Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced in May that the City would rename the gymnasium at 605 Jackson Street in honor of Damon Murray, a lifelong Hoboken resident who tragically lost his life to gun violence this past April at the age of 21. On August 29th at 5PM, the City hosted a gym renaming ceremony where Mayor Bhalla, Damon’s family and friends, and community members unveiled new exterior signage naming the gym the “Damon Murray Community Gym,” per a Nixle alert from the City. An honorary plaque was also unveiled by the main entrance to the gymnasium, followed by an open court session until 7PM. During the ceremony, Damon was also posthumously made a member of the Hoboken Fire Department, a career path he was embarking on at the time of his death. Click here for more.

ICYMI: ‘The Hoboken Girl’ Breakfast Sandwich at Alessio’s Menu is Raising Funds for the Hoboken Public Education Foundation This Quarter

If you didn’t get a chance to taste test The Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich yet, you’re in luck — not only did our collaboration in the spring sell almost 2,000 sandwiches in a month (and we donated our portion to York Street Project for Women’s History Month of over $2000), but it’s also officially on the menu permanently. The Hoboken Girl team collaborated with Alessio’s Cafe on our very own Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich, and now, this quarter, purchases of the sandwich raise funds for the Hoboken Public Education Foundation — and we plan on continuing to highlight local non-profits that do amazing work in the Hudson County Community. Click here for more. 

Limit on Single-Use Plastics at Hoboken Restaurants Goes Into Effect This Sunday, 9/1

Back in June 2024, the Hoboken City Council approved a proposal that will change the way customers get single-use plastic items at restaurants and cafes. The ‘Skip the Stuff’ movement aims to reduce single-use plastics by putting the burden on customers to request the items when ordering take-out meals. Click here for more about the new ordinance and what it means for restaurants and patrons — and what to expect starting this Sunday, September 1st, 2024.

Jersey City Singer Journeyy Performs On America’s Got Talent

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by America’s Got Talent Auditions (@agtauditions)

New Jersey’s Journeyy Belton performed on America’s Got Talent (AGT) on August 27th. Per NJ.com, the singer, who hails from Jersey City, started out on TikTok, where he regularly posts covers of songs and original music. That’s how Simon Cowell first came across the Jersey City talent, who also drew the attention of the show’s bookers. After landing on season 19 of AGT, Journeyy received a standing ovation.

Parts of 15th Street in Hoboken Will Be Closed For 3 Months

The City of Hoboken recently announced upcoming traffic detours regarding the ongoing construction of the Rebuild by Design project. On or about Monday, September 16th, 15th Street from Park Avenue to Bloomfield Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for about three months for the construction of the Rebuild by Design Resist structure. School pick-up and drop-off will also be affected, and a community meeting will be held to discuss the ongoing construction ahead of the closures. Click here for more.

NYWW Ferry Catches Fire Near Exchange Place in Jersey City

On Tuesday afternoon, August 27th, residents shared images of what appeared to be a ferry on fire near the Jersey City waterfront in close proximity to Exchange Place. Eyewitness accounts reported two boats near each other, with one specific NYWW boat on fire. Passengers were evacuated and the FDNY was on the scene Tuesday afternoon as the Father Mychal Judge, a ferry boat part of the NYWW fleet of commuter ferries, was smoking. The crew was assisted by the crew of the Admiral Richard E. Bennis. Marine Tracker showed the boat very near to the dock in Jersey City. Passengers were safely evacuated from the boat and delivered to the Paulus Hook ferry terminal. Click here for more.

Mashed Burgers Takes Over Former Bareburger Location in Hoboken

Hoboken has welcomed its fair share of new burger spots recently. In just the past year alone, 7th Street Burger and Dipped N’ Smashed have opened outposts in Hoboken, while Jerrell’s BETR BRGR made its debut in early 2023. Now, the Mile Square has yet another new burger spot to check out: enter Mashed Burgers, which officially took over the former Bareburger location at 515 Washington Street on Friday, August 23rd. Click here for more.

Hoboken’s Fall Arts + Music Festival is Returning This September

One of the Mile Square’s most anticipated fall events is returning this September. The City of Hoboken recently announced that the annual Fall Arts + Music Festival will take place on Sunday, September 29th along Washington Street in Hoboken. From 11AM to 6PM, residents can peruse displays + sales from artists, crafters, food vendors, and local businesses. Click here for more.

