It’s officially June and summer is just a couple of weeks away. As always, lots of news is 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: Timothée Chalamet is back in Hoboken for A Complete Unknown filming at Columbus Park; the Jersey City Bike Tour returns on June 2nd; and the Hoboken Business Alliance presents its second annual Hudson River Showcase Car Show. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on June 2nd, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- The Hoboken Feast of St. Anthony at St. Francis Church Returns June 13th-15th
- The Jersey City Bike Tour Returns on June 2nd
- West Bistro: Jersey City’s Newest Cuban Restaurant
- Hoboken’s Multi-Service Center Redesign Proposal to Include Swimming Pool
- Two Jersey City Men Charged in Connection With Fatal Shooting Near NJCU
- Hoboken Business Alliance Presents Second Annual Hudson River Showcase Car Show
- A Complete Unknown Filming at Columbus Park in Hoboken
- Singer-Songwriter Zeshan B Films a Music Video with Hoboken Fire Department
- New Restaurant, Terrace by Alessio’s, Opens in Uptown Hoboken
- City of Hoboken Breaks Ground on Southwest Resiliency Park Expansion
Hoboken Business Alliance Presents Second Annual Hudson River Showcase Car Show
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The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), announced via Instagram the return of the Hudson River Showcase Car Show on Saturday, June 8th, from 10AM-2PM on the South Waterfront Walkway of Sinatra Drive in Hoboken. The event is free to attend and will feature over 100 classic and exotic luxury automobiles spanning from pre-1959 to the 1990s. This year’s event is inspired by Hoboken-born Frank Sinatra’s legendary car collection, including a rare Lamborghini Miura. Lower Sinatra Drive will be closed during the event. The rain date for the event is Sunday, June 9th. For more information, please visit the event’s registration page.
The Hoboken Feast of St. Anthony at St. Francis Church Returns
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The Feast of St. Anthony at St. Francis Church in Hoboken will be held from Thursday, June 13th through Saturday, June 15th. The church announced via Instagram that this three-day feast is free and will feature food, drinks, vendors, and games. On Thursday, mass will be held at 7PM followed by the St. Anthony procession. On Friday the feast will run from 3PM-10PM and on Sunday from 1PM-10PM at the Jefferson Street church parking lot.
Hoboken’s Multi-Service Center Redesign Proposal to Include Swimming Pool
Hoboken is moving forward with a proposal to include a pool in the complex at the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand Street. The city’s consultants are using public feedback to create a final concept design to be presented to the City Council. Per Patch Hoboken, city spokesperson Marilyn Baer said announcements about local pools will also come soon. The Recreation Division intends to work with Stevens Institute of Technology and the Hoboken Public School District to provide residents with pool access.
The Jersey City Bike Tour Returns on June 2nd
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The 13th annual Jersey City Ward Tour is happening on Sunday, June 2nd from 11AM-3PM. Per NJ.com, the tour will run on a 16-mile cruise through all six of Jersey City’s wards. The ride starts and ends in the Exchange Place neighborhood, next to the main stages of the Jersey City Jazz Festival, allowing riders to enjoy music, food, and drinks upon returning. A $10 registration fee for the tour is required (seniors $5; under 18 free). Online registration is open here. There will also be in-person registration on Sunday morning at 9AM. Everyone must wear helmets. Younger children may be carried securely on an adult’s bike, trailer, etc. The tour is rain or shine.
A Complete Unknown Filming at Columbus Park in Hoboken
Timothée Chalamet returned to Hudson County to shoot A Complete Unknown — this time, in Hoboken’s Columbus Park and other nearby areas. The park was closed May 28th from 4AM – 9PM for filming, per officials from the City of Hoboken. Click here for more.
New Restaurant, Terrace by Alessio’s, Opens in Uptown Hoboken
Photo Credit: Luca Infantino
In the time that Alessio’s has been in business, owner Luca Infantino has added a new location every year, and this year is no exception. For Alessio’s fourth year in business, a new project called Terrace by Alessio’s opened on May 31st in uptown Hoboken. The new venture is an indoor/outdoor all-day restaurant adjacent to the Northwest Resiliency Park. The Hoboken Girl had an exclusive chat with Luca back in April to learn more about his latest venture. Click here for more.
