The temperature is rising in Hudson County as summer quickly approaches. As always, 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: a Hoboken resident makes his New York Times debut with a crossword puzzle; the Jersey City Comedy Festival returns this week; and Tipsy Tie Dye in Hoboken is featured on CBS Sunday Morning. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on June 9th, 2024.
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):
- Tipsy Tie Dye in Hoboken is Featured on CBS Sunday Morning
- Milk Sugar Love Celebrates 10 Years in Jersey City
- Hoboken Resident Makes New York Times Debut with Crossword Puzzle
- Barky Way, New Pet Store to Open in Jersey City
- The Hoboken Business Alliance Launches New Community Advisory Board
- Two People Shot in Jersey City, Including One 16-Year-Old Boy
- 16+ Tire Slashings Reported by Hoboken Residents
- There’s a New Kids’ Adventure Park Coming to Jersey City’s Soho Lofts
- Hoboken Community Center Presents New Pantry Plans
- The Jersey City Comedy Festival Returns for 2024 This Week
Tipsy Tie Dye in Hoboken Featured on CBS Sunday Morning
Photo Credit: Tipsy Tie Dye
Hoboken’s Tipsy Tie Dye was included on CBS Sunday Morning on May 19th. The segment highlighted the history of tie dye and Tipsy Tie Dye was selected due to its unique and creative approach to tie-dyeing. This Hoboken-based business hosts tie-dye parties and events in a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere.
Barky Way, New Pet Store, to Open in Jersey City
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Barky Way is a new pet store, grooming, and training service opening soon in Jersey City. Per an Instagram post shared by the Historic Downtown Jersey City Improvement District, the store is opening at 277 Newark Avenue.
Ozu Foods Has Closed in Jersey City Heights, New Japanese Spot Coming In
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OZU Foods was a foodie staple In Jersey City Heights with delicious Asian cuisine in a lowkey, cozy environment. Located at 106 Hutton Street in Jersey City, it was a go-to for locals to enjoy ramen and sushi. But on May 25th, 2024, OZU closed its doors for good, noting a new Japanese restaurant will be moving in. Ozu’s owners shared the bittersweet news about their move to Japan via Instagram. Click here for more.
Milk Sugar Love Celebrates 10 Years in Jersey City
Milk Sugar Love, a popular ice cream shop in Jersey City, is celebrating 10 years in business. The owner shared the news on Instagram and invited all to join for a party on June 14th from 4PM-8PM with music, balloons, ice cream, and complimentary cake from Carmen Rosa’s Bakery in Jersey City.
This Hoboken Resident Had 2 Crosswords Published in the NYT Before Graduating High School
Luke K. Schreiber, a Hoboken resident, made his New York Times debut last December with a Monday puzzle. Now he’s back again with a Sunday puzzle named Typecasting. Luke just graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep High School in Jersey City, and will attend Princeton University in the fall. Click here for more.
22-Year-Old Woman is Sexually Assaulted in Jersey City
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in Jersey City on Sunday, June 2nd. Per NJ.com, a 22-year-old female reported that she was approached by an unknown male in a Journal Square neighborhood and she entered the white vehicle he was operating. The male drove the victim a short distance to the area of Division Street and Eighth Street at approximately 7AM where she reported being sexually assaulted in the vehicle. During the investigation, a person of interest was identified. The matter remains under investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit with assistance from the Jersey City Police Department.
Paris Baguette Opens at Maxwell Place in Hoboken
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Paris Baguette, a popular bakery and cafe chain, is now open in Mile Square as of Friday, June 7th. The Hoboken outpost is located at 1000 Maxwell Lane and will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting later this month. Click here for more.
Hoboken City Clerk Rejects Rent Control Referendum Due to Invalid Signatures
The Hoboken City Clerk’s Office has deemed a proposed rent control referendum “defective” due to invalid signatures. Per the Hudson County View, while 2,162 signatures were submitted, the Clerk found just 802 were valid with the remaining deemed invalid “based upon comparison to the registered voter logs,” City Clerk James Farina informed Council members in a letter dated May 31st. The petition had called for a referendum to amend Hoboken’s Rent Control Ordinance. If passed, the referendum would result in rent-controlled properties being listed at market rate once a tenant leaves. In return, landlords would make one-off 2,500 financial contributions to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund when a tenant leaves a rent-controlled property. Farina noted that the Mile Square Taxpayers Association’s Committee of Petitioners had ten days to amend the petition.
