It’s been a week, Hudson County. The weather’s finally warmed up and it’s finally starting to feel like spring. With a new season, however, always comes a new slew of headlines. From a new cafe opening in Hoboken, Cycleboats coming to Jersey City, and the first-ever robotic lemonade stand being invented by Hoboken-based kids, there’s a lot to catch up on. Keep reading to find out the top news stories you missed in Hoboken + Jersey City this week.
La Bouche Cafe Opening on Washington Street
Hoboken’s La Bouche Cafe at 103 Garden Street is opening a second location on Washington Street. Long-time Hobokenites know that La Bouche — known and loved for its French and Mediterranean breakfast delicacies — has been nestled on Garden Street for almost a decade. The decision to move to Hoboken’s busiest street will likely bring more hustle, bustle, and of course, business to the little cafe that could. In its second location, it looks like La Bouche will continue its tradition of being BYOB for brunch. {At the Garden Street location, they provide mixers for anyone looking to mix up their own brunch-time Bellini.}
While no opening date has been officially announced yet, construction permits at 207 Washington Street — the former jewelry store called Thumbelina — have been filed and a “we’re hiring!” sign in the storefront has been posted.
The Hoboken Wellness Crawl is TODAY {Sunday, 4/28}!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl. The event is rain or shine, and include 100+ businesses that are participating. Spend the day hitting up all the wellness spots in Hoboken + enjoying the day filled with beauty, health, fitness, and fun. More info + tickets here.
Looks Like Jefferson Street Is Getting a Hotel and Housing Unit
An almost two-acre property at 1300 Jefferson Street in Uptown Hoboken looks like it’s moving forward with redevelopment after the City of Hoboken and property owners reached an agreement, according to Jersey Digs. The property spans an entire block and according to the agreement, would feature the construction of three individual new structures.
The first two structures would be residential units that climb 11 stories high; the two structures would be linked by a shared lobby. They would also include over 200+ residential units, 21 of which would be considered affordable housing. The residential area of the structures will feature a gym, game room, lounge, and a swimming pool on the rooftop. On the ground floor, the structures would have a retail space.
Then, for the third structure: a hotel. With 281 rooms, the ground floor of the hotel would have a lobby and retail storefront. The two floors above that would be commercial space. Like the other two structures in this project, the rooftop will likely also contain a swimming pool — though current plans have it drawn out as an infinity pool. The rooftop would also include a restaurant, bar, and terrace lounge.
This Is What the Proposed Union Dry Dock Facility Would Look Like
Take a look at what #NY Waterway's proposed #Hoboken facility could look like @ridetheferry:https://t.co/Mgl3lq56hE | via @njdotcom pic.twitter.com/cToTHvOW35
— Newswire New Jersey (@NewswireNJ) April 25, 2019
New York Waterway has revealed its proposed Union Dry Dock plans for a ferry refueling facility in Hoboken. And those plans finally include image renderings of what the proposed site would look like. NY Waterway is calling the site “marina style” and revealed it would take up eight acres. The plan includes four acres of upland, a structure reaching 35-feet tall, a parking lot, and space for 20 vessels in the water.
Plans allegedly also include a public kayak launch and fishing pier on the facility’s northern side. Renovations to the walkways and bike path on Sinatra Drive and a spray park for kids are also in talks. One of the main concerns of the public, when NY Waterway’s plans were announced, included the loss of space for such humble outdoor Hoboken activities: the kayak launch, the parks, etc. This new portion of the plans could very well be a response to those concerns but does not address the public’s concerns regarding pollution of the area due to fueling. Find out more about its opposition on the Fund for a Better Waterfront’s website.
NYC Cycleboats Launching in Jersey City
{Photo courtesy of Chris Coscia}
NYC Cycleboats is a brand new concept to the boating scene, and it’s launching out of Jersey City. Human-powered, NYC Cycleboats is a social and active, water adventure that allows friends, families, and tourists to take in the Manhattan skyline as they pedal through the Hudson River, socializing, exercising, sight-seeing, and maybe even while day-drinking.
