The Hoboken PATH reopened this week after its 25 day closure. 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’s Otto Strada shares an update on reopening after fire; a new woman-owned business, Food Hall Cafe, opens in Jersey City; and Sean Kingston is set to perform again at Madd Hatter in Hoboken. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on March 2nd, 2025.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- New Woman-Owned Business, Food Hall Cafe, Opens in Jersey City
- Otto Strada Shares Update on Reopening After Fire
- Sean Kingston to Perform Again at Madd Hatter in Hoboken
- Local Volunteer Network, Charity Quest, to Host Fundraising Event in Hoboken
- Yemeni Coffee Shop, Azal Coffee, to Open in Jersey City
- Blue Angel Artisan Cafe + Bakery to Open in Hoboken
- Ferry Pier in Hoboken Reopens After Temporary Closure
- Moonlight Spa Opens Third Location in Hoboken
- Tallest Roller Coaster in New Jersey, Kingda Ka, Imploded at Six Flags
- Hoboken Fire Department Implements New Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Laws
New Woman-Owned Business, Food Hall Cafe, Opens in Jersey City
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A new woman-owned business with a focus on organic food recently opened in McGinley Square at 130 Monticello Avenue. Food Hall Cafe held its grand opening on February 19th. This spot serves up breakfast and lunch with Caribbean options like roti and curry.
Individual in Custody in Hoboken After Police Activity Reported
Near Neumann Leathers
On February 27th in Hoboken, Hudson River Athletics posted to its Instagram that there was an active situation at the Neumann Leather building on Observer Highway near Willow Avenue. The fitness spot posted around 7AM, “According to Hoboken PD, there’s a dangerous person barricaded in the Neumann building. Access is restricted until further notice.” Click here for more.
Otto Strada Shares Update on Reopening After Fire
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Italian restaurant Otto Strada, located at 743 Park Avenue in Hoboken, suffered a fire in the building on Tuesday, January 21st. Otto Strada recently shared a construction update on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone who reached out and offered support during our temporary closure. We feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community! We’re still plugging along with construction and will send an update as we get closer to our reopening. Many of you have offered to help, we’d love to see reviews of your favorite dishes or special moments you’ve had with us!”
All Stars Project’s Development School for Youth Expands to Hoboken
The All Stars Project of New Jersey is dedicated to transforming youth and families’ lives from underserved communities. This after-school program, which operates in Newark, Jersey City, and other local towns, was launched at Hoboken High School in the fall of 2024. Graduating students will have the opportunity to participate in paid summer internship programs this summer in the NJ/NY Metro area. Associate Director of the All Stars Project, Jahmila Williams, shared: “Our continued efforts to extend our reach and deepen our impact in Hoboken embody our collective vision: to provide diverse young people in New Jersey with the opportunities they deserve to grow and thrive.” Click here to support the All Stars Project initiative.
Updates on the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project
On September 15th, 2022 Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey had officially acquired a former rail line + would be converting it into a massive greenway, which will stretch from Essex County to Hudson County. In November 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced that it was aiming to break ground on the Newark section of the project in 2025. Now, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will hire a construction manager for the Greenway, and expects to have a manager ready for board approval in May 2025. Click here for more.
Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Bar Crawl Schedule
St. Paddy’s bar crawl events happen annually in Hoboken. This year, there are six that have been announced so far. Most are organized by PubCrawls.com, while other events are put together by local businesses in an attempt to calm the chaos. We’ve rounded up all of the crawls happening locally for easy browsing. Click here for more.
Jersey City Restaurant Fest is Happening Until 3/15
This year’s Jersey City Restaurant Fest highlights longtime favorites and new eateries in Jersey City. Locals can experience restaurants with outdoor seating, takeout/pick up options and dine-in promotions from March 1st through March 15th. Click here to see dining deals.
Trump Administration Releases Letter to End NYC Congestion Pricing
The Trump administration has instructed New York City to end its congestion pricing program by March 21st in a letter released on February 20th. The Federal Highway Administration said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must stop collecting tolls by that date to allow for an “orderly cessation.” The letter was released one day after the U.S. Department of Transportation said it pulled federal approval of the plan following a review requested by President Donald Trump.
Ferry Pier in Hoboken Reopens After Temporary Closure
NYW Travel Alert: Hoboken 14th St boarding barge has been repaired, and we are back in operation.
— NY Waterway (@ridetheferry) February 25, 2025
NY Waterway’s 14th Street ferry pier in Hoboken was temporarily closed to passengers in the morning on February 25th, but fixed the problem before noon. NY Waterway announced via X at 10:52AM that the 14th Street boarding barge had been repaired. The company was supposed to provide increased ferry service from the pier to Brookfield Place at the World Trade Center that morning. This also happened the same day that Hoboken’s PATH train station reopened for service.
