It’s been a week, Hudson County. Besides some serious road flooding due to the rain + technology going awry because Mercury is in retrograde, so many other things went down this week, too. From local animal rescues to new stores opening and old stores closing, we’ve got lots of news for you to catch up on. For more local news headlines you may have missed this week, keep reading!
Dolphin Tragically Dies in Hudson River After Heroic Efforts Near Jersey City Shoreline
{Photo credit: @libertyhumanesociety}
Just a few weeks after whales were sighted in the Hudson River, a distressed dolphin was the center of a rescue near the shores of Jersey City which you may have seen on our Instagram here. Near Essex and Hudson Streets by the Morris Canal, the Liberty Humane Society was part of the efforts to rescue the dolphin after it washed up on the shore. A resident found the dolphin while walking his dog nearby and a rescue crew immediately came to the scene.
Sadly, despite heroic efforts and a seemingly successful rescue, the Liberty Humane Society reports that the dolphin later died.
LHS called the Marine Mammal Stranding Center {MMSC}, representatives from which advised to keep the dolphin upright. At all costs, both rescue teams wanted to keep the dolphin from hitting into the rocks and becoming even more injured.
“I was very worried the dolphin would roll over in the waves and wouldn’t be able to breathe, so I made sure to keep him up and the area around his blowhole clear,” an LHS officer said. “I’ve never been that close to a dolphin before. It was amazing to be able to help him.”
Staff from MMSC said the dolphin was young and underweight. A necropsy to determine the cause of death is currently pending. Despite it seeming like an unusual circumstance, LHS Executive Director Irene Bongraeber says it’s not uncommon for marine mammals to come through this area. Especially now that the water quality has been improving.
“It is not uncommon to spot these animals from the Jersey City coastline this time of year,” Borngraeber said. Borngraeber added that in addition to dolphins, residents might see whales, seals, and other marine wildlife as conditions of the Hudson continue to improve.
City of Hoboken Renegotiates E-Scooter Contracts
Photograpy by Kris Krug
E-scooter safety has been a hot topic in Mile Square ever since the ordinance passed to allow motorized scooters to jet around town. Now, after weeks of complaints and trial and error, Mayor Ravi Bhalla has renegotiated the city’s contract with the e-scooter providers, Lime and Ojo Electric.
“Our continuous voices have led @RaviBhalla to renegotiate contracts with @Lime_NJ & @OjoElectric. @JFreemanNJ said at 7/17 City Council meeting new contracts will be up for City Council vote 8/6 (sic),” Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher wrote on Twitter. “Will also vote on waterfront ban then.”
In an official statement, Councilwoman Fisher wrote:
“While eScooters have proven to be an attractive transportation alternative for many, it is clear that bringing them to our community has created serious public safety concerns and is straining city enforcement resources. As Council members, we share a commitment to improving transportation in Hoboken and believe that a well-managed, responsible eScooter program has the potential to significantly reduce traffic and vehicle emissions by providing a viable alternative to driving. For the program to be successful in Hoboken, however, it must first and foremost be safe for our residents and those visiting our city. Any concession agreement with eScooter providers should include a plan that prioritizes safety and provides additional revenue to the city to be used for enforcement and rider education. The current contracts are inadequate in these areas and therefore, we are calling on Mayor Bhalla to begin the process of renegotiating agreements with eScooter vendors immediately, before the pilot program ends, to ensure everyone can benefit safely from taking cars off of our streets.”
The Little Beet Joins Newport Centre Food Options
The Newport Centre in Jersey City has officially welcomed a new face — The Little Beet now joins the dining options at the local mall. The rest of the foodie-favorite lineup includes Cheesecake Factory, Melt Shop, Obox Sushie, Poke n’ Ramen, Pret a Manger, Zinburger, and more.
Now available at Newport Centre, The Little Beet will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and will also have the option to cater. There will also be vegan and gluten-free options for anyone who would like them.
“We’re aggressively expanding in new, exciting markets and Newport Centre presented the perfect way for our brand to grow out of Manhattan and into Jersey City,” said Becky Mulligan, CEO of The Little Beet. “Our menu at Newport Centre will include everything from wholesome breakfast bowls and breakfast sandwiches to a variety of nourishing lunch and dinner options between Making Your Own Plate and Chef Made Bowls that will fuel you for the rest of your day.”
The Little Beet’s first New Jersey location will span 2,340 square feet and will be located on level two next to Dunkin Donuts at Newport Centre. The Little Beet’s food philosophy is inspired by seasonal, exceptional ingredients and whole foods. The Little Beet will be open from 7:00AM – 9:30PM, Monday through Friday serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and from 11:00AM – 6:00PM, Saturday through Sunday, serving lunch and dinner.
New Mural Called ‘Girl’s Best Friend’ Coming to Central Avenue
{Photo credit: Central Avenue SID Management Corporation}
“Girl’s Best Friend” is the newest addition to the outdoor art gallery in the Central Avenue shopping district. Painted by local artist and public school teacher Xiomara Gonzalez, the artwork can be found on the wall space next to 461 Central Avenue in Jersey City and is the 19th mural installation within the shopping district.