Singer-Songwriter Zeshan B Films a Music Video With Hoboken Fire Department
Photo Credit: Captain Maria “Peggy” Diaz
Soulful singer-songwriter Zeshan B filmed a music video in Hoboken for his new record called Oh Say, Can You See? on May 29th in collaboration with the Hoboken Fire Department. Per a press release, the video starred Captain Maria “Peggy” Diaz, Hoboken’s first Latina fire captain. The song details the struggles of social justice in America today.
Thanks To Port Authority, Seven Baby Peregrine Falcons Hatched in Northern New Jersey
Seven baby peregrine falcons were recently hatched in North Jersey, and are now above the George Washington Bridge and Bayonne Bridge. Per Patch Hoboken, the bird remains listed as endangered in New York state, which led to a collaborative effort between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the City Department of Environmental Protection to revitalize the region’s peregrine falcon population.
Jersey City Free Public Library + Mayor Steven Fulop Honor Former Mayor + State Senator Glenn Dale Cunningham
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) and Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined to honor the life and legacy of the beloved late Jersey City Mayor and State Senator Glenn Dale Cunningham on the 20th anniversary of his passing. Per NJ.com, the event took place on Thursday, May 30th, from 5PM-8PM at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, Third Floor, 472 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Hosts First-Ever Food Security Summit
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy hosted the county’s first-ever Food Security Summit on May 22nd at the Saint Peter’s University Sky Room. Per a Hudson County press release, public health experts and community stakeholders were in attendance and the keynote speaker was Director Mark Dinglasan of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. The Summit included 42 pantries and 65 pantry representatives and was sponsored by ShopRite and Honeywell, who provided $2,500 each.
Two Jersey City Men Charged in Connection With Fatal Shooting Near NJCU
Two men have been charged in connection with an April shooting near NJCU that left a 24-year-old Jersey City man dead. According to the Jersey City Times, Nyzir Wilson and Stephon Murphy, both 23 and both of Jersey City, are charged with Robbery, Burglary, Possession of a Weapon (Firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of Weapon (Firearm), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary. Wilson is additionally charged with Attempted Murder. On April 30th, David Jones, 24, of Jersey City was found unresponsive at 1 College Street with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. He was taken to Jersey City Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later. Both Wilson and Murphy are being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
The City of Hoboken Wins Safe Streets Award at NJ Bike + Walk Summit
The New Jersey Bike + Walk Coalition (NJBWC) recognized community achievements in pedestrian, bicycle, and street safety on May 18th with the presentation of the 2024 Marty Epstein Advocacy Awards at the NJBWC’s annual Summit at Middlesex College in Edison. Per a NJBWC press release, the awards were presented to The City of Hoboken; Cape May County; and HudCoStreets. The City of Hoboken was recognized for achieving seven consecutive years without a traffic-related death.
West Bistro: Jersey City’s Newest Cuban Restaurant
West Bistro NJ, a new Cuban restaurant in Jersey City, has officially opened. Located at 331 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, West Bistro took over The Backyard’s former location. With a private dining and event space, the Cuba-inspired restaurant makes for a cozy night out with upbeat music, fireplaces, and one-of-a-kind artwork. Click here for more.
Jersey City Begins Publishing Monthly Crime Data on its Website
Jersey City has begun posting month-by-month crime data to its website. Per the Jersey City Times, Jersey City is over two years behind in reporting crime data to the state and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A state official blamed Jersey City’s reporting problem on understaffing. The Fulop administration stopped publishing monthly CompStat crime data in June of 2018.
City of Hoboken Breaks Ground on Southwest Resiliency Park Expansion
^ A rendering of the completed park. Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced via a press release on May 29th that the City of Hoboken broke ground on the Southwest Resiliency Park expansion at 51 Marshall Street. This project will double the size of the park, manage stormwater to mitigate area flooding, and provide additional open space and needed recreation amenities to residents. The one-acre park space will include six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a playground, picnic tables, and a social plaza at the expansion’s entry.
