As always, there is so much news to cover in our home of Hudson County. This past week has seen nearly every local headline imaginable, from new openings to some unfortunate closures to celebrities visiting our area to parking updates. Keep reading to discover all of the news you missed this week in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Still Time to Enjoy the Ultimate Local Self-Care Guide to 2020
— through January 31st!
Businesses in Hoboken + Jersey City have all come together to make sure your fitness, health, and beauty resolutions are kicked off the right way, whether you’re just wanting to ramp up your gym membership, commit to self-care, or just treat yo’self — with limited-time deals in our 2020 local self-care guide.
Fitness, beauty, wellness, and beyond — it’s all here to make you feel amazing, inside and out. Local businesses are sharing exclusive offers for Hoboken Girl readers, and all you have to do is mention ‘Hoboken Girl’ or follow the instructions below to redeem.
We’ve made it simple — the business listed, their IG handle to check them out, the deal, how to redeem, and the website. Check out the full post on our Guide to Local Self-Care in 2020 here.
Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Confirms Investigation of Sexual Assault in Hoboken Case
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed their Special Victims Unit is working with the Secaucus Police Department to investigate an alleged sexual assault that occurred in a Midtown Garage at 371 4th Street in Hoboken.
Police responded shortly after 3:15 AM last Monday to 371 4th Street to reports of a potential robbery and “female in distress.” The alleged victim was 23, and told police she was sexually assaulted inside a Midtown Garage elevator.
The suspect was eventually identified as Jeremy Torrez Gonzalez, 24, who was arrested on Wednesday, January 15 for open warrants on unrelated matters. Later, he was charged with sexual assault.
Gonzalez was charged with two counts of aggravated assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a, first-degree crimes, sexual assault in violation with N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c, a second-degree crime, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a third-degree crime, unlawful possession of a weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, a fourth-degree crime, and theft by unlawful taking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, a third-degree crime.
Gonzalez was brought to Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
If you have information relating to this crime, contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 201-915-1234 or leave an anonymous tip at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information is confidential.
New Coffee Shop Lil’ Dove Cafe Opens in Jersey City
{Photo credit: @lildovecafejc}
Now at 589 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City Heights is a new coffee shop called Lil’ Dove Cafe. The coffee shop offers hot and cold beverages, small breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. Lil’ Dove will also feature a small retail section of local products and its owners plan on hosting wellness events later on in 2020. This new spot is brought to the Heights neighborhood by the owners of Fox & Crow.
Lorraine’s House of Styles Hair Salon Goes Green
Lorraine’s House of Styles, at 160 1st Street, has been a Hoboken staple for 20 years and the owner, Lorraine Fred, recently announced the hair salon has become a Green Circle Salon, meaning they have gone green. Lorraine’s will be collecting, recycling, and repurposing hair clippings, used foils, color-tubes, excess hair colors, papers and plastics, glass, and spa waste, therefore diverting this potential waste from landfills and our waterways.
“We are proud to finally be a part of something bigger than us. We will be working very hard to do whatever we can to help save our planet,” Fred tells Hoboken Girl in an email.
Hair clippings will be even recycled to make pillows and mattresses for people who have endured natural disasters in other countries and in the U.S.
Feds Reveal Jersey City Kosher Market Shooters Had Planned “Greater Acts of Mayhem” Against Jewish Communities
In the wake of the December 10th shooting at the Jersey City Kosher Market, federal officials are claiming that the shooters had planned “greater acts of mayhem” on Jewish communities.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal told The Daily Beast that investigators believe the attackers to have been “fueled both by anti-Semitism and anti-law enforcement beliefs.” For this reason, the shooting is being treated as an act of domestic terrorism.
According to New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, video footage from the supermarket shows one of the assailants, David Anderson, 47, saying, “They stole our heritage, they stole our birthright, and they hired these guys to stop us.”
The December 10th shooting claimed the lives of six individuals, including Detective Joseph Seals, a husband and father of five, and three innocent people inside the kosher market, Mindy Ferencz, Moshe Deutsch, and Douglas Miguel Rodriguez. The two shooters, Anderson and Francine Graham, 50, were also killed.
