updates

The spring holidays are rolling along, inching us closer and closer to summer. Happy Mother’s Day to all Hudson County mothers and mother figures. It has been another eventful week in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the local news: a Jersey City teacher is awarded Teacher of the Year for a second time; Cafe Tati is now open in Hoboken; and regional art fair 14C launches an artist residency program. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on May 12th, 2024.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to hello@hobokengirl.com.

Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):

• Silent Disco Party Under Electric Dandelions in Hoboken on May 15th
• Board Game Shop to Open in Jersey City on May 18th
• Hoboken McDonald’s Reopens After Renovation
• Jersey City’s Arts Festival ACCESS JC Fridays Returns on June 7th
• 2nd Street USA Opening This Month in Hoboken
• Jersey City Council Approves Historic Downtown SID Expansion
• Modcup Coffee Opening Hoboken Location This Week
• Pilsener Haus + Biergarten has Rebranded to The Hoboken Biergarten
• City of Hoboken Approves Plans for Brewery Uptown
• Free Summer Sports Camps For Hudson County Kids

Services Held For Late Hoboken Scholar Athlete Damon Murray

The homegoing service for the late Damon Murray was held on May 10th from 4PM-6PM at Mount Olive Baptist Church, located at 721 Washington Street in Hoboken. The repast took place at the Elks Club located at 1005 Washington Street later that evening. The family requested that attendees wear red or white as a tribute to the Hoboken Red Wings.

Silent Disco Party Under Electric Dandelions in Hoboken on May 15th

Photo Credit: Lauren Anzevino

Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) is partnering with QuietEvents to host its first-ever Silent Disco under the Electric Dandelions art installation at 770 Jackson Street. This free event runs from 6PM–9PM. RSVP is encouraged. Click here to learn more.

NJ FAST Fintech Accelerator Program Launched at Stevens Institute of Technology

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced on May 7th that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Plug and Play have launched the New Jersey Fintech Accelerator (NJ FAST) at Stevens Institute of Technology. Per NJ.com, this program will serve as a hub for financial technology and insurance technology startups. NJ FAST will be the state’s fourth Strategic Innovation Center.

Board Game Shop to Open in Jersey City on May 18th

Victory Point, a new board game shop, is set to open soon in Jersey City at 112 Brunswick Street. Per its Instagram page, the shop will open on May 18th at 10AM. Customers can expect an expansive board game library and a collection of trading card games.

Hoboken McDonald’s Reopens After Renovation

The McDonald’s at 234 Washington Street in Hoboken reopened on May 3rd after undergoing a major renovation. The renovated restaurant features a new layout, new kitchen equipment, updated technology, and a modern dining room.

Jersey City’s Arts Festival ACCESS JC Fridays Returns on June 7th

ACCESS JC Fridays, Jersey City’s quarterly arts festival is back on Friday, June 7th. Art House Productions announced the event is free and open to the public, and there will be visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, and more hosted at local businesses, galleries, studios, and arts organizations. The complete listings and the events map are available on the JC Fridays website.

Jersey City to Seize 50 Journal Square, Legal Action Filed

Jersey City plans to build a new park in place of the vacant building at 50 Journal Square. According to Jersey Digs, a lawsuit was filed on May 2nd in the Hudson County Superior Court seeking to acquire the property via eminent domain. The vacant space was previously known as JSQ Lounge, a business that officially closed for good in 2022. Jersey City’s Council approved an ordinance last year authorizing the acquisition of 50 Journal Square by purchase or condemnation in order to build a public park.

2nd Street USA Opening This Month in Hoboken

2nd Street USA, a popular American/Japanese second-hand clothing and lifestyle brand, is preparing to open its doors in the Mile Square City. With an opening date of May 25th per the website, the brand is setting up shop at 200 Washington Street. Click here to learn more.

Survivor Martin Bloch Speaks at Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Service

Holocaust survivor Martin Bloch, 89, was the guest speaker at Bayonne’s annual Holocaust Remembrance Service on May 6th in the Dorothy Harrington City Council Chambers (630 Avenue C). According to NJ.com, the event was hosted by the city of Bayonne and sponsored by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Bayonne and the Bayonne Interfaith Clergy.

Cafe Tati, a French-Inspired Cafe by Barbès Team, Open in Hoboken

Cafe Tati, a French-inspired cafe, is now open in Hoboken at 401 Bloomfield Street. It is owned by the team behind local favorites Barbès and La Boheme. Owners Lisa and Omar Balouma told HG that Cafe Tati is an express version of Barbès. Click here to learn more.

