Summer is in full swing and the Fourth of July is just days away. 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: Hoboken is closing waterfront areas for Fourth of July fireworks; the Affordable Art Show returns to Liberty State Park in Jersey City; and Miss New Jersey is from Hoboken, again. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on June 30th, 2024. Note: The Local Girl will be closed for the week of July 1st, and there will not be a news roundup on July 7th.
Have a news story or press release you want to share with us? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- Hoboken to Close Waterfront Areas for Fourth of July Fireworks
- There’s a Cat Wellness Store in Jersey City Heights
- 3rd Consecutive Hoboken Resident Wins Miss New Jersey Title
- Jersey City Heights Experiments with First Protected Bike Lane
- New Hoboken Business, Rooted Wellness Community, Celebrates Grand Opening
- 160+ Guns Collected by City of Hoboken During Gun Buyback
- Vinyl Steakhouse x Hoboken Brewing Launch In-House Brew, The Vinyl Pilsner
- 5 New Restaurants Coming to Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette Neighborhood
- Koocheh Coffee is Open in Uptown Hoboken
- The Affordable Art Show Returns to Liberty State Park in Jersey City
3rd Consecutive Hoboken Resident Wins Miss New Jersey Title
View this post on Instagram
Jabili Kandula was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2024 during the state final held on June 23rd at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany-Troy Hills. This marks the third year in a row that the Miss New Jersey winner hails from Hoboken. Per the Miss USA website, Jabili, a 24-year-old Indian-American, will compete in the 73rd Miss USA pageant in Los Angeles, California on August 4th. The competition will be streamed on The CW.
Koocheh Coffee is Open in Uptown Hoboken
Earlier this year, The Hoboken Girl reported on the closure of the uptown Hoboken coffee shop City of Saints. At the time, it was unknown what would take over the business’s space at 1320 Bloomfield Street. Now we know that a coffee shop called Koocheh Coffee has taken over the space — and opened up this past week. Click here for more.
New Hoboken Business, Rooted Wellness Community, Celebrates Grand Opening
The grand opening of Rooted Wellness Community, a supportive community for moms and babies under two, happened on June 29th at its wellness center located at 720 Monroe Street, Suite E513. The event included giveaways, refreshments, and activities for the whole family. Rooted Wellness community has a baby-friendly community lounge and coworking space, childcare, wellness classes, fun and educational workshops, and an onsite wellness team. Click here for more.
Jersey City’sRazza Pizza Artigianale is Among 22 Best Pizzerias in North America by The New York Times
View this post on Instagram
The New York Times published a list of the 22 best pizza places in North America on June 25th. Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City was on the list. Per NJ.com, food critic Pete Wells praised Razza for treating pizza as an agricultural product.
Hoboken’s South West Festival Was a Major Success
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken’s 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos announced via Instagram that the second annual Southwest (SW) Festival on June 23rd was a major success with over 1,000 attendees from all corners of Hoboken. Per Councilman Ruben Ramos’ press release, with the help of the Hoboken Business Alliance, What Hoboken Sounds Like, the Hoboken Housing Authority, and a multitude of volunteers + non-profit organizations, the festival saw attendees from all walks of life and all wards of Hoboken.
Jersey City Police Officer is Charged With Forgery
A Jersey City police officer was charged with forging documents he allegedly submitted in order to obtain medical leave. Per the Jersey City Times, Justin Rivera, 31, was arrested on June 25th by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit following a forgery investigation. Justin allegedly submitted six forged or altered records to the Jersey City Police Department between March 2022 and January 2023, requesting medical leave. He was charged with six counts of Forgery and his first court appearance is scheduled for July 9th.
Hoboken Public Education Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
View this post on Instagram
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF) announced the appointment of Allison Strobel as its inaugural Executive Director. Per the HPEF press release, Allison will oversee all aspects of HPEF operations, fundraising, community impact and engagement, and strategic planning. With a focus on serving the diverse needs of Hoboken Public School students, Allison will work with HPEF’s Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
Coffee Shop Inches Toward Opening in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
A new contender has entered the proverbial ring of Hoboken’s coffee shops, making it the seventh newcomer this spring. Cafexico will open this summer at 515 4th Street in Hoboken — and it looks like the new java shop is taking steps towards opening as signage went up. A source close to the shop confirmed the news to The Hoboken Girl earlier this spring. Click here for more.
Mayor Fulop Announces a Free Outdoor Concert by New Jersey Symphony
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the grand finale performance by the world-class New Jersey Symphony will happen at Liberty State Park on June 30th at 7:30PM. The event is free and open to the public. Per a City of Jersey City press release, this year’s program, conducted by Joshua Gersen, celebrates patriotism and the Garden State with pieces including John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, John Philip Sousa’s Atlantic City Pageant March, and other Jersey treasures.
