Happy New Year, Hoboken!! Can you believe it’s 2017?! We’ve got the perfect way to round out the end of the holiday season with a look back on the top news stories from the Mile Square for this past year in the latest edition of Word on the {Washington} Street—your one-stop-shop for everything news in Hoboken. Read these, and then go grab some brunch at one of these open spots.
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Hoboken Train Crash
Photo credit: Corey Futterman
Tragedy hit Hoboken on September 29th when a NJ Transit train crashed into Hoboken Terminal killing one bystander and injuring over 100 other passengers and bystanders. The PATH train was closed for repairs following the event, and new rules were put in place for trains entering the station in effort to increase safety. The investigation is still ongoing. While this tragedy left us with heavy hearts for the family of Fabiola Bittar De Kroon, the 34-year-old Hoboken resident killed in the crash, watching residents and local business ban together to help each other also reminded us why we’re so grateful and proud to be part of this community.
Trader Joe’s Officially Coming to Hoboken
Hobokenites jumped for joy this past year when the long-circulating rumors were confirmed. Construction has officially started on the Hoboken Trader Joe’s, which is slated to open during the first half of 2017. The 11,700 square foot store will be located at 1350 Willow Avenue on the ground floor of The Harlow, Hoboken’s newest commercial & residential building. We can’t wait for the day we can grab some TJ favorites.
Whole Foods to Open in Jersey City
In an {almost} equally exciting announcement to Trader Joe’s, 2016 also brought the good news that Jersey City will be home to a Whole Foods. Known as “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store,” the new spot will be located near Grove Street at the site of the Metropolis Towers. Unfortunately, we’re going to be waiting a while to pick up our favorite 365-brand items here. The store is not scheduled to open until 2020.
Washington Street Fire
^Image via
In one of the more tragic stories of the year, back in February a major fire struck 507 Washington Street and forced the temporary closure of multiple businesses, including Karma Kafe which reopened at the end of November. That weekend temperatures hit below 0 degrees, making it difficult to combat the fire without water freezing. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Hoboken Resident Wins Olympic Medal
The Rio Olympics were a hot topic this summer for many reasons but around town we were even more excited to celebrate the bronze medal win of resident Dagmara Wozniak. Wozniak represented team USA in women’s saber fencing team in her third Olympic games. So much fun to see a Hoboken girl representing our country on the biggest stage there is — {might we mention with #killer purple hair that she gets done in Hoboken!}
Festivals & Markets Galore
One thing Hoboken does right is festivals, and 2016 was no exception. From old favorites like the Arts & Music festivals to new additions like Propeller, Hoboken was home to over 10 different festival celebrations this year. One of the things we love most about Hoboken is how the City embraces the celebration of so many different things- food, culture, music, innovation- all of which were represented in one or more festivals throughout the year. 2016 saw Hoboken continue to build on the amount and the size of farmers markets, bringing local produce and goods for purchase in the Mile Square.
Hoboken Gets a Skating Rink
Luckily we can enjoy this news story into 2017. Hoboken’s first skating officially opened on Thursday, December 22, 2016 under the viaduct. The pop-up rink will be open through the end of February. Admission is free and skate rentals are available for $10. We’re so glad to have a fun, outdoor winter activity to enjoy!
Restaurant Hellos and Goodbyes
This year left us bidding heartfelt goodbyes to some of our favorite local businesses while also happily greeting new additions. This year we welcomed some favorite new restaurants & food spots including Grand Vin, Sorellina, Halifax, Tutta Pesca, Baking Mama, Insomnia Cookies, Shaka Bowl, Urban Coalhouse, Jack & Co, The Shepherd and the Knucklehead, and Total Nutrition Kitchen, among others. Sadly, we said goodbye to Caffé Bene, Grimaldi’s on 2nd, Smokin’ Barrel, Clinton Social, Crumbs, Biggie’s on Madison, Nancy’s Sweet Shoppe, and Sabores. We also saw the closure and reopening of Northern Soul and the closure of Teak which is reportedly only for renovations. 2016 also brought announcements for new restaurants coming the year, including Chef Anthony Pino’s much anticipated Porter Collins restaurant uptown {can’t waiiit!}.
Mile Square Theatre Gets New Home
The Mile Square Theatre opened its new space in June of 2016, making it possible to bring more live entertainment to the Hoboken Community. Since it’s opening, MST has already produced six different plays and hosted a variety of other plays and events as well. The new location has also opened up more possibilities for education including acting and dance classes for both children and adults.
The 2016 Election
It wouldn’t be a 2016 recap if we didn’t mention what dominated Facebook feeds and news reports this past year: the Presidential election. Regardless of whether you’re thrilled or devastated by the outcome, we can all agree that the 2016 election was undoubtedly one of the most bizarre in US history. From Twitter posts to email scandals to SNL, we are definitely ready to leave this election year behind.
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And that’s the latest Word on Wash! Have any news tips for 2017? Email kate@hobokengirl.com to let us know.
Happy New Year!