“Xiomara is an exceptional and beloved Pre-Kindergarten teacher at PS #3,” said Jersey City Councilman Daniel Rivera. “It is amazing to see what she did here with a little help of some of her students who are as young as five years old. There is a lot of deep symbolism her art and I could not be happier that she was selected to share it with the community. It is a great addition to Central Avenue.”
Xiomara holds a bachelor’s of art from the College of Saint Elizabeth and is certified by the State of New Jersey in preschool through third-grade education. She says the inspiration for “Girl’s Best Friend” came from her own dog, a chihuahua named Spike Lee.
“Growing up I always had a pet dog and my dog was literally my best friend,” Xiomara said. “I hope viewers enjoy the art and remember the special bond we have with our pets. Creating this mural was really special since I had the opportunity to get some of my students and their parents involved. I want to thank everyone who came out in support especially my colleague at PS #3.”
Sabor a Maiz Corn Flavor Restaurant to Open in Jersey City
{Photo credit: Twitter via @ginavergel7}
Venezuelan eatery Sabor a Maiz Corn Flavor is on its way to Jersey City. Signage for the new restaurant recently went up and was captured by an eagle-eyed resident who posted a picture on Twitter. Hoboken Girl will continue to update you as updates become available.
Updates on the SunMerry Cafe, Coming to Old Aether Game Spot
{Photo credit: @sunmerryus}
SunMerry Cafe, a Taiwanese bakery that was originally founded in Taiwan, is coming to Washington Street in Hoboken. Taking over the former Aether Game Cafe spot at 519 Washington Street, SunMerry will focus on Asian fusion bread and other baked goods. With other New Jersey locations like Edison and Fort Lee, SunMerry boasts over 80 kinds of bread. Sounds like there will be something delicious for everybody to enjoy.
Mistrial Called in Hudson County Case of Fatal Car Crash
A mistrial has been called in a Hudson County case of a fatal car crash that culminated in the death of a Jersey City firefighter. Stephen Zadroga, 28, of Jersey City was being tried for aggravated manslaughter of Matthew Nierstedt, 29, who was a passenger in Zadroga’s car during a 2017 car crash. The court ultimately declared a mistrial after it was found that the defendant’s blood sample had been mixed up with another person’s blood sample.
Zadroga’s high blood alcohol content level was not his, but rather, the result of someone else’s sample. His blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash was found to be 0.376 immediately following the incident. That’s 4.5 times the legal limit. Zadroga was facing 10 to 30 years of incarceration if found guilty.
“We can assure you, a full review will be conducted as to the circumstances that have led us to this point,” Ray Worrall, a spokesman for the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, said in a statement. “In view of the court’s ruling, the state will re-present the matter to a Grand Jury. We are precluded from any further comment on the matter as it is pending further investigation.”
The Driving While Intoxicated charges against Zadgroga have been dismissed. The next hearing is for September 9th. Zadorga is not completely out of the woods yet, as he can still be tried.
Hoboken FC’s Team Lady Kickers Wins First Place
The Hoboken FC women’s team finished one of the greatest seasons in Hoboken FC history winning the treble: GSSL league championship, state cup championship and league cup championship. In league play, the Lady Kickers finished the season with a record of 13-1-1 and clinched first place on April 14th, with three matches left to play. The HFC Women also had a +52 goal difference, a recent GSSL first division record.
The HFC women won their second New Jersey State Cup – the first women’s championship coming in 2016 – by topping Meadowlands FC 5-1 in the cup final. In the semifinal round, Hoboken FC bested Roma SC 5-0. In the GSSL league cup, the club finished the group stages with three wins and zero losses. In the league cup final, Hoboken FC topped North Jersey Alliance FC 3-2.
The HFC Women have now won 15 matches in row, last dropping points on October 21st, 2018.
Bike Lanes Being Painted on Washington Street
{Photo credit: @reddit}
Protected bike lanes have been painted throughout Jersey City to ensure the continuing safety of cyclists as the City promotes more green transportation options.
“Protected bike lanes {like this in JC} will provide infrastructure to encourage alternative transportation and streets safer,” Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla wrote on his official Twitter page. “They’re a part of our Vision Zero campaign to eliminate traffic injuries by 2030. We’ll be piloting a protected lane on Clinton Street pending Council approval {sic}.”
Chilling Video Shows Group of Jersey City People Pulling a Driver From Their Car and Vicious Beating That Ensued
Disturbing video uploaded to social media captures a group of people in Jersey City pulling a male driver from a car and beating him in the streets. Last Sunday morning, a group of people left the 42-year-old man for dead in the street while onlookers stood by and took video.
At least six people were involved in the crime and Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said authorities were working on identifying the individuals in the film. The incident occurred near Martin Luther King Drive and Orient Avenue around 2:50AM last weekend.