Hoboken Rent Control Referendum Petitions Trigger A Special Election
The Committee of Petitioners has submitted over 2,100 signatures to the City Clerk for certification that will trigger a special election to reform Hoboken’s Rent Control Ordinance. Per the Mile Square Taxpayers Association, only 1,342 certified signatures are needed to trigger a special election. The clerk has 20 days to certify signatures on the petitions. Once the petitions are certified, the proposed amendment is then treated as if it was passed as a first reading by the City Council. Then the Council has 20 days to act and if they fail to pass the amendment as written or a compromise with the Committee of Petitioners isn’t made, it goes to the ballot unless the Committee withdraws.
Local Business Thumb Bread to Exhibit at the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC
Photo Credit: Thumb Bread
Local business Thumb Bread, from the owners of former Hoboken restaurant Flatbread Grill, has been selected by the State of New Jersey to exhibit in the state’s pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show taking place from June 23rd-25th at the Javits Center in New York City. Per the press release, Thumb Bread was created by three sisters Fusun, Gonca, and Arzu Esendemir in 2007. The brand has since garnered a loyal following for the premium quality and taste of its signature bread.
Warehouse in Secaucus Being Used To Store Fentanyl
A warehouse in Secaucus was used as a storage facility for fentanyl. Per Patch Secaucus, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had been conducting surveillance on the warehouse last year, as it investigated a drug-trafficking ring operating in New Jersey. On February 15th, Jose Luis Pineda Torres, 48, of Monroe, Washington was seen going to the warehouse and loading boxes into his car. The boxes contained more than 20,000 fentanyl pills, plus eight pounds of raw powder fentanyl, say DEA agents. He pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark on May 20th to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Early Voting for Upcoming Election Begins
Residents who are registered to vote and would like to vote in the upcoming June 4th Democratic or Republican Primary Elections for President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congress can cast their ballot early starting on Wednesday, May 29th. Per a Nixle message, early voting will take place on Wednesday, May 29th through Sunday, June 2nd in Hoboken City Hall’s first-floor conference room at 94 Washington Street. Polls will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10AM-8PM and on Sunday from 10AM-6PM. Residents can also cast their ballot at their registered polling place on Tuesday, June 4th. Polls will be open from 6AM-8PM. Polling locations can be found here, and we’ve rounded up a guide to voting here.
Mayor Fulop and Health + Human Services Award $1M+ in Grants to Community Partners
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announce the allocation of over $1 million in grants to more than 80 community organizations to address health equity. Per a City of Jersey City press release, the grants help address the root causes of health disparities and empower underserved populations to lead healthier lives. The funding is dedicated to programs that build social support networks and foster community resilience.
Hoboken High School Adds AP African American Studies to the History Curriculum
Hoboken High School announced via a press release the introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) African-American Studies to its curriculum, starting in the fall 2024 semester. This initiative was approved by the Hoboken Board of Education at the May 2024 board meeting with a unanimous vote. Through this course, Hoboken High School aims to empower students to explore the rich history, culture, and contributions of African-Americans to society.
Kindle Charter School in Jersey City Relocating to Journal Square
Kindle Education Public Charter School opened this past fall on Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Per Jersey Digs, the charter school recently announced its pending relocation to a new space at 35 Journal Square Plaza to a state-of-the-art facility for the upcoming school year inside a historic building near a transit hub. Construction is currently underway at the tuition-free school, and expects to finish in time for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Hoboken’s 2024 Fitness in the Park Schedule
One of the most popular summer happenings in the Mile Square is Fitness in the Park, a series of outdoor fitness classes that run throughout the summer. The 2024 lineup was recently announced and we’re sharing all of the classes that start on June 10th and continue through August. Click here for more.
Former Hoboken Councilman + Vietnam Veteran Dies at 82
Richard England, former Hoboken Councilman and Vietnam veteran, passed away on May 24th at the age of 82. Per Patch Hoboken, Richard also served as school board president and a former plant supervisor at the Maxwell House Coffee factory. Services will be held on June 5th at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home in Hoboken from 2PM-7PM, with a funeral mass at St. Ann’s Church in Hoboken on June 6th.
