In Hudson County, The pandemic has brought Changes to everyday life experienced daily. Most recently, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order requiring residents to wear masks whenever outdoors {when social distancing is not possible}, Hoboken’s COVID-19 testing has been temporarily moved to Jersey City, and Sinatra Drive may be converted into a pedestrian plaza.
If you think that’s all you missed, however, think again. Other recent highlights to check up on include a deep-dive into the dead fish floating in the Hudson, the introduction of the Mile Square’s new 2020 budget, and everything you ever wondered about NJ’s current COVID-19 travel advisory. Still have some catching up to do? Keep reading for all the headlines you missed this week in Hoboken and Jersey City:
New Jobs Added to Hoboken Girl‘s Job Board Platform
ICYMI, Hoboken Girl launched a new job board resource and new jobs are added every day. We know a lot of readers have been searching the internet for work opportunities listed online, and now that things are starting to open up again, employers are looking for employees, and job seekers are looking for work — as well as potentially wanting to offer their services freelance.
To make your search easier and to help connect our community on both sides to opportunities, we’ve created a job board for all of our readers and business owners to get all the latest local jobs listings — complete with jobs available by businesses in NJ, NY, and of course — across Hudson County. Applying to any and all jobs is free of charge, and there are also opportunities to sponsor/feature your resume on the site. Click here to apply.
Jersey City Artists’ Artwork Goes Viral After Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube Repost on Instagram
{Photo credit: @snoopdogg, original mural by @tballon_art}
Tyler Ballon, 23, of Jersey City, is going viral for his moving artwork about the Black community after both Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube reposted his paintings on Instagram. Ballon’s work can be found in the City Hall Rotunda Gallery.
“Even if you don’t like the painting … it causes you to ponder and think about it and get some type of reaction,” Ballon said. “I felt grateful that they felt my work was even worth enough to share. It’s something I don’t take lightly. I’m thankful to be committed and dedicated and see it pay off in a little way, even if it’s just an Instagram post.”
The above painting — entitled Stop Killing Your Own — is Ballon’s take on Deposition, a painting by Caravaggio in which Jesus’ body is shown being taken down from the cross.
“I want someone to understand… Someone who’s been through those circumstances and is still able to make a positive life, a positive outlook,” Ballon added. “… And I want people who don’t know those problems to be educated and have not sympathy, but empathy. So they can empathize with what people go through.”
NY Waterway Ferry Reopens, Adds 4 More Routes
As of Monday, July 6th, the NY Waterway Ferry has reopened transit from New Jersey to Manhattan with the addition of four new routes. As ABC7 reports, modified service has been restored to the following routes: Hoboken/14th Street and Midtown/West 39th Street in Manhattan, between Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken and Midtown/West 39th Street, between Liberty Harbor in Jersey City and Pier 11/Wall Street, and between Paulus Hook in Jersey City and Pier 11/Wall Street.
Existing service includes service between Paulus Hook in Jersey City and Brookfield Place/Battery Park City, between Port Imperial in Weehawken and Midtown/West 39th Street, between Hoboken/NJ TRANSIT Terminal and Brookfield Place/Battery Park City, and from Belford/Middletown in Monmouth County, with stops at Pier 11/Wall Street, Brookfield Place/Battery Park City, and Midtown.
Customers and employees are required to wear face masks or face coverings. Other social distancing initiatives include limited bus capacity to 50%, marked-off seating areas for appropriate social distancing, and regularly sanitizing buses and ferries after every trip.
26-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed After Car Backs Into Him
A 26-year-old male pedestrian has been killed after a car backed up into him. Shawn Charles, of Jersey City, was hit by a car that was backing up around 4:00AM near Summit and Hopkins Avenues last Saturday morning. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, but ultimately, his injuries were fatal.
Investigators say the driver initially fled the scene, but then returned. However, more information is still needed about this case. The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit is asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip.
Micro-Farm at Morgan and Washington May Be Part of Youth Summer Program, Not Public Garden Space
{Photo credit: reddit}
Many people in Jersey City became fascinated when a seemingly mysterious micro-farm popped up on the corners of Morgan and Washington Street. While several people on reddit inquired about renting space to grow their own fruits and veggies, it looks like the micro-farm is not a public gardening space at all. Upon some digging, it actually appears that the micro-farm is a part of a local summer program for the youth.
Hoboken Girl reached out to the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County to confirm if it was theirs, but reps at the Club said they have an indoor garden on their own property only.