Hoboken Police + SWAT Team Arrest Man for Alleged Road Rage Incident

Cory Paul Reube, 36, of Hoboken allegedly pointed a BB gun at another driver on April 12th. Per Patch Hoboken, an investigation determined that after being cut off by another driver, Cory allegedly, aggressively tailed the vehicle before pulling up next to it, rolling down his window, and pointing what appeared to be a black handgun at the other car. On April 25th, police and a SWAT Team arrested him on aggravated assault and weapons charges in connection to the road rage incident.

Jersey City Council Approves Historic Downtown SID Expansion

The Jersey City Municipal Council adopted an ordinance at its meeting on May 8th to expand the boundaries of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (SID). Per TapInto Jersey City, the Executive Director of the Historic Downtown SID Rachel Sieg said businesses that are part of the SID reap the benefits of the district, like cleaning outside of their storefronts, landscaping, Christmas decor, support of the SID through social media and marketing campaigns, as well as discounts on events in the district. New businesses joining the organization include White Eagle Hall and the Barge Inn.

NJCU Announces Plans to Address Infrastructure Repairs, Costs Expected to Top $50 Million

New Jersey City University (NJCU) is already in a complicated financial situation and has now announced plans to deal with a $51 million infrastructure problem. Per NJ.com, the plan to address the need for repairs includes grants from the state and energy companies, but NJCU’s chief financial officers say the school “has to contribute some money.”

Modcup Coffee Opening Hoboken Location This Week

Photo Credit: Modcup

Modcup Coffee Company is setting up shop at 211 4th Street in Hoboken, with plans to open on May 16th. Modcup is known for crafting the finest coffee, with no milk, sugar, or any pumps of added flavor necessary. In just ten years, it went from a hotdog cart selling curbside coffee to having its own roastery, three cafes, a coffee truck, and an online business. Click here to learn more.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Introduces 2024-2025 Budget

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop introduced the 2024-2025 budget which reflects a 2% increase. Per a City of Jersey City press release, key aspects in the 2024-2025 budget proposal include increased 911 dispatch operations, enhanced public safety and police/community relations, city-run animal care and control services, and continuous funds raised by the Open Space and Arts + Culture Trust Funds.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop in Hoboken Has Officially Closed

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop located at 514 Washington Street in Hoboken has officially closed. The Hoboken Girl team connected with the owners on May 7th, who shared the official update and confirmed the closure, despite rumors swirling for weeks. The shop opened in February of 2023. This outpost was owned + operated by Jersey City native Charles Tum-Baah. Click here to learn more.

Free Summer Sports Camps For Hudson County Kids

Hudson County has announced its summer programming for children aged 6-15. It runs a soccer program in Jersey City every summer and a six-week tennis program in Hoboken at Columbus Park from July 1st-August 16th, Monday-Friday, 9AM-12PM and 12PM-3PM. The program is free for all Hudson County kids ages 6-15. Sign-ups are open now.

Jersey City 2024 Teacher of the Year Awarded to Ferris High School Teacher

Ferris High School world language teacher Susana Teira-Vizcaya was awarded Jersey City school district 2024 Teacher of the Year. Per NJ.com, the ceremony was held in the Duncan Family Sky Room at Saint Peter’s University on May 3rd. She was also named teacher of the year in Ferris High School in 2020, and now is recognized again in 2024.

New Wellness Clinic, Optimize Chiropractic, Opens in Hoboken

There’s a new chiropractic office in Hoboken called Optimize Chiropractic at 325 Washington Street. This wellness clinic provides personalized chiropractic care, sports orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, fitness and injury recovery, and active release techniques. With Optimize Chiropractic, Clinic Owners + Lead Chiropractors Dr. David Saberito D.C., and Dr. Cassandra Girvalo D.C. have brought to life their vision of a one-stop wellness clinic focused on optimizing human potential.

Pilsener Haus + Biergarten has Rebranded to The Hoboken Biergarten

Pilsener Haus and Biergarten recently announced on its website that it has rebranded and is now The Hoboken Biergarten. The spot located at 1422 Grand Street still has the best parts of the Pilsener Haus but is elevated to a whole new level. The team is planning to serve breakfast and lunch five days a week, and brunch on the weekends. There will be events for families, and yappy hours for pups.

