Another week has gone by, Hudson County, and it’s still as hot as anything. Earlier this week, Hoboken Girl reported on Jersey Mike’s Subs opening on Hudson Street, the possibility of a brewery coming to the Mile Square, and clued you into all the exciting things planned for the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford {coming fall/winter 2019}.
But that’s not all, as this week was jam-packed with local headlines worth reading. Here’s what we have lined up for you: a Jersey City taco place is re-opening this fall, the Hoboken City Council voted unanimously to turn Union Dry Dock into a park, redevelopment plans for Newark Avenue in Jersey City might send Barcade packing… and so much more! Keep reading to discover all of the headlines you missed this week:
Video Captures Maintenance Invading Couples’ Privacy in Hoboken Apartment Building
{Photo credit: YouTube}
Footage from a couple’s security camera in their Rivington apartment in Hoboken has made headlines after a maintenance worker from the building was caught on film rummaging through their personal belongings. The couple says their privacy was violated and isn’t satisfied with the building’s response.
According to CBS 2 News, which covered the story and aired the video footage here, Alex Sacchetti lives in an apartment at The Rivington at 1130 Grand Street with his fiancé. After putting in a maintenance request to fix a leak in their bedroom closet, Sacchetti saw footage of the maintenance worker walking around their master bedroom and bathroom and rummaging through some of the drawers.
“The man was kind of going through the underwear drawer and other places in the apartment he spent time in — the master bedroom, the master bathroom,” Sacchetti said in the interview with CBS.
Management policy states that workers are allowed to enter a unit without notice if a request has been filed. Both Sacchetti and his fiancé say they were aware of this policy, however, did not expect to feel violated.
“I talked to police and, unfortunately, it’s not a crime. The actions taken there, he had a right to be in the unit,” Sacchetti said.
Because the maintenance worker did not steal or record anything while in the unit, police could not charge him with anything. Although, reps for The Rivington say the worker has since quit.
Grove Corner Taco Bar Opening This Fall
{Photo credit: reddit}
According to new signage in Jersey City, Grove Corner Taco Bar is re-opening this fall. According to a 2017 post from Jersey Digs, this re-opening would make for the Grove Corner Taco Bar’s fourth “rebranding” at 116 Newark Avenue. Initially, The Coffeeshop, then Third Base Sports Bar, the spot at Grove Corner has never remained one thing for very long. In 2017, it was rebranded as Grove Corner Taco Bar and opened on November 30th of that year.
While we’re not sure exactly what happened to GCTB, the business ceased posting on social media as of 2018. It looks like it won’t be defeated though because their tacos are coming back this fall, perhaps with a vengeance.
Hoboken City Council Unanimously Votes to Prevent Two 11-Story Buildings From Being Built on Waterfront
It’s unanimous. City Council voted this week unanimously — that’s 7-0 — for Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla’s settlement to temporarily prevent two 11-story buildings from being built on Hoboken’s uptown waterfront. The Council also voted 8-0 on first reading to authorize Bhalla to utilize eminent domain as a tool to acquire the Union Dry Dock site. Bhalla will do so in his ongoing effort to repurpose the space into a public park. {Read all about the Union Dry Dock updates here.}
“Hoboken is one critical step closer to preserving the Monarch site and Union Dry Dock for public parkland,” said Mayor Bhalla in an official statement. “The overwhelming support from the public with over 8,000 combined petition signatures and unanimous approvals from the Council is clear indication that Hoboken is fully committed to a contiguous waterfront our children can enjoy for generations to come. I thank all of the members of the public for voicing their support at the Council meeting last night and appreciate the Council’s authorization on both waterfront initiatives. I am hopeful for a 9-0 vote on authorization for eminent domain on final reading, and am also confident Governor Murphy will support our position on Union Dry Dock.”
The second reading to authorize the use of the eminent domain for Union Dry Dock will take place at the regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 4th.
