Happy Sunday, Hudson County! As time keeps racing closer and closer toward the holidays, it seems there are more headlines than ever to catch up with this week. Luckily, Hoboken Girl has you covered. From e-scooter news to closures and openings, you’ll find everything you need to know right here, in one place. Keep reading to check out all the headlines you missed this week.
Hoboken Says Goodbye to The Dubliner
Sad closure news in Hoboken this week. It looks like The Dubliner at 96 River Street has closed its doors. While there weren’t very many signs that The Dubliner was getting ready to say goodbye, as of at least a week before Saturday The Dubliner’s official website was defunct and their social media accounts hadn’t been posted on in months.
Locals expressed disappointment in The Dubliner’s closure, specifically because it is one of Hoboken’s only bars that still features a rooftop area. People on reddit sounded off in the comments, expressing their opinions.
“They are one of two bars in Hoboken with a rooftop and they still can’t get people in there,” one user wrote. “Hopefully the next people that buy, renovate, and realize what an asset getting grandfathered in to having a rooftop means.”
Another user wrote, “Didn’t know about this. Surprised it didn’t happen sooner. Honestly the worst use of space by any bar. Tons of dead space. Whoever takes over needs to have a clue on how to run more than 1 level of a bar {sic}.”
Jersey City Local Featured on Jeopardy
{Photo credit: reddit}
Elise Nussbaum of Jersey City won $34,600 on Wednesday night’s episode of Jeopardy, defeating the in-place champion Sathvik Namburar. Nussbaum hails from Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, according to the Jersey City Public School District, and she works locally as a financial planner.
Nussbaum’s Jeopardy win comes just two months after Hoboken resident Julianne O’Connell won $57K while appearing on Wheel of Fortune. Congratulations to both of these ladies!
KikiLu Gelato Setting Up Shop on Garden Street
It looks like Garden Street in Hoboken could be getting a gelato shop. According to Jersey Digs, the owners of Otto Strada on Park Avenue are looking to open a gelato venture called KikiLu Gelato at 900 Garden Street. Formerly the home of Gold Cleaners, KikiLu would also feature an espresso bar. No word yet on when KikiLu would open, but according to JD, the gelato shop would be open from 7:30AM-9:ooPM daily once open. Hoboken Girl will continue to update the story as updates become available.
Golden Cicada Bar Has Closed in Jersey City
More devastating closure news, Jersey City. JC’s beloved dive bar Golden Cicada has closed its doors — without much explanation or notice. Golden Cicada, located at 195 Grand Street in the Paulus Hook area of JC, has been operating since the 1980s. Run by owner Cheng Tan and known for baijiu, a Chinese liquor made from grain, Golden Cicada had been facing some controversy in recent years, which may have been indications that the bar was closing. No word on if anything will develop in its place, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Two Jersey City Police Officers Struck By Another Car —Driver Still Not Apprehended
Two Jersey City police officers were injured after being struck by another car at the intersection near Lincoln Park in JC on November 18th. The driver of the other vehicle ran into the cruiser, which was traveling north on Mallory Avenue, at 3:10AM and then fled the scene. The vehicle, which was identified as a 2006 Lexus, according to NJ.com, proceeded to hit another parked car down the street. The driver and passengers of the Lexus got out of the car, fled on foot, and still have not be apprehended. The report says the Lexus is registered to an address on Mallory Avenue, but as of this time it is unclear if any arrests have been made.
The two officers were brought to Jersey City Medical Center where they complained of knee and back pain.
Hoboken Police and Fire Stations Join Forces to Host Holiday Toy Drive
The Hoboken Police and Fire Department Unions are collecting toys for a holiday toy drive this year. Collection boxes can be found at Police Headquarters at 106 Hudson Street and the 14th Street Fire House in Hoboken at 1313 Washington Street.
“We [also] joined the 21st century and have an Amazon wish list, which people can order and it gets shipped to us,” Sgt. Pete Zanin told Hoboken Girl in an email.
In addition to asking for toy drive donations online, the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments are also hosting a toy drive event on December 11th. Outside of 630 Washington Street on 12/11, officers will be collecting toys from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The donated toys go towards helping two main groups in Hoboken: Hoboken Grace Church members and Westside Women’s Group in the Hoboken Housing Authority. Sgt. Zanin runs the toy drive along with Sgt. Arbend Drishti and Captain Nick Goldsack of the Fire Department.
If you’re interested in donating to the toy drive’s Amazon wish list, you can order items from their list here.