Cancer Survivors Celebrated at 6th Annual Colors of Courage Event in Bayonne
View this post on Instagram
CarePoint Health hosted its sixth annual Colors of Courage event on June 27th to honor and celebrate cancer survivors and their caretakers. Over 70 survivors, caretakers, and cancer specialists gathered at Bayonne Medical Center to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those affected by cancer. Per a CarePoint Health press release, the event featured a panel of esteemed doctors and specialists who answered questions about cancer treatments and life during remission. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with these experts, gaining valuable insights and information to help them navigate their own cancer journeys.
Jersey City Ranks as 4th Best City for Bookworms
In a study by JackpotCity Casino, Jersey City ranked as the fourth best city for book lovers. The team at JackpotCity Casino analyzed a range of metrics such as the number of independent bookshops, the number of public libraries, and the number of cafés to select the best cities for bookworms. Jersey City is home to 28 independent bookstores and 140 cafés. New York was crowned the best US city for book lovers.
Nasser Freres Breaks Ground on $300M+ Mixed-Use Tower In Jersey City
Developer Nasser Freres breaks ground on a new 28-story, mixed-use development on Friday, June 28th at 11AM. Per a press release, this $300+ million project is located at 25 Cottage Street, in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood. The development will feature 622 residential units, Class A office space, street-level retail, an indoor and outdoor rooftop lounge area, and a pool with views over Journal Square and across Jersey City.
Jersey City Man is Charged With Murder in Triple Shooting in the Heights
A 20-year-old Jersey City man wanted for murder in a triple shooting in the Heights neighborhood in April was found in Florida. Per NJ.com, Darren Estevez was arrested in Orlando on June 23rd by members of the Orlando Police Department on charges of drug possession and making a false report. Estevez is being held as a fugitive from justice at the Orange County Corrections Department pending extradition to New Jersey. He 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 in the April 7th shooting that left one dead and two others injured.
Jersey City Sound + Lighting Director Dies Unexpectedly at 57
On June 14th Jersey City sound and lighting director Lance Michel passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57. Lance was born on November 20th, 1966 in Smithtown, New York, the son of Paul Michel and Carole Lynch. Per the Jersey City Times, he resided in Jersey City until his passing, working as a stage manager, and technical and lighting director at several Jersey City venues including Art House Productions and White Eagle Hall.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Celebrated Philippine Independence Day With Flag Raising
Photo Credit: Hudson County Executive Craig Guy
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Chairman Anthony Romano, and the Board of County Commissioners celebrated Philippine Independence Day last week with a flag raising at the Historic Brennan Courthouse. Per a Hudson County press release, the Philippine American Friendship Community Inc. was honored and given a citation at the event.
There’s a Cat Wellness Store in Jersey City Heights
A woman inspired by the love and joy her cats bring started a store specializing in the care and keeping of our feline friends. Meow Mini Mart at 57 Congress Street in Jersey City is open to help educate cat owners and provide cute cat decor in Hudson County. We’re not kitten around — this store is purrfect for the cat lover in your life. Click here for more.
Jersey City City Council Votes Against Taxing Speer Cemetery
During the City Council meeting on June 12th, the governing body voted to derail an effort by the City of Jersey City aimed at taxing Speer Cemetery on Vroom Street in Bergen Square. Per the Jersey City Times, the city tax assessor’s office in 2021 declared the property taxable and sold a tax lien to private companies wishing to develop the land. On June 12th, the City Council voted to authorize refunding the payment for the tax sale certificate to the two private companies which have agreed to accept the refund.
Di Blu Bakery: An Argentine-Inspired Bakery Based in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Di Blu Bakery
Di Blu Bakery, an online Jersey City and Hoboken-based shop, officially launched this time last year and has grown immensely since the beginning. Owned and operated single-handedly by Sofi Di Pinto, who moved to the US two years ago, the bakery receives about one hundred orders per month and continues to grow. The Argentine-inspired bakery is known for its signature medialunas, but also other delicious baked goods that keep customers wanting more. Click here for more.
Jersey City Heights Experiments With First Protected Bike Lane
Residents in Jersey City Heights have mixed reactions to a plan to make heavily traveled Manhattan Avenue one-way eastbound, from Summit Avenue to Central Avenue, with a single two-way protected bikeway and curb extensions. Per the Jersey City Times, the plan will enhance pedestrian safety. Curbside parking would remain limited to the north side of Manhattan. Franklin Avenue will face conversion to one-way westbound vehicular traffic between Central and Sherman Avenue. After reviewing feedback from residents and traffic experts, the city will adopt the changes, modify them, or eliminate the plan altogether.
