32 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories You Missed This Week – hobokengirl.com
As always, there is plenty of Hoboken + Jersey City news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — Hoboken has been named one of the top places to live in the state, Impact Hoboken to open a workout studio on Willow Avenue, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hoboken Online Film Series Celebrates Women Filmmakers
The Hoboken Historical Museum is hosting a new film series that opens as a free, online streaming festival beginning Friday, March 19, and will continue to the end of the month. The series celebrates the vision and talents of women filmmakers during Women’s History Month. The series includes three separate showcases of short films, including interviews with several filmmakers by Festival Director Jane Steuerwald.
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee Open on Monroe Street
In an Instagram post, Yuki’s Bakery + Cofee announced their opening on Thursday, March 18th. “We have some good stuff fresh out of the oven, so come get ’em as they won’t last long!” The newly opened Israeli bakery and cafe sells babkas, rugelach, challah, burek, and babka roses freshly made. The shop is open daily until 5PM, located at 720 Monroe Street Suite E-101 in Hoboken. Challahs will be available every Thursday and Friday.
Monthly Artisan Market Launches 3/21 Under Viaduct in Hoboken
Local pop-up programming company Main Street Pops is launching a monthly outdoor artisan market under the 14th street viaduct in Hoboken that will highlight local artists and creators. After the success of the annual December holiday gift market, Main Street Pops has decided to kick off a monthly market series on the third Sunday of each month, beginning on Sunday, March 21st. Click here to learn more about Main Street Pops and what to expect at the monthly markets in Hoboken.
Café Lafayette Opening in BeLa Neighborhood of Jersey City
Over the past year, the hidden gem of Bergen-Lafayette has continued to gain popularity as Jersey City’s newest hot spot, with new buildings popping up and new businesses slated to open. One new spot that is creating a lot of buzz is Café Lafayette, located at 74 Maple Street in the retail space in Bela {one of the neighborhood’s newest luxury buildings}. Café Lafayette is expected to open in the coming weeks at the beginning of April. Hoboken Girl chatted with owner Patrick Kang to get a little more information on this new café in Jersey City. Click here for what we know.
NY-Based Cookie Company, Chip City, Opening Storefront in Hoboken
The New York-based cookie company, Chip City, is opening an outpost in the Mile Square on Washington Street. The popular brand has five locations throughout New York, plus its food truck. Although Chip City will soon be launching regional shipping, locals don’t have to hop on the train or order delivery to dig into the gooey cookies because the new storefront is located on first and Washington Street, located at the former Imago Beauty spot at 113 Washington Street. Click here to learn what we know about the opening of Chip City in Hoboken.
$384K Lottery Ticket Sold at Davis Stationery on Washington Street
Davis Stationery on Washington Street sold one lucky customer the winning NJ Lottery ticket worth $384,573 from the Jersey Cash jackpot this week, reported Patch. The store will receive a bonus check of $2,000. The winning numbers were: 02, 14, 21, 25, and 37. The XTRA number was: 02.
North Bergen Woman Arrested for DWI, Vehicle Crash
On Thursday, March 18th Hoboken Police responded to a motor vehicle crash around on Sinatra Drive 1PM. Officers found, “the engine was running and they found an unresponsive female bent over inside the locked vehicle.” The woman, Carla Uquillas from North Bergen, received medical care and regained consciousness. Officer Milne developed probable cause to believe Carla was under the influence and place her under arrest. Carla received three motor vehicle summons for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Unlicensed Driver. She was released to a responsible party.
Little Free Library Coming to Hoboken
Photo credit: Hoboken Free Little Libraries
Little Free Library is launching three library share boxes in Hoboken this month. With approval from the City of Hoboken, the first library will be installed in Church Square Park next week. The two other locations will be at 221 Jackson Street and Columbus Park. The eventual goal is to add more Little Free Libraries over time as the community gets involved. The program operates on a “take a book, share a book” system, offering a freeway for readers in the community to participate in a free book exchange. You can follow their Facebook account for more updates.
Tia Planta Has Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for her New Kiosk in McGinley Square
Shayla Cabrera, the owner of @tiaplanta, is best known for her love of plants and winning personality. On Wednesday, March 17th there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the season opening of her shop kiosk at the corner of Montgomery and Bergen Avenue in McGinley Square. Read more about her plant empire here.
