Now that it’s November and we’ve finally all mellowed out from the week’s Halloween-themed craziness, we can acknowledge everything that went on this past week. Starting with Halloween weekend — a busy one for Hudson County {with over 351 calls made to police during the holiday!}. In addition to Halloween drama, the United Synagogue of Hoboken hosted a vigil in honor of Pittsburg victims, Mint Market’s Jersey City location closed due to a pipe burst, and more. Keep reading to find out what else you missed this week:
351 Calls to Police Were Made During Halloween Weekend
Halloween weekend was no tame time in Hoboken. In fact, local police were kept super busy with the eight arrests and 351 calls for service made during the holiday weekend. According to Detective Sgt. Joseph Leonard, Hoboken police issued a total of 35 violation summonses and responded to 351 calls for service all within a 16-hour time span.
Seven of those eight total arrests were made within a four-hour period, ranging from aggravated assault to drug possession to disorderly conduct. Among those calls, police responded to four bars, two with complaints of over-occupancy and two for “intoxicated women,” Leonard said.
“We were busy from 11 p.m. (Saturday) through 4 a.m. (Sunday), but it seemed to be much less volume compared to LepreCon, SantaCon and the previous Halloween weekend,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante. More than 60 police officers took the streets at a time, Ferrante added.
New York Red Bulls + City of Hoboken Unveil Soccer-Themed Art Murals to Local Playing Field
{Photo credit: NY Red Bulls}
The New York City Red Bulls, a local MLS soccer team, has joined forces with the City of Hoboken to debut a series of soccer-themed murals. The murals will be on display at a local playing field at 1600 Park Avenue and are part of the Red Bulls’ Hoboken Mural Project. The murals are designed by NY-based artist Ori Carino and depict images of the NY-based soccer team, fans, and children playing the sport in a Jersey that says, “Hoboken FC.” Carino said, in a statement issued by the NY Red Bulls, that the mural is a representation of the “evolution of a player as they follow their dreams.”
Mint Market Closes in JC Due to Pipe Bursting
Mint Market in Jersey City has closed temporarily due to a pipe bursting in the building. While the shop is closed, the Hoboken location will be open to accommodate customers from both cities {and beyond}. Known for its vintage-inspired contemporary collections {and noteworthy vintage pieces!}, Mint has become a staple in the community and we’re hoping they’re back soon.
Said Val, Mint Market’s owner, on Instagram: “We don’t know when we will be open again, but we are pushing through to give JC back it’s [sic] beloved boutique 👗✨”
UPDATE: Board Tacks on 20 Additional Charges to The HUB
The HUB now faces 53 charges that go back as far as January 2016. Hoboken’s ABC Board finally heard The Hub’s case after weeks of pushing back the court date. The board tacked on as many as 20 additional charges.
Last month, the Hudson Place nightclub was shut down indefinitely after videos of sex acts at the bar were shared online. Originally, the ABC Board handed 15 charges to the liquor license holder, Teak on the Hudson LLC, but now the charges extend back to before the bar’s transition to the new name: The Hub. Several of these new charges include allegations of “lewdness and immoral activity” from when the bar was still known as Teak.
Allegations that stem back as far as January 2016 say bar workers served minors, violated noise regulations, and allowed the bar to exceed occupancy maximums. An additional charge alleges the club failed to display the necessary warning poster about fetal alcohol syndrome.
“Months ago I indicated a zero-tolerance policy toward any violations of our ABC laws. This is not selective prosecution by any means. It is simply a continuance of a policy that was publicly announced earlier this year,” Mayor Bhalla said. “The vast, vast majority of bar owners are responsible members of the community. We want Hoboken to be a place where people have a good time and enjoy themselves, take advantage of the nightlife we have to offer but we will not tolerate any violations of the law.”
Santa Is Already at the Newport Centre Mall
As of November 2, 2018, Santa will be stationed inside the Newport Centre, ready to take holiday-themed pictures with both children and pets alike. From now until December 24, visitors can register online for Santa’s Fast Pass, which grants families the ability to forgo the lines.
Pet Photo Nights with Santa will take place on 11/18 from 6 to 8pm, 12/2 from 7 to 9pm, and 12/9 from 7 to 9pm.
Additionally, Simon Santa Photo Experience also announced the first 500 shoppers to visit Guest Services on Black Friday will receive a voucher redeemable for a complimentary item from participating retailers.
Mack Cali Waterfront Upgrades Might Move Forward
The Jersey City Planning Board heard plans from M-C Plaza II & III, LLC on Monday, October 30. The LCC, registered to Mack-Cali Realty Corporation of Parsippany, is looking to make some big changes to the mixed-used property along the Hudson River.
Some of the main points of the plan include the reconstruction of three pedestrian plazas — 10 Christopher Columbus Drive, 200 Hudson Street, and 210 Hudson Street — as well as renovations to Mack-Cali’s Harborside 1, 2, and 3 office buildings’ exteriors. Additionally, a 12,035 square foot floor area would be added to the three Harborside buildings. New signage is also included in the plans, including two LED mesh screen signs and touch screen digital directory signs, three rooftop signs, and billboards.
