Hurricane season is upon us and has brought dangerously hot and humid conditions across New Jersey. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Uncle Milton’s is closing its Hoboken storefront; the Common Tern becomes Hoboken’s honorary bird; and Jersey City leaders continue to push back on the NJ Turnpike expansion project. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on July 14th, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- The Common Tern is Officially Hoboken’s Honorary Bird
- French Restaurant, Bistro La Source is Moving to A New Jersey City Location
- Carmelo Garcia, Former Hoboken Housing Director Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case
- Loradella’s Family Pizzeria in Jersey City is for Sale
- American Dream to House the World’s Largest Movie Screen at its New Theater
- Hoboken Public Schools Announce New Swimming Program for Teens
- Whole Spectrum Autism Hosts Free Summer Camp at Jersey City School
- Hoboken Business Alliance Installs New Bistro Lighting on Washington Street
- Nasser Freres Breaks Ground on Mixed-Use Property in Journal Square
- Three Jersey City Teens Steal Police Car in Secaucus
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Announces Initiative To Keep Parks Safe
On July 3rd, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy highlighted plans to crack down on illegal vehicle activity in county parks. This new initiative will emphasize regulations prohibiting people from riding vehicles that could endanger park visitors. Per the County of Hudson press release, this new initiative will include working with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office to establish stricter enforcement measures aimed at curbing illegal vehicle activity, new signage throughout county parks detailing regulations regarding motorized vehicles in parks, and a social media public information campaign.
The Common Tern is Officially Hoboken’s Honorary Bird
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The Mile Square now has an honorary bird. On the evening of Wednesday, July 11th, Hoboken City Council passed a resolution officially designating the Common Tern as the honorary bird of Hoboken. This designation comes after decades of efforts to protect the birds after being nearly hunted to extinction. A local advocacy group run by residents, called Our Tern, now leads the effort to protect the Common Tern’s nesting sites in Hoboken, with the help of the new designation. Click here for more.
Gateway Rail Tunnel Project Receives Biggest Federal Grant in U.S. History
A history-making $6.8 billion federal grant completing $11 billion in federal funding to build the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York was officially secured at a ceremony on July 8th in Manhattan. Per NJ.com, the project will build two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York and rehabilitate the existing 114-year-old tunnels. The project took on greater urgency when a 2014 engineering report commissioned by Amtrak warned of the need to rehabilitate the existing tunnels due to deterioration from river water driven by Hurricane Sandy into the tunnels. Amtrak officials said train capacity would be cut by 75% if one tunnel is shut down for a year to rehabilitate.
Sussex County Confirms West Nile Virus in Mosquito Populations
The Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control (OMC) has confirmed West Nile virus in the adult mosquito populations in Montague Township. The OMC is dedicated to protecting the health of Sussex County residents by using comprehensive mosquito surveillance information to direct control decisions and aggressively treat mosquitoes in affected areas. Per the County of Sussex, the OMC conducted a truck-mounted ULV application for adult mosquitoes on July 9th and 10th between the hours of 8PM and 12AM. Efforts will continue until the threat of further disease transmission has passed.
Hoboken Council Votes Unanimously to Ban Algorithms that Inflate Rent Prices
The Hoboken City Council is calling on New Jersey legislators to ban the use of algorithmic systems that are driving tenants out of their homes. Per the Hudson County View, recent national investigations and lawsuits have revealed practices among property management companies that use software to unfairly inflate rental prices. The Jersey City Council unanimously approved (7-0) the same local legislation, which was backed by labor union 32BJ SEIU on June 26th.
City Of Hoboken to Construct Shoreline Upgrades at Weehawken Cove
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on July 9th additional plans to upgrade Hoboken’s uptown waterfront as a part of the third phase of its Weehawken Cove Restoration project. Per the City of Hoboken, the planned upgrades to Weehawken Cove will enhance the scenery, recreational amenities, and natural environment along a portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway between Park Avenue and 16th Street. The living shoreline will help prevent further erosion within Weehawken Cove, enhance water quality in the Hudson River, store carbon emissions, improve the local environment by capturing pollutants, and attract new wildlife.