Uptown Pizza Termination Notice
Uptown Pizzeria in Hoboken has been closed for several weeks. Upon further investigation, a paper trail on the project dates back to early 2023 with different governing bodies within the City government. Most recently, the HG team noticed a water service termination notice on the door this week. Click here for more.
New Yoga + Athletic Wear Shop in Uptown Hoboken
Two Twenty-Three, a new women’s activewear shop just opened at 1200 Washington Street in Hoboken. Per its Instagram, the shop announced its opening on May 12th. The store features a diverse range of brands and items ranging from high-performance leggings to chic sports bras.
City of Hoboken Announces Gun Buyback Program
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced on May 30th that the Hoboken Police Department will host a gun buyback on June 22nd, pending final approval from New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General. Per a community message via Nixle, residents can voluntarily surrender up to three firearms, including inoperable ones, no questions asked, to receive as much as $350 per weapon.
Group Exhibition Featuring Artists With Disabilities in Jersey City’s Art House Gallery
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Art House Productions (AHP) presents “Expression Sessions,” a group exhibition showcasing the work of artists with disabilities. Per an AHP press release, the exhibition will be on display at the Art House Gallery from June 7th through June 30th. The opening reception will be held on June 7th from 6PM-9PM as part of ACCESS JC Fridays. All artwork will be available for purchase at the Art House Gallery, located at The Hendrix, 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City, and online at Art House Online Gallery.
Jersey City Welcomes South Korea Mayor to Reveal New Inscription at Korean War Memorial
Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Veterans Affairs welcomed Mayor Jeongbok Yoo of South Korea for a ceremony in front of Jersey City’s Korean War Memorial. Per the Hudson County View, the event took place on May 29th at 12:30PM. Mayor Yoo was memorialized on a newly installed inscription, alongside an etching of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, who contributed to Korea becoming a free republic.
Lido in Hoboken Has Closed; New Pilates Studio Moving Into the Space
In December of 2022, Hoboken BNR Lexi Pellegrini opened up Lido, a luxury boutique, at 632 Washington Street in Hoboken. The shop was known for housing trendy clothing items, accessories, and chic gifts like Chanel and Gucci candles. In April 2024, signs pointed to the boutique closing, with a ‘FOR RENT’ sign on the window, but Lexi confirmed with The Hoboken Girl that the spot was still open for business. Now, in May 2024, Lido has officially closed on Washington Street, and a new pilates studio called Bloom will be moving in this June. Click here for more.
Tribute for Former Hot Dog Vendor in Hoboken
Paul Ricciardi, a hot dog vendor in Hoboken died on May 11th, at age 56. Per Patch Hoboken, a tribute on the corner of Washington and Newark streets, near CVS where he sold hot dogs, is dedicated to Paul. Friends and admirers created the tribute, full of sayings and photos, on a pole near the corner of the street.
Jersey City Jazz Festival 2024 Kicks Off at Exchange Place Plaza
Photo Credit: Riverview Jazz
Jersey City is one of the largest jazz festivals in the tri-state area. On May 29th, the 11th annual Jersey City Jazz Festival kicked off at 6PM with live music performances following every day until Sunday, June 2nd. The festival, presented by Exchange Place Alliance and hosted by local nonprofit Riverview Jazz, will take over various venues throughout the city on the weeknights and culminates in a two-day, three-stage party at the Exchange Place Pedestrian Plaza. Click here for more.
Northern Soul Announces Last Weekend Before Long Closure
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Northern Soul is a Hoboken bar that’s been a staple for over 17 years — most recently, at The Sky Club in Hoboken at 700 1st Street Hoboken. On May 10th, Northern Soul announced on its Instagram that it would be forced to close for several months due to construction at The Sky Club, and completely remove its front patio. On May 30th, Northen Soul announced via Instagram that this would be its last weekend open before the closure. Click here for more.
Torico Ice Cream Jersey City to Open Second Space in Bergen-Lafayette
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Torico Ice Cream is looking to bring its flavors to the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood. The ice cream shop announced on its Instagram that it will open at 1041 Garfield Avenue. Click here for more.