Alfalfa Opening 5th Location in Downtown Hoboken This Month
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Alfalfa, a born-in-Hoboken salad spot, well-known for its salads, wraps, breakfast burritos, and homemade gluten-free doughnuts, announced back in February that it would be opening its fifth store — and we now have an opening date. Alfalfa will open its fifth location in the former Sobseys Produce grocery store at 92 Bloomfield Street in Hoboken — back where it all began — on Saturday, June 22nd. Click here for more.
16+ Tire Slashings Reported by Hoboken Residents
Several Hoboken residents reported tire slashings to the police department on June 2nd. The City of Hoboken shared with the HG team that there were 16 vehicles that had tires slashed in the southeast section of Hoboken on Sunday, June 2nd between 12AM and 4:30AM. Some were parked in area garages and others were on the surrounding streets. One was a municipal vehicle. A 17th tire slashing was reported near the intersection of Third and Monroe Streets, but it’s unclear if that one was related to the others. The investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Quinones at [email protected].
Free International Day of Yoga Event is Happening at Pier A in Hoboken
Radha Devi Om and Urban Souls are hosting the inaugural International Day of Yoga — Hoboken on Friday, June 21st, the Summer Solstice, from 4PM-9PM at Pier A Lawn. This free event will celebrate the spiritual tradition of yoga by bringing peace and unity to the community. Sponsors will have tables set up with information, free samples, activations, and coupons. Click here for more.
Increased Demand for Hoboken Charter Schools Show in Enrollment Figures
Enrollment figures for the 2024-2025 scholastic year show an increased demand for Hoboken’s three public charter schools: Elysian Charter School, Hoboken Charter School, and the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School. Per the Hudson County View, the demand for Hoboken’s public charter schools has grown with the number of applicants far exceeding each school’s capacity. Hoboken’s public charter schools also have a triple weight in their lottery for economically disadvantaged families. HoLa, an immersion dual language school, expanded its weighting to include English Language Learners as well.
Hoboken Community Center Presents New Pantry Plans
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The Hoboken Community Center (HCC) hosted a presentation to share its plans to build a permanent home for its pantry program at 122 Adams Street. Per the Hudson County View, the meeting took place on Wednesday, June 5th from 7PM-8PM. The HCC’s pantry is a community resource for supplemental food, hygiene, and pet supplies in Hoboken and surrounding communities experiencing food insecurity or other hardships. A Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting regarding the matter will be held on June 18th, at 7PM at 94 Washington Street.
The Hoboken Business Alliance Launches New Community Advisory Board
The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) has established the HBA Community Advisory Board, leveraging stakeholders to help the HBA execute its recently released strategic plan. Per the Hudson County View, the committee is composed of 22 members who will meet at least twice per year and provide regular review and input on the plan’s implementation and completion. The new board will help establish the HBA as a leading advocate and business resource in Hoboken.
Two People Shot in Jersey City, Including One 16-Year-Old Boy
Two people, including a 16-year-old, were shot in Jersey City on May 25th. Per NJ.com, Jersey City police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Martin Luther King Drive between Bayview and Wilkinson avenues and found that a large street fight led to shots being fired. Police found that a 16-year-old had been shot in the incident and arrived at a local hospital with a graze wound to his upper thigh. Another 16-year-old, of Jersey City, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. A total of three people were arrested in two related incidents that ended with a police cruiser striking a vehicle during the pursuit.
Jersey City Development Sells for the Second Time, Heads Towards Groundbreaking
A 200-unit development site located at the corner of West Side Avenue and Fisk Streets has been sold and project leaders aim to start construction under new ownership in the coming months. Per Jersey Digs, the New Jersey office of IPRG, led by partner Yanni Marmarou, has announced the $9.35 million deal. Tay Investments are the new owners of the warehouse and surrounding properties at 277-301 West Side Avenue. The site is in the process of preparing for immediate construction.
Hoboken Community Center’s Taste of Hoboken Event Returns
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The Hoboken Community Center (HCC) is hosting its annual Taste of Hoboken fundraiser at Maxwell Place Park on Tuesday, June 11th from 6PM-9:30PM. The event will feature more than 30 local restaurants, drinks, live entertainment, and a silent auction to support the HCC’s mission of a food, hygiene, and pet supply pantry, affordable housing for 96 low-income men, and a 40,000+ square foot community and recreation center under rehabilitation at 1301 Washington Street. The event is 21+. Click here for more.
Former Jersey City Director Sworn In As New Hudson County Superintendent Of Elections
Maryanne Kelleher was sworn in as the new Hudson County Superintendent of Elections on May 20th. Per the Hudson County View, Maryanne has held various roles at Jersey City City Hall including the director of cultural affairs and Healthier JC. Maryanne was born and raised in Jersey City, and began working in 1996 as an event planner in the Division of Cultural Affairs, serving under the administrations of Mayors Bret Schindler, Glenn Cunningham, L. Harvey Smith, Jerramiah Healy, and Steven Fulop.
