With each passing week, life in Hudson County is starting to feel a little less distanced and a bit more together. New shops are opening – Milk and Cream Cereal Bar for example, Audra Carter was named the first female Battalion Chief in Hoboken, and outdoor fitness classes will be run this summer with social distancing practices implemented. But in the wake of the protests that have been happening across the nation, and as a site that tries to bring positivity and information to our area through news and updates, we’re at a loss.
Here’s what you missed this week in Hudson County:
Large Fire at Hoboken Recycling Plant on Saturday
Photo: Jason Thomas
The Hoboken recycling plant on 1st and Patterson Plank Road caught fire yesterday. Fortunately, it appears that the fire was contained.
According to an eyewitness, “Area is still roped off with police tape and you also cannot enter the southwest park which is currently barricaded with police tape. Police evacuated the southwest park shortly after the fire broke out as it was difficult to breathe in the area and ash was falling from the sky.”
Firefighters were out at the scene for a good portion of the afternoon, and the latest we have is the tweet from the Hoboken Fire Department, stating that both the Hoboken and Jersey City fire departments had joined together to put out the blaze.
HFD and JCFD are operating together at a recycling plant fire off Paterson Plank Road. @NJTRANSIT_HBLR has been shut down and the area evacuated. @JCFireOfficers @IAFF1066 @CityofHoboken https://t.co/Mam8aLY9Lw
— Hoboken Fire Dept (@HobokenFire) May 30, 2020
Two Hudson County Pizzerias Charged for Violating COVID-19 Emergency Orders
One pizzeria in Union City and another in Hoboken have both been charged with violating the state’s emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Domino’s, located at 524 31st Street in Union City, was cited after officers saw two employees not wearing face masks while respectively making pizza and working the register. Jonathon Cozzino, 21, was the manager on duty at the time and Cozzino was issued a summons for violating the emergency orders.
Mario’s Classic Pizza on Garden Street in Hoboken received a similar citation for allowing customers to dine at tables indoors and outdoors. According to police, patrons were sat closer than six feet apart, and as a result, Mario Albunia, 63, of Jersey City, was charged with violating the emergency orders for allowing patrons to eat on site.
However, Albunia maintains that at the time police entered the building, no patrons were eating indoors. Albunia says he has video proof as well.
“The police report is making it seem a lot worse than what happened. We were not allowing people to dine inside the restaurant and when police arrived no one was sitting inside,” said Albunia to HG in a comment on Instagram. “We eliminated our outdoor seating to only a few tables that were all over eight feet apart from each other. No one eating outside was inside six feet.”
A violation of the emergency order can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Stevens Announces Students Will Most Likely Return to Campus in the Fall
Stevens Institute of Technology has announced that in-person classes will return to the Hoboken campus in time for the Fall 2020 semester. Previously, Stevens shut down in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Stevens Provost Christophe Pierre said in an official statement, “The question we are asked most often is ‘Will we be back on campus for the fall semester?’ We are pleased to respond that our answer at this time is yes – that is our plan. We are diligently making plans to open in the fall for in-person classes and with students living in Stevens housing – while prioritizing the health and safety of our community and following all government requirements.”
Pierre added that new plans for an on-campus return include providing masks to all, requiring masks to be worn, making COVID-19 testing available to students, reserving spaces for quarantine, increasing disinfection and sanitization techniques campus-wide, and more.
“As we have done since the beginning of the spring semester, we will be following guidance from the State of New Jersey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention {CDC}, and all relevant health agencies as we plan for reopening,” Pierre added.
Stevens will also replace large on-campus gatherings and events with social distancing practices that have become standard during COVID-19. This will include smaller-scale events and virtual events.
“In late June or early July, after we receive more information from the State of New Jersey, we will be able to provide a much more detailed update about our plans,” Pierre explained. “Our plans are very extensive and will be evolving as we receive new information from relevant health and government agencies.”
In addition to implementing social distancing techniques, Stevens will also be extending its hours for Counseling and Psychological Services {CAPS} and adding teletherapy options for students.
Hoboken Girl Launches Jobs Board Platform
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 see more and start applying!
New Jersey Turnpike and Parkway Will See Significant Toll Hike
Daily Voice reports that significant toll hikes are coming for both the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway as of September 13th.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority voted unanimously {7-0} to add a toll to Turnpike Exit 19W in the Meadowlands, as well as increase Turnpike tolls by 36% and the Parkway toll by 27%.