NYC Cycleboats is the first of its kind in the New York Harbor. It’s a 16-person pedal-powered boat that features a mahogany bar, ice-filled coolers, and a Bluetooth sound system. Up to 10 riders can be seated comfortably at cycling stations. Riders pedal together to propel the paddlewheel vessel. And it’s BYOB.
With accommodations for 16 passengers and two crew members, riders can alternate time spent cycling, socializing, and relaxing with additional non-biking seats. Plus, there’s a gas motor if you get super tired. The ride takes an hour and 40 minutes and leaves out of Liberty Harbor Marina in JC, across from Pier 11 in Manhattan. The boat pedals around the Hudson River, passes Ellis Island, and circles the Statue of Liberty. NYC Cycleboats owner Christopher Coscia is a 30-year-old Staten Island resident who brought the idea to life after participating in a Cycleboat tour in Chicago.
For more information and booking opportunities, check out NYCCycleboats.com or email Chris at info@nyccycleboats.com or call 718-635-0430. Trips start on May 3rd!
City of Hoboken Wants Your Feedback on Northwest Pop-Up Park
The forthcoming Northwest Park will become Hoboken’s largest park. In fact, people are calling it Hoboken’s “Central Park.” But the design isn’t set in stone yet. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken are requesting the help and feedback of residents to help decide on the proposed locations for the amenities currently located at the temporary pop-up park.
The current amenities for the pop-up will be relocated to other parks and public spaces while construction for the permanent version begins at the end of 2019. The temporary pop-up activated the space while design is underway.
Find the survey for residents here.
CycleMixx in Jersey City Abrupty Closes
Hoboken Girl is super bummed to confirm that CycleMixx, the cycling studio in Jersey City has officially closed its doors. Located at 837 Jersey Avenue in JC, CycleMixx was founded by fitness gurus and Hoboken/JC locals Jessica Calle and Bryanna Lashley. The boutique workout studio offered a range of classes for customers of all levels and featured state-of-the-art amenities like organic toiletries from Taproot Organics in JC and top-of-the-line stationary bikes.
“It was not an easy decision to make, but we decided to close CycleMixx,” Bryanna wrote on Instagram. “I fought very hard to keep it open but sometimes ya just gotta let things go. Thanks for everyone who supported me on this venture. I learned so much from this entire experience.”
Sadly, their website is no longer live and they will not be participating in the Hoboken Wellness Crawl.
HBO Is Shooting a Mini-Series in JC and Newark
{Photo credit: @jbrophoto}
If you passed by Temple Beth El on Kennedy Boulevard last week, you may have been one of the lucky locals who saw Winona Ryder in the flesh, walking up the steps. While the celebrity sighting caused some buzz on social media, it appears Winona might be around for longer than just a flash. HBO is apparently shooting a mini series in Jersey City and Newark and it’s starring Winona.
The Plot Against America is a six-part television series based on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel. It will also star Zoe Kazan, Morgan Spector, Anthony Boyle, Azhy Robertson, Caleb Malis, and John Turturro of The Big Lebowski.
Sober Shot Coffee Shop Opens in Hamilton Park, JC
{Photo credit: reddit}
With the soft launch of this new coffee shop in Hamilton Park, Jersey City, it’s time for a Sober Shot. The artwork in the storefront windows says it’s “More than just coffee” and according to many of the comments in the original Reddit post, several locals agree.
“I had the sober shot today, it was really good. It’s sort of like a coffee flavored egg cream,” wrote one user.
The latest coffee shop to join Jersey Avenue features its signature, titular drink the Sober Shot as well as sparkling teas {like green and black!}, matcha, and even traditional lattes and coffees. Sober Shot is open seven days a week, on weekdays from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
“I’m not huge on buying coffee drinks and the like but that’s mostly out of thrift. It was 50% off yesterday as a promotion for their soft opening. I would have it again, but like another commenter pointed out, it’s more of a rich treat than a unique kind of iced coffee,” another wrote. But back to that signature drink for a second. You might be wondering what’s in it. According to Jersey City Upfront, the Sober Shot signature drink is an iced drink with espresso and sparkling water. It’s fizzy, foamy, and the bubbles “open up” the espresso flavors, providing access all those subtle notes from the coffee beans.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Sober Shot.
