Happy Sunday, Hudson County. This past week, the U.S. Green Building Council honored Hoboken with a LEED Gold City Certification, proposed legislation takes aim at Jersey City’s current home-sharing laws, and protesters gathered outside an event at Little City Books on Bloomfield Street. So much to keep up with — luckily it’s all rounded up for you, below. Keep reading to check out all the top news from this past week.
Hoboken to Be Honored for LEED Gold City Certification
On Wednesday, the City of Hoboken became the first LEED Gold city in New Jersey. The U.S. Green Building Council verified Hoboken in a ceremony behind Hoboken City Hall with former Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla both in attendance.
The LEED certification for cities verifies a community as a resilient, green, inclusive, and smart city. It helps cities develop responsible and sustainable plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation, and more. All of these systems are thought to contribute to the quality of life and provide a framework for planning, designing, measuring, and managing the performance of social, economic, and environmental conditions on a city-wide level.
Rental Units Proposed for 3 New York Avenue in Jersey City
Three New York Avenue has seen better days. Currently, the Jersey City spot is home to a vacant building and lot — the former home of Galaxy Recycling, which filed for bankruptcy back in 2015. Now, a new proposal promises to revitalize the property with a plan for 340 units and 206 parking spaces {by way of indoor garage}. The proposed building would come to stand at eight stories high and plans also introduce some landscaping. Trees, greenery, and a revamped, wider sidewalk are a part of the plan. A sidewalk on the other side of the street, however, is not currently included in the plan.
New Chiropractic and Acupuncture Venture Coming to Gym
A new venue for both has cropped up in downtown Hoboken. Dr. Allison Heffron is starting her own chiropractic and acupuncture practice out of Hoboken Barbell gym at 38 Jackson Street.
“In the first visit, patients can expect a full evaluation including neurological, functional, and orthopedic exams. If the patient is presenting more system symptoms {digestive issues, headaches non-related to neck tension, stress, etc}, I will do more of a Chinese Medicine approach in my evaluation,” Dr. Heffron tells Hoboken Girl in an email. “After the evaluation, there will most likely be time for some treatment or review of a prescribed home exercise at the very least.”
Dr. Heffron adds, “Follow up visits are 45 minutes and they incorporate manual soft tissue work/muscle re-education, joint mobilization/adjustments {whichever is necessary or tolerated}, acupuncture {may include cupping or guasha}, and active rehabilitation that the patient will have as homework.”
Update on the Jersey City Employer Tax
Last November, the Jersey City City Council approved Ordinance 18-133, which instituted the employer payroll tax for Jersey City businesses. While it went into effect back on January 1st of this year, some Jersey Citians still have questions about what it means.
Section 304-18 of the new ordinance delineates which businesses that are subject to the tax and how an employee is defined. The tax is a 1% tax on payroll and this same section also goes into detail about which employees are subject to the tax. Most charitable nonprofits are exempt; however, Section 304-19 Part B goes over certain stipulations that subject certain nonprofits to the payroll tax.
First quarter taxes were due on April 30th, 2019 for all employers subject to the tax. Anything paid after April 30th will be considered a late payment. You can find the deadlines and more information here.
Hoboken City Council Members Propose $1 Million in Spending Cuts
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City Council Members have proposed $1 million in spending cuts to the City budget. Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, Chair of the Finance and Revenue Subcommittee, submitted the change, which would slash the City’s budget with more than $1 million. The goal of the budget amendment is to reduce what city taxpayers pay and would theoretically lower the city administration’s tax increase from 2.8% to 1% without compromising funding to emergency services or investments in infrastructure and community programs. Several Council Members have offered their support of the ammedment including Council President Jen Giattino, Councilman Mike DeFusco, and Councilman Peter Cunningham.
Fisher, Giattino, DeFusco, and Cunningham released the following joint statement:
“As elected representatives for the City of Hoboken, it is our responsibility to ensure taxpayer money is being used efficiently to make investments in the services and programs that best provide for the needs of our community. The administration’s proposed budget calls for an increase in taxes by nearly 3%. This must be a belt-tightening year for our government and it is irresponsible to ask taxpayers to open their wallets further than necessary. The amendments we are proposing preserve funding for necessary services and community programming that impact the quality of life for Hoboken residents while allowing us to provide an additional $100,000 to our overworked fire department, our seniors and for the City Clerk’s Office that works hard every day for our community. While we are asking some departments to do more with less, these are fair recommendations that protect the delivery of the most vital services to Hoboken residents.”