Jersey City Man Dead After Fatal Double Shooting on Fulton Avenue
Tragic news in Jersey City this week. A 30-year-old Jersey City resident was pronounced dead in a fatal double-shooting on Monday, November 18th. Davon Deloach was pronounced dead at 1:00AM at the Jersey City Medical Center after being shot several times in the torso. The shooting went down at Fulton Avenue between Ocean and Garfield Avenues around 10:25PM Monday, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
Another man was also shot in the incident. A 31-year-old man from Union was hit, but after being treated at Jersey City Medical Center, was released last Tuesday. The 31-year-old man was found by officers wounded on Van Cleef Street, according to NJ.com.
At this time, no arrests have been made and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and Jersey City Police Department are investigating. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office asks if you have any information regarding this incident to call them at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on their website here. All information is kept confidential.
Light Rail Extension Is Officially Going West
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has announced that the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system extension is officially ago. As per this new extension, the Light Rail will travel more westward than ever before, toward the Hackensack River.
Mayor Fulop, who confirmed the news Tuesday, said in an official statement, “This is big for the future of Jersey City and I’m encouraged that we are moving forward with the extension of the light rail into the southwest portion of Jersey City. With the city progressing on Bayfront, the largest mixed-income housing development in the region, this light rail extension is essential.”
The new plan would see a Bayfront station be built one mile to the west on the opposite side of Route 440.
Hoboken Receives Perfect Score in Human Rights Campaign for LBGTQ+ Policies
For the second year in a row, the City of Hoboken has received a perfect score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. The HRC’s MEI is an annual examination of more than 500 municipalities in relation to their LGBTQ+ laws and policies. Hoboken is one of only three New Jersey municipalities to achieve this honor.
“Our 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign once again demonstrates that Hoboken is a fair and welcoming City where everyone is entitled to be treated equally and with respect, no matter your gender identity or means of expression,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla in an official statement. “We’ve taken a number of steps to further empower the members of our LGBTQ+ communities over the past two years, and I’m proud Hoboken is only one of three municipalities in New Jersey to achieve this distinction. I thank the many activists and advocates, past and present who have strived for equal rights for all residents in our City.”
Over the past two years, the City of Hoboken and Mayor Bhalla have focused on a number of projects and initiatives dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. These initiatives {which were highlighted by the HRC int their 100% rating} includes:
- Gender-neutral bathroom ordinance: In 2018, Mayor Bhalla signed an executive order requiring all public and private single-occupancy restrooms to be gender-neutral. Hoboken became the first city in New Jersey to pass such a law.
- Non-discrimination executive order for contractors: Mayor Bhalla also signed an executive order preventing discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups.
- LGBTQ+ community liaison: Hoboken resident and LGBTQ+ activist Laura Knittel was selected by Mayor Bhalla and the City last year to serve in the role as Hoboken’s first-ever LGBTQ+ liaison.
- Hoboken Pride Week: The Hudson Pride Center, Laura Knittel, and Migdalia Pagan-Milano from Hoboken’s Office of Constituent Services established and organized Hoboken’s second annual Pride Week celebration in August, which originated in 2018.
As an addition to raising the Pride Flag this year, Hoboken became only one of a select few communities in NJ to paint the crosswalks rainbow in honor of Pride Month this past June. This past week, Hoboken also raised the Transgender Pride Flag in recognition of Transgender Awareness Week.
Elizabeth Schedl, Chief Operating Officer for Hudson Pride Center also released an official statement.
“We at Hudson Pride Center are proud that the city of Hoboken received a perfect score again this year on the Municipal Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign! Mayor Bhalla and the city of Hoboken have worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and safe city that protects its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors,” Schedl said. “Hudson Pride Center will continue to assist the city of Hoboken with its efforts in supporting and advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Hoboken, and we will do our best to help them remain leaders in NJ in advancing equal rights and protections in municipal law, policy and services for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Laura Knittel of City of Hoboken’s LGBTQ+ liaison also took a moment to thank the community.
“There is much work to be done in the days ahead, but let’s pause for a moment to give thanks to all who have made a difference and have accepted our LGBTQ community with open arms,” Knittel said. “And thanks to all those who have helped the City of Hoboken weave a more compassionate, inclusive and diverse community for us to live…Tolerance has no boundaries and spirit has no gender. Love is Love,” Knittel added.