Parking Changes: City Debuts Beta Testing for Online Parking Permits and City Council May Increase Residential Parking Rate
The City of Hoboken is pre-launching a beta test of the Virtual Visitor Permit {VVP} parking system, a new system designed to make obtaining parking permits for yourself and for visitors faster + easier. The system is 100% online, features real-time activation, and strives to have people save time while getting parking passes. Passes can be bought from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
In other potential parking changes, Hoboken City Council is considering raising the residential parking rate from 29 cents per week to a dollar per week. Yearly, this change makes the annual fee for a Hoboken residential parking sticker go from $15 a year to $52 a year.
The ordinance is allegedly being introduced by Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, newly appointed Chair of Parking and Transportation.
For families with more than one car, the rate will go from $30 a year to $104 a year for the second car.
“Most cities in this region have similar population densities, density of retail and parking demand as Hoboken—and they have parking rates that are much, much higher,” Ryan Sharp, Hoboken’s Director of Parking and Transportation, told HMag.
The ordinance to increase the Hoboken residential parking rate was on the agenda for the Hoboken City Council Meeting on January 15th.
Body of a Man Found Under the Hoboken and Union City Viaduct
The body of a man was found near the Union City-Hoboken border last Monday morning, authorities have confirmed. The man’s age and identity have not yet been released, as the Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and Union City Police Department are currently investigating. According to NJ.com, the body was found under the 14th Street Viaduct, where police were also seen investigating near and around on Monday.
Mayor Bhalla Invites Hoboken to Second State of the City Address
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla has announced he will hold his second annual State of the City address on Monday, January 27th, 2020 at 7:00PM. This year, the address will be hosted at the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken and members of the public are invited to attend.
“Mile Square Theatre is one of the most well-respected cultural institutions in the entire State of New Jersey, and I’m proud to host my second State of the City at their theatre,” Mayor Bhalla said in an official statement. “Advancing the arts in Hoboken is a priority of my administration, and I look forward to providing the public an update on this topic and several additional priorities for the upcoming year.”
If you are a member of the public looking to RSVP, you can do so through the Mile Square Theatre’s ticket service.
NJ Passes Electric Vehicle Bill That Advances EV Charging Networks, Provides Rebates, and Guarantees Electric Buses Only by 2032
With a history of progressiveness when it comes to electric vehicles, New Jersey has made another big move in the vein of promoting electric cars. More than 15 years ago, NJ was the first state in the U.S. to pass clean car standards with a legislative vote. Now, the New Jersey Senate and Assembly have passed EV legislation S2252/A4819, which builds a statewide high-speed charging network for EVs, provides rebates of up to $5,000 for those purchasing an EV, promises that NJ Transit will purchase electric-only buses by the year 2032, and more.
Now that the bill has passed in the legislative session, it will go to Gov. Murphy. Gov. Murphy is expected to pass the bill and sign.
“Not since clean cars legislation more than 15 years ago has the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill this significant when it comes to reducing air pollutants and global warming pollution from our cars and trucks,” said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, in an official statement. “This essential legislation will make New Jersey the East Coast leader in electrifying its transportation sector and firmly put our state on the road to zero tailpipe emissions.”
O’Malley added, “This bill is so meaningful because it moves us toward meeting our clean cars mandates and gets NJ Transit on par with more than 60 transit agencies across America that have committed to electrifying their bus fleets. To meet our obligations in combating global warming, we need to aggressively ramp up electrification of our entire transportation system – and this bill does just that.”
F45 Training Gym Opens in Hoboken
The grand opening for the first F45 functional training gym happened on January 18th. F45 has two locations in town — a Hoboken North and a Hoboken South location — but this first grand opening will celebrate the Hoboken North gym at 720 Monroe Street, Suite E303. {The South location will be at 84 Washington Street, likely later in the year.} The event featured a live DJ, vendors with samples, discounts, demos, and the opportunity to try out F45’s Hollywood class, a full-body workout.
According to its website, F45 is specifically designed to provide functional, full-body workouts that focus on improving energy, metabolism, strength, and endurance. F45 also strongly emphasizes a team mentality, encouraging members to grow into the gym through the help of the community. The “45” in the title isn’t for naught, either; the functional HIIT training sessions at F45 all aim to burn 750 calories within 45 minutes.
The proceeds from F45 in North Hoboken’s Grand Opening raised funds for Australia’s devastating bush fires. F45 is an Australian-born company, so the cause is close to their hearts.