Casino in the Park Might Be Making a Comeback
Casino in the Park shut down a year ago after the lease of the longtime tenants expired. Now, the owners of Liberty House banquet hall and restaurant in Liberty State Park are in a bidding war with the owners of Montgomery Street steakhouse Liberty Prime. Both want to reopen Casino in the Park and both have submitted plans to partner with the county on reestablishing the Casino.
The original Casino in the Park opened back in 1950 and was run by the Sweeney family. Frank Sinatra hosted a 50th wedding anniversary party for his parents there.
Update on Bates Street Redevelopment Lawsuit in Jersey City
{Image rendering by Mancini Duffy, from Mecca Properties}
After a two-year dispute between Manhattan Building Company’s Bates Redevelopment, LLC and Mecca Realty Properties, an agreement has now been reached. As per the agreement, Mecca Realty Redevelopment must drop its lawsuit against Bates Redevelopment LLC and both are expected to enter into an official sub-redeveloper agreement within 90 days.
You may remember that back in November 2017, Bates Redevelopment LLC and Mecca Realty Properties got into a bit of a scuffle regarding who owned the lots Bates Redevelopment LLC wanted to redevelop. A portion of the site was owned by Mecca Realty Properties, who in turn was planning its own redevelopment. Thus began a war between the two companies over the property.
Mecca Realty Properties and affiliated firms filed a lawsuit which also cited the City of Jersey City, the Jersey City Planning Board, and a number of individual JC City Hall officials. The goal of the lawsuit was to move forward with Mecca’s own redevelopment plans.
The property in question was a proposed development at 448 and 466 Grand Street in Jersey City. Now that an agreement has been reached, the JCRA has likely amended the property rights issue for the time being.
Hoboken Boathouse Announces Opening Date for Season: June 1st
{Photo credit: @hobocobo}
Hoboken Boathouse is kicking off its annual kayaking season on the Hudson River on Saturday, June 1st from 11:00AM-3:00PM.
“Enjoy free kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and take a ride on an outrigger canoe,” Hoboken Boathouse wrote on their official Instagram page.
The Hoboken Boathouse is also looking for volunteers. Training for new volunteers will be the last two weekends in May. You can DM them on Instagram or join a meetup for more information.
Hoboken Kids Create the World’s First Robotic Lemonade Stand
{Photo credit: YouTube}
A team of Hoboken-based kids ranging from ages nine to 14 have helped develop the world’s first robotic lemonade stand. The lemonade stand took the collective brains and teamwork of 30 child inventors, all members of the Hoboken-based Rocket Club, a robotics and coding club for kids.
“People think lemonade stands are a kid’s game,” said Kayden Jones, 11, a co-founder of the Robotic Lemonade Stand Co. “Well, that’s awesome, because drinks have a high-profit margin.”
The team unveiled their product at the NJ Tech Council’s Venture Conference 2019 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. They sold lemonade to potential investors at $1 a cup. Proceeds benefited St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Kode With Klossy.
Robotic Lemonade Stand Co. has caught the attention of some pretty famous potential investors, like Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Daymond John of Shark Tank fame.
“I think it is fantastic for kids to get involved in business as early as possible, and that’s why I want to give a huge shoutout for the Rocket Club members,” Kevin O’Leary said.
“Today they are building the world’s first robotic lemonade stand, but who knows what they will accomplish by the time they reach high school,” said Paulo Nunes, Rocket Club director and president.
If you want to learn more about the first robotic lemonade stand, visit the team’s website here.
Sunnyside Cafe Closed Due to Eviction Notice
Hoboken favorite Sunnyside Cafe has closed due to an eviction notice. Locks had been put on the eatery on April 23rd and it will be closed until further notice.
“We’ll definitely be closed for a few weeks at minimum,” owner Jeremy Mo confirmed. “We may do a pop-up inside of Gogi Grill, so stay tuned for that.” For now, we don’t know if the closure is temporary or for good, but will keep Hobokenites updated as more news comes in.
Have any news tips? Email hello@hobokengirl.com to let us know — we appreciate it.