Hoboken’s The Cuban Plans for Renovation Soon
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The Cuban, a Latin staple on Washington Street in Hoboken, told the HG team that it plans to renovate its space soon. It also announced on its Instagram that it will hold a grand opening event at its Union City location on Friday, June 14th at 3417 Park Avenue. This will be an all-white themed event with live music, and complimentary food.
Number Eleven Food Store Gears Up to Relaunch Hoboken Pop-up
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In March of 2022, the team behind Dozzino, a popular pizzeria in Hoboken, grew its stamp in town with a third food venture called ‘Number Eleven Food Store.’ The concept specializes in Asian-inspired cuisine and was first launched as a pop-up inside Dozzino. The team eventually expanded to a traditional storefront at the former 7 Stars Pizzeria building on Garden Street. This past November, though, the team announced that they wouldn’t be renewing the Garden Street lease, instead returning to Number Eleven’s roots as a pop-up in Dozzino. Click here for more.
Former NBA Star Al Harrington Spotted at His New Hoboken Dispensary, Opening This Summer
Photo Credit: @paulminetti
A former NBA star with Jersey roots is the latest business owner to open a cannabis dispensary in Hudson County. Village Hoboken, which is opening soon at 516 Washington Street, is owned by Al Harrington, an Orange native and a 16-season NBA veteran. His company, Viola Brands, has sold its products in other dispensaries in the state, and this new business will sell Viola products. The NBA veteran was recently spotted at Village Hoboken on Wednesday, May 29th. Click here for more.
Hoboken High School Prom Takes Place on May 30th
Hoboken High School held its prom on May 30th. Students arrived dressed to the nines and marched down the street while posing for photos. Congratulations to the class of 2024. Click here to see some clips on our Instagram.
Trailblazer Maria Pepe at the Hoboken Historical Museum
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Thanks to Hobokenite Maria Pepe, Hoboken is integral to the history of baseball — specifically, Little League Baseball. In 1972, Maria became one of the first girls to play Little League, which was previously a boys-only sport. Maria fought for the right to have girls play Little League baseball. Her case was supported by Judith Weiss, who filed a civil rights complaint on Maria’s behalf while serving on the Essex County chapter of the National Organization for Women. Thanks to their advocacy, the New Jersey Superior Court ruled in their favor and Little League launched a program for girls in 1974. The Hoboken Historical Museum announced on its Instagram on May 30th that Maria and Judith had a special reunion.
Tutu School Opening in Jersey City Heights
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A new ballet dance studio called Tutu School is opening on September 3rd in Jersey City Heights. The owners Purdie Baumann and Olivia Renteria, an aunt and niece duo, made the announcement via Instagram on May 30th.
Paris Baguette Opening Next Week at Maxwell Place in Hoboken
Permit signage was seen on the south side of 1000 Maxwell Place, noting that there was a new cafe/restaurant coming soon. The HG team inquired about the new location, and as it turns out, the empty storefront will soon be a Paris Baguette location, a popular bakery and cafe chain. Signage was put up in April, and we now know that Paris Baguette will be opening in the Mile Square next week. Click here for more.
Mochi Dough Opening in Jersey City Soon
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Mochi Dough, a popular premium Japanese doughnut spot is opening in Jersey City at 66 Monitor Street. Per its website, the location will be opening soon.
Hoboken Home Sale Sets Record
The sale of a home on Garden Street in Hoboken recently settled, making the record sale price official. Per NJ.com, the six-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot home closed at $350,000 over the asking price, resulting in a final sale price of $3.65 million. The home’s sale price marks the highest-priced home sold in Hudson County so far this year.
City of Hoboken Announces 2024 Movies Under the Stars + Concerts in the Park Schedule
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla invites residents to participate in the Summer Fun 2024 program. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the Concerts in the Park series kicks off on June 6th at Sinatra Park. Local favorite DJ Tait will be spinning House on the Hudson on June 13th and July 11th. Movies under the Stars will be held on Wednesday nights starting June 12th, with “A League of Their Own.” Movies will be shown at Pier A Park, ResilienCity Park, and the 7th and Jackson Resiliency Park. Movies will start at 9PM in June and July and at 8:30PM in August. Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic basket, and a blanket or low-back chair. Click here for the full schedule.
