Hey, Hudson County. Last week we updated you on the fate of Hoboken’s Wee Babe, the construction beginning at Hudson Place and Hudson Street, and Jersey City’s Cocktails Under the Stars event. {And so much more!} Now, this week, we’re back with more important updates — like the new Cajun eatery with an outdoor courtyard coming to JC, a popular kosher deli that’s coming to the Mile Square, and Port Authority’s move to eliminate toll booths sooner rather than later {+ so much more!} Keep reading to discover all of the headlines you missed this week:
The Boil, Featuring an Outdoor Courtyard, is Opening in Jersey City
{Photo credit: @theboilny}
Coming soon to 8 Erie Street in Jersey City is The Boil, a Louisiana- and New York City-based Creole and Cajun restaurant. The new Jersey City Boil — set to open Fall 2019 — will also feature an outdoor oasis courtyard with open-air dining. According to a promotional poster spotted in town, The Boil will serve specialty cocktails often only found in New Orleans — Bayou Juice, Cajun Bloody Mary, and even a Hurricane. There will also be beer on tap, wine, champagne, and a raw oyster bar.
That’s not all — if their online menu is any indicator, you’ll also find Louisana-style delicacies like crab cakes, rolls, Cajun fries, gumbo, catfish, and so much more at The Boil.
Pop-Up Gallery at the Enclave Celebrates New Mural
{Photo courtesy of Enclave}
A free, public pop-up gallery at the Enclave on August 8th will seek to celebrate Ron English’s latest public work for Jersey City — a 60′ mural located at the intersection of Erie and 16th Streets.
The artwork is the latest installment in Jersey City’s renowned Mural Arts Program and its completion will be celebrated with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop during a free public POP-Up gallery on Thursday, August 8th at 675 Monmouth Street.
The event is sponsored by the development team behind The Enclave, BNE Real Estate Group, Hoboken Brownstone Company, and McKinney Properties.
“Ron English is one of the best street artists in the world who lived in Jersey City for some time, ” Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said in a press release. “It is great to have him back in our city as part of the Mural Arts Program, which has become one of the best in the country.”
Space is limited on The Enclave’s indoor/outdoor rooftop amenity deck, so though the event is free, tickets are required to attend. You can get yours here.
Kosher-Style Deli The Pastrami House is Coming to Hoboken
{Photo credit: Facebook}
A kosher-style deli called The Pastrami House is coming to 832 Washington Street in Hoboken. The Pastrami House is taking over the former site of The Brooklyn Bagelry {which never came to fruition as the company went out of business}, which was previously Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries. The Pastrami House will serve signature pastrami sandwiches on rye bread, corned beef, and feature a knish and salad bar. It specializes in kosher foods like matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, and more.
The Pastrami House also has locations elsewhere in New Jersey and serves dessert options, too. Read more about it on our site here.
Academy Bus Employee Arrested in Hoboken
An Academy Bus employee was arrested in Hoboken last week after threatening to “shoot up the place” over not receiving a pay raise.
The Academy Bus employee — Michael Fuentes, 56, of Belleville — was charged with “terroristic threats” according to Police Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz and Hudson County View. The incident allegedly occurred on Saturday but was not reported until the following day. According to the complaint, Fuentes entered the 15th and Clinton Street station clearly agitated about not getting a raise.
Fuentes allegedly told his supervisor, “You see these shoot-ups on TV at work and that is going to happen here soon!” according to authorities.
Fuentes was released from work that day and went home. An investigation was opened, Hoboken police interviewed several witnesses, and soon a warrant for Fuentes’ arrest was out.
Days later, Fuentes was processed and transported to the Hudson County Rehabilitation Center.
New York Waterway Lawsuit Dismissed in Favor of Hoboken
New York Waterway’s lawsuit against the City of Hoboken has been dismissed by Hudson County Superior Court. The Judge ruled in favor of Hoboken, ultimately ruling that NYWW must work with the City’s zoning or planning board in order to build on their proposed site.
During the hearing, a comment generated much attention and many headlines. The attorney for New York Waterway referred to the Mile Square police’s enforcement as “Gestapo” — an offensive name for the enforcers of Nazi Germany. Since the comment, many have been calling for a public apology.
So, what does this ruling mean? It does not mean that New York Waterway will be ultimately stopped from building. However, it does mean that NYWW cannot go above the City’s head and must instead, work with Governor Phil Murphy to find a solution that benefits all in the ongoing Union Dry Dock situation. Read more about the situation here.
Mayor Bhalla to Craft New Contract for E-Scooters in City
Another day, another e-scooter headline. After the City Council unanimously voted for a resolution requesting the Mayor of Hoboken to renegotiate the terms of the e-scooter contracts with Lime and Ojo for the six-month pilot program, the Mayor has allegedly crafted a more favorable contract. Per the contract, there is now an 8mph limit for Lime scooters on the waterfront.
On the contract, Mayor Bhalla said in an issued statement, “Our pilot electric scooter programs have provided residents with an additional, green transportation option to travel within our City. This amended contract will help provide funds dedicated specifically for enforcement to help ensure rules and regulations are being followed, as well as important infrastructure upgrades including protected bike lanes to provide safer roads for all users. I’m hopeful these tools will help improve the e-scooter experience in Hoboken as we evaluate the future of the program.”
Safety Upgrades Are Coming to Two Hoboken High-Traffic Spots
More safety, fewer problems. The City of Hoboken announced two new traffic lights would be installed at Hudson Street and Hudson Place and at 14th and Garden Streets. These new traffic lights are to be installed by the end of the summer.
