We’ve got the latest update on Battello’s closing {and their brides — can you imagine being in their shoes?}, plus a bunch of other local news and happenings to keep you in the loop. Here are your top Hoboken and Jersey City stories of the week.
Battello Closed Earlier Than Expected
You may have heard that Battello was ordered to close due to the fact that the pier on which they’re built is sinking. While they originally thought they had until September 15th to shut down, they were notified by their landlord this past Thursday that all access to the pier must be restricted immediately, meaning 5:00 PM that day. The closing was upsetting news for all of Battello’s devoted customers, but particularly devastating for those who had weddings scheduled at the venue. In fact, two weddings were planned for this weekend. Fortunately, Battello’s wedding planners were able to help the brides find new venues in a pinch. One is now getting married at the Hyatt, and the other on a Hudson River Boat Cruise. Best wishes to them both on their big days!
Bucket & Bay Opens Second Location in Hoboken
As of this past Saturday, Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co. is now open in Jersey City and Hoboken. In place of the old Bagel Smashery, Bucket & Bay opened with buy-one-get-one free gelato and sorbets and fresh handmade gluten free cones. Serving up 12 unique flavors, including dairy-free and vegan sorbet options, Bucket & Bay is also bring its Amish dairy selection, fresh pasture raised eggs, and 100% grass-fed, organic milk. Read more about the opening here.
Employee Stabbed at Liberty House
Two longtime employees at Liberty House got into an ugly dispute last week that ended in one stabbing the other. Fortunately, the victim, a pastry chef, did not sustain any life threatening injuries but went to the hospital for a wound on his arm. What was the fight over? The placement of a box in the kitchen. “Over a cardboard box,” Frank Cretella, owner of the restaurant said. “Stupid, stupid, stuff.”
Restaurant for Sale on Jersey City’s Grove Street
We’re not sure which, as they’re asking for a signed confidentiality statement before revealing any information, but we do know that one of Grove Street’s restaurants is up for sale. The listing is being managed by Grid Real Estate, and all they’re saying is that the restaurant is steps from the Grove Street Path. Fingers crossed it’s not one of our favs, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted once we know more.
New Condos Coming to Jefferson Street
Half a block of underutilized structures at 722 Jefferson Street is being converted into a 5-story condominium. It will be a 15-unit building with two- and three-bedroom homes, each with a deeded parking space, 2,000 square feet of courtyard space, two private rear yards and three, private, 930-square-foot roof decks. Construction, which is being completed by Fields Construction, is expected to be finished in spring 2018.
Hudson Cakery to be Featured on the Cooking Channel’s Cake Hunters
The team at Hudson Cakery announced earlier this week some very exciting news for their team. Their Facebook account read, “You GUYS! Big news! We will be featured in an upcoming August episode of Cake Hunters on the Cooking Channel! Watch Jennifer + our team create a special cake to try and win our clients over {you’ll see what we mean!}. Keep checking our feed for more details – can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to!” They’re right, we can’t! And we’ll keep our readers posted with when/where to tune in.
Surf Taco Comes to Hoboken
Though they’ve teased us before with a nasty April Fool’s joke, the esteemed Jersey Shore taco joint Surf Taco is officially coming to the Mile Square at 62 Newark Street in September 2017. A stop at Surf Taco when traveling DTS is as mandatory as getting In-N-Out when you go to the west coast, so we know we speak for the entire community when we express our excitement. But if you haven’t tried their tacos yet and don’t want to wait until fall, Surf Taco currently has Belmar, Jackson, Lacey, Long Branch, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Seaside Park, and Silverton locations to get you acquainted.
New Commuter Tunnel Discussed at Public Hearings
Public hearings have taken place to discuss plans for a new passenger rail tunnel under the Palisades and the Hudson River. This idea came up in the past, with a similar project being cancelled seven years ago. However, the two tubes that currently carry NJ Transit and Amtrak trains date back nearly 110 years and underwent extensive damage during Superstorm Sandy five years ago. This project is being referred to as the Hudson Tunnel Project, and includes repairs to the old tunnels as well as the construction of two new tubes and tracks. Public hearings have already taken place in Midtown Manhattan, Secaucus, and Union City, where input from the public was welcomed.
Hudson County Has 3rd Highest Number of Criminal Offenses in NJ
Of New Jersey’s 21 counties, Hudson County had the third most critical offenses. At the top of the list were Essex and Camden counties. During the first six months of 2017, 2,296 people arrested and charged in HC. Of those, only 9.4% were detained while awaiting trial, compared to the state average of 14%. Why is this significant? Jail population has dropped due New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform and Speedy Trial Act that took effect on Jan. 1. Under it, a defendant’s ability to pay a bail no longer determines whether he or she will be held in jail while their case goes through the legal system. Instead, a defendant only held throughout their prosecution if they are deemed a risk to the community, or a risk of not appearing for court hearings.
The Raven Gallery and Boutique Closing
After three years, Jersey City’s Raven Gallery and Boutique is closing for good on September 30th. A final art show will take place on Saturday, September 23rd, and they’re accepting as much art as they can fit in their space. If you’re interested in purchasing some art, find them at 304 Newark Ave before they shut their doors for the last time. Interested in showing your own work? The submission deadline is Monday, August 21st.
The Factory Restaurant and Lounge is Officially Open
The Factory Restaurant and Lounge is now officially open at 451 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Lifelong JC resident Robert Paulino opened it with the intent of it being a family restaurant by day, and lounge by night. He named it based on the fact that it was once an actual factory, and so designed it with an industrial feel. The menu features a variety of international cuisines with a stronger focus on Latin American flavors.
Bolivian Parade Sweeps Through Jersey City
If you were passing through Jersey City last Saturday, you may have heard the spirited music coming from downtown JC. The sights and sounds of Bolivia were on full display during the Bolivian Parade and Festival, which started at noon and ended up at City Hall on Grove street. The day was filled with plenty of fun, food, music, and colorful, eye-popping costumes.
. . . . . . .
And that’s the latest Word on Wash! Have any news tips? Email hello@hobokengirl.com to let us know — we appreciate it!