Redevelopment Plans Threaten Barcade in Jersey City
Plans to redevelop a block in Jersey City could potentially threaten the future of Barcade, a fan-favorite combination bar and arcade located on Newark Avenue. According to Jersey Digs, a new residential and commercial, mixed-used unit is looking to occupy the space south along Barrow Street from the pedestrian mall in JC to Christopher Columbus Drive.
The company — 165 Newark Avenue Fee, LLC — is looking to build 51 units, 12,000 square feet of commercial space, and possibly a rooftop deck. The construction would occur in two phases: the first would be a six-story building with a penthouse and commercial mezzanine, the second would involve the construction of a five-story building.
So, why does this affect Barcade? What is already there, AKA in the way, will mostly have to be torn down to make space for the new units and buildings. This could potentially affect Barcade. However, the above rendering from LWDMR Architects shows Barcade as not torn down, but rather, in a retail space opposite its current location.
Barcade has been a Jersey City staple since 2011.
“At this time we don’t have any news about the project, but we are hopeful that we can figure out a way to remain at the location long term,” Barcade CEO Paul Kermizian told Jersey Digs.
Vibez Juice + Vegan Café Opens in Jersey City
{Photo courtesy of Medjine Altino}
There’s a new plant-based juice and vegan café for Jersey City vegetarians and vegans to indulge in. Vibez Juice + Vegan Café recently opened its doors and even Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop was there to celebrate its grand opening. More info to come once the Hoboken Girl team speaks with the owners and pays a visit.
Police Chief Shares Annual Crime Stats for Hoboken
Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante recently revealed the latest report on crime stats for Hoboken on his official Twitter account.
Ferrante wrote, “Our crime rate is DOWN 29.4 percent {sic} at only 8.6 crimes per 1,000 @CityofHoboken residents, down from 12.18 at the same time in 2018.”
Ferrante continued, “Violent crime is only 0.94 per 1,000 residents. We are DOWN in 12/13 categories, even in 1, and homicide 0-0!”
New Coffee Shop Coming to 7th and Willow
{Photo credit: Hoboken Mommies Facebook}
When you’re a part of the Hoboken Mommies Facebook Group, you get the low-down. A Mile Square resident and member of the group recently posted to the page’s feed that she and her husband purchased the former Maroon Café location on 7th and Willow Avenue.
In the Facebook post, Jess Dyer writes that she and her husband Jeff just signed the lease and are in the works of drafting up plans to give to the City. Can’t wait to see what’s in store — and congrats, Jess and Jeff.
Former Jersey City Police Chief Gets Pension Revoked by Judge
A judge has revoked former Jersey City Police Chief Philip Zacche’s pension after Zacche pled guilty to taking $31,000 in corrupt payments for off-duty security details he never worked.
At his sentencing hearing, Zacche said, “I messed up big time. I’m so disgusted with myself.”
Zacche initially pled guilty on January 5th, 2018 to stealing the federal funds and was sentenced two years probation. Now, in June, a new order revoking Zacche’s pension as of the day he pled guilty was signed on June 27th. Zacche had previously received a pension of $12,000 per month for a total of $71,000 in 2019 and $143,000 in 2018, according to NJ.com.
The order has another stipulation, however, which is that Zacche can never again hold public employment. If he applies for one such role, Zacche could be prosecuted.
Newell Brands HQ Leaving Hoboken for Atlanta
{Photo credit: @sharpie}
Newell Brands is the maker of household items like Sharpie, Rubbermaid, and Yankee Candle, and while they have had their HQ in Hoboken for the past three years, they are officially leaving the Mile Square for Atlanta. Over 100 management jobs will be moving to Atlanta as well, though Newell’s e-commerce division is expected to remain in NJ along with around 200 employees.
Newell Brands moved here three years ago, enticed by the $27 million in tax breaks Hoboken offers. However, a rep for EDA said that no tax credits have been issued yet.
“I see significant value in moving the executive management team closer to the business as we endeavor to improve operating performance,” Christopher Peterson, interim chief executive and chief financial officer, told NorthJersey.com. “In addition, I believe working in closer physical proximity will promote better teamwork and communication and provide more opportunities for career advancement for our people.”