Hoboken High School Debate Program Excels at 2021 Debate Conference
The Hoboken Public Schools would like to congratulate the Hoboken High School Debate Program’s Team for their participation in the Harvard Model Congress Europe Conference this weekend. The HMCE Conference hosts schools from across the globe in one of the world’s premier government simulation competitions. All the participants worked with students from around the world to address global issues, like human trafficking, the opioid epidemic, global wildfire management, and autonomous weapons. For several years, Hoboken HS has competed at the Harvard Model Congress in San Francisco. Two years ago, Hoboken HS HUMC traveled to Madrid, Spain to compete in the HUMC International Competition and was planning to return to Spain but the conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. The conference was held virtually this year due to travel restrictions.
Holocaust Survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan to Speak at Hoboken Schools
The Hoboken Schools Twitter account announced: Author & Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan is set to visit Hoboken Middle School on March 22nd. Her unforgettable memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood. We are honored to welcome Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan.
Armed Standoff at Secaucus Hotel Ends Peacefully
Photo credit: @prasadkrn
On Monday March 15th, an armed standoff at a Secaucus hotel caused a massive law enforcement response, “given that the suspects had a grenade and nine guns at their disposal,” Police Chief Dennis Miller said. “It ended peacefully after the duo surrendered.” The police department received a tip on Sunday that Rahim Harris, a wanted fugitive, was staying at the Extended Stay Hotel, located at 1 Plaza Drive in Secaucus, reported Hudson County View. Outstanding warrants included: Essex County Sheriff’s Office for a weapons offense, Newark Police Department for unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a handgun, as well as aggravated assault for pointing a firearm at another, and a Pennsylvania warrant from the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear.
‘Stop Crying Studios’ Personal Training Opens in Hoboken
International Master Coach Jon P has brought Stop Crying Studios Personal Training to Hoboken at 564 1st Street. Classes feature boxing, kickboxing, personal training, and yoga. Students can attend class in the studio or join via Zoom.
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Sets Up Office in Jersey City
Photo credit: @senatormenendez
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) officially opened his new location in the Harborside area of Jersey City. A Hudson County native, Menendez is moving his office to “America’s Golden Door” after having a space in nearby Essex County. “I’ll miss working in Newark, which I’ve had the privilege of representing for the last three decades,” said Menendez, per Tap Into, “but with my friend, Senator Cory Booker, still having his office there and me moving to Jersey City, we’re going to give more New Jerseyans access to a U.S. Senate office than ever before.”
Hoboken Allocated $27.2 M in Federal Funding
In response to Hoboken’s allocation of $27.2 M, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said, “Help is finally on the way for working families, small businesses, and our City’s recovery efforts as we overcome the devastation of the pandemic. I’m extremely grateful to Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Sires for hearing our continued feedback and insisting on funding for cities like Hoboken. The American Rescue Plan is one of the most consequential bills passed by the federal government of our lifetime, and it will soon make a direct, positive impact for our Mile Square.”
Hoboken Housing Authority to Launch Mass Renovations
Hoboken Housing Authority buildings will see their first major upgrades since they were built in the 1950s as the authority finalizes a deal with an international architecture firm. “Infrastructure like wastewater and boiler systems are failing, and the age of the buildings means they’re due for a significant investment,” Hoboken Housing Authority Director Marc Recko said, per NJ.com. “No current resident will lose housing during the massive undertaking.” According to the HHA website, there are 28 properties at six locations across the city and they plan to renovate every one of them.
Hoboken Advances 14-Story Hotel Proposal from Fields Development
A hospitality project that appeared to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic is very much alive after the city council took a step towards revitalizing several parcels near the Jersey City border. Last February, Jersey Digs exclusively reported on a hotel proposal from Fields Development Group. The company was looking to transform the former headquarters into a lodging facility, but the plan quietly disappeared during the following months. With vaccines rolling out and a post-COVID world approaching, the project has re-emerged and looks to advance further. During their March 3 meeting, Hoboken’s council approved a resolution that designates a subsidiary of Fields Development Group as conditional redeveloper for the site, which spans 25,000 square feet.
