Hoboken and Jersey City, we hope you’ve been staying warm during these frigid, frigid temps. If it gets any colder, we’re going to seriously start campaigning for another day in between Saturday and Sunday just so that we can warm up before the weekday starts all over again. Anyway, the cold weather didn’t halt any of the many goings-on in our two cities this past week. In fact, a lot was happening. The PATH station debuted wait time signs for commuters, Mint Market in Jersey City reopened, and Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla issued the first State of the City address. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what went on this week.
PATH Station Introduces Wait Time Signs
{Photo credit: Reader Monica Elfman}
Hallelujah! The PATH Station in Hoboken now has signs for how long you have to wait. While the New York City Subways have had similar signage underground for years, this is a new development for us Jersey PATH commuters. Thanks to reader Monica Elfman for snapping a pic!
New French Concept Privé Moving into Vacant 800 Jackson Street {Taphaus} Location
Formerly Taphaus and née Tilted Kilt {#RIP}, the vacant restaurant/bar spot at 800 Jackson Street {known as MetroStop} is soon-to-be filled with a tenant once again. Much movement has been spotted daily inside the space, and one of the owners shared with HobokenGirl.com and some Jackson Street neighbors that they aim to open in March of 2019. The owners casually mentioned that the restaurant will be called Privé, and described it as “French-inspired farm-to-table,” a new concept in the Mile Square restaurant scene. More info as it becomes available.
Ferry Service Returning to Newport Again This Summer
New York Waterways and Newport Associates announced earlier this week that ferry service between Newport, Jersey City and Manhattan will reopen again this summer. The same ferry service ran years ago but came to an end in 2013 due to lack of ridership. Now that service is back thanks to increased demand because of major growth in Newport in the last few years. The ferry will run from the terminal at 30 River Court and drop off at West 39th Street Ferry Terminal in Midtown. Newport is also offering residents reduced one-way fare.
“The new ferry landing and expanded service routes will make commutes even easier and will help additional visitors experience all that Newport has to offer,” said NY Waterway President + Founder Arthur E. Imperatore.
Mayor Bhalla Delivers State of the City Address
In his first State of the City address as mayor, Mayor Ravi Bhalla previewed the city’s three main priorities within the upcoming year: a Vision Zero pedestrian safety campaign, a contract with SUEZ that includes $33 million for water main upgrades, and Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“I’m biased, but Hoboken is the best place in America to call home, and I’m inspired by the generosity and can-do spirit of our residents,” Bhalla started the speech.
Vision Zero seeks to eliminate “all traffic-related deaths and injuries by the year 2030.”
“It is my goal to make our Mile Square one of the safest and most pedestrian-friendly cities in the entire country,” Bhalla said. “This major goal is not something we can accomplish alone; it will require a collaborative approach that includes the input of residents and other key stakeholders. We must enact bold, safe streets policies so no one has to endure the experience of being put in harm’s way while crossing a street.”
A new contract with SUEZ that includes $33 million for water main upgrades is also a priority.
“Perhaps the most critical infrastructure upgrades we have planned are with our water mains,” Bhalla said. “Unfortunately, the large increase in water main breaks in recent years have been due to the current water contract that has tied Hoboken’s hands for years, that provides zero proactive investments in new water mains.”
The State of the City also addressed climate change, as Bhalla announced the framework of Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan, a green initiative intended to combat climate change.
“The action plan includes purchasing renewable energy for municipal facilities, energy efficiency upgrades in buildings across Hoboken, the implementation of electric charging stations in City garages, phasing in hybrid-electric vehicles in our City’s municipal fleet, and more,” Bhalla added.
You can watch a video of the full address on Facebook here.
Hoboken Shelter Stays Open All-Night During Polar Vortex
The Hoboken Homeless Shelter will be staying open throughout the night as a response to the current freezing temperatures. City officials announced the decision Wednesday, citing that all are welcome to seek shelter during the record-breaking temps.
“Due to frigid temperatures tonight, the Hoboken Homeless Shelter will remain open throughout the evening and through the overnight to accommodate anyone in need of shelter. Thank you to the @hobokenshelter for always serving our community’s needs,” the statement read.
The shelter provides overnight shelter for up to 50 men and women per night. It serves up to 530 meals a day, including a hot dinner at 7:15PM. Other accommodations include access to clean clothes, daily showers, and case management services that include Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Budget Management, Medication Education, Vocational Support, and Housing Assistance.