160+ Guns Collected by City of Hoboken During Gun Buyback
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar announced on June 24th that the City collected more than 160 guns during its gun buyback program on Saturday, June 22nd. The event was hosted by the Hoboken Police Department in an effort to reduce the potential for gun violence in and around Hoboken. Click here for more.
5 New + Incoming Restaurants in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette Neighborhood
The Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City is about to welcome a few new additions to the food and drink realm. While The Roxy opened its doors in the Starling building on Monitor Street earlier this spring, the same area will soon see four more new restaurants — three of which are slated to open this summer as a part of The Bergen-Lafayette Collection. Click here for more.
Vinyl Steakhouse x Hoboken Brewing Launch In-House Brew, The Vinyl Pilsner
View this post on Instagram
Vinyl Steakhouse and Hoboken Brewing Company have teamed up to launch the in-house brew, The Vinyl Pilsner. Vinyl Steakhouse shared via Instagram that The Vinyl Pilsner is brewed with American barley for a crisp, light grassy note, making it the ideal companion for steak enthusiasts.
Kearny Correctional Facility to Undergo $85M Renovation
Hudson County is making a major investment in its correctional facility in an effort to bring in more revenue and make the jail safer. Per NJ.com, the county is embarking on an $85 million renovation project at the Kearny facility to improve the lobby, visiting areas, and recreation space for the inmates, with a focus on creating more space and improving working conditions. The State of New Jersey has provided $20.3 million in funding for the project, and the county has allocated $8 million in American Rescue Plan money. The county plans to ask the state for another $20 million. The balance would come from a county bond ordinance to be considered by the County Board of Commissioners later this year.
The Affordable Art Show Returns to Liberty State Park in Jersey City
While most of us visit Liberty State Park to take in the incredible views, exercise, or have a picnic, for two weekends this summer visitors can also purchase art. The Affordable Art Show returns to the CRRNJ Terminal at Liberty State Park in July 2024. Works from over 60 artists will be featured at the show, which is produced by Art House Productions. Click here for more.
Regal Cinemas Acquires the Last Kerasotes ShowPlace Theater in New Jersey
Kerasotes ShowPlace 14 in Secaucus has been sold to Regal Cinemas. Per NJ.com, the theater is now known as Regal Secaucus ShowPlace. Regal will honor all Kerasotes advance tickets, gift cards, vouchers, and passes through December 31st.
Hudson County Community College Names New Trustees
View this post on Instagram
Stacy Gemma and Vincent Lombardo were named new trustees of Hudson County Community College at a board meeting on June 18th, succeeding longtime Chair William Netchert and Vice Chair Bakari Lee. Per the Hudson County View, as stewards of the college, trustees are responsible for establishing overarching policies and direction for the college, evaluation, and support of the president, and financial and compliance oversight.
Secaucus Hospital Honors First Responders for Saving Man’s Life
On June 17th, Soongmin Park was reunited with the first responders who saved his life after his heart stopped on May 12th. Per the Hudson County View, the two Secaucus police officers, Michael Borelli and Austin Hawxhurst, and three EMTs received Lifesaver Awards from the hospital. On May 12th, the Secaucus Police Department responded to Harmon Cove Towers, on a report of an unresponsive man, who was not breathing. After delivering a second “shock” to the victim, Secaucus police officers and Hudson Regional Hospital EMTs continued CPR, a pulse was found, and the man ultimately regained consciousness.
Hoboken to Close Waterfront Areas for Fourth of July Fireworks
Photo Credit: @brendanjdrury
On June 14th, a sinkhole opened up in Hoboken on Sinatra Drive along the waterfront. The City of Hoboken announced on June 25th that while the sinkhole was patched last week, the area will remain closed until engineering designs for permanent repairs are completed. Based on the potential for over 100,000 people to come to the waterfront for Fourth of July fireworks, the City will be closing additional waterfront areas as a precautionary measure. The affected areas include the Sinatra Park boat launch and ramp, the eastern lane of Sinatra Drive, and the waterfront walkway from Seventh Street at the gazebo to Ninth Street at Castle Point Skate Park. Click here for more.
Infinity Institute Receives Award From ‘No Place for Hate’ Program
A Jersey City high school junior and her school have won praise from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in the 2024 No Place for Hate program. Infinity Institute houses grades 4 through 12 at the former St. Paul’s School in Greenville. Per the Jersey City Times, it was among 325 schools in New York State and Northern and Central New Jersey the ADL recently honored for building tolerance among diverse populations. Janhitha Veeramachaneni, an 11th grader, was selected as the recipient of the ADL’s Cynthia Marks Student Legacy Award.