JC Pulse Hosting Annual Food Drive for Thanksgiving
JC Pulse is gearing up to host its annual food drive just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. The annual Thanksgiving Drive aims to help families in our community who are in need of food. If you’d like to get involved, you can shop non-perishable foods from JC Pulse’s list — these include canned foods {but no glass jars}, turkey, gravy mix, bread, stuffing, pies, potatoes, pasta, and monetary donations — and drop off at any of JC Pulse’s five locations. Drop-off locations this year include BLVD Realty Group at 255 Grove Street in Jersey City, DT234 Gallery + Art Studio at 234 York Street in Jersey City, and any of the Modcup locations at 479 Palisade Avenue, 25 Senate Place, and 210 Hudson Street in Jersey City.
For more information, check out the event info here.
A European-Themed Market Could be Coming to Hoboken
{Image rendering via MikeDeFusco.com}
A European-themed market could become a reality in Hoboken. As part of a proposed amendment to the Hoboken Rail Yard Redevelopment Plan, as much as 20% of new residential units constructed could be listed as affordable housing and a European-style market inside of the Hoboken Rail Yards train terminal could come to fruition.
Currently, the amendments await approval by City Council.
“Over the past four years, I have brought all stakeholders together to actualize a plan that will bring a world-class market to Hoboken Terminal,” said Councilman Mike DeFusco in an official statement. “Transforming underutilized space at Warrington Plaza will bring innovative new businesses into Hoboken and improve the overall commuting experience for tens of thousands of people every day. I’m proud that we have made concrete progress to advance this plan to create new jobs, tax revenues, and opportunities to push our city forward.”
Additionally, Councilwoman Vanessa Falco will be introducing an amendment that will designate 20% of all new residential units constructed as part of the project as affordable housing units.
A community meeting regarding the project was held on November 25th from 6:00PM-8:00PM in the waiting room of Hoboken Terminal. The amendments will be introduced during the December 4th City Council meeting with a final vote tentatively scheduled for December 18th.
Health Food Store Organic Basic Foods Now Open for Online Orders
Organic Basic Food — located at 204 Washington Street — has teamed up with Mercato and now offers same-day local delivery online. You can check out Organic Basic Foods at Mercato and use code “FREEDELIV1ST” for your first delivery free. Organic Basic Food is a Hoboken-based grocery store offering a variety of organic, gluten-free, and raw food items, as well as a range of dietary supplements.
More Than 1,600 Jersey City Jobs Eliminated as CarePoint Health Becomes RWJBarnabas
In October, Hoboken Girl reported that CarePoint Health was being absolved by RWJBarnabas in an official hospital merger. Now, according to Patch, more than 1,600 Jersey City jobs are expected to be eliminated as early as 2020.
Layoffs become effective January 13th, 2020 and this past week alone, layoff notices were issued to 1,074 employees of Christ Hospital. CarePoint Health owns Christ Hospital and according to a RWJBH statement, the move is “the first step in the process of evaluating and designing a new relationship that will enhance health care services for Hudson County and North Jersey.”
Additionally, CarePoint Health has issued layoff notices to 241 Jersey City employees; Garden State Healthcare LLC and Quality Care Associates LLC also issued notices to 161 and 159 Jersey City employees. These notices are also effective January 13th and bring the number of job eliminations up to 1,600 Jersey City jobs.
Bagels on Park Coming to Weehawken
Weehawken, here comes more bagels! Bagels on Park is a new venture coming to 3508 Park Avenue from a local Weehawken native. According to their website, “Bagels on Park will be making fresh bagels on-site using their own recipe, fresh juices, paninis, coffee, indoor/outdoor seating, and DELIVERY from the store.”
Bagels on Park is also listed on Uber Eats, where bagel-lovers can get a sneak-peek at the menu. Right now, the Uber Eats menu only lists bagel flavors that range from plain, sesame, everything, cinnamon raisin, and poppy.
With signage now up, Bagels on Park can be expected to open really soon, though there is no official timeline that has been released yet.
Eatery Called Emma’s Moving into Old PJ Ryan’s
{Photo credit: @lathamhousejc}
Earlier this year, Hoboken Girl reported that a new restaurant concept called Franklin Social was moving into the former PJ Ryan’s location at 292 Barrow Street. Now, another PJ Ryan’s location has closed in Jersey City and another new eatery is taking its place. After PJ Ryan’s at 4 Path Plaza closed, a new eatery called Emma’s is coming to the space. Announced by Latham House, it looks like Emma’s will be ready to go come winter 2020.
Latham House — an American food and drink restaurant located at 299 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City — announced Emma’s with the simple caption, “Spawn.” Looks like Emma’s will also be owned by Latham House’s Kris Yettra.
According to the post, Emma’s will serve breakfast, lunch, early supper, and brunch. While the restaurant hasn’t released an official menu yet, we do know that Emma’s will have a full liquor license. As far as construction, workers have already begun on the project, cleaning out the former PJ Ryan’s in anticipation for getting Emma’s 2020 debut.
