With the holidays in full swing, you might have been too busy earlier in the week to keep up with all that’s going on locally in Hoboken and Jersey City. Luckily, Hoboken Girl is here to lay everything out for you now that you have some time to relax with a glass of wine or cup of hot chocolate and revel in that post-Thanksgiving feast stupor. {Feet up, Netflix on!}
But in between your binge-watching of Friends episodes, scroll through to read up on the top headlines of the week. Keep reading for more Hudson County headlines you missed this week!
Jersey City’s FM Bar + Lounge to Close
Sad news, Jersey City. JC’s FM Bar + Lounge will be closing at the end of January. According to NJ.com, FM’s Tony Susco broke the news to lovers of the locale on Tuesday evening. He revealed that the spot will be closing its doors by the end of January. FM Bar + Lounge is located at 340 3rd Street, Jersey City and is set to host its final live show on January 31st. FM was known for being a local music venue + club. FM, you will be missed.
Holland Tunnel To Get New Holiday Decorations This Year, Amidst Last Year’s Controversy
The Port Authority of New Jersey and New York is decking the halls this year, only they’re doing it with last year’s holiday decor debacle at the forefront of their minds. This year, the Holland Tunnel — which connects Jersey City directly to Manhattan and hosts a slew of commuters daily — will be getting new decorations. A larger tree decoration will be placed over the “A” in “Holland” and two circular wreaths will be placed over the “O” in “Holland” and “U” in “Tunnel.”
You may recall that in December 2018, a former Hoboken resident named Cory Windelspecht launched a petition to change the decorations. At the time, the tree-shaped decoration covered the letter “N” in “Holland” and Windelspecht argued it would be a more appropriate fit if hung over the “A.”
After Windelspecht’s petition received 600 signatures, the Port Authority Board ruled to change the decorations that year. This year, the decorations will reflect the wishes of Windelspecht, the 600 signatures he garnered, and the thousands of people polled {21,000 in total} who agreed the tree decor would look better over the “A.”
That’s not all that’s new this year; a menorah will also be added into the mix. Commuters will be able to spot the menorah adjacent to the toll plaza on the New Jersey side of the tunnel. The new-and-improved holiday decor is set to go up this upcoming Monday, December 2nd.
Sushi By Bou Announces Omakase Speakeasy Location at Ani Ramen
{Photo credit: @sushibybou_}
Not too long ago, Hoboken Girl broke the news that an omakase sushi speakeasy was coming to town and we can now officially confirm that Sushi by Bou is coming to the back of Ani Ramen in Jersey City. From The Simple Venue and Montclair Hospitality Group, Sushi by Bou omakase speakeasy experience is a collaborative effort set to open at Ani Ramen this month {December 2019}.
Patrons at Sushi by Bou get one-on-one time with their Chef in a secluded, eight-seat Japanese biergarten-themed space, accessible only through a door to the rear of Ani Ramen. The timed omakase experience takes 60 minutes, features 12 pieces, and has a price point of $50 per person. Patrons can expect fresh fish, sake, signature cocktails, Japanese beers, whiskeys, and for their meal to be served directly from the chef.
Updates on Holiday Parking, Transportation, and Other December Events in the Mile Square
The Holiday Hop weekend service and free parking in garages on weekends are some convenient holiday-themed benefits locals can take advantage of around this time of year. Both initiatives begin on Small Business Saturday, which is Saturday, November 30th, and to top it all off, the City will host family-friendly events including a holiday craft fair, banding concert, and tree-lighting event in December.
The City will offer free Holiday Hop services on weekends from 11:00AM-7:00PM, starting November 30th. The Holiday Hop price points continue until Sunday, December 29th. The Holiday Hop route will operate between Hoboken Terminal and 14th Street along the NJ Transit 126 bus route. Riders can track the real-time location of the Holiday Hop using the SmartTraxx app.
Parking in garages on weekends will also be free in municipal garages B, D, and Midtown for up to four hours per day on weekends. This also begins Saturday, November 30th and lasts until Sunday, December 29th. To redeem free parking in municipal garages B, D, and Midtown, drivers must show the garage attendant a receipt showing the purchase of at least $20 from Hoboken shopping or dining establishments or, the City Holiday Craft Fair on December 7th and 8th, of course.
The Hoboken Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Monday, December 2nd from 5;00PM-6:30PM in front of City Hall. The event will feature performances by students, ensembles, bands, choruses, and will even feature a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On December 7th and 8th you’ll see Hoboken City Hall transformed into the Hoboken City Hall Craft Fair at 94 Washington Street. Three floors of City Hall will be open to the public and feature unique handcrafted gift items by local artisans. You’ll also find treats and refreshments provided by Baking Mama and Mrs. Claus will offer face painting for children.