RHONJ Teresa Giudice Spotted at Chickie’s in Jersey City
Teresa Giudice, best known for starring in The Real Housewives of New Jersey, was spotted at Chickie’s in Jersey City on June 24th. Aside from being on the RHONJ, Teresa has written multiple New York Times best-selling cookbooks and was featured on Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice 5.
Controversial OPRA Bill Signed by New Jersey Governor Murphy
Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill on June 5th that alters the Open Public Records Act. Per the Jersey City Times, critics say the bill will encourage public entities to deny access to government documents, limit requestors’ ability to challenge those denials in court, and shield a range of records that have previously been considered public. Murphy stated that if he believed the bill would “enable corruption in any way,” he would “unhesitatingly veto it.” The new law will take effect 90 days after its signing, just after Labor Day. Existing requirements of OPRA remain in effect and new provisions will not apply to OPRA requests submitted prior to the effective date.
NJ Transit Raising Fares by 15% Starting July 1st
NJ Transit, the public transportation system used by many in the Garden State, proposed a 15% fare hike back in January — and as of April 2024, it was approved along with a 3% annual fare hike starting in 2025. The fare hike was voted on April 10th and will take effect July 1st, 2024. This is the first fare increase by NJ Transit in 10 years. Click here for more.
NYC Sensation Glowbar Is Expanding To Jersey City
Glowbar, a facial-membership brand known for its affordable, 30-minute custom and results-driven treatments is coming to Jersey City. Per the brand’s press release, the New York skincare staple will officially open on July 9th, located at 200 Greene Street. This will be Glowbar’s 14th studio on the East Coast and second location in New Jersey, with the other in Hoboken.
Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards Honors New Jersey Restaurants
View this post on Instagram
New Jersey restaurants have been honored in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards. Among the list is Hoboken restaurant and bar, Court Street located at 61 6th Street. This year’s awards program recognizes 3,777 dining destinations from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 75 countries internationally. A list of local winners can be found here.
Liberty State Park Ferry Terminal to Provide Improved Transport Access
State and federal agencies are devising ways to better welcome ferry visitors with improved transport access. Per the Jersey City Times, the Federal Transit Administration awarded $5.9 million to the state Department of Environmental Protection to upgrade one of the five existing passenger ferry slips in front of the Central Railroad Terminal at LSP to maintain safety and enhance service reliability for its passengers. The Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson Stephen Schapiro said DOT plans to remove and replace the existing barge with a new gangway structure, fixed pier, and floating docks. Those docks will be able to accommodate up to four ferries at one time in an emergency situation.
CAVA Opens First Location in Secaucus
View this post on Instagram
CAVA opened in Secaucus at 700 Plaza Drive on Friday, June 28th. One day before the doors officially opened, the new restaurant hosted its new neighbors for a free meal and matched donations guests made to Food Rescue US up to $1,000 at a Community Day preview event. Per Patch Secaucus, this is the new Mediterranean restaurant next to the Starbucks, Shake Shack (which just opened June 10th), Chili’s, Red Lobster, and Carnegie Diner. CAVA sells freshly-made salads with or without meat and vegetarian/vegan grain bowls. CAVA’s regular business hours are 10:45AM to 10PM.
Online Affordable Housing Portal Launched by Jersey City to Boost Access to Residents
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop joined city officials from the Division of Affordable Housing to announce the launch of a free, consolidated affordable housing portal for residents. Per the Hudson County View, the 24/7 portal will serve as a centralized hub, enabling residents to search and apply for affordable housing units in one convenient location online.
Construction Worker Suspended From Building is Rescued by Hoboken Fire Department
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The Hoboken Fire Department responded to a building under construction on 14th Street at 8:30AM on June 27th after a construction worker fell from scaffolding and became suspended from the building by his safety harness. Per the Hudson County View, the Hoboken Fire Department used an aerial ladder, a life safety rope and harness, and a descent control device, to safely rescue the worker.
Man Shot in Jersey City Refuses to Provide Any Information
A man was shot in the ankle on June 23rd in Jersey City but refused to provide any information about the incident. Per NJ.com, the man walked into the Jersey City Medical Center at 10:30PM after there was a report of shots fired in the area of Stegman Avenue, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. The victim refused to provide his name or any other information. The incident is currently under investigation.
Where to Watch 4th of July 2024 Fireworks in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
There’s really nothing like the Fourth of July in America. This year, between the Macy’s fireworks on the Hudson and other local events, locals will have plenty of choices for where to watch. Click here for more.
