Home Events + NewsEvents 16 News Stories You Missed in Hoboken + Jersey City This Week

16 News Stories You Missed in Hoboken + Jersey City This Week

by Steph
Attain Medspa
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In between striking balance amidst things opening up after a near four-month coronavirus pandemic shutdown, we hope you can take some time to catch up on some local news. From updates on what’s going on at the Hudson Tavern {did it close temporarily? For good? At all?} to a new brewing company in Jersey City opening its rooftop deck, there’s a lot to catch up on. 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

hoboken girl job board

ICYMI, Hoboken Girl launched a new job board resource and new jobs are added every day. We know a lot of readers have been scouring the internet for work opportunities listed online, and now that things are starting to open up, 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.

Snap Fitness JC

Hudson Tavern Reopens This Week After Shutdown Rumors

hudson tavern closed

JK Therapy

{Photo credit: Google Maps}

Hobbs Inc

Don’t worry, Hoboken — Hudson Tavern isn’t going anywhere. The bar, located at 51 14th Street, recently announced on Instagram that despite rumors it had shut down for good, it reopened on Wednesday at 4:00PM.

The IG post reads:

Thank you to those of you who have reached out to us!  We want to let our loyal customers and our community know that we at Hudson Tavern are committed to being proactive in the fight against COVID-19 and a potential next wave.  We took a pause because one of our staff wasn’t feeling well, and we wanted to have everyone tested before coming back to work.

yoga renew hoboken

The good news is we will be reopening today from 4 PM to 9 PM!  Takeout is available and if the rain stops, join us at the cafe. To protect the health of our staff and customers, we have been taking all precautionary steps to be as safe as possible and will continue to do so. We have deep roots in Hoboken and we believe that the only way to get through this pandemic is if we all work together. We’ve missed you and we look forward to serving you again!

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hudson Tavern launched a Go Fund Me Employee Relief Fund for its staff. The Relief Fund raised nearly $7,500 since it was first created on March 24th.

Nag’s Head Pub Closes After Serving Hoboken for 22 Years

nags head pub closes

{Photo credit: Google Maps}

Sadly, Nag’s Head Pub, located at 359 1st Street off of Clinton Street in Hoboken, has closed and the bar has been put up for sale. After 22 years of serving Hoboken, owner Barney Finnegan and his wife Ruth announced on the official Nag’s Head Facebook page they are selling the pub to move into the next phase of their lives: retirement.

The Facebook post reads:

Thank you to the lovely Nag’s Head community including all those patrons that have come and gone over the years. It has been an honor to serve you over the last twenty-two years. We also want to extend our gratitude to our incredible staff.

We have sold the bar and we are starting a new phase in our lives — retirement! We have had many good memories with you all and we will miss your friendly faces. Best of luck to you as you continue to move through this uncertain time. We wish the new owners the best of luck and hope you’ll stop in to visit them! Slainte.

Lackawanna Records Building Named on Most Endangered Historical Places List in NJ

lackawanna records building new jersey

{Photo credit: @preservation_nj}

The Lackwanna Records Building has been named one of 2020’s most endangered historic places in the State of New Jersey by Preservation New Jersey. In an effort to raise awareness during National Preservation Month, Preservation New Jersey announced that the historic Hoboken building, built in 1904, would be the focus of new advocacy to preserve and revitalize it, bringing it new life.

Located on Observer Highway, the Lackawanna Records Building is three stories high and currently abandoned. Featuring iconic English Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, sadly, the building has deteriorated over its many years of vacancy. Because of the deterioration, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs wants to demolish the site, citing safety concerns.

However, if Preservation New Jersey has any say in the matter, a federal National Historic Preservation Act review process could potentially determine that the building has enough historical meaning and value to be revitalized, rather than demolished.

The NJ Transit Board of Directors will determine whether the building will be demolished or revitalized once the review process is completed.

902 Brewing Company Officially Opens Outdoor Rooftop

902 brewing opening

{Photo credit: @902brewing}

The outdoor rooftop at 902 Brewing Company is now open! As part of Jersey City’s open outdoor dining policy amidst COVID, 902 Brewing is now officially open to serve JC some outdoor and rooftop brews.