Protesters Gather Outside Little City Books to Oppose Drag Queen Story Hour
{Photo credit: @dragqueenstoryhour}
A recent event at Little City Books in Hoboken has caused controversy and even spurned the attention of protestors. Members of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property gathered outside Little City Books on Bloomfield Street to protest the Children’s Drag Queen Story Hour last week.
The Story Hour was sponsored by the North Jersey Chapter of Drag Queen Story Hour, an organization that holds readings in communities that advocate equality.
“Drag Queen Story Hour is just what it sounds like — drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores,” says the website’s About section. “DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”
The protestors earned the attention of Hoboken Councilman Michael DeFusco, the LGBTQ caucus chair. “This kind of divisive language and intolerance has no place in Hoboken, Hudson County or anywhere in our country,” DeFusco said. “We should be teaching children to embrace diversity and acceptance, not spreading hateful rhetoric that aims to set us back on the strides we have made to get closer to full equality.”
Mayor Bhalla also weighed in on the protestors outside of Little City Books.
“While free speech is protected under our Constitution, let me make it absolutely clear that Hoboken will never stand for any hateful rhetoric targeting our LGBTQ community,” Bhalla said in a statement. “Hoboken is and always will be an inclusive and welcoming place that is accepting of people of all identities, sexuality or gender expression. We stand firmly behind Little City Books, Harmonica Sunbeam, and all those who help teach our children the importance of diversity.”
The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property describes itself as an “organization of lay Catholic Americans concerned about the moral crisis shaking the remnants of Christian civilization.”
DeFusco and the HCDO LGBTQ Caucus will host a drag queen breakfast on June 1st.
Another Dog Run Coming to Hudson and 2nd in Hoboken
Another dog run is coming to Hoboken, this time at Hudson and 2nd Streets and the City is looking for the input of residents. The City will use the results from an online survey to understand what residents are looking for in a dog run design and in its functionality. The results of the survey will inform these decisions.
“This is one of many initiatives my Administration is pursuing to reduce the amount of pet waste on our sidewalks,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said. “I encourage every dog owner to take a moment provide your input. Let us know what you need for your pets that you’re not getting from the other locations.”
The announcement of a new dog run comes at a crucial time. Just a week ago, City Council unanimously approved municipal law to increase fines for people who leave pet waste in public spaces.
After results from the survey are obtained, the City Council will hold a public meeting on June 21 and a public hearing on the 25th. Dog run plans will go before the Council for approval by July 11.
The survey can be accessed here and is open until June 18th, 2019.
Sauced on Washington Street Moving into Cooper’s Union
{Photo credit: @saucedinhoboken}
Sauced Sandwiches — currently located at 217 Washington Street — has announced that it’s moving downtown and Hoboken Girl can confirm it’s moving inside of Cooper’s Union at 104 Hudson Street.
Cooper’s Union — a cocktail bar known for its pool table and shuffleboard — is a burger and sandwich shop with more than six different kinds of tater tots. Sounds like Cooper’s and Sauced are looking to work together to offer patrons the best of both worlds.
“Sauced will be keeping your favorites, adding exciting new options, pairing our signatures with delicious cocktails in a sit-down setting,” according to the Sauced website.
The Franklin is Open in Jersey City Heights
{Photo credit: Facebook}
The Franklin in Jersey City Heights is officially open. With daily brunch and an Italian dinner menu, The Franklin opened at 159 New York Avenue in JC. Formerly Tropicana Restaurant, The Franklin officially opened its doors on April 23rd. Brunch starts every day at 7:00AM and runs until 3:00PM. It’s currently a BYOB situation. After 3:00PM, The Franklin closes down for two hours to prep for the dinnertime rush, then reopens again at 5:00PM with a menu featuring authentic Italian cuisine. Welcome to the neighborhood, Franklin.