Masked Ball Gala Raises $50,000 for the Hoboken Museum
The Hoboken Historical Museum honored local heroes last week on October 26 at its annual Masked Ball gala. The gala, held at the W Hotel Hoboked, raised $50,000 for the surrounding community. The Masked Ball raised funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations to support the museum’s upcoming exhibition, “Greetings from Hudson County: Then & Now.” The Ball also featured a silent auction component, offering up travel, dining, and entertainment experiences, as well as other fun prizes.
Marci Rubin of News 12 New Jersey served as the night’s guest emcee, magician Tod Buchanan provided some mystical entertainment, and dancers from the Believe Ballroom Dance Studio flaunted some dance steps.
In conjunction with the upcoming exhibition, “Greetings from Hudson County: Then & Now,” the museum honored three Hoboken Heroes: Eugene & Joyce Flinn, and Jennifer Tripucka, the founder and EIC of Hoboken Girl.
United Synagogue of Hoboken Hosts Vigil for Pittsburgh Victims
In the wake of the Pittsburg tragedy that occurred at a Pennsylvania synagogue last Saturday, the United Synagogue of Hoboken at 115 Park Ave hosted a vigil on October 28. On October 27, 11 people were killed in a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh during services. The Hoboken vigil was dedicated to combating hatred and intolerance.
“We’re still learning more about the horrific mass shooting that took place at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh this morning, but my heart is aching for the Jewish families who’ve been torn apart by violence on the Sabbath,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez in a statement. “In the United States of America, everyone deserves the right to worship without fear.”
Reports indicate Robert Bowers, 46, surrendered to authorities. Bowers faces 29 charges including 11 counts of using a firearm to commit murder, multiple counts of obstruction of the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death, as well as obstruction of the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
5-Story Project Might Come to Southeast Corner of Hoboken
Another proposed development may take place at 711-715 First Street in Hoboken. Southwest Development II, LLC is behind the proposal of three properties near the Jersey City border: the tracts that make up 711, 713, and 715 1st Street. The plan includes replacing the area with a five-story building; the building would consist of eight residential units and 668 square feet of retail space.
Southwest Development II, LLC seeks variances like coverage and height.
Update: Driver in Hoboken School Car Crash Incident Receives DUI
Last week, Hoboken Girl reported a car crash had taken place at Wallace School on 11th and Willow Streets. We can now confirm the driver of the vehicle — a gray pickup truck that drove right through the fence surrounding the school’s basketball court — was charged with a DUI.
Firefighters had to extricate the unnamed driver, who then received medical treatment from the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. While Police Chief Ken Ferrante maintained no school children were hurt in the crash, two others were treated at the scene.
Senator Cory Booker in Town for Rally on Sunday with Mayor Bhalla
Mayor Bhalla announced earlier this week that Senator Cory Booker will be in town today, Sunday, November 4 for the Get Out and Vote Rally. Booker serves as the Get Out and Vote Rally’s guest speaker. The rally takes place today at 12pm at Sinatra Park. The entry is free and refreshments will be provided. Governor Murphy also was in town last week {Friday} and toured several shops with Mayor Bhalla.
City of Hoboken Releases Update on Odor at 800 Monroe Project
The Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for the ongoing project at 800 Monroe Street has informed the City of Hoboken that remediation activities resumed as of Thursday, November 1. After the city fielded complaints of an odor emanating from the project, a layer of concrete has been added directly over the remediation area at the project. Additional vapor extraction points have been added that will enhance the capture of vapors and return them to the remediation system. And as an additional precaution, a sealing foam was applied to the treatment zone and surrounding area.
The contractor will slowly start ramping up the remediation system temperature on Thursday, November 1. The LSRP will have personnel at the site during the normal workdays Monday through Friday, and personnel will be periodically inspecting during the weekends, continuing to conduct daily perimeter monitoring with as well as continue with site-wide sampling.
Remediation activities should be completed by the end of 2018.
TEDxHobokenWomen Coming to BowTie Cinemas
TEDxHobokenWomen is an organized TED event that strives to encourage women to “show up.” According to the official website, “Women all over the world are no longer accepting the status quo. They’re rising up, breaking out, and pushing boundaries.” TEDxHobokenWomen encourages women to use their talents to drive “real, meaningful change” and “show up” to face challenged head-on.
The event, set to take place at the BowTie Cinemas on December 8th {with an after-party at Madison Bar & Grill}, features powerful people from different parts of the country speaking their truths. Tickets are $75 each and can be grabbed here.
TEDxHobokenWomen will showcase a portion of the livestream from TEDWomen live as well as hosting an all-out, sold-out, interactive experience at a theatre, plus after party, complete with live speakers, artists and activities for participants and attendees to show up and meet new friends.
Hoboken Girl Holiday Market to Take Place December 17th
Our second annual holiday market is happening — and we’re currently looking for the best of the best in local vendors. This year the market will be held at Birch Hoboken on Monday, December 17th from 6-10PM. Click here for more information and to apply as a vendor. $10 tickets to go on sale soon — includes a glass of Chandon and entry!
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