Fireworks Tragedy in Jersey City Leaves One Dead on July 4th
A 4th of July involving fireworks has left one in Jersey City dead. According to NJ.com, the incident occurred on the night of Independence Day just before 1:00AM. The unidentified person, who was later pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center, was struck in the neck by fireworks, according to witnesses. The incident occurred outside the Booker T. Washington public housing complex in JC.
Fireworks categorized as aerial and/or explosive are illegal in the State of New Jersey. Jersey City also has a fireworks task force with the goal of minimizing the illegal acquiring of fireworks.
Veterinary Emergency Group Raises $133K for Charity on #VEGolutionDay
{Photo credit: @veterinary_emergency_group}
The Veterinary Emergency Group has raised $133K for charity as part of #VEGolutionDay. On June 30th, 2020 VEG celebrated #VEGolutionDay, a day in which 100% of their sales dollars would go toward charity.
As a result, 50% of the $133K raised was given to employees’ charities of choice; the other 50% was donated to VEG Cares, which profits with the non-profit Veterinary Care Foundation to collect and distribute donations for pets in need.
17-Year-Old Girl Earning Criminal Justice Degree Killed by Gun Violence in Jersey City
A 17-year-old girl was killed by gunshot in Jersey City on Monday night. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez confirmed the teenager’s death, elaborating that Tyeah Garner was found with a gunshot wound to her “upper body.”
Jersey City police responded to the call of shots fired near Rutgers Avenue and New Street on Monday, around 10:30PM. Garner was transported to Jersey City Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at 4:30AM.
No arrests have been made in connection to Garner’s homicide and the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
While Jersey City waits for answers, Lincoln High School is in mourning. The school’s principal, Chris Gadsden, said, “Our students are grieving and it is tough for them because Tyeah was a great friend. Tyeah wanted the best for her life; she was enrolled in dual credit course[s] trying to earn her associate degree in criminal justice and ensuring that she graduated in 2022. Please continue to pray for the family, and let’s do what we can to be there for them.”
Gadsden added, “This violence in Jersey City is senseless and I pray that the guns are destroyed and lives are preserved. Please stop this nonsense because you are killing the innocent. Tyeah didn’t deserve this.”
An investigation of Garner’s death is currently underway. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department ask anyone with information to contact HCPO at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip.
Hudson Pride Center Announces the Appointment of Elizabeth Schedl as Executive Director
As of July 7th, 2020, Elizabeth Schedl has been appointed as the Hudson Pride Center {HPC}’s new Executive Director.
Schedl has been a longtime staff member of Hudson Pride Center. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s in international studies and BA in criminal justice, Schedl has served as HPC’s Chief Operations Officer, Deputy Director, and Community Relations Director in the six years she’s been with the organization.
“Elizabeth has been a shining star and along with her team has proven their commitment and love for the work they do for the LGBTQ+ community here in Hudson County and beyond,” Obsetee Korme, board chair of HPC says. “I have watched Elizabeth grow over the past few years and watching her evolve into a strong and determined leader has been an honor. I have no doubt this evolution will lead the Center to new heights.”
As part of this new role, Schedl will oversee everyday operations at HPC and during COVID-19, will continue to connect with the local LGBTQ+ population to offer support, resources, education, and socialization during the global pandemic.
“Working for Hudson Pride has been my pleasure,” Schedl says. “I have had the honor of helping this agency grow and expand, taking on new programs and partnerships to further support the LGBTQ+ community and those most at risk within it,” Schedl said, adding “It is a joy to be part of this team and to collaborate with so many agencies and individuals that support us. Our staff and board are working towards some significant changes for our center that will further enhance the growth of our services and ability to connect with individuals, while also securing our center’s future for the years to come.”
Jubilee Center Property in Hoboken Up for Sale
The Jubilee Center of Hoboken’s Board of Directors has officially announced that the building has been put up for sale.
“When the Jubilee Center opened at the corner of 6th and Jackson Street in 2003 a special relationship was formed with you, our community. Since that time, we have had the pleasure and privilege to work with thousands of young people through our after-school program and summer camps,” a statement sent via email reads. “However, in this moment, it is not possible for us to hold onto the Jubilee Center property at 601 Jackson Street and it is with regret that we’ve decided we need to put the building up for sale.”
The goal behind the sale is to not lose the Jubilee Center entirely. In fact, the board of directors hopes that the Jubilee Center can continue.
“This sale should enable us to establish a fund to allow the mission of the Jubilee Center to continue. All of us involved with the organization wish to remain a part of the neighborhood and to serve in the community,” the statement continues.