Hoboken Kicks Off 2020 Census Efforts, Wants Residents To Participate
The Hoboken City Council recent passed a resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 Census for the City of Hoboken. The resolution encourages all residents to participate in the upcoming census process, and supports the work of Hoboken’s Complete Count Committee, which formed in October 2019 to ensure that the city has a complete and accurate 2020 Census count. It also declares April 1, 2020 a “Census Day of Action” to encourage a City-wide Census response.
The Complete Count Committee will host a Census Jobs Fair at Stevens Institute of Technology on January 28th from 11AM–3PM, and a Census “Lunch and Learn” at Fox Hill Gardens on February 7th from 11AM–12:30PM. Census jobs are local, well-paid, and essential to the Census effort. Anyone interested should look on the City’s Census page at www.hobokennj.gov/census for more information.
Decennial Census information provides data for planning purposes and determines Congressional, state, and local legislative redistricting, as well as federal funding allocation. Passing a threshold of 50,000 residents by just 5 people in the 2010 Census, Hoboken gained eligibility for a $1 million annual Community Development Block Grant for low and moderate-income residents since 2015, and became a prime example of the importance of counting every person.
Sushi House on 1st Street in Hoboken Might Have Closed
{Photo credit: Google Maps — also, shoutout to this guy, lolz}
It looks like Sushi House on 1st Street in Hoboken has closed its doors. According to eagle-eyed readers, Sushi House — located at 155 1st Street — has been dark for about a month and it appears they may have closed their doors for good. It appears the phone number for Sushi House is still working, however calls from Hoboken Girl went unanswered and no voicemail option came up.
Official Signage at IL Tavolo di’ Palmisano in Hoboken Goes Up
{Photo credit: Court Kochuba}
A new Italian restaurant called IL Tavolo di’ Palmisano is coming to the old location of Jack and Co between 7th and Clinton Streets. Hoboken Girl reported this back in November 2019, but now that official signage has gone up at the new restaurant, it seems like a matter of time before it opens its doors.
IL Tavolo di’ Palmisano comes from owner Frank Palmisano, who was previously a partner at Biggie’s Clam Bar. Originally, Palmisano said that IL Tavolo would be opening in mid to late-December, but now, sources are saying the space is about three weeks out from opening.
Bruce Springsteen’s Son Sworn In as Jersey City Firefighter
Musical legend Bruce Springsteen has a reason to celebrate. His son, Sam Springsteen, 25, was officially sworn in last week as a Jersey City firefighter. Sworn in by Fire Chief Steven McGill, Sam’s parents Bruce and Patti Scialfa were front row in the audience watching the ceremony.
“This is really my son’s day,” Bruce said. “I’m just excited to be here.”
Sam took the civil service test back in 2018 and ranked 42nd out of a total of 961 applicants. The youngest of his siblings, Sam said becoming a firefighter, “wasn’t easy,” but that he’s had a lifelong dream to join the fire service.
“A big congratulations to the new firefighters that are joining us,” Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said at the ceremony. “They are joining, pound for pound, the best fire department anywhere in the country.”
Blushtan Plans to Open Within Next Few Months in Hoboken
Blushtan, a new organic spray tan studio that has been operating via a mobile unit in Hoboken for the past year, is planning to open its brick-and-mortar location in town within the next few months. Rachel Genovese, the owner of Blushtan Hoboken, tells Hoboken Girl in an email that she’s shooting for a mid-February or March opening.
Bwè Kafe Opens In Uptown Hoboken with Little City Books and Park + Bloom
Bwè kafe has opened a third location in uptown Hoboken in conjunction with Little City Books and Park + Bloom. Located at 1405 Adams Street, you’ll find great-tasting coffee and the ambiance that you’ve come to associate with bwè in front, the fan-favorite independent book store Little City Books in the back, and fresh flowers to purchase from Park + Bloom right as you walk in. To read more about their grand opening, check it out here.
Freetown Road Opens in Journal Square with Chopped Winner as Chef
{Photo credit: @freetown_road_project}
A new Caribbean-West Indian eatery called Freetown Road has recently opened in Journal Square, moving into the former medical office at 640 Newark Street. Spearheaded by Chef Claude Lewis, a Food Network Chopped winner, the menu features different kinds of curry, braised oxtail, grilled goat, fried fish, and small West Indian-inspired bites.
Freetown Road is open Monday through Saturday at 12:00PM each day for lunch. They close at 6:00PM on Mondays, 8:00PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 10:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Freetown Road is currently closed on Sundays.