The Holiday Banding Concert is on Sunday, December 15th at 5:30PM at the Hoboken Elk’s Club at 10th and Washington. Local bands and musicians will perform holiday classics. Admission is $10. Proceeds go to support the Movies Under the Stars outdoor summer series.
7 Seventy House Wins ULI-NNJ 2019 Excellence Award for Sustainable Development
Hoboken’s own 7 Seventy House has been recognized with the Urban Land Institute-Northern New Jersey 2019 Excellence Award for Sustainable Development.
The honor was presented to the team behind the project, led by developer Bijou Properties and its partner Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation and Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects. The ULI-NNJ Excellence Awards honor high-caliber projects and people within the real estate industry for outstanding and transformational land use, best practices, and creative visioning.
The building, a 424-home rental building located at 770 Jackson Street, was developed in conjunction with a two-acre resiliency park and is part of a larger redevelopment plan to transform an industrial part of Hoboken into a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
“We’re invested in the future of Hoboken and are committed to developing sustainable housing that significantly contributes to the community-at-large,” said Larry Bijou, Managing Partner of Hoboken-based Bijou Properties. “This new building and open space fit perfectly into that philosophy. In addition to offering living spaces specifically designed with the needs of Hoboken families in mind, this building supports the up-and-coming western Hoboken neighborhood by providing much-needed public space, a recreational center and a resiliency park to help alleviate water runoff concerns. We’re grateful these efforts have been recognized and proud of this award.”
The Green Room Officially Offers Instant Delivery Service
The Green Room – located at 64 Newark Street in the Mile Square – has officially launched an instant delivery service. Order from spensary.com and you’ll receive The Green Room’s CBD products like tinctures, pre-rolls, and smokable CBD flowers within the hour. According to their website, first time online orders will receive a free CBD pre-roll. The Green Room also delivers throughout New York City and Brooklyn.
LOKAL Eatery and Bar’s Team Cooks and Serves Turkeys on Thanksgiving
LOKAL Eatery and Bar’s Executive Chef Walter Donadio and his team cooked and served turkeys at the Women’s and Children’s Shelters in Jersey City this past Thanksgiving Day. From 5:00PM-6:00PM, the team served people and also donated pre-cooked turkeys to the Faith Overflow ministries church in Jersey City. Thanks for helping those in need!
Newport Centre Hosting Food Drive to Benefit St. Peter’s University Food Pantry
Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City has announced it will be hosting a Food Drive from November 29th to December 20th. Shoppers, employers, and retailers alike can donate canned foods or perishable items and drop them off in the donation bin near Guest Services in the mall’s Center Court on Level 1. Newport Centre is facilitating the food drive in conjunction with Saint Peter’s University Food Pantry. All donations serve those in need in Hudson County.
Harborside Hosting First-Ever Urban Hip-Hop Dance Competition
Harborside in Jersey City is hosting its first-ever urban hip-hop dance competition. The Hive dance studio is teaming up with Harborside to host the Top Line Dance Competition on Sunday, December 15th from 7:00PM-10:00PM. Doors open at 6:30PM and the Hive will be flying in judges from Los Angeles to select the winning dance team for a grand prize of $2,500. General admission is $25 online and $30 at the door. Get your tickets here!
This competition serves as a central point between surrounding the dance community and beyond, bringing dance to downtown Jersey City and helping the regional dance community gather and grow.
AngelaCARES Non-Profit Feeds Seniors This Thanksgiving for 9th Year in a Row
{Photo credit: Facebook}
This Thanksgiving, the New Jersey non-profit AngelaCARES fed more than 1,000 seniors. AngelaCARES, a non-profit run by Assembly woman Angela McKnight, hosted the 9th Annual Thanksgiving Feed the Seniors event, which brought together more than 20 partners to provide meals for more than 1,000 elderly residents in Hudson County.
“It is amazing how many people we have that come together year over year to help provide these meals in our signature purple bags so that our seniors can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of their own homes,” said McKnight. “At inception {back in 2011} the event fed approximately 200 seniors. Today, the annual event feeds more than 1,000 seniors.”
The food is provided by AngelaCARES through fundraising efforts held throughout the year, and meals are prepared by Andy’s Catering of Jersey City. Approximately 300 volunteers are made up of neighbors, organizations, local businesses, and schools. There are more than 20 partners this year that include The Ashford, Lutheran Senior Life at Jersey City, Community Pharmacy, and Brightside Tavern.
“We have families that have been participating since their children were two and now the children help out as well,” McKnight added. “They work hard from filling up hundreds of containers of food, to notifying seniors that the food is on the way, to actually driving around and making deliveries. It is truly a whole operation.”
Hoboken Releases End-of-Contract E-Scooter Statistics
With e-scooters in Hoboken a thing of the past, the City has released the official results of the shared electric scooter end-of-pilot survey. Approximately 2,100 people participated in the survey between October 23rd and November 10th. Hoboken’s Department of Transportation and Parking issued the survey to solicit feedback on the pilot program and guidance for the framework for any potential future e-scooter sharing programs.