The Board wants to ensure that during this time of change, the people of Hoboken are heard. They will be hosting Town Hall-style meetings to allow Mile Square residents to ask questions, share concerns, and stay informed. In the meantime, anyone with questions can direct them to Board President, David Tornabene at dtornabene@
“While we will miss the home that has served us so well, we know that the true essence of the Jubilee is and always has been in our relationships and our programs. We want these to continue regardless of the physical location,” the statement continues. “We realize this is a major upheaval. This is a big change. We do not want to do this in a vacuum. We need to hear from you.”
City Council Converting Sinatra Drive to Pedestrian Plaza on August 1st
Hoboken City Council members are pushing to close Sinatra Drive to cars and convert it into a pedestrian plaza amidst COVID-19 and social distancing concerns. The plan comes from councilmembers Tiffanie Fisher and Mike DeFusco, and the plan looks to relocate “on-street parking from the east side to the west side of Sinatra Drive between 1st Street and 4th Street to make it possible for the adjacent re restaurants to expand their outdoor dining space along the curbside in the form of parklets or streateries,” according to the most recent City Council meeting agenda.
If it goes through, the Pedestrian Plaza would take effect on August 1st.
Hudson Hound Opening New Location at Former Talde Spot
{Photo Credit: @taldejc}
Despite having to temporarily close its Manhattan doors due to COVID-19, Hudson Hound is back better than ever and with a new announcement, too — Hudson Hound’s new location will be opening soon across the Hudson in Jersey City.
The menu will be similar to that in New York, with a focus on fresh market ingredients, owner Jason O’Brien told Hoboken Girl in an interview. Patrons can expect modern American cuisine with a tip of the hat to both local owners’ Irish heritage, courtesy of owner/chef Donal Crosbie.
“Our goal is to serve comfort food, healthy food, and what’s available in abundance at the market,” O’Brien reiterated. “Our model is an easy-going, modern American bar that’s a home away from home.”
Expected to open for dinner seven days a week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30AM-4:00PM once up and running, Hudson Hound JC will take over the former Talde and Miss Wong’s building. Read more here.
Tutta Pesca Isn’t Closed, Just Moving to a New Hoboken Location
It’s not over yet for Tutta Pesca! While many locals were worried that the Italian-American seafood spot closed for good, it appears that Tutta Pesca is simply moving. Tutta Pesca will make the move from 155 3rd Street in Hoboken over to 557 1st Street {the former Northern Soul location}.
A few weeks ago, Hoboken Girl reported that 155 3rd Street space had been put up for sale. Speculation that Tutta Pesca had officially closed ran rampant, and the space had confirmed closure. But the new Tutta Pesca location should be up and running out of the former Northern Soul spot in the upcoming months, COVID-willing.
Virtual Meeting to Be Held to Discuss Community Wants for Liberty State Park
On Thursday, July 16th, a virtual meeting is to be held to discuss “how Liberty State Park can better serve the Bergen-Lafayette community, according to NJ.com. The meeting is being held following the Jersey City City Council’s tabling of “a resolution supporting the Liberty State Park Protection Act, a bill in the state Legislature, at Ward F Councilman Jermaine Robinson’s request last month to allow him to get input from community members.” To attend the virtual meeting, please go here.
ONE/SOUL Exits Maxwell Place Location
After 3 1/2 years, ONE/SOUL, the lifestyle boutique dedicated to the wellness community, will spend its last days at 1125 Maxwell Lane this weekend. In an email to Hoboken Girl, owner Marisol Page broke the news, noting the unforeseen circumstances and challenges of our COVID-19 world. However, according to Page, “This is not a goodbye, just a transformation. ONE/SOUL will still be in Hoboken and online. We exist and thrive with the community and its support, and I look forward to seeing what this new adventure will bring.” Plans are in the works for ONE/SOUL’s next venture. Stay tuned to Hoboken Girl for updates.
Stevens Shows Support for Harvard/MIT Lawsuit Against DHS and ICE
In a tweet on Friday, President of Stevens Institute of Technology, Nariman Farvardin, announced the school’s participation in an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit recently filed by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The suit objects to a rule issued by DHS that would not allow international students to remain in the country if they are only enrolled in online courses. According to legaldictionary.com, with an amicus brief, “A person with strong interest or views on the subject matter of an action, but not party to the action, may petition the court to filed a brief, ostensibly on behalf of a party but actually to suggest a rationale consistent with its own views.”
.@FollowStevens will participate in an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit that Harvard and MIT recently brought against DHS and ICE. We stand firmly with our international students and will support them in pursuing their academic and career ambitions. https://t.co/p150enhHX1
— Nariman Farvardin (@nfarvardin) July 10, 2020
And, while Stevens has planned for an on-campus semester in Fall 2020, the President’s statement explained, “we believe that this rule is unfair to international students, to the intellectual communities to which they contribute, and to the innovation economy of our region and our nation.”