Currently available on draft are the PATH Pale Ale, Heaven Hell or Hoboken American IPA, Hopflurry Milkshake IPA, PEC on an Everything Milk Porter, Sour Nordic Ale, Welcome to Jersey City Imperial Stout, and Welcome to New Jersey Imperial Stout Vanilla variant.

If pick-up is more your thing, 902 Brewing Company is offering the following beers packaged: PATH Pale Ale, Heaven Hell or Hoboken IPA, PEC on an Everything Milk Porter, Hopflurry Milkshake IPA, and Welcome to Jersey City Imperial Stout.

Hoboken Schools Plan to Reopen Fall 2020

hoboken schools reopening covid

School may be out for summer after months of coronavirus-induced distance learning, but Hoboken is gearing up to reopen its schools for in-person learning this fall.

In what Hoboken Schools Superintendent Christine Johnson described in a statement as a five-phase plan, Hoboken Schools plans to meet social distancing guidelines in classrooms and common spaces.

Here’s the five-phase plan will start to play out:

  1. A preliminary, non-binding survey to all families and staff in order to establish a potential teaching and learning footprint in each school and grade level {June 30th – July 6th};
  2. Committee formation, roles of members and subcommittees, tasks, and timelines {July 7th & 8th};
  3. Subcommittee work and recommendations in the areas of Governance and Personnel, Facilities and Operations, Health and Wellness, Teaching and Learning, and Finance {July 9th – July 17th};
  4. Distribution of the Hoboken Public School District’s draft plan and a final survey to all families and staff {July 18th – July 27th};
  5. Publication of the Hoboken Public School District’s final plan {July 28th}.

Johnson’s statement added, “As the Hoboken Public School District moves forward, I know that our plan has to be elastic and take into account the opinions and feelings of our students, parents, and staff. And, before we even begin, we all must agree that both compromise and flexibility are essential. There will not be a plan that is perfect for everyone. But, the best way to start our process is simply to survey our families and staff members.”

JC’s Light Horse Tavern Opens Lobster Garage

lobster garage jersey city

{Photo credit: @lighthorsetavern}

Jersey City’s own Light Horse Tavern has opened a new venture in town: Lobster Garage. Located in the Paulus Hook area of JC, Light Horse Tavern has always had an unused garage on its property along Morris Street. Now, to better utilize the space, Light Horse has turned the once-vacant garage into an expansion where guests will find even more seafood options, beer on tap, cocktails and wine, and of course, outdoor seating.

But according to Jersey Digs, Light Horse Tavern’s desire for expansion doesn’t only begin and end there. Reportedly, owners of Light Horse are also inquiring about extending Light Horse to an adjacent property at 201 Washington Street.

The current building at 201 Washington Street is a historical relic first constructed in 1870, which means an application to expand in the space requires the approval of Jersey City’s Historic Preservation Committee. The Committee heard the application, which detailed a new facade, sidewalk outdoor seating featuring retractable canopy, removal of cracked brick, and the construction of folding bistro bay doors.

There is no word yet on whether the application has been approved. In the meantime, Lobster Garage is open 12:00PM-7:00PM.

Joe Pantoliano From The Sopranos Spotted in Hoboken, Grabs Latte at Joey No Nuts

joe pantoliano joey no nuts

{Photo credit:@realjoeypants}

Hoboken native Joe Pantoliano — who also just so happens to be a famous actor and director known for his work on The Sopranos and Bad Boys for Life — was spotted returning to his hometown last weekend. In fact, Pantoliano posted a few pics of his trip himself!

“A rainy day in Hoboken, only outside seating,” Pantoliano captioned one snapshot of diners at Illuzion’s outdoor café on Washington Street.

In another post regrammed from local nut-free café Joey No Nuts, he wrote, “Stopped by @joeynonutscafe in #Hoboken for my iced #hobokenlatto.”

You’re welcome back anytime, Joey!

The Factory Cited for ‘Indoor Partying,’ Gov. Murphy Applauds JCPD for Cracking Down

the factory jersey city

{Photo credit: Google Maps}

Jersey City is not messing around when it comes to enforcing strict coronavirus guidelines, especially when it comes to restaurants and public spaces. The Factory JC, located on Communipaw Avenue, was cited {twice!} for having hundreds of people inside its indoor lounge area — sans protective face masks.