According to the slew of graphic videos, it appears that the beating took place after a minor traffic collision near the site of the incident. The accident involved the 42-year-old beaten man, who was driving a Cadillac. In the video, the man attempts to get back in his car, a woman holds the driver door open and starts punching him. More people jump into the shot, trying to pull the driver out of the vehicle. The driver puts the car in reverse and two people outside of the car get knocked to the ground.
A man then jumps onto the hood, kicking in the windshield. The driver is pulled from his car and attacked. The mob takes turns kicking him and stomping on his head.
Hoboken Ranks as #1 Most Educated Town in New Jersey
{Photo credit: Nj.com}
Hoboken has been honored as the #1 Most Educated Town in Jersey City thanks to NJ.com. Research found that 50.2% of Hoboken residents have received higher education, either a bachelor’s degree or above. Rankings were based on the educational attainment of the population ages 25 years and above. The ranking also only included towns with populations over 10,000.
Thomas’ Ice Cream Parlor Coming to Old Little Grocery Spot in Hoboken
Hoboken is getting another ice cream shop, this one from a New York City restaurateur. Taking over 214 Jefferson Street, the former location of The Little Grocery downtown {which still has a location uptown!}, Thomas’ Ice Cream Café will be fully renovated and serve homemade, artisanal ice cream. You’ll also find coffee, desserts, flat breads, and pizzas at the new spot. Signage for Thomas’ has already gone up. More info on when it will open coming soon.
Councilman Solomon Proposes Noise Ordinance for Jersey City
Councilman Solomon is proposing a noise ordinance for Jersey City that would limit entertainment licenses in town. The ordinance includes a proposal to change the pedestrian mall, limiting clubs through entertainment license restrictions. It would also include more restrictions for bars with rooftops and a loading and unloading zone on Colombus Drive.
As for the limiting of entertainment licenses, licenses would limit the opening of a club within 250 feet of an existing entertainment license in the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District. The Noise Ordinance and Nuisance Code will also undergo some amendments to make it more intense. Changes also include restricting rooftops to “outdoor spaces,” and allowing police to enforce a “plainly audible” standard in which cops can issue noise citations on the spot for noise disturbances that are “plainly audible.”
Dog Park Opens at 2nd and Hudson Street
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the Hoboken community celebrated the grand opening of a new dog park at 2nd Street and Hudson Street this week. The new dog park includes a new k9 turf surface, area for big dogs and small dogs, pet hydration station, pet waste station, shade structure with benches, sound barrier, and fencing.
“I’m thrilled our new dog park is now open to the public! This is a much needed quality of life addition for dog owners, and makes great use of previously unused space,” said Mayor Bhalla. “The design, especially the new turf surface, reflects feedback we heard from the community and I hope all dog owners will utilize the new park.”
The idea for the new park came from local resident Teresa Palumbo-Miller, who suggested to former Mayor Dawn Zimmer and then Councilman Bhalla the idea to use the grass space next to the municipal garage at 2nd And Hudson Streets for a dog park.
“I thank Teresa Palumbo-Miller and her neighbors for their activism and giving us this idea to install a dog park at the current location. It goes to show that local residents can make a difference by making your voices heard,” said Mayor Bhalla.
Cryo Cream Is Officially Open in Jersey City
{Photo credit: @cryocream via @jc_upfront}
Cryo Cream — a gourmet liquid nitrogen ice cream place that started as a pop-up shop in New York City — has officially gotten all its permits and is ready to open in Jersey City. Located at 413 Monmouth Street in JC, Cryo Cream comes from Chef Matt Marotto and features next-level sundaes that feature all kinds of delicious toppings.
Cryo celebrated its grand opening this past Friday after a long waiting period where Cryo was trying to get all of its Jersey City permits in order. Congratulations on the opening!
Jackson Street Hosting Movies Under the Stars Night: A Star Is Born
Good news for residents that live near Jackson Street. Movies Under the Stars will also be happening on 7th and Jackson Street this summer, starting on August 20th at 8:15PM. The movie showing will be A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
Plant Base Market Soft Opens in Jersey City
{Photo credit: @plantbasemarket}
It may look like a house, but it’s actually a market! Plant Base Market held a pre-opening party this weekend on Saturday noon to 6:00PM and it will continue into today, Sunday from 12:00PM-10:00PM. PBM is self-described as an animal-free, waste-free bulk grocery/produce/personal care/wellness/household/community/educational kind of epicenter. You can find Plant Base Market at 370 Pacifica Avenue in Jersey City, where there will be an open house and live painting with artists Distoart and Mr Mustart. According to their Instagram page, limited regular hours begin this week.
Hoboken Neighbor Shares Footage of Woman Swiping Amazon Package From Their Stoop
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0G8Ma4FyOk/
This is just — wow. A Hoboken resident recently shared home surveillance video of a woman stealing an Amazon package from their front steps. The woman can be seen walking down the sidewalk, pushing a stroller and walking beside a child on a scooter. After the child notices the package, the woman walks onto their property, up the steps, and takes the package. The footage made it all the way to ABC World News Tonight.
“Pretty pathetic,” the Hoboken resident captioned the video.
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