Bold Arts, Rockness Music, Kid Notes with Chrissy Roberts and Ralph Capasso, Garden Street School of Performing Arts, Songs for Seeds, and more.
Update on the Renovations at Margherita’s Restaurant
{Photo credit: Instagram}
“We are still 2-3 weeks out,” representatives of Margherita’s Restaurant confirmed to Hoboken Girl in an Instagram message. The local Hoboken favorite {which opened in 1993} recently provided a renovation update on their official page. “New bathroom tile installed,” the official account wrote. “Thank you to everyone reaching out and inquiring when we will be reopening. We promise it will all be worth the wait. Stay Tuned (sic).”
Jersey City Location of Tony Boloney’s Has Officially Soft Opened
Looks like the wait for Jersey City is finally over. Tony Boloney’s new Jersey City location celebrated its soft opening on April 15th with pizza and well, the works. The outpost — located at 363 Grove Street in JC — is BYOB and features baby-sized pizzas, subs, salads, and sooooo much more.
Not to mention, the famous local pizzeria recently announced on their Instagram Stories that they’re offering $1 slices and $1 subs on Saturday, April 27th. Patrons who wish to claim this offer must show the cashier that they’re following TB on Instagram.
Mayor Bhalla Releases Statement on Dog Poop Ordinance
Sh*t recently hit the fan in Hoboken — dog sh*t that is. {You can read all about residents’ overall reactions to the way the dog poop ordinance was handled here.} In response to Hoboken pet owners collectively flipping their lids, the City has officially responded.
“Over the past several days, I’ve heard directly from many passionate dog owners across the City. Based on the feedback, and reviewing the ordinance in question myself, it is abundantly clear that modifications need to be made so dog owners are not unfairly burdened when taking dogs to our parks,” Mayor Bhalla announced.
“I’m asking the Council and the Council sub-committee on Health and Human Services to propose appropriate amendments to the outdated dog ordinance from the mid-1990s that I believe no longer reflects the needs of our growing population. Until revisions are made by the City Council, the City will prioritize other more substantial violations, including dogs off leash and dog owners not picking up after their dogs.”
Paper Store Coming to Hoboken
{Photo credit: Instagram}
Paper Source — a stationery and craft store based out of Chicago — is slated to take the currently under construction space at 501 Washington Street.
Paper Source’s Hoboken location has already been approved for signage by the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission earlier in April. While Paper Source has 129 stores nationwide, it’s significant to note that it’s going in next door to a local stationery shop, Hudson Paperie. Construction is thought to be finished in late 2019, but no opening date has been confirmed.
Developers Moving Forward With 830 Park Ave Proposal
{Image rendering courtesy of Nastasi Architects via Jersey Digs}
Looks like things at 830 Park Avenue in Hoboken are continuing to move forward. Though in a residential area, the current proposal has been commandeered by BC2 Park Ventures, which plans to create a five-story development that includes eight three-bedroom residential units and seven parking spaces. It would combine three separate lots and require the demolition of everything currently on the property.
In 2017, plans for a four-story building were approved but for some unknown reason, the project never saw the light of day. The site at 830 Park Avenue as it stands now is vacant.
Hit-and-Run in Hoboken
{Photo courtesy of Ashley McKenna}
“The driver in the black car continued to speed forward down 1st Street passing through Washington,” Ashley explains.
The pedestrian was a 56-year-old male from Brooklyn and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was treated for multiple injuries.
“At that point I had lost sight of the car who was nearing Hudson Street when I heard a loud yell and then a loud crash,” Ashley continues. “When I reached 1st and Hudson, I saw a sneaker in the middle of the road and the black car crashed into a building. (Picture attached of the car). Really hoping the person who got hit is okay.”
You can read more about what went down on First and Bloom here.
UPDATE: According to the Hudson Reporter, Oscar Moran, 66, of Jersey City was arrested and charged with second-degree assault by auto and third-degree assault by auto, and driving while intoxicated.
Privé Closes Temporarily Weeks After Official Opening
Hoboken’s newest gastropub has closed temporarily due to undisclosed reasons — weeks after opening. Privé, located at 800 Jackson Street, opened April 4, 2019 to the public. One of its owners, Marcelo Martins, shared with Hoboken Girl that gastropub will most likely reopen next week, but did not disclose details as to why it had suddenly closed. On Instagram, the restaurant/bar stated, “Attention, due to un-forecastable circumstances, we will be closed this weekend. Prior to our opening, the venue was closed for two years. Granted we did all our due diligence, we’ve uncovered an issue with our suppression system. In an effort to handle this matter in a time sensitive fashion, we have allocated all our resources to fix this immediately. On behalf of ownership and management, we would like to extend our gratitude for your understanding, we’ll make it up to you all. We promise!” For now, the spot will remain closed to the public till next week, according to the owners.
Proven Poke Co. Opens in Uptown Hoboken
The newest addition to the Hoboken restaurant scene is Proven Poke Co. Located at 1401 Hudson Street, Proven Poke opened on Thursday, April 18th. The new eatery will be serving Hawaiian poke bowls, with options for fish-lovers, vegans, and vegetarians.
New Yoga Studio Urban Souls Opens on Hudson Street
Hoboken is no stranger to welcoming a workout studio and the newest one to grace the Mile Square is Urban Souls. This yoga studio will be offering morning, lunchtime, and evening classes from its open spaced studio on 100 Hudson Street.
Pizza Vita Has Officially Closed Its Doors in JC Heights
Yes, it’s true — Pizza Vita closes its brick and mortar shop in Jersey City Heights. The owners released the below official statement:
“Effective Monday April 15, 2019 our Pizza Vita operations in Jersey City will be located only at 210 Hudson St as well as the Lutze Biergarten. We have sold the 435 Palisade location to a fantastic restauranteur that will open a new concept in that space shortly. They will be a great fit for the Heights and we wish them well.