Two-Building Complex at Poggi Press Site Approved By Hoboken Planning Board
The Hoboken Planning Board approved a 420-unit, two-building complex, which will be 10 percent affordable housing, at the Poggi Press site on July 2nd. Per the Hudson County View, the site had been designated by Mayor Ravi Bhalla as a public safety headquarters which quickly evolved into an up to $192.5 million municipal complex. The project will be a two-building development: 4B will be an eight-story structure with 112 units, while the other, known as 4B, will have 308 units, for a total of 420 units. There will be 11 affordable housing units in 4A and 31 in building 4B, for a total of 42. The planning board ultimately approved the application unanimously 5-0.
Hoboken Councilman Russo Voted No on Proposed City Budget
I regretfully voted no on the proposed city budget because our spending is out of control. The budget failed because it deserved to.
I urge us all to pressure City Hall to fix this. If there was ever a time for solidarity, it’s now.
Hear my remarks here: https://t.co/0qqwWK2qNg
— Councilman Michael Russo (@MichaelRussoNJ) July 12, 2024
Third Ward Councilman, Michael Russo sent out an email to Hoboken residents on July 10th stating that he regretfully voted no on the proposed city budget for this fiscal year because the City’s spending is out of control. “We start every year $15 million in the hole — because we continue to borrow money year after year and we have to pay the interest on that debt. We need to think long-term with all of our decisions,” he said. Councilman Russo concluded the email by urging residents to pressure City Hall to put forward a proposal to control spending.
Hoboken Police Seek Public Assistance in Attempted Robbery Investigation
On July 11th at approximately 9:40PM, officers responded to 8th and Adams Street on reports of three people seen entering a garage on mini-motorcycles and attempting to open the doors of multiple vehicles. They were unsuccessful and left. Per the Hudson County View, a short time later, it’s believed the same three actors attempted to steal a Vespa near the intersection of 15th and Adams Streets. The owner of the vehicle was able to stop the actors who caused approximately $2,000 worth of damage to the Vespa before they fled the scene. Residents and/or businesses with security cameras on Adams Street between 8th and 15th Streets, that were recording between 9:40PM and 10:20PM on July 11th, are asked to contact Detective John Quinones at [email protected].
Gas Line Rupture Near Union City High School Causes Evacuation
A natural gas main in Union City was ruptured by a crew doing work on a water line on July 11th, forcing the evacuation of students in summer programs at the city high school and neighborhood residents. Per NJ.com, Union City police and members of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and PSE&G responded to the intersection of 26th Street and Summit Avenue at 9:30AM and found gas and water spewing into the air. The intersection of 26th Street and Summit Avenue was closed and over 700 people were evacuated. PSE&G officials said initial reports, pending a full investigation, have found a contractor who was not hired by them was excavating when the damage occurred.
Controversial Journal Square Affordable Housing Law is Approved by City Council
On July 10th the Jersey City City Council voted in favor of Councilman Rich Boggiano’s revised version of an ordinance regulating affordable housing in future development in Journal Square. Per the Jersey City Times, the Journal Square measure would exempt the less dense, outer zones from the affordable housing requirements, arising out of worries that they’d lead to taller high rises ruining the character of some neighborhoods outside the “core.” When it came time to vote on the original proposal on second reading with no exceptions for affordable housing, the council defeated it in a 6-3 vote. Districts 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 would be the ones exempted under the new proposal. Districts 1, 2, and 3 would be required to provide 10% affordable housing if a project had at least 30 units. District 2 is the space above the station and tracks that could be developed in the future.
Coach USA to Stop Operating NJ Transit Bus Routes
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Coach USA, the bus company that sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, said it will stop operating NJ Transit local bus service in three counties. Per NJ.com, this decision affects thousands of riders in Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties. Coach USA notified NJ Transit by letter on July 10th that it intends to seek bankruptcy court permission to terminate the three contracts on August 16th and return the buses that NJ Transit has provided.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy’s Deputy Chief of Staff Resigns
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy’s deputy chief of staff, Julietta Vogt, resigned from her position on July 9th, after recently vacating her role as the executive director of the county Democrats. Julietta served as the campaign manager for Guy last year and then for U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez in the June 4th primary last month. Per the Hudson County View, Julietta was also appointed to the volunteer Hudson County Schools of Technology board in a unanimous vote by the county commissioners in January. The person most likely to succeed her is Storm Wyche, who ran U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s 2020 presidential campaign in New Jersey and recently worked as the political director for First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Senate bid.