According to commissioners, these toll hikes will help pay for $24 billion worth of infrastructure projects currently planned. Daily Voice reports that these plans include widening 15 sections of road and installing cashless tolls.
These new hikes, which take effect September 13th, will raise the average Turnpike toll from $3.50 to $4.80 and the average Garden State Parkway toll from $1.11 to $1.41.
Hoboken-Based Agency Receives 2020 Silver Telly Award for #HereForHoboken Video
Hoboken-based agency Branding Shorts has won a 2020 Silver Telly Award in the Social Impact category for their video created for the Hoboken Business Alliance’s #HereForHoboken social campaign. According to Branding Shorts, the #HereforHoboken video tells the story of how Hoboken has overcome previous challenges and is rising up again and rallying to overcome COVID-19.
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television and is judged by a panel of leaders from video platforms, TV, streaming networks, and production companies.
Congratulations, Branding Shorts!
Shah Taj Rebrands as Jersey City Pakastani Eatery
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-7wsegpX21/
Once known as Shah Taj, 287 Grove Street has undergone a rebrand and has re-emerged as Laree Adda. Previously, Shah Taj had opened on Grove Street in Jersey City back in 2011 as an Indian restaurant and is now looking to make a name as Laree Adda in the Pakastani cuisine space.
While the new-and-improved Laree Adda is officially open from 11:00AM-9:00PM for take-out and delivery, the restaurant owners have also spent the last month dedicating most of their time to donating and delivering 20 meals a day for workers at Christ Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A more formal reopening is planned for whenever coronavirus restrictions are lifted, but for now, patrons can order Pakistani cuisine, as well as Pakistani-Indian fusion dishes, with the option to donate $5 to be matched by the restaurant. This donation goes toward providing a meal for workers on the medical frontlines.
Hoboken Historical Museum Launches Contest for Hudson County Artists: “Every Mask a Blank Canvas”
{Photo credit: Hoboken Historical Museum Instagram page}
The Hoboken Historical Museum is currently running a contest with a $250 grand prize for the best artwork created on a standard disposable face mask. All Hudson County artists are invited to take part and submit their masks to the museum for its upcoming exhibition “Every Mask a Blank Canvas.”
Artists are asked to use the standard disposable face mask found at drug stores; you can also submit more than one entry. Submissions should also be signed by the artist and mailed to the Hoboken Historical Museum, P.O. Box 3296 Hoboken, NJ 07030. For more information email director@hobokenmuseum.org.
You may also share photos of your artwork mask using the hashtag #EveryMaskABlankCanvas and by tagging @HobokenMuseum. The deadline for the contest is June 15th.
Lamdar Group to Build 20-Story Tower on Cottage Street, Will Connect All 3 Towers With Pedestrian Walkway
{Image rendering by C3D Architecture}
A new mixed-use high-rise is proposed for 26 Cottage Street in the Journal Square area of Jersey City and image renderings of the building have just been released by C3D Architecture.
The 223-foot building will be located between Summit Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, according to New York Imby. The project will include 166 residential apartments that range from studios to four- and three-bedroom units, 11,677 square feet of office space, and 1,021 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
The project will also include the development of a 20-foot-wide outdoor pedestrian plaza — hailed the Homestead Walkway— that will link this building to Namdar Group’s other two Jersey City towers, 35 Cottage Street and 26-28 Van Reipen Avenue.
Jersey City Mayor Fulop’s Grandmother Passes Away From COVID-19
Hoboken Girl is sad to report that Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s grandmother has passed away. Elizabeth Fulop was 95 when she passed away last week from complications of coronavirus.
Elizabeth, who was born in Romania and survived World War II after being forced into a Jewish ghetto with her husband Bentsi, lived alone in Bloomfield until she was 94 years old. Once they settled in Jersey, Elizabeth, her husband, and their son Arthur worked together in their family-owned deli in Newark.