Man Charged for Disorderly Conduct At Hoboken Steakhouse Dino + Harry’s

A Jersey City man allegedly threatened to fight staff at Hoboken steakhouse Dino + Harry’s, ate off people’s plates, and spat blood at police. According to Patch Hoboken, James Foley, 39, was charged on April 20th with aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, the Hoboken police said. James was taken to police headquarters where he refused to be fingerprinted. After he was charged, he was given a copy of his summons and released.

Art Fair 14C Launches Jersey City Residency Program in Powerhouse Arts District

The team behind regional art fair 14C has launched Project 14C, a residency program that aims to fill three floors of the former warehouse at 150 Bay Street with at least 150 artists. Per the Jersey City Times, high rents in the District have made it difficult for local artists to reside in the neighborhood. Through Project 14C the cost of the residency will be different for each artist based on the amount of space required by their practice as well as their financial need. Residencies will last for a year or two. Then, 14C will turn the room over to another applicant.

HCCC + Saint Peter’s Sign Agreement to Simplify Educational Credit Transfer Process

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and Saint Peter’s University have signed an agreement to simplify the transfer process for students upon graduation. Per NJ.com, the agreement ensures a seamless transfer of credits from HCCC to St. Peter’s, so that students do not accumulate unnecessary excess credits at either institution. HCCC is also setting up transfer agreements with other four-year New Jersey universities to simplify transfers for all students.

Proposed Hoboken Food Hall Voted Down by Zoning Board

Photo Credit: MVMK Architecture + Design

Plans of turning 710 Clinton Street into a modern, airy food hall were rejected at a Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Tuesday, April 30th. The complete project would add 11 residences in addition to the first-floor food hall. The proposal for the food hall in Hoboken was voted down, with a vote of 4 to 3, with one abstention. Click here to learn more.

Fire Reported at Unoccupied Downtown Jersey City Restaurant

Jersey City firefighters responded to a fire on May 6th at Honshu, a Japanese restaurant on the first floor of 95 Greene Street, a high-rise building in Downtown. Per NJ.com, the restaurant and not occupied at the time of the fire. Firefighters kept the fire from extending to other units inside the commercial building. No injuries were reported.

Body Fit Training Soft Opening at 7 Seventy House in Hoboken Mid-May

Fitness chain Body Fit Training (BFT) is opening in Hoboken on May 16th. BFT is an instructor-led, small-group training studio located at 770 Jackson Street, on the first floor of 7 Seventy House. The workout spot is soft opening from May 16th to May 19th, with four days of free classes for customers. Click here for more.

15-Year-Old Girl Faces Charges for False Public Alarm Incident at Bayonne School

A 15-year-old girl allegedly caused false public alarm in a “swatting” prank at William Shemin Midtown Community School on April 29th and now faces a fourth-degree felony charge. “Swatting” refers to a dangerous prank in which someone anonymously calls the police with a fictitious threat or emergency situation. Per NJ.com, the girl was arrested just hours after students and staff at the school were ordered to shelter in place and roadways around the school were closed for approximately one hour as a precaution. Authorities did not say if the girl was a student at the school.

Jersey City Commits to Repair Pershing Rink by Fall 2024

Jersey City’s Pershing Ice Rink has been the go-to spot for skaters and recreational hockey leagues of all levels for years, until malfunctioning equipment caused the rink to be closed. While advocates and neighbors lobbied for the City to take action and repair the facility, no movement was taken until a Jersey City council meeting on May 8th. The City has agreed to fund the repairs and get the rink back up and running in time for the 2024-2025 ice hockey season. Click here for more.

Woman Tries to Cash Forged HCCC Student Refund Checks

A 24-year-old woman recently tried to deposit forged Hudson County Community College (HCCC) student refund checks through a banking app. Per NJ.com, Jersey City police are investigating multiple instances of fraud after a woman attempted to deposit at least three forged HCCC student refund checks. Hudson County Community College “is aware of the issue and reported the incidents to the Jersey City Police Department,” the college said in a statement, “HCCC is cooperating with the JCPD investigation.”

This Jersey City Business Has Monthly Sandwich Pop-Ups

Photo Credit: Chris Gennone

Jersey City resident Chris Gennone is taking the art of sandwich-making to a new level with his monthly pop-up sales. The Between Two Slices Sandwich Pop-Up is hosted on the last Saturday of each month, with that month’s menu posted on Instagram the Monday prior. The sandwiches are prepared in a commercial kitchen with pop-up locations for distribution throughout New Jersey. The pick-up is located in Jersey City Heights, with the specific address released to customers upon placing an order. Between Two Slices currently operates on a pre-order and donation model but has plans to grow soon. Click here for more.