Hoboken City Hall Front Entrance Closed for Seven Months Due to Construction
The front entrance of Hoboken City Hall will be closed for approximately seven months due to construction that began on July 8th. As per a Nixle alert, the construction is the second phase of the City Hall portico restoration project building upon the stone patching, roofing tile, and framing replacements completed in 2020 by repointing and restoring the original masonry. During construction, Hoboken residents must enter and exit City Hall through the Newark Street entrance located between Washington and Bloomfield Streets. Temporary parking changes to portions of First Street and Bloomfield Street adjacent to City Hall are anticipated during construction, therefore temporary No Parking signs will be posted.
Jersey City Tenants File $400M Class Action Lawsuit Against Corporate Landlord
A group of tenants in Jersey City have filed a $400 million class action lawsuit against their corporate landlord in the U.S. District Court to get their rents lowered. The tenants of Portside Towers East and West, who believe their buildings should be subject to Jersey City’s rent control laws, have been fighting to lower rents that have risen as much as 25 percent or more. Per Patch Jersey City, the suit was filed against Equity Residential on July 2nd. The city of Jersey City issued a ruling in 2022 saying that Portside West was subject to local rent control. In 2023 they decided that Portside East was also subject to rent control but tenants say they are still being issued steep increases. Under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, tenants who were paying rents higher than what’s allowed can try to win triple damages in court.
Hoboken Public Schools Announce New Swimming Program for Teens
The Hoboken Public School District is providing teen swim opportunities at Hoboken High School this summer for all residents of Hoboken at no cost. Weekly hour-long swim lessons and sessions will be offered at the Hoboken High School pool for various age groups. Public Swim capacity is dependent on the number of lifeguard staff available to ensure proper safety ratios are maintained. All swimmers are asked to bring personal towels and swim shoes. Proper swim attire must be worn in and around the pool. Click here for more.
Union City Man is Charged with Murder for Triple Shooting in Jersey City
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced that a Union City man has been charged with murder for a triple shooting in Jersey City Heights that occurred back in April. Per the Hudson County View, Freddie Castro, 21, of Union City, is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of aggravated assault. He was arrested in Kissimmee, Florida on July 11th. He will be detained at the Osceola County Corrections Department pending extradition to New Jersey.
French Restaurant Bistro La Source is Moving to A New Jersey City Location
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Among the many American and Italian restaurants dotting the map of Jersey City is a special spot in Paulus Hook called Bistro La Source. This French homestyle restaurant will be moving from its 85 Morris Street location to a new locale on Marin Boulevard in Jersey City. Click here for more.
City Of Hoboken Assists Partner City Montego Bay During Hurricane Beryl
The City of Hoboken assisted its partner city, Montego Bay, Jamaica, as Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, approached on July 3rd. Per the City of Hoboken, Montego Bay and Hoboken entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ICLEI World Congress in São Paulo, Brazil to assist Montego Bay in advancing climate resiliency projects and initiatives over the next three years. Remnants of Hurricane Beryl are still causing hot, humid, and stormy weather conditions all across New Jersey, with threats of thunderstorms during the week ahead.
Uncle Milton’s Closing Hoboken Storefront; Still Providing Catering
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An LGBTQ+-friendly and Latinx-owned café will close its doors on Jefferson Street in Hoboken at the end of July. Uncle Milton’s Café, a shop with a specific dedication to being LGBTQ+-friendly, according to its owner, has been proudly serving the Hoboken community since its opening in April of 2022 — but the shop recently announced the closure of its storefront at the end of the month while it looks for a new Mile Square location to open up in. In the meantime, Uncle Milton’s will continue to provide its catering services to locals. The breakfast and lunch locale is located at 1119 Jefferson Street, serving up coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and desserts, along with catering services. Click here for more.
New Jersey College Tuition Hikes to be Capped at 2% Under New Proposed Plan
New Jersey students attending public colleges and universities would be protected from tuition increases under a new bill in the state legislature that would limit annual hikes to 2%. This legislation was launched in response to concerns from students, families, and education advocates who are worried about the affordability of higher education. Per NJ.com, the legislation introduced on July 2nd would apply only to the state’s public two and four-year colleges and universities, not private universities. The proposed law would take effect immediately and apply to the first full academic year after it is enacted.
Loradella’s Family Pizzeria in Jersey City is for Sale
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Loradella’s Family Pizzeria in Newport, Jersey City may be closing down soon. The owner reached out to the HG team to share that the pizzeria is currently for sale. The family-owned and operated restaurant has served Jersey City since 2013. It offers pizza by the slice as well as personal pies and large pies, and has gluten-free or whole wheat crust options.