In a statement, Governor Phil Murphy said of Fulop’s grandmother, “However, the abiding quality that she will be remembered for is her generosity. Whether it was for a charity, a family member, or a stranger, it did not matter. If someone needed help they knew they could count on Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth Fulop is survived by sons Arthur and Eugene, her five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
CarePoint Health Facilities Have Resumed All Elective Surgeries
Three major local hospitals are preparing to resume elective surgery after functioning as “frontline hospitals” servicing COVID-19 patients for the last few weeks. Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital Medical Center, and Hoboken University Medical Center resumed elective surgery services last Tuesday.
“We are happy to reopen elective surgeries and welcome patients now that we have effectively responded to the surge of COVID-19 cases,” Achintya Moulick MD, MBA, Chief Transition Officer of the CarePoint Health system said.
Moulick explained that each hospital will maintain certain safety protocols, such as using thermal detection cameras, negative pressure delivery modules, distinguishing certain floors as either COVID or non-COVID floors, and regularly disinfecting patient care areas and common areas.
This decision comes on the heels of Governor Murphy lifting the restriction on elective surgeries, saying, “Hospitals are no longer on a crisis footing.”
Murphy himself underwent elective surgery on March 4th to remove a malignant tumor from his kidney and therefore noted how important elective surgeries can be.
Audra Carter Becomes the Mile Square’s First Female Battalion Chief
In a first for the Hoboken Fire Department, 18-year Fire Department veteran Audra Carter has been named the first-ever female Battalion Chief.
Carter tells Hoboken Girl, “We get a lot of visitors in the firehouse {schools, Girl Scouts, etc} and the look on their faces when they see me is priceless. They mostly always say, ‘I didn’t know women can be a firefighter.’ I always encourage them that yes they can be, they can be anything that they strive for.”
Carter was sworn in on May 28th, 2020 and her first order of business is focusing on training the new first responders.
“[My] new position as Battalion Chief will vary a bit. As of right now, I believe I will be the training officer,” she shared with Hoboken Girl.
Read Carter’s full story on HobokenGirl.com.
Jersey City Woman Charged With Burglarizing Cars in Hoboken
A Jersey City woman has been arrested and charged with burglarizing cars in Hoboken. Sabrina Jones, 33, was charged with two counts of burglary and theft and after she was in custody, police realized Jones had an outstanding warrant from Newark.
Last Sunday, Hoboken officers Jonathon Lyons and Francic McCourt responded to a call about a female entering parked vehicles near Washington Street and 5th. According to Tap Into, Jones was found between Washington and Bloomfield on 5th Street. Police recovered all stolen property and returned it to the victims, while Jones was arrested.
Jones was given a new appearance date for her warrant, was placed on a summons and was released with the summons to appear in court.
MOJO Coffee to Open in the Mile Square on June 3rd
{Photo credit: @mojocoffeecompany}
Welcome to the Mile Square, MOJO Coffee! Amidst all the COVID-19 drama, it’s been a while since we’ve been able to report on a happy story of a new business opening. And that’s why the owners behind MOJO, a new coffee joint located at 230 Willow Avenue in Hoboken, are excited to share their opening with the surrounding community.
Officially opening on June 3rd, you’ll find the Mojo House Blend — a rich drip and espresso hazelnut-chocolate brew blended with beans from Brazil, Papua New Guinea, and Central America — and Rio Azul — a light roast with citrus, rye, and milk chocolate flavors, blended from beans grown by the Rio Azul River in Northern Guatemala. Other coffee options include macchiatos, cortados, flat whites, lattes, espressos, iced coffee, and shots. For added flavor, choices include vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel.
Get more details about MOJO Coffee Company’s menu and ambiance by reading the full story.
One Grove Coming to Jersey City, New Plans Revealed
{Image rendering by Strategic Capital via JCRA from Jersey Digs}
Official plans have been revealed for the “One Grove” Project, a 12-story building coming to the south end of Grove Street in Jersey City, Jersey Digs reports.
Now a vacant property at 221 Grove Street, the building falls into the Liberty Harbor North Redevelopment Plan area. In a virtual meeting last week, plans were proposed to the Board of Commissioners of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency and included 148 residential units “in modern brick building using artisan bricks,” 6,420 feet of retail space, a residential lobby, an amenity courtyard, and 75 parking spaces. Architecture plans also seek to reintroduce “large window openings inspired by Jersey City’s industrial past.”