According to Politico, ICE said the proposed policy is intended to “maximize flexibility for students to continue their studies, while minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by not admitting students into the country who do not need to be present to attend classes in-person.” In its suit, Harvard and MIT, argue that the true intention is to “create chaos for international students.” Furthermore, the suit claims the government’s proposed policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit requests a judge issue “a temporary restraining order and injunctions that bar the government from enforcing its planned policy or enshrining it as a required rule.”
Hoboken Council Recommends Extending Police Chief’s Contract through 2021, not 2022
At Wednesday’s virtual council meeting in Hoboken, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fischer recommended that the council, “change the [police chief’s] termination date from 2022 to 2021 and..decrease the increase from vacation [days] from 30 days to 25 days.” Her motion to approve was quickly seconded by Councilman Ruben Ramos.
According to the Hudson County View, Councilwoman Emily Jabbour questioned Fischer’s intentions, “In my opinion, I think that Chief Ferrante does a phenomenal job and I would want to keep him on as long as possible for the terms that were originally negotiated and put forward here. I don’t know why we would want to short that. Is there a rationale behind that?” Councilwoman Fischer responded that her belief, and that of others, was that the chief’s contract should be co-terminus with the mayor’s and that the move would be fiscally responsible in the midst of preparing the municipal budget.
The council approved a resolution seeking “to authorize the execution of the contract” with the amendments suggested, by a vote of 6-2(1), with Jabbour and Councilman-at-Large James Doyle voting no, and Councilman Phil Cohen abstaining.
Hoboken Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante, appointed in 2014, noted in an email to the Hudson County View that the department continues to show metrics of success, including its rapid response to COVID-19 and ensuring a peaceful day without incident at the Black Lives Matter protest. The chief is said to currently be weighing his options.
According to Vijay Chaudhuri, spokesman for the City of Hoboken, “Mayor {Ravi} Bhalla knows he has the best police chief in New Jersey and is hopeful that the council will approve the contract that keeps him at the head of the police department for the next three years.”
Is the Term ‘County Freeholder’ Officially Changing in New Jersey?
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and state Senate President Stephen Sweeney announced Thursday their support for bipartisan legislation that would require county governments in the state to switch the title of county officials from ‘freeholders’ to ‘commissioners.’ According to NJ Advanced Media for NJ.com, New Jersey is the only state in the nation still employing this term.
A joint statement issued July 9th by the lawmakers stated, “As our nation tears down symbols of injustice, we must also tear down words we use in New Jersey that were born from racism. It’s past time for New Jersey to phase out the term ‘freeholder’ from our public discourse – a term coined when only white male landowners could hold public office. This is not a matter of political correctness; it is a corrective action to replace an outdated designation that is rooted in institutional prejudice.”
And, while there is already support for the bill (S855/A3594), including Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson and State Sen. Joe Pennachio, R-Morris, others, like John Donnadio, executive director of the New Jersey Association of Counties, oppose the change. “There are county government bodies that don’t support the name change,” Donnadio told NJ Advance Media. “If a county decides on its own to make the name change, so be it. The fact that it’s mandatory is an issue.”
The bill must pass both the Senate and Assembly before Murphy could sign it into law.
Residents May Expect a New Biking Path Between Jersey City and Montclair
Public space and environmental advocates have proposed a public walking and biking path, called either the Essex-Hudson Greenway or the Ice and Iron Rail Trail, on an abandoned section of NJ Transit rail line, connecting Jersey City and Montclair. And, just last month, steps were taken to make that path a reality.
Most transformative projects start with a big idea from residents coupled with a group of skeptics or naysayers. In this…
Posted by Steven Fulop on Sunday, July 5, 2020
According to The Jersey Journal, on June 19th, the Virginia-based Norfolk Southern Railway Company applied to begin the process of selling the unused section of railway to the Open Space Institute Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation group. The organization would then turn the greenway over to Hudson and Essex counties, according to the Norfolk Southern application. The proposed line passes through Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, and Glen Ridge before reaching Montclair, and totals 8.6 miles.
According to the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, a strong proponent of the greenway, “There is nothing else like this Greenway in highly developed northeastern New Jersey.” Though steps are being taken, the project is still almost certainly years away.
NJ Transit to Add Additional Bus Stop on Clinton Street
Travelers rejoice! On Thursday, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced that the city has partnered with NJ Transit to add a bus stop along the 126 route on Clinton Street. The new stop will be at 5th Street and replace the 6th/Clinton stop. According to the mayor, this change will reduce lines and increase capacity during rush hour. Another stop is also being added at 2nd and Willow.