House of Representatives 8th Congressional District Election Results
The 2024 New Jersey Primary Election was on June 4th. While voters around the country voted for the nominees for the upcoming fall election, one of Hoboken’s own, Mayor Ravi Bhalla ran for a seat in Congress. The House of Representatives 8th Congressional District Election results are as follows: Rob Menendez — 17,068 votes; Ravinder S. Bhalla — 12,341 votes; Kyle Fort Jasey — 3,049 votes. Click here for more.
There’s a New Kids’ Adventure Park Coming to Jersey City’s Soho Lofts
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mary Christian
Adventure Park, an indoor children’s recreational facility, is being built on the bottom floor of Soho Lofts in Jersey City. All it took was an ambitious mom who felt there was a need for such a playground and did not want to drive outside of town to find one. Jersey City resident Mary Christian of Ivy Primary Prep is the mastermind behind the million-dollar project, located at 273 16th Street in Jersey City. Click here for more.
Author Releases Debut Comic Novel Which Takes Place in Hoboken + Jersey City
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Ruth Bonapace launched her debut comic novel, The Bulgarian Training Manual, which takes place in Hoboken and Jersey City Heights, where she lived for more than 30 years. Per Patch Hoboken, the book was launched this week with a reading at Word Bookstore in Jersey City on Tuesday, June 4th, and another reading in Hoboken later this month. Ruth describes the book as the story of Tina and her working-class dreams. A struggling real estate agent and ex-roadie born in Jersey City Heights, on a quest to find her true parents, jeans that fit, and an escape from her basement apartment in Hoboken.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Celebrates Pride Month With Flag Raising
Photo Credit: Craig Guy
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Board of County Commissioners celebrated Pride Month by hosting a flag-raising for National Pride Month at the Brennan Courthouse on June 3rd. Per a Hudson County press release, Harmonica Sunbeam, musician and LGBTQ+ activist, presented a special performance during the flag-raising.
24 People Arrested in Jersey City in Connection to Gang at Downtown Housing Complex
A large group of law enforcement agencies led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested 24 people connected to a gang operating out of a Downtown Jersey City housing complex on May 30th. According to the Jersey City Times, the gang was located at the Booker T. Washington Housing Complex, and members were allegedly distributing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, carrying out acts of violence, including shootings and robberies, and committing bank fraud.
The Jersey City Comedy Festival Returns for 2024 This Week
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A beloved local comedy event is returning this week in Jersey City. The Jersey City Comedy Festival — which will feature 50 comedians — will take place from June 11th-15th, 2024. The events will take place at Art House Productions and Dorrian’s Red Hand in Jersey City. Click here for more.
Jersey City Youth Football Team to Compete for National Championship
The Jersey City Knights Elite football team will compete to bring a national championship to the city. Per NJ.com, the team of 10-year-olds (or younger) earned the right to compete for the AAU Spring Football National Championships after winning the New Jersey league’s tournament with a 24-0 victory over a Newark team on June 1st.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Signed Controversial OPRA Bill
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 acknowledged that advocates who said the bill would limit transparency would be disappointed by him signing the bill. But he said if he believed the bill would “enable corruption in any way,” he would “unhesitatingly veto it.”
Hoboken Mayor Bhalla Expresses Disappointment Regarding OPRA Bill Signing
Mayor Ravi Bhalla released a statement expressing his disappointment in Governor Murphy signing the OPRA bill. Per Patch Hoboken, Bhalla said on June 5th: “It is deeply disappointing to hear that the Governor has signed this seriously flawed and anti-democratic OPRA legislation that substantially undermines government transparency. Modernizing OPRA is one thing, but this bill does anything but that – it guts one of the few tools available to members of the public to hold government officials accountable and is just plain wrong.”
The Annual Propelify Innovation Festival Returns to Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken
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The annual Propelify Innovation Festival returns at Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken on Thursday, June 27th from 11AM-9PM. The annual festival, hosted by the City of Hoboken and organized by TechUnited: NJ was dubbed the “The SXSW of the Northeast” by Forbes. Per the City of Hoboken, TechUnited: NJ is giving residents complimentary tickets while supplies last, in partnership with the City of Hoboken. Residents can use the code HobokenPropels to get a free community ticket here. Hoboken residents can also attend happy hour beginning at 7:30PM and the finale fireworks display between 8:30PM and 9PM.