Sean Kingston to Perform Again at Madd Hatter in Hoboken
Sean Kingston is set to take the stage again at Madd Hatter, 221 Washington Street, in Hoboken on Saturday, March 22nd. Doors open at 9PM and arriving early is encouraged. Sean Kingston will perform some of his top hits including “Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning,” and “Take You There.” Click here for tickets.
Hoboken’s Summer Camp Fair is Happening 3/9
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The Hoboken Summer Camp Fair provides local parents with a one-stop shop to plan their children’s summer. The event takes place on March 9th from 10AM-2PM at the Rue Building Gym, 301 Garden Street in Hoboken. Featuring 25+ camps, the fair is a comprehensive showcase of hyperlocal camps, catering to various interests including sports, arts, STEM, and more. Attendees can expect to meet with camp representatives, gather information, ask questions, and register for camps on the spot. From enriching educational experiences to exciting outdoor adventures, attendees can discover a summer program to suit their child’s interests and preferences. Click here to register.
Two More Cases of Measles Reported in New Jersey
After a person with measles landed in a Bergen County emergency room two weeks ago, two more people with the highly contagious virus have been reported, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The people affected were unvaccinated and were in contact with the first person. The state is asking anyone who was in contact with the three infected patients to contact a health provider to get checked out. Someone in contact with the first person could develop symptoms as late as March 6th, the state said.
Moonlight Spa Opens Third Location in Hoboken
Moonlight Spa, located at 722 Washington Street in Hoboken, recently opened its third location in the Mile Square. The new spot is called Massage Wonder and is located at 119 Washington Street, in the space where Mimosa Digital was. Alley Spa is its second location in town at 106 5th Street. All three spots provide full body massages, foot reflexology, and more. Click here for more.
The Turf by Project Sculpt Opens at Cast Iron Lofts in Jersey City
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The team behind Project Sculpt shared on Instagram that it opened a new studio called The Turf by Project Sculpt in the retail area of the Cast Iron Lofts, 837 Jersey Avenue, in Jersey City. The studio features a new turf area for workouts, fire flow yoga classes, and more.
Tallest Roller Coaster in New Jersey, Kingda Ka, Imploded at Six Flags
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Kingda Ka, the state’s tallest roller coaster, has been shut down at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township. Per CBS News, the iconic roller coaster was imploded just before 7AM on Friday, February 28th. The park announced the coaster’s closure last year and a new coaster will be built in its place, set to open next year.
Yemeni Coffee Shop, Azal Coffee, to Open in Jersey City
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Users in the Jersey City Reddit recently noticed signage for a new java spot in downtown Jersey City. Azal Coffee is a Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop that will open up its first New Jersey location in Chilltown. On the menu, customers can find organic Yemeni and Arabic coffee drinks including the Azal Signature (roast coffee, coffee husks, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, sesame, + cream), as well as espresso, mojitos, tea, waffles, pastries, and more. Azal Coffee also has a Wisconsin shop in the works. Click here for more.
Crumbl Cookies Hosts Grand Opening in Downtown Jersey City
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Crumbl Cookies, which serves up delectable gourmet cookies in a variety of flavors, opened at 318 Grove Street in Jersey City’s historic downtown area next to Shake Shack. Its grand opening was held on February 28th. Click here for more.
Hoboken Fire Department Implements New Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Laws
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Fire Chief Anton Peskens announced on February 25th new city regulations to protect Hoboken residents from fires caused by uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the City Council approved the “Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Ordinance,” created under the guidance of Chief Peskens and Hoboken Fire Marshal Stephen DiVincent, to prohibit the sale, repair, and/or use of second-hand lithium-ion batteries. The law also prohibits the charging and/or storage of a lithium-ion powered battery or a lithium-ion battery-powered mobility device in common areas, including basements, lobbies, and hallways, of residential properties with three or more units. Click here for more.
Local Volunteer Network, Charity Quest, to Host Fundraising Event in Hoboken
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Charity Quest, a local business that connects charities with volunteers, is hosting a Mardi Gras fundraising event in Hoboken to celebrate its fifth year of service to the community. The event will take place on March 4th at Hoboken Grace, 409 14th Street, from 5:30PM-7:30PM. Charity Quest runs a free volunteer network for local charities in northeast NJ, primarily in Hoboken and Jersey City. The network has connected 14,000+ volunteers to over 50 local non-profits. Click here to register for the event.
Hoboken EMS Celebrates Launch of New Ambulance
The City of Hoboken, Hoboken Public Safety Department, Hoboken Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), and Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC) unveiled on February 28th a brand new, state-of-the-art ambulance. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the vehicle was put into service on the 54th anniversary of the incorporation of HVAC, following a special ceremony at EMS headquarters.