Local Police Share a “Thank You” to All After National Night Out
Hoboken PD has issued an open thank you letter from Police Chief Ken Ferrante, Lieutenant Melissa Gigante, and Officer Anthony Fesken. Read the letter in its entirety below:
“On Tuesday, August 6th, 2019, our department, in partnership with Stevens Campus Police Department, held
its annual National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs at Church Square Park located on 4th and Garden
Street. Over 1,500 residents of all ages and all areas of town joined the police department for a festive night
which focused on bringing the police and the community together. The event was coordinated by Lt. Gigante
and numerous members of the Hoboken Police Department. This event provided a great array of food, activities, giveaways, and demonstrations which made the entire night a wonderful success.
The night would not have been possible without the contributions of all the vendors and participants. Chief
Ferrante and Lt. Gigante would like to thank the following contributors: Inserra Shop-Rite, Acme, Peerless
Beverages, Halifax {for sponsoring our photo booth}, Royal Entertainment, Gringo’s Tacos and Nigel’s Hot Dogs for their delicious food, Slomin’s Shield Ice Cream truck, Officer Phil Program, Maid in Hoboken and Paragon Painters for their sponsorship, Choc-O-Pain, City Bistro, KTU 103.5, DJ Taz {Feliciano Santos-HPD Dispatcher}, and Kelly Frey for providing an exciting and upbeat soundtrack all night and Branding Shorts for capturing the special moments of the event through video for an amazing memory for all.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following people who made this night special for
everyone: Mayor Bhalla and Staff, HPD Lieutenant Petrosino, HPD Sergeant Montanez, Officers Fesken,
Depascale, Bates, Hatfield, Albert, Zezatarski and Retired Officer Robert Truppner. Also, the City of Hoboken
Department of Public Works, Parks Department, the Hoboken Parking Utility and Traffic Control Officers, NJ
Towing for their vehicle donation for the HFD Jaws of Life demonstration, Chief Crimmins and the Hoboken Fire Department, Hoboken CERT, and the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. A special thank you to Stevens Institute of Technology and Chief Griffin and the Stevens Campus Police Department for partnering with the City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Police Department to make this event possible every year.
We would like to also thank Superintendent of Schools Dr. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent Rodriguez-Gomez, Mr. Mark Mautone, Hoboken Board of Education Director of Facilities Tim Calligy for the utilization of Demerast School and all the dedicated custodial staff. Also, thank you to all the government agencies, non-profit organizations and local businesses for your support and participation.
Lastly, the members of the Hoboken Police Department, especially the event coordinators, want to thank
every resident who attended the evening’s celebration, making it a huge success and continuing the invaluable
relationship between the police department and the community. We look forward to working with you next year!”
Milk and Cream Bar Opening on Newark Avenue
{Photo credit: @milkandcreambar}
The Historical Downtown District of Jersey City announced on Instagram earlier this week that Milk and Cream Cereal Bar is coming to Newark Avenue. The new spot, which will be located at 175 Newark Avenue, will also be showcased at the upcoming All About Downtown Street Fair 2019. {Not sure when that is? It’s September 21st, 2019 — a little over a month away.}
Milk and Cream has one other location on Mott Street in New York City. According to their online menu, Milk and Cream is known for their cereal toppings {they offer everything from Apple Jacks and Fruit Loops to Trix and Fruity Pebbles}. They even serve cereal bowls — two cereals of your choice, whole milk, one topping, and a drizzle!
Hoboken City Council Approves New Scooter Contract
{Photo credit: @ojoelectric}
On Wednesday night, Hoboken City Council unanimously approved a new contract between the City of Hoboken and electric scooter companies, Lime and OjO. This new contract states that Hoboken would receive a contribution of $0.35 per ride from the scooter companies. These investments, which could total up to $100,0000 for the duration of the scooters’ pilot programs, would be allocated for enforcement and education associated with scooter rides as well as Vision Zero pedestrian safety infrastructure — read: bike lanes.