Jersey City MVC Agency Closes Due to COVID-19 Outbreak, Total 11 Closed Statewide
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen businesses and community services close left and right, including the Motor Vehicle Commission. Following two days of no positive tests, Jersey City Vehicle Center had to close when an employee tested positive for COVID-19. This makes for the 11th center to close in New Jersey. Once the center has been fully sanitized and contact tracing has been performed, it will reopen on April 1st. The employee who tested positive was last in the agency on Wednesday, MVC officials said.
Hoboken Named Among Top Places to Live in New Jersey
Using metrics ranging from the school district to employment to weather, the website Niche.com, which connects families with places to live and schools, has ranked Hoboken among the top communities to live in New Jersey, per Patch. Hoboken was ranked number 27 among the best communities in the state, just behind Livingston Township and ahead of Edgewater. The website released the 2021 ranking of “Best Places to Live in New Jersey” on Monday. Hoboken got an overall grade of A+ and the feel was described as “dense urban.” In terms of being good for families, Hoboken scored an A.
Jersey City Man Pulls Knife in Hoboken Park in Fight Over Restroom
A 72-year-old Jersey City man allegedly pulled a knife on another man in an argument over the restrooms in Hoboken’s Church Square Park on Tuesday. Just before 2PM on March 16th, Hoboken Police were dispatched to Church Square Park to investigate a report of a male who had threatened another male with a knife. A man from Union City who was with his wife in the park reported to officers that he had stopped using the restroom in the park. As he entered, he noticed James Allen, 72, from Jersey City, inside the restroom. An argument then initiated over the use of the bathroom and escalated quickly — to the point that Allen brandished a knife and threatened to kill the man. Allen’s charges were placed on a warrant and he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Did the Downtown Hoboken Starbucks Close? Here’s the Tea
As much as we support small and shop local, it seems that for many residents, there’s something about a cup of Starbucks from time to time that keeps them as regulars. Some of our readers have been reaching out asking about the downtown Hoboken Starbucks at 51 Newark Street, which has been closed for the last few weeks. They’ve been wondering — is it closed for good? COVID-19 shutdown? Renovations? What’s going on? Well, we did some preliminary digging and found out what’s been going on at the downtown Starbucks location — or the tea{vana}, if you will. Click here.
Hudson County Worker Allegedly Stole Thousands from Welfare Recipients
A Hudson County welfare office worker swindled cash from some of the county’s most vulnerable residents, authorities said Tuesday, per NJ.com. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said that Jersey City resident Herbert Thomas made at least 10 cash withdrawals from Electronic Benefits Transfer {EBT} cards that had been issued to welfare recipients. The prosecutor’s office’s Public Integrity Unit, Special Investigation Unit charged him with seven counts of third-degree and three counts of fourth-degree theft by unlawful taking following an investigation. Thomas, who was arrested Monday, is expected to make his first court appearance on April 6th.
Jersey City Man Sentenced to 177 Months in Prison for Gas Station Robbery
This week, a Jersey City man was sentenced to 177 months in prison for committing an armed robbery at a Pennsylvania gas station almost four years ago, per The United States Department of Justice website. Brandon Garcia of Jersey City was sentenced to time in prison and four years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a Speedway gas station and convenience store in Allentown, PA on March 28th, 2017. During the robbery, the defendant used a long gun to threaten store employees while robbing the store. In pleading guilty to the charges associated with this incident, Garcia also admitted committing two additional, armed robberies in Allentown, PA five days previous.
Hoboken Enters Direct Hire Agreement with Hudson County Building Trades
On March 17th, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced the City’s first-ever direct-hire agreement with the Hudson County Building Trades. For certain public works projects identified by the City, skilled labor from Hudson County Building Trades will supplement the City’s existing workforce, ensuring living-wage jobs and quality construction work within the City of Hoboken. The union will prioritize hiring Hoboken residents as a part of the workforce for construction projects.