Wyclef Jean Stops by Vibez Juice Cafe for His First Vegan Meal Ever
Rapper Wyclef Jean from The Fugees returned to his home state of New Jersey earlier this week to stop by Vibez Juice Cafe over in Jersey City. Originally from Newark, Wyclef Jean admitted this was his first-ever vegan meal and he seemed pretty impressed!
“First vegan meal,” Wyclef Jean says in an Instagram video posted by Vibez Juice Cafe. “Mesmerized. Absolutely no meat and I swore I was eating steak this whole time. Look at the plate,” he adds, gesturing toward the cleaned-off plate.
“We turned him into [a] vegan with that soulful Caribbean vegan cuisine,” Vibez added in the caption. Learn more about what’s on the menu over at Vibez here.
Manhattan-Based Cafe Buon Gusto Opening in Hoboken
Caffe Buon Gusto is known for its flagship Manhattan location, but now the Italian restaurant is coming to Hoboken. Opening on 7th and Washington Street, Caffe Buon Gusto’s menu features appetizers, salads, and of course, pasta options galore. No word yet on an official opening date or timeline, but we’ll be updating this news as more information becomes available.
Governor Murphy Approves $9.5 Million Budget for Planned Parenthood
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has approved the restoring of $9.5 million in family planning clinics funding. Representatives from Planned Parenthood were there as Governor Murphy signed the bill, a federal program called Titled X, late last week.
The bill-signing is a direct response to President Donald Trump enacting the Title X “gag rule,” which prohibits health care providers that receive federal funding for abortions from giving abortion as an option. Under the “gag rule,” clinics that did not comply would then lose their funding.
Canadian Business 7Shifts Expands to Hoboken Location
A Canadian company called 7Shifts is expanding internationally and opening its first office in the U.S. in Hoboken over at 1001 Bloomfield Street.
“7Shifts takes historic sales data and weather into consideration when guiding restaurant owners and operators through making schedules, so this software knows a restaurant will need more employees on a sunny Saturday than a rainy Wednesday,” VP, Head of U.S. Operations Preston Junger tells Hoboken Girl in an email. “7shifts can also calculate labor as a percentage of sales by integrating with a restaurant’s POS.”
Some of 7Shift’s current local customers include Quality Greens, Shaka Bowl, La Isla Uptown, and more.
Garden Street Hemp Moving Into Old La Bouche Cafe Location
It looks like Hoboken is getting another hemp or CBD shop. New signage over at the old La Bouche Cafe on Garden Street shows that a place called Garden Street Hemp is coming into the old space. La Bouche moved to 207 Washington Street early last year and has called that locale home ever since. We’ll have more updates as they come in.
Alfalfa Donating All Proceeds from New “Fairy Bread” Doughnut to Benefit Ongoing Fires in Australia
Alfalfa in Hoboken is known for a few things — its delicious salads and sweet doughnuts. Now, however, it’s going to be known for giving back. For every purchase of Alfalfa’s “Fairy Doughnut,” the store will donate all of the proceeds to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and the families of those who have risked their lives to help protect and save the communities affected.
“The doughnut itself tastes amazing, and we’re excited to get this donation going,” Andrew Arrospide, co-founder of Alfalfa, said.
Willow Rose in Hoboken Closing After 11 Months
Sad news, Hoboken. Willow Rose, an athleisure boutique at 303 1st Street in the Mile Square, is closing. After being in business for 11 months, the boutique issued an announcement on Instagram to break the news of the closure.
“We regret to announce that after 11 months of an extremely promising outlook and direction, Willow Rose will close down due to a matter regarding a partner in the business…We will cease operation [on] February 1st, 2020. Please visit our shop to resolve any issues or to claim a store credit before this date.”
See more info here.
Elysian Charter School 4th Graders Bring Blankets of Hope to the Hoboken Shelter
A class of 4th graders over at Hoboken’s Elysian Charter School donated Blankets of Hope to the Hoboken Shelter this week. Hoboken Girl reader Emily got in touch to share the news that her students over at the school worked together with Blankets of Hope {a non-profit to provide warm blankets and inspirational notes to those in need} to provide blankets and handwritten notes to those staying at the Hoboken Shelter.
“We walked from our school to the Hoboken Shelter. Each student carried their blankets and letter carefully and they were delivered. We were greeted by the friendly staff at the Hoboken Shelter and thanked multiple times. They told the students what they were doing was going to help make someone’s day a little more special,” Emily told Hoboken Girl in an email.
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