Cashless Port Authority Toll Booths Are Coming
Cashless tolls are coming to Port Authority’s Hudson River crossing so drivers {and commuters sitting on buses!} no longer have to wait in super long lanes on the way through the Lincoln Tunnel.
“We are talking about a reduction in travel times for customers,” said Dianne Ehler, Port Authority director of tunnels, bridges, and terminals. “An inordinate number of crashes occur before and after the toll plazas.”
Cashless tolls will also become a reality on the George Washington Bridge and Holland Tunnel and are thought to reduce the time it takes to clean up after a crash near tolls and reduce traffic and wait times altogether.
According to NJ.com, there are about 1,200 crashes per year around toll plazas. Going cashless hopes to reduce this number by 75 percent, says Board Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
Hoboken Police Escort Woman Home in Good Deed
The news is taking notice of two Hoboken police officers who escorted an elderly woman home in an attempt to do a good deed. Laur Alexandra, the granddaughter of Catherine, posted to Facebook that the officers escorted her grandmother home from the St. Ann’s Italian Festival so she would not have to walk.
Officers escorted Catherine all the way up to her front door. “A good deed should never go unnoticed,” Alexandra wrote on Facebook. It has since been shared hundreds of times.
PATH Launches $1B Plan to Improve Service
In an effort to bring commuters more improved PATH service, Port Authority has launched a $1 billion plan to add capacity, reduce delays, and enhance commuters’ experiences traveling the PATH.
The capacity increase is a two-fold project: first, a 10 percent increase on two lines by Fall 2019 and then within the next three years, a 40 percent increase on the Newark to World Trade Center line. Also within the next three years, all the other lines will receive a 20 percent capacity increase.
Reportedly $50 million of this budget will go toward reducing delays on the PATH. How does the Port Authority hope to accomplish that? That $50 mil will be put toward reducing and repairing signal issues, switch failures, car equipment failures, track conditions, sick passengers, and unattended bags. PATH says it is committed to “a full implementation of these measures” within the next 30 months.
And as far as enhancing the customer experience, the PATH is committing to installing new fare technology {which means payments by smartphone and credit card}, improving in-station announcements and PATHAlerts, and reducing platform crowding through platform management.
National Night Out Celebrations Will Be Held August 6th in Hoboken + Jersey City
National Night Out is also known as “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” and this year, the Hoboken Police Department and Stevens Institute Police Department will host in Church Square Park. The event allows community works to give back to the community through family-friendly events and activities.
What can you expect? Disney princesses will be there to take pictures with children, the Callahans Hot Dog Truck will be serving wieners, and Birch Restaurant will be giving away free milkshakes. There’s more — the event will also include a photo booth station, bounce houses, a water slide, and giveaways. Giveaways include baseball tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, and gift cards.
The Hoboken Police Department will also be offering a free service: free child car seat inspections. The inspections will be held in the parking lot of AJ Demarest School at 158 4th Street.
National Night Out will take place in Church Square Park from 5:00PM-9:00PM on Tuesday, August 6th.
In Jersey City, the night is also taking place — with timing slightly different, from 6:30 to 9:30PM in the following locations:
Pershing Field – 201 Central Avenue
Arlington Park – Grand Street and Bramhall
Audubon Park – 12 Audubon Avenue
Hamilton Park – 25 W Hamilton Place
National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, began in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
At 9 p.m., Jersey City residents are encouraged to participate in National Night Out by turning on their home or porch lights. Churches are asked to ring their bells as a gesture of unity to support and promote safety in their neighborhoods.
Cadillac Cantina Re-opening Under Same Ownership, New Bar
It looks like the Cadillac Cantina will no longer be the Cantina. Hoboken Girl received information from sources that have shared Cadillac Cantina is remodeling and opening under the same ownership {but as a new bar}. No word yet as far as the name of the bar, but we will keep you updated as we learn more.
Simply Chai Is Officially Open in Hoboken
The wait is over, chai lovers. Hoboken’s latest tea shop — Simply Chai — is officially open at 79 Hudson Street. For a more in-depth look at the vibe, the menu, the co-owners {they’re the masterminds behind Hidden Grounds Coffee in Jersey City!} check out our exclusive look at SC here.
Jersey Mike’s in Hoboken Opening August 7th
There has been a lot of news buzzing around the Jersey Mike’s Hoboken location opening this summer. Rest assured, the famous subs will be coming to the Mile Square sooner rather than later, as Jersey Mike’s released the news this week that the new location will be opening on August 7th at 202 Hudson Street.
The New Hoboken Game Lounge is Opening August 9th
{Photo credit: Facebook}
The newest addition to the Mile Square is the Hoboken Game Lounge, slated to open on August 9th. Owned by the same people behind the recently closed Aether Game Cafe, the game lounge will feature board games of all types {from the Game of Life to Settlers of Catan}, as well as pool + ping-pong tables, golf simulators, and more. Find out more about the lounge in our feature here.
Jersey City Releases Plans for First Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Plans for a medical marijuana dispensary in Jersey City are in the works, according to NJ.com. On July 16th, JC’s. Redevelopment Agency approved a plan that would allow for the construction of a medical marijuana facility on Edward Hard Road, developed by Nuka Properties LLC. Nuka Properties’ CEO, Peter Barsoom, said that the company is aiming to start construction in 2020.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at hello@hobokengirl.com!