Thank you to our patrons and friends that supported us there. We hope you will continue to come see us at any of our 3 local locations- Pier 13 Hoboken, 210 Hudson St Jersey City- District Kitchen, 3 2nd Street- Lutze Biergarten.”
So fear not, Pizza Vita fans, as the pizza can still be found at Pier 13 and District Kitchen at Harborside.
Jersey City May Repeal Chain Store Restrictions
In response to a Jersey City property owner filed a lawsuit calling Jersey City’s chain store restrictions “blatantly illegal,” Mayor Fulop is expected to ask the City Council to repeal the restrictions. However, it’s not the first time Fulop is called for the administration to repeal the City’s restrictions on chain stores. Back in 2015, he requested the law be overturned, to no avail.
The legislation in question bans chain stores from taking up more than 30% of ground-floor commercial space in Downtown redevelopment zones.
Jersey City Mourns Loss of La Concha Restaurant Owner
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
Sad news, Jersey City. Bertha D. Torres, 64, of Jersey City has passed away. Torres, the owner of La Concha Restaurant on Central Avenue, was born in the Dominican Republic and started her career as a Hoboken restauranteur 30 years ago.
Her business on Central opened in 1995 and ran the family-style restaurant with the help of her three adult children.
“Bertha’s love of cooking and the people she served motivated her to work hard every day,” says Torres’ daughter Nathalia B. Dejardens. “She was always very grateful for the blessings in her life and gave back to the community every chance she had. Whether it was patrons in need of a meal or a poor family in another country, Bertha would give of herself to help those in need.”
Bertha’s three children will continue to run La Concha, which will re-open soon.
A viewing for Bertha will take place at Riotto Funeral Home + Cremation Company on Monday, April 22nd in Jersey City. The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 23rd at 9:00AM at the funeral home, with a mass to follow at 10:00AM at St. Paul of the Cross Church.
“Central Avenue will not be the same without Bertha,” said Sanford Fishman, CASID President and pharmacist at Bond Drugs. “She was a successful entrepreneur and we were lucky to have her as a member of our main street community for well over two decades. Not only was she a go-getter, people loved her and her food. On behalf of the Central Avenue SID, we send our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who share in the loss.”
Hoboken Museum Announces Annual Secret Gardens Tour
{Photo credit: Hoboken Historical Museum}
Hoboken Historical Museum is kicking off its annual Secret Gardens Tour yet again this upcoming Sunday, June 2nd from 9:00AM-4:00PM. {Rain date is Sunday, June 9th.} The self-guided tour brings you through seven to 10 local gardens at your own pace. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 the day of. In conjunction with the Secret Gardens Tour is an author talk at Little City Books on Thursday, May 30th at 7:00PM. Butterfly expert Jane Hurwitz will be sharing tips on cultivating a butterfly-friendly garden.
On the Waterfront Bus Tour Returns
The popular “On the Waterfront” bus tour, led by native Hobokenite and film industry insider Lenny Luizzi, is back. Luizzi shares insights into several locations where the eight-time Oscar-winning film was shot in around the Mile Square.
New Lawsuit Deems NY Waterway’s Need to Use Union Dry Dock a “Manufactured Crisis”
Did NY Waterway actually need to move the ferry refueling site from Weehawken to the proposed Union Dry Dock in Hoboken? That’s what lawmakers are alleging in documents handed to Governor Phil Murphy sometime last month. The documents call the need to move to Hoboken a “manufactured crisis.”
In the documents, the City of Hoboken alleges NY Waterway has concealed important info about the possibility of an alternative site. Since NY Waterway operates on two barges in the Hudson, these documents now suggest NY Waterway is purposefully avoiding bringing up those two options.
Officials and other stakeholders in the Mile Square City fiercely oppose the proposal — and now the city is claiming NY Waterway concealed relevant information about an alternative site near its current location.
Attorneys for the City say the agreement was left out “to create a fictional narrative [that the Union Dry Dock] was the only viable site for its operations.”
Mayor Bhalla and other Hoboken representatives have vehemently opposed the NY Waterway’s use of the Union Dry Dock for the ferry refueling terminal since the idea was first introduced.
Original Play The Interview Opening at Mile Square Theatre
{Photo credit: @milesquaretheatre}
For Hoboken and by Hoboken. Mile Square City resident Morgan Gertler has written an original play that’s being performed at the Mile Square Theatre on Saturday, June 29th at 8:00PM and Sunday, June 30th at 3:00PM. The Interview is a dark comedy that posits the audience as a fly on the wall during a conversation that’s as hilarious as it is astonishing. It’s a two-man show — starring Michael Travers and Daniel Esposito — that dives into dark places we rarely want to explore as people, but know are always there.
Parking Dude is offering $10 valet parking and you can grab your tickets ahead of time here.
Jersey City Makes It Official With DomoDomo
It’s official. Hoboken Girl learned about DomoDomo — a Bib Gourmand-awarded Manhattan restaurant — coming to Jersey City back in March, but no one from the restaurant could confirm. Now, co-founder of DomoDomo is speaking out.
“Urby presented us with a unique partnership opportunity here in Jersey City and we couldn’t be more thrilled to expand out flagship dining concept,” Kim said.
DomoDomo will open in the Urby Building at 200 Green Street in Jersey City, a 2,657 square foot space next to the Harborside Light Rail. As far as opening, things will move relatively quickly with the restaurant slated to open its doors this upcoming summer.
“We especially like Urby’s concept, which fosters community and interaction, and look forward to being part of this innovative development,” Kim added.
Antique Bar & Bakery Off-Site Catering as Part of New Catering Business
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