The Agnes Now Open, Rent From $1,480 in Jersey City
A new rental building on Jersey City’s West Side has begun leasing, the developers announced this week. The Agnes, which includes 145 units and a number of amenities over five stories at 132 Yale Avenue, includes studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts from $1,480 monthly. Immediate occupancy is available, the developers said. “Jersey City’s West Side is a rejuvenated neighborhood mixing longtime restaurants, bars, and retail with a collection of new and trendy shops, cafes, and more,” Greg Russo, a Fields Grade principal. “The Agnes enters this market with stylish residences and a thoughtful and innovative amenity package that will enhance the resident experience.” Amenities include an outdoor pool, club room, artbook library, and more, and select units include dens and other features. The property also includes street-level retail space, highlighted by a wellness-focused café called the Nell.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund to Help Businesses Stay Open
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is anticipated to open soon through the Small Business Association, reported SAX. This program aims to provide restaurants, breweries, food trucks, and other food and drink vendors with funds to cover their lost revenues without the need to pay them back. For those who were left out of the Paycheck Protection Program, this will have a great impact and allow more businesses to stay open. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
First No Dogs Left Behind Base Opens in Hoboken
The first No Dogs Left Behind base station in the US is now open in Hoboken. Volunteers are needed to help with operations. Available positions include dog walkers, pet sitters, graphic designers, social media marketing, video editors, and photographers. Click here for more information or email volunteer@nodogsleftbehind.com with questions.
Impact Hoboken to Open Studio on Willow Avenue
The space at 603 Willow Avenue, previously occupied by Work It Out, has a new tenant – Impact Hoboken. This group fitness class “for every body” plans to disrupt the fitness game in town, according to its owner, Caroline. Also an instructor, Caroline, started filming workout classes last year and began the Instagram account Impact Hoboken “as an inclusive, body-positive space for any and everyone to learn, grow, and sweat.” Before the pandemic hit, she worked as a Barre and Megformer Pilates instructor in Hell’s Kitchen.
“I have zero motivation when it comes to home workouts, so filming classes for other people was the only way I was going to do them,” she wrote. “I love the community I’ve built, and I believe in my ability to coach and guide you through your phone or computer screen. And most importantly, I believe in shouting the message that strength is sexy. I believe in a balanced life with no restrictions, no clickbait, and no ‘problem’ areas. Love yourself and celebrate your body.” We’ll update with more info as it becomes available, but it looks to be opening in late spring.
Jersey City Gets New Tool in Fight Against Illegal Dumping
In a resolution passed by the city council at the March 10 meeting, the Department of Public Safety, Quality of Life Division will use the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 1 Q-Star Camera and supporting equipment for ten months to help curb illegal dumping in known trouble spots, per Tap Into. The FlashCAM is a portable, solar-charged, motion-activated, proactive crime deterrent system that features high-resolution imaging to capture critical evidence of the activity or help identify suspects. License plates can be identified, even in complete darkness at approximately 250 feet.
Local Officials Considering Survey Options for PSE&G Land in Hoboken
Public officials are continuing to gather opinions from residents on what should become of the former electrical substation at Second and Marshall streets the city it gained from PSE&G, per NJ.com. Rutgers University students analyzed its viability as new housing and retail, a recreational center or a museum and senior center, and gathered with officials and residents on Zoom last week to discuss the future of the property. Survey results showed that a supermarket is the most desired amenity for the 22,000 square foot location, followed by retail and a park or entertainment space.
$739K Contract Approved for Hoboken Police Department Body Cameras
Hoboken council unanimously approves 5-year, $739k contract for police body cameras https://t.co/tDfGhXevjl via @HudsonCoView
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) March 18, 2021
On Thursday, March 18th the Hoboken City Council approved a 5-year contract for $739k to provide body cameras for all on-duty officers. Hoboken police officers will begin wearing body cameras on June 1st of this year. Chief Ferrante of the Hoboken Police said, “I thank the City Council and City Administration for approving this vital expenditure. This gives my staff the ability to move ahead today with the planning needed to have these body-worn cameras on our officers by the June 1st mandatory date.”
Written by: Ainsley Layland
Originally from North Carolina, Ainsley became a proud Hoboken Girl years ago. As a freelance journalist she has written about everything under the sun for the past six years. She works from her home office in uptown Hoboken or sometimes from Choc-o-Pain, because nothing says “freelancer” like working from a café with a fresh croissant nearby. As the mother of one very fast toddler, she has a passion for self-care, parenting hacks, and discovering all the fun things the Mile Square has to offer.