The Yard Milkshake Bar to Open in Downtown Jersey City
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The Yard is a milkshake bar that is set to open next to Azal Coffee on Newark Avenue. Signage was revealed in the Jersey City Reddit this week. The Yard has 25+ locations around the United States and serves ice cream, milkshakes, floats, sundaes, edible cookie dough, and a variety of specialty items like mint brownie mudslide and strawberries + cream cheesecake (specials vary by location.) Click here for more.
Jersey City Secures EPA Grant for Environmental Health in Bergen-Lafayette
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a $465,250 grant to the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services for a three-year air quality monitoring initiative. Per a City of Jersey City press release, this effort will specifically focus on the Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette neighborhoods. Real-time air quality data will be publicly available 24/7 through an online dashboard, The Daily Breather, and anyone can sign up here to stay informed about local air quality levels, which are increasingly impacted by climate change.
Bronx Woman Arrested at Metropolis for Aggravated Assault + Alleged Drug Possession
A Bronx woman was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and drug possession after she was seen allegedly ingesting a controlled dangerous substance. Per a Hoboken Police arrest blotter, Kiala Donald, 26, was arrested after 10:30PM on January 24th at Metropolis, 96 River Street. Police officers responded to reports of a disorderly woman ingesting a controlled dangerous substance. When officers tried to assist, Kiala lunged at one, attempting to hit the officer. Police searched her and found a small bag containing a white powdery crystalized substance believed to be cocaine. She was taken to Hoboken Police Headquarters and charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and disorderly conduct.
Jersey City Ranks as 2nd Most Ethnically Diverse City in the U.S.
Mayor Steven Fulop announced on February 25th that Jersey City was recognized as the second most ethnically diverse city in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub. The study evaluated over 500 of the largest U.S. cities, assessing key indicators such as ethnicity and race, language, and birthplace diversity. Jersey City has consistently ranked among the top in previous years, often securing the first position. In its findings, WalletHub shares that Hispanics make up the largest ethnic group in the city, at around 26%, while Asians are 25% of the population, White people are 24%, and Black people are 20%.
Is Rumba’s Cafe Coming to Journal Square in Jersey City?
Users in the Jersey City Reddit recently noticed signage for a new restaurant at the former McDonald’s space, 564 Newark Avenue, in the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Rumors are swirling about it being a new Rumba’s Cafe location. The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the owners and this post will be updated with any further details.
Jersey City Council Discusses Plans for New Heights Police Station + Bike Lane
While meeting in caucus on February 24th, the Jersey City Council learned how a new parking deck would be located behind a planned police station off Central Avenue in the Heights, but that its size and use have yet to be determined. The council also reviewed a resolution to contract with an engineer for a permanent bike lane in the Heights. The resolution failed to be introduced during the February 26th meeting.
Blue Angel Artisan Cafe + Bakery to Open in Hoboken
Back in July 2024, local java staple Hidden Grounds announced the closure of its downtown location at 79 Hudson Street. Now, a new Korean café and bakery will take over the space. A construction permit was spotted on the door on Tuesday, February 25th for a cafe/bakery shop, and a worker confirmed with HG that Blue Angel Artisan Cafe + Bakery will open its second Hudson County location there. Click here for more.
New Irish Bar to Open at Former Cafè Coretto Space in Jersey City
A new Irish bar is set to take over the former Cafè Coretto space in downtown Jersey City. Details are slim as of this writing, but The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the owners and this post will be updated with any further details.
Casa Italia Gourmet Market by Alessio’s to Open in Hoboken
With three locations across Hoboken and Jersey City Casa Italia Gourmet Market is Alessio’s’ newest venture. Run by Luca Infantino, Alessio’s has quickly become a local staple for Italian goodies, coffee, sandwiches (PS: try our Hoboken Girl breakfast sandwich), and much more. Click here for more.
Marineview Plaza to Register Under Hoboken Rent Control
Mayor Ravi Bhalla and members of the Hoboken City Council announced on February 27th that Marineview Plaza agreed to register its property under rent control, in an important win for tenants of the two buildings. Per a City of Hoboken press release, this decision comes following discussions between the City and Marineview’s legal representatives, ensuring that the property owner’s rent increases remain compliant with both municipal and state laws. Once Marineview Plaza completes the registration process with the City’s Rent Control and Stabilization Office, provides the requested vacancy information, and confirms rent increases remain within compliance, the City will move to dismiss all related summonses.
Journal Square Property Owners Push Back Against Pompidou Proposed Tax
Photo Credit: KRE
A new plan was unveiled to fund the Centre Pompidou with a tax aimed at the highest-valued properties in Journal Square. The ordinance states that the Special Improvement District tax will cost certain assessed properties $120 per residential unit, which is expected to earn $1.2 million in its first year. The tax will only be levied on properties valued at $4 million or more and it excludes apartment buildings with four or fewer units. Jersey City Redevelopment Agency counsel Joe Baumann, who hosted the meeting at City Hall, said he expects that a $2 million property would likely pay $2,000 annually.