Whole Spectrum Autism Hosts Free Summer Camp at Jersey City School
Whole Spectrum Autism is hosting a free summer camp program from July 8th to August 9th at Explorer Middle School, 180 9th Street in Jersey City. This program provides individuals on the autism spectrum an opportunity to engage in enriching activities and build connections within the community. Click here for more.
Developer Nasser Freres Breaks Ground on Mixed-Use Property in Journal Square
Photo Credit: Nasser Freres
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, municipal officials, and principals of developer Nasser Freres joined on June 28th for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the 28-story mixed-use development at 25 Cottage Street in Journal Square. The development sits between Summit Avenue and JFK Boulevard East, just steps from the Journal Square Transportation Center. Per Jersey Digs, the $300+ million project will feature 622 rental residences, 45,000+ square-feet of office space, retail, and amenities, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Carmelo Garcia, Former Hoboken Housing Director, Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case
Carmelo Garcia, Hoboken’s former director of human services who was later hired to run the city’s public housing has pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said on June 27th. Per Patch Hoboken, Carmelo pleaded guilty to three counts of information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the city of Newark and the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC), as well as honest services wire fraud and receiving bribes in connection with the business of a federally funded local government and organization. As part of Carmelo’s guilty plea, he agreed to criminal forfeiture of $25,000 in corrupt cash payments and administrative/civil forfeiture of the jewelry that he obtained from the scheme. Sentencing for Carmelo is scheduled for December 12th.
American Dream Mall to House the World’s Largest Movie Screen at its New Theater
B&B Theatres will soon open an unparalleled cinema experience at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Per NJ.com, the new location will house the largest ScreenX auditorium in the world with a massive 80-foot-wide center screen and side walls measuring 82 feet each, for a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience. The facility will also feature heated, leather, electric recliners in every auditorium. The ribbon cutting and official grand opening have yet to be announced.
Hoboken Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault at Hoboken Shelter
On the morning of June 24th, Police Officers Nasir Willey and Keven De La Cruz responded to the Hoboken Shelter at 300 Bloomfield Street on reports of a sexual assault. Per the Hudson County View, Christopher Baez, 29, of Hoboken was arrested and transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters and charged with criminal sexual contact. Christopher was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Three Jersey City Teens Steal Police Car in Secaucus
Three teenage boys were found in a stolen Jeep on July 8th in Secaucus on Route 3. Per Patch Secaucus, they rammed Secaucus police cars, injuring an officer, and stole a Secaucus police cruiser, leading Secaucus police officers on a chase through Jersey City, Kearny, and Newark. Although sight was lost of the stolen police car, the department tracked the car to Hillside, where Hillside Police located it. The teen suspect remains at large. The 15–year–old male driver was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon (vehicle) for an Unlawful Purpose, Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, and Conspiracy to Commit Receiving a Stolen Vehicle. He was taken to the Morris County Youth Detention Facility. The 16-year-old male passenger was charged with Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, and Conspiracy to Commit to Receiving a Stolen Vehicle. He was released to his parents, pending an appearance in Family Court.
Jersey City Man Arrested and Charged for Stabbing Man at American Dream Mall
A man was stabbed at a parking deck at American Dream Mall on July 6th. Per Patch Secaucus, troopers were called to an unspecified parking deck at American Dream where a 28-year-old male victim was found with multiple stab wounds on his body. He was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Raquan Howard, 29, of Jersey City, was located in the parking deck. Raquan was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon with unlawful purpose, and criminal mischief. He was lodged in Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.
$16K In Tools Stolen From Construction Site in Jersey City
Thousands of dollars in tools were stolen from a Jersey City construction site. Per NJ.com, the theft was reported at 342 Johnston Avenue, an eight-story, 55-unit building under construction, just after 6AM on Monday, July 8th. The assailants apparently cut a chain to get into the property sometime between Friday afternoon and Monday morning and then broke a window to get into the tool shed.
Six-Year-Old Child Dies in Bayonne Fire
Six-year-old Saniya Felton was killed in a Bayonne fire at 438 Avenue C, near 18th Street on June 30th. Grieving the tragic loss, her mother Latrice Felton has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral costs and start rebuilding her family’s lives after everything they owned was destroyed in the fire. Per NJ.com, the fire in the two-story building broke out at 11:40PM on Sunday and Saniya was found unresponsive on the second floor by firefighters. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 1AM on Monday. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.