Jersey Mike’s Opening at the Old Fran’s Location Soon
Last July, Hoboken Girl reported that Fran’s Italian Delicatessen at 202 Hudson Street unexpectedly closed down. Taking over its place is Manasquan, New Jersey deli, Jersey Mike’s. Sources have confirmed to Hoboken Girl that the new deli will be opening within the next month.
An American sandwich chain, Jersey Mikes has almost 1,300 locations across the United States, with about 70 more currently in development {including Hoboken’s!}.
Tree House Coffee Coming to Jersey City Soon
{Photo credit: @treehousejc}
Tree House is the latest coffee house to make its way to Jersey City. While it hasn’t officially opened yet, Tree House has been busy hyping up its opening by posting post after post on Instagram of different celebrities sipping cafe. From Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe, from Sylvester Stalone to the Dalai Lama, the only information we know so far is that it’s coming soon to the West Side of JC. More information will be updated as it comes.
Garden State Rollergirls’ Charter Team, Ironbound Maidens, Play Home Game on May 11th
{Photo courtesy of Quick Draw Sports Photography}
Calling all Roller Derby fans — the Garden State Rollergirls’ charter team, Ironbound Maidens, is playing their only home game on May 11 in North Arlington, NJ. Ironbound Maidens want you and your family to come watch their match against the DC Rollergirls and celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with crafts for kids of all ages!
The Ironbound Maidens are the charter team for GSR and are currently ranked 80th by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, an organization made up of 350 teams globally. Their opponents, the DC Rollergirls are ranked 88th.
In addition to watching roller derby, the kids in the crowd will also have a chance to make some last-minute Mother’s Day cards with some of the skaters from GSR.
The two all-star teams will face-off at the Inline Skating Club of America in North Arlington on Saturday, May 11th. Doors open at 7:15PM and the first whistle kicks things off at 8:00PM.
Grab your tickets in advance at brownpapertickets.com. Admission is $15 at the door, $10 online. There will be GSR merchandise for purchase, Mother’s Day cards to make, raffles, and a bake sale.
Artist Ricardo Roig Painting New Hoboken Mural
{Photo credit: @roigcollection}
It’s not finished yet, but Hoboken is getting a new mural. Local artist Ricardo Roig shared a progress pic of his latest artwork near The W Hoboken Hotel earlier this week, writing, “Day Two of Painting.” Can’t wait to see it when it’s done.
Proposed Home-Sharing Law Would Essentially Eradicate Airbnb in Jersey City
A new proposed law would drastically change Jersey City’s current stance on home-sharing. Councilman James Solomon is leading the charge against Airbnb and other short-term rental services, suggesting that these kinds of rentals have a negative effect on the community.
“I think Airbnb short-term rentals have a clearly negative impact on Downtown,” Solomon said. Solomon voted for the ordinance that would essentially eradicate short-term home-sharing.
The ordinance prohibits short-term rentals in any building with three or more units. If you live in the area, then you know this statute greatly limits the units in town which qualify. The ordinance also states that tenants are barred from home-sharing and imposes a $500 fee for licensing {nonrefundable} and an annual fee of $300 for renewal. The bill also allows Jersey City government access to guests’ private data without reasoning.
In 2015, Mayor Fulop actually led the Council in passing the current Jersey City home-sharing law. In just 2018 alone, Jersey City welcomed 181,000 guests from home-sharing sites. Not to mention, the spending doesn’t stop with the temporary renting of a home; the average Airbnb-er spends $160 per day within the community.
Jersey City hosts raked in a total of $32 million in 2018, just from home-sharing. And as part of the 2015 law Fulop originally signed, more than $4 million in tax revenue has been generated on behalf of Jersey City through home-sharing.
Hoboken Rolls Back Dynamic Parking Prices
Bye, bye, bye to dynamic parking prices. The new controversial parking policies {you can get the entire scoop here} lasted about a month before Mayor Bhalla called it quits.
“We all know parking in Hoboken can be challenging,” Bhalla said. “The modified meter rates were intended to increase parking turnover throughout our city, but especially in commercial areas. Since this started, I’ve heard from many residents, business owners and visitors alike about the financial hardship this has caused. As mayor, I take these concerns very seriously. I believe it’s critical to consider feedback, both good and bad, as we enact public policy.”