Hoboken Relief Fund Hosts Dance Party Live Stream June 6th to Raise Money for Local Businesses Affected by COVID-19
The Hoboken Relief Fund will be hosting a virtual Saturday Night Dance Party to raise funds for local businesses on June 6th.
Join in the virtual Saturday Night Dance Party with host DJ CAM, who will help raise much-needed funds for our small local businesses and neighbors in need as he spins your favorite dance tunes. The event kicks off Saturday, June 6th at 7:00PM and will livestream at Facebook.com/Hoboken.
The Hoboken Relief Fund seeks to make a difference in our community by supporting independently-owned Hoboken businesses and residents who have suffered an adverse economic impact as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Hoboken Residents Launch Creative Strategy Agency After Losing Their Jobs During COVID-19
After losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoboken residents Christopher Scali and Carly Nememth decided to go into work together and create The Seedling Agency, a creative and strategy agency. The newly-launched agency focuses on everything from branding and website design to motion graphics and strategy.
Nememth and Scali built a website, created social media pages, and began outreach within 24 hours of coming up with the idea.
If you’re interested in working with The Seedling Agency, check out their website here.
National Women’s History Museum Launches: Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project
The National Women’s History Museum {NWHM} has launched Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project, an initiative designed to ensure that women and girls’ unique voices and experiences are not left out of the telling of the COVID-19 story. The journals will be used as a living archive of women’s lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for online and physical exhibits, articles, publications, and scholarly research.
Those interested in participating in Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project should begin by filling out the participation form on the museum’s website.
Hoboken Dog Parks Have Officially Reopened
Parents of dogs, rejoice — as of Saturday, May 30th, Hoboken has officially reopened its dog parks with social distancing guidelines in place. According to the City of Hoboken. Visitors of these parks must:
- – Practice social distancing, as all dog owners must maintain at least six feet of separation at all times.
- – Wear facemasks or covers at all times.
Also, all dogs visiting must be licensed with the City of Hoboken. To ensure that these requirements are met, City staff will be on hand at each park and each park will have capacity limits. The limits go as follows:
- – Church Square Park {Large Dog Run Capacity: 20 people, Small Dog Run Capacity: 10 people}
- – Elysian Park {Dog Run Capacity: 15 people}
- – Harborside Park [Dog Run Capacity: 15 people}
- – Hudson Street {Large Dog Run Capacity: 10 people, Small Dog Run Capacity: 5 people}
- – Stevens Park {Dog Run Capacity: 15 people}
- – Southwest Park {Dog Run Capacity: 10 people}
- – 14th Street Viaduct {Dog Run Capacity: 10 people. However, the Viaduct Dog Park will be closed when the adjacent COVID-19 testing center is open to the public from 8:00AM-4:00PM Monday – Friday and 8:00AM-12:00PM Saturday}
- – Maxwell Park {East Dog Run Capacity: 5 people, West Dog Run Capacity: 5 people}
More info here.
Jersey City to Expand Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza and Restaurant Row to Allow More Outdoor Seating + Space
On Monday we’re expanding the Newark Ave Pedestrian Plaza and Restaurant Row to allow more outdoor seating for restaurants and more space for residents. In less than a week we’ve had 40 restaurants apply for expanded outdoor seating which speaks to the demand. #jerseycity pic.twitter.com/tWB0yasG60
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) May 29, 2020
In more exciting news, JC’s Mayor Fulop has announced that on Monday, June 1st, the city will be “expanding the Newark Ave Pedestrian Plaza and Restaurant Row to allow more outdoor seating for restaurants and more space for residents,” he announced via Twitter. “Since we launched the citywide expedited outdoor seating opportunity for restaurants we have had 40 restaurants apply which speaks to the demand,” he added on Facebook.
Hoboken Continues “Open Streets” Pilot by Expanding It to 17 City Blocks This Weekend
{Photo credit: Twitter}
Hoboken has continued its open streets pilot by expanding it to 17 city blocks this weekend. The open streets ran Saturday and will continue to run today, Sunday, from 8:00AM-8:00PM, on the following blocks:
- – Jackson Street between 2nd Street and 7th Streets
- – 7th Street between Grand Street and Jackson Streets
- – Jefferson Street between 6th and 8th Streets
- – Adams Street between 6th and 9th Streets
- – Grand Street between 7th and 9th Streets
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at hello@hobokengirl.com! We appreciate it.
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