Police first answered calls about a fight at The Factory. Upon arriving, police cited owner Robert Paulino for having customers indoors. The next night, police returned to find customers and a DJ partying indoors. Paulino was cited again.

According to Chief Prosecutor Jake Hudnut, the ramifications of each individual citation could include jail time, mandated community service, or up to $2,000 in fines.

Both citations reflect strict enforcement of COVID-19 rules backed up by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who issued an official statement in support of JCPD’s crackdown on The Factory.

“I applaud Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and City Prosecutor Jake Hudnut for taking a zero-tolerance approach to The Factory,” Murphy said at a press briefing. “I urge other municipal officials to take a similar stance with the outlier establishments in their communities. No one should get a pass for putting public health at risk.”

Later, Gov. Murphy tweeted his support, writing, “Yesterday officials in @JerseyCity began legal actions against The Factory Restaurant and Lounge for what it’s saying have been regular violations. I applaud @StevenFulop and @JakeHudnut for their zero-tolerance approach, [and] urge other municipal officials to take a similar stance.”

 The Jersey City Arts Fund Referendum Survey 

david bowie mural jersey city

Hudson County Cultural + Heritage Affairs has launched a survey to help gauge Jersey City’s level of support for the Arts + Culture Fund, which will have a referendum ballot question on the November 2020 Election. The ballot question would establish an Arts + Culture Trust that would support local arts and culture organizations, arts, arts education, and more in Jersey City.

According to Hudson County Cultural + Heritage Affairs, these funds would be raised by the wall of a property tax. While not yet established, Hudson County Cultural + Heritage Affairs says it would “likely be either a quarter or half a penny per $100 in property value.” It would be capped, they say, at 2 cents per $100.

If you rent or own in Jersey City, you can take The Jersey City Arts Fund Referendum Survey.

Hoboken Adds 3 New Community Composting Bins Around Town

community-service-volunteer

Three new community composting bins have been added to various locations around the Mile Square. In partnership with Community Compost Company, the City of Hoboken is now providing free drop-off bins at City Hall {94 Washington Street near patio behind City Hall on Bloomfield Street between Newark and 1st Streets}, Church Square Park {400 Garden Street near restrooms in the center of the park}, Elysian Park {1100 Hudson Street near restrooms on the north side of the park}, and 7th + Jackson Plaza {near Portland Loo restroom on 7th Street between Monroe and Jackson Streets}.

Language in State Budget Reopens Door for Privatization of Liberty State Park

liberty state park jersey city

The New Jersey State Budget has been refreshed and new language could reopen the door for the privatization of Liberty State Park.

This comes on the heels of Gov. Murphy signing a $7.7 billion spending plan last Thursday, NJ.com reports. Deep inside the plan is language that could permit the State Department of Environmental Protection to sell both for-profit companies and non-profit entities for investments.

The bill provides New Jersey with state funds through until September 30th, but the Friends of Liberty State Park are none-too-happy with the decision.

Friends of Liberty State Park President Sam Pesin said in reference to Liberty National Golf Course owner Paul Fireman, “Fireman has been opposing the LSP Protection Act because he wants to privatize and destroy LSP’s Caven Point Natural Area habitat and urban environmental education resource for golf holes for multimillionaires,” Pesin said. “The Governor collaborated with the devious subversion of democracy with the Fireman privatization land grab language which had no public notification or public discussion.”

As of July 1st, Gov. Murphy clarified during a daily press briefing that his “administration … does not intend to use this language to pursue a solicitation to Liberty State Park,” according to NJ.com. “That language was inserted into the budget by the Legislature.”

As this is a developing story, Hoboken Girl will keep you updated as updates become available.