Metered parking rates have changed back to the original $1 per hour and people with resident parking may park in a metered spot for up to four hours without paying at the meter.
Construction Starts at Jefferson Street
Jefferson Street is officially under construction, though construction is not expected to impact any vehicular traffic. Milling and paving of Jefferson Street from 4th to 12th Streets began on Monday and is expected to last a full week {weather permitting!}. Hoboken PD will be on site throughout the entirety of the project and “Temporary No Parking” signs have been placed along the project route.
Jersey City Reservoir Releases Fishing Schedule
The City of Jersey City runs the fishing program in town, but the Jersey City Reservoir has released the official fishing schedule for those who have been asking. The fishing program kicked off on Saturday, April 27th from 10:00AM-3:00PM and runs every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00PM-7:30PM. Fishing is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays; the Reservoir is closed entirely on Wednesdays with the exception of special events. The Reservoir will open on Sundays, volunteer permitting.
You can view the schedule and more announcements from the Jersey City Reservoir for the upcoming season here.
Mayor Bhalla Issues Update on Union Dry Dock
Fund for a Better Waterfront collecting postcards for Governor Murphy.
{Photo credit: @hoboken_fbw}
It feels like the Union Dry Dock is a never-ending battle. Most recently, Mayor Bhalla provided an update on his efforts to keep the ferry refueling station from making Hoboken its home.
“It is critical for Hoboken to preserve the Union Dry Dock property for public, open space along our waterfront,” Bhalla starts. “A heavy refueling station run by New York Waterway would wreak havoc on our local environment, jeopardize the safety and well-being of our residents, and destroy Hoboken’s decades-long goal of a contiguous public waterfront.
“One thing is clear – residents are overwhelmingly supportive of preserving the Union Dry Dock site for a public park. Hoboken has done so much to build out our waterfront for public, accessible space including the rehabilitation of Pier A, the creation of Pier C Park, upgrading our waterfront walkway, and much more. Thanks to advocates like Fund for a Better Waterfront, Hoboken has transformed virtually all of Hoboken’s waterfront to publicly accessible open space – except for the Union Dry Dock property. And, the City’s 2018 Master Plan identifies Union Dry Dock as an open space opportunity and states that the City remains committed to acquiring the site for a park and the walkway.
“Unfortunately, New York Waterway’s plan for a heavy refueling station eliminates this once in a lifetime opportunity for Hoboken to connect its waterfront. And, they’ve recently been spreading a misinformation campaign by distorting reality, disrespecting our residents, and spreading blatant mistruths in claiming they have no choice but to utilize Union Dry Dock for a refueling station. While we’ve continued negotiating with Governor Phil Murphy and his staff in good faith and will continue to do so, it’s time to set the record straight.
The fact is, New York Waterway and its multi-millionaire President, Arthur Imperatore, manufactured this crisis in order to profit millions of dollars by selling its land in Weehawken to developers for a luxury residential development, all while throwing Hoboken under the bus to deal with the disastrous environmental impacts of a heavy refueling station.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. The Jersey Journal reported on the sale of two “adjacent upland properties,” in Weehawken, “which tax records indicate were purchased for a combined $75 million in February [2019] by a U.S. subsidiary of a Chinese real estate investment firm, [which] have been used for years as part of the maintenance facility.”
Hoboken’s Catholic Academy Hosts HCA’s Got Talent
{Photo credit: @councilband}
Hoboken Catholic Academy hosted its talent show on Friday, May 3rd with a very special guest. The HCA talent show had a special performance from Council. The band rose to fame with its song, “Rush to Gold” {featured at the Winter Olympics and American Idol}. Plus, the members of Council are alumni of HCA, Class of 2018. Well done, HCA, well done!
Hoboken Arts and Music Festival Postponed
The annual Hoboken Arts and Music Festival has been postponed. The original festival was supposed to take place on Sunday, May 5th, but has been moved to Sunday, May 19th due to the poor weather this past weekend.
Have any news tips? Email hello@hobokengirl.com to let us know — we appreciate it.