This per-ride contribution is the largest from any e-scooter company in the world. Mayor Bhalla gave an official statement in response to the contract approval:
“Hoboken’s electric scooter sharing program is one of the most popular in the world, and provides an environmentally friendly and convenient way to get around without driving a vehicle,” Bhalla said. “The approved contract amendment, negotiated by my transportation team over the past two months, will make six-figure investments into much-needed safety and enforcement tools to ensure rules and regulations of the program are followed. I completely understand the very valid concerns voiced by residents regarding pedestrian safety associated with the e-scooters, and am hopeful this contract will make the e-scooter experience safer for everyone.”
View the new e-scooter contract here.
Pier A Kiosks Could Be Getting Vendors
You know those seven {empty} kiosks along the waterfront at Pier A park? Those might be getting vendors, thanks to a new regulation passed unanimously at the July 10th City Council meeting. According to the updated legislation, any current Mile Square business that operates from a brick-and-mortar location can apply for a kiosk for a fee of $1 per year. The Council is in the midst of soliciting Request for Proposals from local biz’s that are interested. Jersey Digs reports they will then be selected by a city review board.
The kiosks were built back in the 1990s, but have been vacant for quite a while. Now with this new co-sponsored legislation from Councilmen Michael DeFusco and Ruben Ramos, the kiosks would get major makeovers, provide un-amplified entertainment from April to October for eight hours a month, and would employ local Mile Square labor that’s $2 higher than New Jersey State minimum wage. The ordinance also allows vendors the option to prepare food off-site, which was previously not allowed under the regulations drawn up in the ’90s.
Downtown Jersey City Connecting to Liberty State Park With Bergen-Lafayette Roadway — It’s Happening
Connected Downtown Jersey City to Liberty State Park seems like it might actually become a reality after years of the idea swirling around the rumor mill. This road project has been planned for a long time {since about 2013} and will finally connect JC with Liberty State Park and the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood.
As part of the plan, Jersey Avenue will be extended over the canal {Ethel Pesin Footbridge over Mill Creek} and connected to Phillip Street. The project is expected to cost $13 million according to city officials, as reported by NJ.com. The State Department of Transportation is expected to pay $10 million of the cost and the project should be completed in full by December 2021.
“This is a $10 million dollar investment that was discussed for decades, and we are proud to have finally been able to deliver on this important infrastructure,” Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. “This project will better connect Bergen-Lafayette and Downtown while improving the sewer overflow point that has created a smell and visual problems for that entryway into Liberty State Park.”
The extension will feature one traffic lane in each direction, a bike path, and a pedestrian path on both sides of the road. These features made it into the design thanks to the advocacy of Friends of Liberty State Park.
Hoboken Kicks Off 2nd Annual Pride Week with Flag Raising
{Photo credit: Facebook}
Hoboken has officially kicked off the celebrations for its second annual Pride Week to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community. The City hosted a special flag raising outside of City Hall on Friday, August 9th. Of the event, Mayor Bhalla said in an issued statement, “We are pleased to once again join Hudson County to celebrate with our Pride Week events this year. This is another way to uplift our LGBTQ+ community, and to demonstrate that Hoboken will always be a welcoming and inclusive community. Thank you to all of the organizers and businesses who have made the week’s Pride events possible.”
For a full list of Pride events, go here.
Hoboken Officially Bans Single-Use Styrofoam + Carry-Out Plastic Bags
It’s official — the City of Hoboken issued an ordinance this past Wednesday, August 7th, that will ban the use of single-use styrofoam products in the Mile Square, as well as carry-out plastic bags from food + retail establishments.
In an issued statement, Mayor Bhalla said, “Hoboken is once again leading the way in promoting policies that will help improve our environment,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “By eliminating single-use styrofoam products and all carry-out plastic bags, we are substantially reducing pollution on our streets and in the Hudson River, as well as non-biodegradable waste in our landfills. I thank the Hoboken Green Team for partnering with the City to implement this ban, and the City Council for their support.”
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