Jersey City Man Sentenced to Prison for Fatal Stabbing at Light Rail Station
On February 21st, the Honorable Nesle Rodriguez sentenced a Jersey City man to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in a fatal stabbing that occurred at a Light Rail station in 2022. Per a Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office press release, Anthony Bell, 40, pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Manslaughter. On January 28, 2022, at approximately 11:30PM, police found a male, later identified as Kenneth Brown, 49, of Jersey City, with an apparent stab wound to his upper body. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:34AM on January 29th, 2022.
Jersey City Arts Festival, JC Fridays, is Happening on 3/7
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Art House Productions announced the lineup for the first JC Fridays of 2025, taking place on March 7th. Jersey City’s premier quarterly arts festival is free and open to the public and will feature a diverse array of events, including visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, dance classes, and more. Click here for complete event listings and an interactive map.
Mayor Bhalla Joins National Coalition to Challenge Trump’s NIH Funding Cuts
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on February 26th that he has joined a coalition of over 45 elected officials, cities, and counties across the country in challenging the Trump Administration’s cuts in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. Per a City of Hoboken press release, Bhalla signed on to an amicus brief, filed in federal court last week in Massachusetts, arguing that NIH’s funding cuts are unjustified, illegal, and would devastate research institutions and medical progress. Hoboken is directly affected by these cuts, as Stevens Institute of Technology receives millions in NIH grant funding.
New Non-Profit to Benefit From ‘The Hoboken Girl’ Breakfast Sandwich
By popular demand, The Hoboken Girl breakfast sandwich is now indefinitely on the menu at all Alessio’s locations — 539 Park Avenue + 1201 Madison Street in Hoboken and 99 Franklin Street in Jersey City. Each quarter, we’ll be choosing a new non-profit to donate a portion of the proceeds to — this quarter our donations of a portion of The Hoboken Girl’s sales will go to the Hudson County CASA.
Weehawken Pool Memberships Now Open to All New Jersey Residents
While we patiently wait for summer here in Hudson County, the Weehawken Township Pool Complex is wasting no time. The public pool, located at 2 Port Imperial Boulevard in Weehawken, is getting ready for the warmer days ahead and has officially released its 2025 season membership details for all New Jersey residents this week (and rumor has it, spots sell out fast). Read on for everything we know so far and how to register for a membership at the Weehawken Township Pool Complex in New Jersey.
2025 Information
The Weehawken Township Pool Complex will re-open just in time for Memorial Day Weekend this year and pool-goers can make a splash as early as May 24th, 2025. After MDW, the pool will only be open on weekends throughout June. The full pool season will begin on June 24th, 2025 with an extended schedule after schools officially close for summer break. Membership is open to all New Jersey residents — registration can be done here.
Read More: Public Pools in Hudson County to Enjoy This Summer
Pool Hours
- Weekdays (starting June 24th, 2025)
- 6AM-8AM: Lap Swim
- 8AM-10AM: Swim Lessons
- 10AM-8PM: General Hours
- Weekends (starting May 24th, 2025)
- 7AM-9AM: Lap Swim
- 10AM-8PM: General Hours
Memberships + Pricing
Annual Membership for Weehawken Residents
- $125 for the adult primary
- Plus $75 per adult in household
- Children under 17 admitted for free when accompanied by adult member
Annual Membership for Non-Residents
- $250 for the adult primary
- Plus $150 per adult in household
- Children under 17 admitted for free when accompanied by adult member
Day Passes
Day passes are non-refundable, must be pre-purchased online, and cannot be purchased in-person. Day passes also are limited to weekdays only and cannot be used on weekends or holidays. Regardless of residency, day passes will be $40 per adult and $20 per child. Day passes will be available starting on June 25th, 2025 and can be used between 10AM-8PM.
Background on the Weehawken Pool
Weehawken’s municipal swimming pool (aka the Weehawken Township Pool Complex) opened in the summer of 2021. The $10.5 million complex has views of the NYC skyline, a water slide, a lap pool, splash pads, and more. The pool formerly only permitted Weehawken residents to become pool members, but after various efforts from surrounding towns without public pools, the conversation escalated and the state got involved.
See More: Where to Find Indoor Pools + Aquatics Programs in North Jersey
The pool had been built using some state funding provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Acres Program, and back in June, the DEP claimed it wasn’t right for Weehawken to restrict membership after having used state funding. The DEP even withheld $4 million in Green Acres funds for ongoing projects at the Waterfront Park until Weehawken opened its membership to non-residents, per TapInto. It wasn't until August of 2022 that the pool would officially start permitting out-of-town residents to use the outdoor pool. Now, the Weehawken Pool is open to all New Jersey residents.
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