Jersey City Launches Support Services for Veterans Including Pets for Vets

Pets for Vets and Veterans in Total Active Lifestyle (VITAL) are two new programs to support and honor veterans launched by Mayor Steven M. Fulop along with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Veterans Affairs, and Jersey City veterans. Per a City of Jersey City press release, Pets for Vets is a new program in which veterans and their newly adopted pets undergo six weeks of training to best fit the veterans’ needs. Jersey City encourages veterans and their families to learn more about all the available programs and opportunities by visiting the city’s Veterans Affairs website or contacting 201-547-4919.

City of Hoboken Approves Plans for Brewery Uptown

Photo Credit: MVMK

Plans for a brewery in uptown Hoboken were given the green light by the City’s zoning board at a hearing on May 7th. The plans will see a vacant lot turned into a three-story brewery and office space. Click here for more.

200-Unit Tower on Newkirk Street Approved by Jersey City

Jersey City’s Planning Board approved a modified application for a vacant parking lot located at 44-46 Newkirk Street on April 16th. Per Jersey Digs, The new project is set to feature 12 stories and 3,293 square feet of retail on the ground floor split between three storefronts. A date has not been announced yet for work to begin on the project.

New Coffee Shop, Cafe Cartel, Inches Towards Opening in Hoboken

With an originally anticipated opening date of November 2023, Cafe Cartel recently put signage up and is hoping to be a “local caffeine dealer” for Hoboken residents. Click here for more about the incoming coffee shop.

Hoboken Man Who Went Into Hudson River To Rescue His Dog is Saved by Police

On April 28th, a dog chased a group of geese into the Hudson River at Maxwell Park in Hoboken. Per Patch Hoboken, the owner followed into the river to rescue his dog. Although he was able to save his dog, he got stuck and clung to a wooden pillar at an abandoned pier. A witness called 911 and Hoboken Police, Fire, and EMS arrived at the scene shortly after to assist in the rescue.

Montclair Restaurant, Efi’s Gyro, Opening Second Location in Jersey City

Efi’s Gyro, a casual and beloved Greek spot on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, is opening its second location at 171 River Drive in Jersey City and is slated to open this summer. Gyros, platters, bowls, meze, and more are available at the Athenian-inspired spot. Click here for more.

Giving Birth Was a Warm-Up For This Local Mom’s Dissertation Defense

Photo Credit: Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University

Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez delivered her son, Enzo, in a car just hours before defending her dissertation at the Rutgers-New Brunswick Graduate School of Education. Per NJ.com, on the morning of March 25th, her water broke, and while on the way to Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, baby Enzo arrived in the car, right in the front seat. Tamiah, who grew up in Hoboken, felt well enough to proceed with the dissertation so she gave her defense with a Rutgers background screen. When she learned she had passed, she dropped the fake background, so that everyone could see her in a maternity bed, and Enzo in her wife’s arms.

Hoboken Police Arrest Jersey City Man on Multiple Weapons Possession Charges

The Hoboken Police Department announced the arrest of 19-year-old Jamal Pittman of Jersey City on multiple charges including weapons possession and resisting arrest. According to a press release from HPD, on May 4th, 2024, at approximately 5:30PM, Sergeant Adam Colon and Police Officers Josh Campoverde, Frank Losurdo, Christopher Barral, Ramon Estrella, and Enrico Gnassi responded to the 500 block of Marshall Drive on reports that a group of individuals, believed to be in possession of a firearm, were trespassing in a stairwell of a Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) building. Sergeant Colon recognized Pittman on a fourth-floor stairwell landing and knew he was not an HHA resident. When Pittman saw law enforcement officers, he ran off and ignored calls to stop. Sgt. Colon chased Pittman to the roof, where he observed Pittman descending from the landing. Pittman was detained and placed in handcuffs. Officers found a handgun and ammunition on a part of the roof easily accessible from the landing. It was later learned the handgun was reported missing out of Georgia. Pittman was transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters where he was charged with multiple violations, and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

Meet Hoboken’s Newest Coffee Cart: Caf Me If You Can

Caf Me If You Can is the latest caffeine cart to arrive on the Hoboken waterfront, which officially parked on Sinatra Drive earlier this week. The Hoboken Girl stopped by for a little mid-morning pick-me-up and chatted with the Jersey City resident behind the operation, Jimmy Zuniga, to get all the details. Click here for more.