Jersey Social Bringing Michelin Star and Renowned Mixologist to Jersey Avenue
{Photo courtesy of @jerseysocialnj}
New York-based RB Hospitality has opened an elevated cocktail bar, Jersey Social, at 837 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City {below the Cast Iron Lofts}. And they’re bringing their Michelin Star credit and a renowned mixologist with them.
RB is known for its string of successful restaurants, including Junoon, which is the only Indian restaurant in NYC to be designated with a Michelin star. Jersey Social will have a bar area, seating tables, and a couch area featuring smaller tables. Much of the design is minimalistic and owners report wanting patrons to have an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience.
“There’s nothing like this in the immediate area,” RB Hospitality owner Rajesh Bhardwaj said. “Both Newport and Southwest Hoboken lack a higher-end type of bar experience, so we’re looking to serve Manhattan-level quality cocktails with more reasonable prices.”
And about that renowned mixologist: Hemant Pathak from Junoon will be making the switch to cocktail-crafting at Jersey Social. But Hemant isn’t the only famed member on staff. Chef Adin Langille is also coming to JS, the former Executive Chef at fabrick by David Burke.
The cocktail menu is expected to be a fusion of drinks featuring Indian and Asian spices: a mule with fig-infused vodka and honey-ginger syrup, and whiskey, Laird Applejack, pomegranate syrup, lemon, and absinthe concoctions. Every bartender at JS will be a professional mixologist.
FINITE: A Night of Art and Music for All
A night of music and art is coming to Hoboken. Finite: The Expressive Collection will take place on March 2nd at Paul Vincent Studios in Hoboken. The art show will feature some live acoustic performances from local musicians, as well as a DJ playing throughout the night.
Hoboken Animal Clinic Debuts Signage
{Photo credit: Rose Napoli}
New signage is currently in the works at 1125 Maxwell Avenue in Hoboken. Formerly Toni & Guy Hair Salon, the uptown location is being transformed into a veterinary clinic, which Hoboken Girl first reported back in November. HG reader Rose Napoli caught the signs being put up earlier this week, so thanks for the intel! The official Hoboken Vets website says the business is expecting to open in early 2019. For more info, you can email info@hobokenvets.com.
Mint Market in Jersey City Reopens
Mint Market in Jersey City is officially back in action as of February 2nd. The shop hosted a soft opening earlier this week after a hiatus that left shoppers wanting more. Located at 339 Grove Street in JC, Mint Market features designer vintage, dresses, rompers, sets, outwear, accessories, and more.
Friendly Reminder: It’s Hudson Restaurant Week!
From now until February 8th, it’s Hudson Restaurant Week 2019 and there are deals, deals, deals, everywhere. In its 15th year, more than 50 restaurants are participating in the week that’s every foodie’s dream. Check out the full list of participating spots here and don’t forget to look at Hoboken Girl’s ultimate guide to Restaurant Week here.
B.GOOD Pushes Opening Day to Valentine’s Day
{Photo credit: Instagram}
Last week, Hoboken Girl announced that B.Good was opening its second Jersey City location on Montgomery Street in early February. We’ve just heard this week from reps at the restaurant that opening day has pushed back a week — to Valentine’s Day no less. The location, which will be inside Exchange Place District in JC, will feature its signature burger and fries, spaghetti with meatballs, and other green bowls and smoothies as of February 14th.
Bwé Kafé Opening Another Hoboken Coffee Shop Uptown
A permanent second {well, 3rd if you count Newport in JC} bwé kafé location is coming to uptown Hoboken. It’s currently under construction, being built by Bozzuto — date of opening TBD. The newest location will be housed right across next to the current location of Two01 Salon {right near the movie theater and Carpe Diem uptown}. More info as it comes available.
Hoboken Library Releases Its Black History Month Events
The Hoboken Library has released its programming for Black History Month. On February 19th at 6:00PM, the library will host Black Comedy, an examination of the significance of the intersection between civil rights activism and comedy. Grant Cooper will open the program with an original set of politically-charged stand-up and then will join Dr. Lindsey Swindall for a discussion about comedy as a space for political dialogue.
You can access the full month’s list of programming here.
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