Hoboken’s Mayor Addresses Recent Spike in COVID-19 Cases

covid doctor

Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla confirmed at a press conference on Saturday a recent two-day uptick in the number of new, confirmed COVID-19 cases in town. According to the Hoboken Health Department, over the past two days, 13 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, the highest two-day total since mid-May. The majority of affected residents tested positive after traveling to hot spot zones like Florida, Texas, and North and South Carolina. The large majority of the new cases, according to the Health Department, are residents who tested positive after traveling to hot spot zones with rising rates of COVID-19 including Florida, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. This comes on the heels of a recent Nixle alert. The mayor advises all those who have traveled out of state to obtain a COVID-19 test at Riverside Medical at least five days after returning, and to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Hoboken Announces ‘Open Streets ‘ on Sinatra Drive This July 4 Weekend

open streets pilot hoboken sinatra drive

The ” “open streets” ” pilot closures continued this weekend. On Friday, Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced the Sinatra Drive along the waterfront and other nearby streets would be part of the initiative. The program seeks to provide additional space for socially distant public activities. Residents are permitted to walk, bike, and jog. Face masks are required and congregating is prohibited.

Here’s the complete list of open streets restricting vehicular traffic:

  • Sinatra Drive between Newark Street and 11th Street: 8AM-11 PM {July 4}, 8AM-8PM {July 5}
  • Sinatra Drive North between Sinatra Drive and 12th Street: 8AM-11PM {July 4}, 8AM-8PM {July 5}
  • Hudson Street between 11th Street and 14th Street: 4PM-11PM {July 4}
  • 14th Street between Hudson Street and Sinatra Drive North: 4PM-11PM {July 4}

The mayor’s statement provided additional information for residents with cars. “Residents with vehicles legally parked along Sinatra Drive and other open streets do not need to move their cars. No parking signs, if posted, should continue to be observed. If residents need to utilize vehicles parked along the open streets over the weekend, they are encouraged to move vehicles outside of the hours of the open streets. Vehicles can be accessed during the hours of operation of the open streets by proceeding with extreme caution and driving no more than 5 miles per hour.”

Governor Murphy Announces Increased Outdoor Capacity Limit

On July 2, Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order that raises the limit on crowd sizes for outdoor gatherings to 500 people, effective July 3. Crowd limits on indoor gatherings remain unchanged.

The order reads, “The fact that the spread of COVID-19 has been limited by the State’s emergency measures does not in any way suggest that restrictions on gatherings can be lifted altogether, because absent social distancing measures, public health experts anticipate that the spread of COVID-19 would again significantly increase.”

Also on July 2, Governor Murphy issued another Executive Order extending NJ’s public health emergency. This order extends the state’s emergency status for 30 days.

 

Airbnb Cracks Down on House Parties in Jersey City
Upscale kitchen in luxury rental Harrison NJ

On Thursday, Airbnb announced a major initiative cracking down on house parties at rental properties booked through the platform, just in time for the holiday weekend. Last year, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced a ban on house parties and instituted a 24-hour neighborhood help line allowing neighbors to flag such incidents.

This most recent Airbnb announcement comes just days after Jersey City threatened to fine four property owners for violating new rules associated with the operation of short-term rentals, and threatened legal action against another building for violating health regulations regarding large gatherings.

Now, bookings of large Jersey City homes by residents under the age of 25 without a track record of positive reviews on the site are prohibited. Private rooms and hotel rooms are still available to those under age 25, regardless of residence. If you’re a guest with three positive reviews and no negative reviews, restrictions do not apply.

Airbnb released a statement at the onset of the health pandemic in March, noting, “Given the current situation, we have temporarily disabled the “event-friendly” filter search on our platform. We have paused our offering of Airbnb Experiences, to support social distancing guidelines. We are enhancing our risk detection review efforts to prevent unauthorized parties. We monitor and enforce against the individuals who promote this dangerous conduct. We need your help and ask that misuse be reported to us so we can take action to limit risk.”

2 Bodies Found Floating in Hudson River Along Jersey City Waterfront

hudson river

Just before 8AM Saturday morning, members of the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit were called to the Jersey City waterfront on reports of a female in the water. Shortly after, a second body was found floating in the Hudson River at the end of the Morris Park Canal, approximately 50 feet from the first victim.

According to a statement released by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the first victim is an as-yet-to-be-identified 22-year-old woman from Manhattan, pronounced deceased  at the scene. The second victim has been identified as Umair Saleh, 23, of Edison, also pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause and manner of death of both victims is pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department are actively investigating the deaths. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.

 

 

 

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