3 E-Scooter Riders Charged With DWI for Going Against Traffic
The e-scooter tickets continue to rack up. Despite the City’s contract with Lime scooters terminating on November 20th, three e-scooter riders were charged with driving while intoxicated in the Mile Square on November 17th. According to Hudson County View, officers apprehended the three intoxicated riders as they were riding against the flow of traffic along 2nd and Hudson Streets.
None of the arrestees lived in Hoboken. Daniel Filipek, 27, of Cranford, Christos Hantzaras, 27, of Summit, and Joseph Meier, 28, of Cranford were all charged with DWI on an e-scooter, DWI in a school zone, reckless driving, driving on a sidewalk, and going the wrong way on a one-way street, Police Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz confirmed.
Officers Anthony Olivera and Harold Milne apprehended the three men near 3rd and Hudson. After observing the men to be swaying from side to side, officers administered field sobriety tests. All three failed the tests and were placed under arrest. Once transported to headquarters, each breath sample was found to be over the legal limit.
City of Hoboken Launches Dual-Stream Recycling
Dual-stream recycling is now effective in Hoboken. Aluminum, glass, and plastics are to be picked up Monday nights; paper and cardboard on Thursday nights.
Dual-stream system of recycling separates co-mingled {aluminum, glass, and plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5} from paper and cardboard. Co-mingled recycling must be empty, clean, and dry and placed at the curb in blue covered bins or clear bags on Monday nights. Paper recycling {paper and cardboard} must be flattened, then placed at the curb in blue covered bins, tied with string, or secured inside other boxes on Thursday nights.
According to an official press release, enforcement of these regulations started this past week. Property owners who do not “Recycle Right” will receive a neon-green “OOPS!” sticker on bags or items incorrectly recycled. The City’s recycling hauler will leave any bag or container with the neon-green sticker on the curb. Residents will need to address the issue themselves, then put the recycling out again correctly on the next appropriate date.
Switching to a dual-system recycling stream helps reduce the City’s share of landfill waste. The switch from single-stream is the latest initiative from Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In the previous method {single-stream}, Hoboken’s recycling process only resulted in one-third of all waste being recycled. The single-stream method launched in 2012; prior to that, Hoboken used a dual-stream recycling system. It’s also estimated that the switch could save taxpayers $200,000 in recycling costs per year.
As a reminder: plastic bags and styrofoam are not recyclable. You can find more Recycling Right information here or by contacting Hoboken’s Recycling Coordinator at 201-420-2000 ext-4000 or dcalamoneri@hobokennj.gov.
Jersey City Installs Temporary Showers in Journal Square in Effort to Help the City’s Homeless
According to Mayor Steve Fulop, building trust is the first step in changing Jersey City’s relationship with the city’s homeless population. As part of that step, the City has installed temporary showers near Journal Square. The showers, which are self-contained and mobile, serve as a reminder of JC’s goal to help homeless people move from Journal Square into shelters and safer areas that feature services for the homeless.
“Building trust is the first step,” Mayor Fulop said in an official statement. “Our goal is eventually to help with addiction or mental health issues here, but again, the first step is trust.”
According to Mayor Fulop, about 10 people used the showers on Friday, the first day the mobile showers were open to the public.
Average Rent in Jersey City Increased By 1%
According to the latest rent report from Rent Cafe, New Jersey cities’ average rents were generally higher than the national average, but rents in Jersey City seem to be stabilizing with just a 1% annual increase. Since September 2019, the average rent in JC dropped $11. Monthly, Jersey City residents are currently paying $2,934 for rent.
The report maintains that Hoboken, Edgewater, and Weehawken are still the three most expensive cities for renters. They’re also the only cities to boast average rents above $3K. Hoboken’s rent average is $3,528, Weehawken’s rent average is $3,011, and Edgewater’s rent average is $3,180.
Hoboken Featured on HBO’s Watchmen
Watchmen’s fifth episode begins in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1985. For fans of the comic — or anyone who’s been paying close attention to the new HBO show — you probably got excited seeing the Mile Square’s mention. While the show wasn’t actually filmed in Hoboken {but the location was set here}, the set designers did do a good job on the iconic Hoboken clocks in the scene. Be sure to tune in and catch the fifth Watchmen episode to see Hoboken get a mention.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at hello@hobokengirl.com! We appreciate it.
Did you know: We started a podcast about all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen to the latest episode of Tea on the Hudson here and subscribe.
We release new episodes every Tuesday!