Dual Enrollment Program in Architecture Launched by Hoboken High School
Hoboken High School announced its pioneering partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to introduce a dual enrollment program in architecture, starting this September. Per Patch Hoboken, this innovative program will empower students to embark on a journey of academic and professional growth, preparing them for future success in the dynamic field of architecture. Through this dual enrollment initiative, students may earn both high school and collegiate credits.
NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan Indefinitely Halted: What to Know
For many New Jersey residents, the trek to and from New York City has become a part of the 2024 work week, with many offices requiring in-person time. As more workers return to the office, such commuters were in for a rather rude awakening — as an additional toll for NJ commuters entering New York called the ‘Congestion Pricing Plan’ passed in its final vote back in late March. Now, just a few weeks before it was set to go into effect on June 30th, 2024, the plan has been indefinitely halted. Click here for more.
Bayonne Could Soon Be Home to the Largest Film Studio in the Northeast
Photo Credit: 1888 Studios
Cameras, lights, and Hollywood actors are becoming a common occurrence on the streets of Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City lately. Just this spring, award-winning actor Timothée Chalamet was spotted shooting the upcoming biopic all around the Garden State. Hudson County residents could soon see an increase in feature films shooting in our neighborhoods. In May 2024, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board designated 1888 Studios in Bayonne as a Film-Lease Partner Facility. Click here for more.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Celebrates Portuguese Culture With Flag Raising in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Hudson County Executive Craig Guy
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, the Board of County Commissioners, East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo, and Hudson County Director of Cultural & Heritage Affairs Gina Hulings celebrated Portuguese culture and heritage with a flag raising at the Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City on June 5th. Per a Hudson County press release, this was Hudson County’s third annual Portuguese flag-raising ceremony. The event included a dance presentation from the Sport Club Portuguese Folklore Group, Rancho Camponeses do Minho.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Names Laura Tacuri as City Tax Assessor
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Mayor Steven Fulop has promoted Laura Tacuri to serve as Jersey City’s tax assessor. Per the Hudson County View, Laura began her career with the city in 1999 as a summer intern with then-Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson. While working in various other roles in City Hall, Laura earned certifications and degrees in financial management from New Jersey City University. As tax assessor, she will oversee the assessment of all real property in the city, enforce tax laws, and assist taxpayers in Jersey City.
First-Ever Foodie Fest for Autism Awareness Happening in Hoboken on 4/5
Here in the Mile Square, there are always fun and unique events happening all around town — from festivals and food crawls to live music, art exhibits, the list goes on. On April 5th, a new event will make its debut in Hoboken, and this one is all about raising awareness while enjoying all of the foodie fun our Mile Square city has to offer. Enter the first-ever Hoboken Foodie Fest — a celebration of community, creativity, and spreading Autism awareness + acceptance, complete with good eats, live music, a book drive, and more. Read on for more about The Foodie Fest happening in Hoboken, New Jersey this April.
Photo credit: @sayheysocial
What is The Foodie Fest?
The Foodie Fest in support of Autism Awareness + Acceptance Month will take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 2PM-7PM on Garden Street between 4th and 5th Streets in Hoboken. The event is being organized by The Foodie Goddess and What Hoboken Sounds Like, and is sponsored by the Hoboken Business Alliance.
Read More: Crumbl Cookies Signage Spotted in Downtown Jersey City
The Foodie Goddess, also known as local resident + mom Amanda Dale, is also the Vice President and Director of Creative Culinary Content at What Hoboken Sounds Like — a Hoboken nonprofit "on a mission for inclusivity & diversity," per its Instagram bio. This brand-new event is close to Amanda's heart, as she is a mom to a child with Autism.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would come to life—The Foodie Fest is officially happening! This event is so much more than amazing food; it's a celebration of community, creativity, and causes close to my heart. With incredible food vendors serving up their amazing dishes and a book drive to support families within our community, we're bringing people together to feed both minds and stomachs. As a mom to a child with Autism, this event is also a platform to spread Autism Awareness/Acceptance and foster inclusion, showing the beauty of acceptance in every corner of our lives. This means the world to me, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. Let's make it unforgettable!"
See the full post below.
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So, what can Hoboken locals expect from The Foodie Fest? The event will include a variety of food vendors and food trucks, live music from DJ Bripee, as well as a kids' book drive. The organizers will be collecting new or gently-used children's books, which can be dropped off at the check-in stand during the event.
While all of the food vendors have not been announced as of this writing, one local restaurant attendees can expect to see at the event is Hoboken + Jersey City's gtk. This post will be updated as more details are announced.
See More: This New Jersey Local Flew Across the East Coast for an Animal Rescue Mission
For more information about The Foodie Fest, email [email protected].
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