Voters in the poll were 93% Hoboken residents and 66% said they had ridden a scooter at least once during the six-month pilot. In total, 74.5% of respondents said they would like the e-scooter sharing program to continue or to continue with improvements to the program.
According to the results of the survey:
- When asked if the e-scooter sharing program should continue in Hoboken, 48.5% of respondents agreed; 26% agreed, but with improvements to the program, and 25% disagreed.
- 44% of those surveyed said they had used e-scooters at least 10 times during the pilot, while 33% of those surveyed said they never used an e-scooter during the pilot.
- 77% indicated that before e-scooters were available they had never ridden in a bike in Hoboken. 79% said they had never ridden a Jersey Bike before the e-scooter pilot.
- 73% reported taking taxis and ride-hailing less often during the pilot, and 60% reported driving less often during the pilot.
- 17% of riders said they would have driven and 55% would have taken a car-sharing service if e-scooters were not available.
- 163 respondents said they have reduced the number of cars owned by their households or delayed the purchase of one due to scooters. 203 respondents said they would consider it.
- 64% said that they agreed or strongly agreed that e-scooters make it easy to get around.
- 76% said that they agreed or strongly agreed that e-scooters were easy to find close to their home and 64% said finding an e-scooter on their last trip was not difficult.
- 73% agreed or strongly agreed that e-scooters made it easier to connect to public transit. Among e-scooter users in Hoboken, 49% said they used e-scooters to connect to public transit at least once per week.
- Among business owners and managers surveyed, 86% said they or their employees used e-scooters to get to work and 65% of their customers used them to get to their business. Additionally, 60% of business owners and managers agreed that e-scooters made it easier for people to reach their business.
- Survey results pertaining to improvements to the e-scooter program and bike lanes:
- 68% said that they agreed or strongly agreed that e-scooters should be better regulated. 60% said that they would like to see more enforcement in a future e-scooter program.
- The largest share of riders surveyed said that their top preference for where to ride was on streets with protected bike lanes such as Sinatra Drive and Observer Highway.
- 88% said they would feel safer riding in the street if protected bike lanes were present and 55% said safe infrastructure would encourage them to ride e-scooters more often.
- 44% of all respondents said that they would like to see safer infrastructure in a future e-scooter program, which was the most popular response after increased enforcement and resident discounts when prompted on potential changes.
Coast Guard Restarts Ferry Service After Suspending 23 “Unfit” NY Waterway Ferries
After suspending 23 “operationally unfit” NY Waterway ferries earlier this week, most of its ferry routes are returning to regular service between New Jersey and New York starting Tuesday. Twenty-three of the Coast Guard’s 32 ferries in its fleet were found to be unfit for service, but now regular service will return. Liberty Harbor to Pier 11 will operate every 30 minutes instead of every 15 minutes from 7:30AM -9:00AM. Paulus Hook to Harborisde to West 39th Street will operate every 30 minutes instead of every 15 minutes from 7:15AM-8:45AM.
Anyone taking the ferries from Harborside to Brookfield Place will be brought two blocks to Paulus Hook.
Jersey City Rapper Gives Back This Thanksgiving, Hands Out 150+ Turkeys on Lexington Avenue
Local Jersey City rapper, known as Obreez, gave back to his neighbors this Thanksgiving by distributing over 150 turkeys to families throughout the Lexington Avenue neighborhood. Turkeys for the drive were provided by Jetro Wholesale. Obreez, or Omar Soliman, went to Dickinson High School in JC.
Obreez said, “I grew up with everyone that’s a part of this neighborhood. While it may be a tough place to live, you can still make a positive impact and giving back to it means everything to me.”
He continued, “There was always a lot of negativity in my area but my father always made sure I stayed away from anything bad that was happening. Most of my friends would get into trouble but he always made me stay positive and showed me that there are better ways to occupy my time.”
But Obreez isn’t stopping all the giving back now that Thanksgiving’s over. In fact, he plans on hosting a toy drive for the community in December.
“This isn’t about me,” Obreez added. “I just want to see people feel good from this. That’s what’s important.”
Obreez recently recorded his song “Jungle” with Stupid Young, which was shared by Snoop Dogg’s YouTube channel.
Hudson County Community College Foundation Presents
Distinguished Community Service Award at 2019 Holiday Gala
The Hudson County Community College Foundation is presenting two people with the Distinguished Community Service Award at their 2019 Holiday gala this year. On Thursday, December 5th, Gary Greenberg, Executive Director/CEO of the Boys + Girls Clubs of Hudson County and Frank Gargiulo, Retired Superintendent of Hudson County Schools of Technology, will receive the Distinguished Community Service Award. Congratulations to both Greenberg and Gargiulo!
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