Jersey City Leaders Continue to Push Back on NJ Turnpike Expansion Project
A New Jersey state project to revitalize roadways between Jersey City and Bayonne continues to receive backlash from several Jersey City leaders. The project aims to rebuild over eight miles of roads and bridges between Interchange 14 and Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. City leaders say the project will increase traffic and have negative impacts on the environment, but others are saying the construction is necessary to update the aging infrastructure. Click here for more.
Hoboken DanceFest Begins on July 15th
Hoboken DanceFest will be held every Monday this month starting on July 15th. Per a Nixle announcement, the hour-long performances will take place at ResilienCity Park at 6:30PM and will feature world-class dancers, choreographers, and students as part of the City’s free Concerts in the Park program. DanceFest is made possible by the City’s Division of Cultural Affairs, Hoboken Business Alliance, Ken Montes de Oca, and Sarah Weber Gallo.
Hoboken Business Alliance Installs New Bistro Lighting on Washington Street
The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) announced via a press release on July 1st that it installed new bistro lighting on Washington Street, from Newark to 15th Street. This investment in partnership with the Hoboken City Council and PSE&G began the first week of June and was completed at the end of the month. The new lighting illuminates the nearly two-and-a-half-mile stretch with 4,750 warm-toned light bulbs spanning 15 blocks on both sides of the street.
Tropicalia: A New Resort Wear Store Opening in Bayonne on 2/22
Spring break and summers down the shore are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what swimwear to sport on the water. While a lot of women may look at bikini shopping as the seventh layer of hell, a small but mighty store in Bayonne is looking to change that mindset. Tropicalia Resort Wear, located at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne, is opening on February 22nd and will be selling resort wear as well as allowing private shopping experiences to make shoppers more comfortable while finding their next favorite beach outfit. Read on to learn about Tropicalia Resort Wear and why the owner chose to open her store in Bayonne, New Jersey.
A Woman-Owned Business In Bayonne
The owner of Tropicalia, Jessie Laracuente, launched the brand in May of 2020. Swimwear has been a staple in Jessie’s life. She is Puerto Rican and grew up surrounded by water and living most of her days in a swimsuit. While she collected many different styles of swimsuits, Jessie felt there was something missing in those styles and wanted to create a brand to fill those gaps for women of all shapes and sizes.
Read More: This Bayonne Italian Restaurant is Named After James Bond’s Famous Drink
She is an active-duty military member currently serving in the Army. In 2021, she made her move to the East Coast. The military relocated Jessie from Los Angeles, CA, to Staten Island, NY, and during her move, she fell in love with Bayonne. It’s what made her decide to put down roots here and open a storefront for her growing business.
“I had visited New York twice before and knew I wanted to be in the city but not directly in it,” Jessie told The Hoboken Girl. “I discovered Bayonne, and it was love at first sight. I was drawn to its close-knit community, accessibility to the Light Rail, New York City, and other attractions. Now, as Bayonne continues to grow and expand, I’m excited to introduce my brand to the area.”
Since moving to New Jersey, Jessie has been growing her business within Hudson County by participating in local markets like the Main Street Pops Market. She says she’s looking forward to further introducing her brand to the Jersey City and Hoboken areas.
The Tropicalia Experience
Tropicalia Resort Wear officially opens to the public on Saturday, February 22nd at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne. Jessie welcomes shoppers with a big smile, surrounded by a rainbow of swimsuits lining the walls. The items for sale are luxury resort wear and swimsuits from premium Colombian brands. Jessie tells HG her collection is for women looking for a high-quality, stylish piece that makes them feel confident, elegant, but still on trend.
The bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups on display come in all sizes and colors, making it simple to find a piece to make one feel confident near the pool or beach.
On top of curating a colorful collection of swimwear and resort wear, Tropicalia will have solo shopping experiences available by appointment. “I know how stressful swimwear shopping can be,” Jessie shared with HG. “I want to create a space where my customers feel comfortable and confident.”
For those looking to schedule a private shopping session, email [email protected]. Prospective customers can also fill out the contact form on Tropicalia’s website. Depending on availability, guests can shop for as long or as little as they please. There is no spending requirement, so shoppers can browse at their leisure.
See More: Where to Buy a Bathing Suit in Northern New Jersey
“This personalized approach ensures they have the time and privacy to find exactly what they’re looking for,” Jessie said.
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