Good news – NJ TRANSIT has partnered with Hoboken to add an additional bus stop along the 126 route on Clinton Street,…
Posted by Ravi Bhalla, Mayor of Hoboken on Thursday, July 9, 2020
“Combined with the announcement earlier this year of additional, dedicated articulated buses to the 126 route in Hoboken, we are continuing to partner with NJ Transit on real, concrete transportation improvements within our mile square, adding capacity, and modernizing our bus stops. I thank Governor Murphy and Executive Director Corbett for prioritizing areas like Hoboken that depend on mass transit, and the NJ Transit staff…” Mayor Bhalla stated. The changes are scheduled to be activated in the fall.
Hoboken Council Reacts to Mayor Bhalla’s Introduction of Hoboken Municipal Budget
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla introduced a “balanced” municipal budget on Monday, which includes a $5.5 million increase in the municipal purposes tax. Hoboken is facing a sizable budget gap (to the tune of $20 million) this fiscal year. According to the mayor’s statement, the proposed budget, which includes a number of infrastructure projects, closes the gap by about $10.9 million and introduces an overall tax impact on property owners by an increase of 1.4%, “which for the average assessed property in Hoboken of $522,000 corresponds to an annual increase of $115, or $9.50 per month.”
The budget, which was formally introduced at the Council meeting on Wednesday, still has to be approved by the council. Council members expressed varied views on the proposed budget. Councilman Mike DeFusco called the budget “irresponsible,” to which the administration countered via email to Hoboken Girl, that the administration has saved taxpayers upwards of $1 million over the past three years. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fischer also expressed concern over a “lack of cost-cutting measures,” Councilman Mike Russo voiced his vehement opposition to any increase in taxes, and Councilman Ruben Ramos cautioned that he and his colleagues must “not kick the can down the road to negatively impact future budgets.” Council members Emily Jabbour, Phil Cohen, and Jim Doyle all applauded the budget and commended the administration.
Public budget hearings hosted by the Budget and Finance Committee will follow in late July and early August. The council is set to vote on a final municipal budget at its August 19 meeting.
Dead Fish on the Hudson: Here’s the Story
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection {DEP}, along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation {DEC}, were both called on on July 2, when residents on both sides of the Hudson River reported hordes of dead fish along its banks. The cause, according to RiverKeeper, an environmental group that works to study and protect the Hudson River and NY Watershed, is “most likely the result of prolonged heat and lack of rain, combined with other factors, which reduce levels of dissolved oxygen that the fish need to survive.” The NY DEC confirmed that the cause was a “natural phenomenon,” and though Hoboken Girl could not reach NJ DEP for official comment, it is suggested that the department does not suspect contamination. Still, notes Riverkeeper, the fish kill is a sign of the overall health of the river which must be restored.
NJ Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order Now Requires Masks Outdoors
In the latest COVID development, on Wednesday, July 8th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order requiring residents and people in the sate to wear masks while outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Officially, the order requires face coverings, “in outdoor public spaces when it is not practicable to socially distance and keep a six-foot distance from others, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, where the individual is under two years of age, or in situations where individuals cannot feasibly wear a face covering, such as when eating or drinking at outdoor dining areas.”
With over 170,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, Murphy took action, stating in a recent MSNBC Morning Joe interview, “There’s no question that face coverings are game-changers. We’re going to turn that up a notch today and say we’re going to ask you if you can’t socially distance then we’re gonna, it’s gonna be required.”
Eyeshapes Hoboken Officially Reopens
Behind on an eye exam or looking for that perfect pair of glasses or sunnies? You’re in luck: Eyeshapes Hoboken has officially reopened! This family-owned optical boutique with a wide variety of high-quality glasses at competitive prices is known for its superior care, state of the art equipment, large optical boutique, and knowledgeable staff. These days, social distancing and masks are required, and the shop has instituted additional safety measures to ensure the health of customers and patients, including:
– Surfaces and equipment are sanitized after each patient visit and all eyeglasses are thoroughly cleaned after any patient contact.
– All new eyeglasses will be shipped to help minimize unnecessary interaction.
– Contact lens supplies will also continue to be shipped as well.
– No “walk-in” browsing is allowed, so make sure to call or email for an appointment ahead of time.
And, exclusively for Hoboken Girl readers, Mention ‘HobokenGirl’ and receive 30% off a pair of frames and lenses {but cannot be combined with vision plans or other offers}. Call 201-653-2020 or email eyeshapeshoboken@aol.com to set up an appointment.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at hello@hobokengirl.com! We appreciate it.
Check out Hoboken Girl’s new Job Board here!