Lawsuit Filed Against Jersey City Over Police Killing of Man Suffering From Mental Health Illness

The family of a Jersey City man killed by city police last year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, Hudson County, and a local hospital, claiming the defendants’ failure to follow standard law enforcement de-escalation techniques during the man’s mental health crisis led to his death and violated his civil rights. Per the Jersey City Times, the lawsuit was filed on August 21st and comes one year after police shot and killed Andrew “Drew” Washington, 52, at his home, where they were dispatched when his family members say they called a hotline seeking mental health professionals to help him. Attorney Amelia Green said the entire incident that resulted in Washington’s death didn’t have to happen. Washington was alone in his home, not at risk of harm to anyone, and had asked police to leave.

Unilever Relocating North American Headquarters to Hoboken Waterfront

Photo Credit: Creative Commons, Ingmar Zahorsky

Unilever, the world’s sixth-largest consumer goods company, is relocating its North American headquarters from Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, to the Hoboken waterfront. Even if you don’t know Unilever, you know Unilever: the manufacturing giant is responsible for a slew of popular brands, from personal care options like Dove and Axe to grocery store veterans like Hellmann’s and Ben + Jerry’s. The company is taking over 111,000 square feet at the Waterfront Corporate Center 1 on River Street, following a trend of offices downsizing as hybrid and work-from-home models persist in popularity. Unilever is expected to move in by the spring of 2025. Click here for more.

Hoboken’s First Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is Happening at Pier A

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by NJ Promise Walk (@promisewalknj)

Hoboken’s first Promise Walk is taking place on October 5th at Pier A (100 Sinatra Drive) from 10AM-1PM. This event aims to raise awareness about preeclampsia, a serious condition that can affect pregnant women and their babies. This family-friendly day will feature a 1-mile loop along the waterfront for kids, adults, and strollers. There will also be a kids’ 40-yard dash on the grass at Pier A and music by Music with Corey and Friends. Click here to register for the walk or to make a donation to the cause.

$1.28M Contract Awarded by Hoboken Council to Help Streamline City Operations

The Hoboken City Council awarded a three-year, $1,281,219 contract to Texas-based Tyler Technologies to help streamline city operations at the August 21st meeting. Per the Hudson County View, the vendor’s goal is to integrate and automate processes across multiple departments, as well as provide a one-stop shop for services to residents through a new mobile app and online platform. The City of Hoboken anticipates saving approximately $17,000 in annual operating costs starting in 2026 through this consolidation of redundant software providers.

New Book Store, Dungeon Books, is Now Open in Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dungeon Books (@dungeonbooks)

Dungeon Books is a new bookstore that opened in Jersey City at the Script Wizards storefront at 115 Brunswick Street. The store is across the street from Victory Point and sells a selection of fantasy and sci-fi paperbacks from the 70s and 80s, RPG books, zines, board games, comics, and more. The owner shared the announcement via an Instagram post. The hours of operation are 12PM-7PM, Wednesday through Sunday. This bookstore also hosts events such as Miniature Painting and D&D Games which are pay-what-you-want or free with any purchase.

The City Of Hoboken is Requesting Feedback from Park Avenue Residents Who Experience Flooding

The City of Hoboken has created a process for gathering feedback from residents of Park Avenue who experienced flooding during the recent rainstorm on Sunday, August 21st, or who have concerns regarding the recent repaving work. Per a Nixle announcement, Park Avenue, a road owned and maintained by Hudson County (as opposed to the City of Hoboken), was recently repaved by a County contractor. Unfortunately, errors during the repaving process, including improper grading and paving over sump pump drainage pipes, have caused various issues. To document paving and flooding issues or other concerns, the City is compiling resident feedback. Please email your experiences to [email protected], including your name, contact information, address, details of the flooding you encountered, photos, and any other concerns regarding their ongoing repairs to the roadway. Feedback should be sent from residents who experienced flooding, especially those who do not usually flood during heavy rain or experienced more significant flooding during recent rain events. This information will be shared with Hudson County to advance repairs by the County contractor.

Abercrombie & Fitch to Open in Hoboken in Former Arthur’s Tavern Building

A few savvy locals have shared some updates around Abercrombie & Fitch’s plans to come to the Mile Square. While details are still limited about Abercrombie coming to Hoboken, New Jersey, we have an exclusive comment from the realtor who brokered the deal. And yes, it’s coming to the former Arthur’s Tavern location. Click here for more.

Two Charged in Fatal West New York Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Incident

Two men have been arrested in a West New York hit-and-run incident on a stolen motorcycle that killed a pedestrian. Per NJ.com, Samuel Collazo, of Westfield, and Rylan Cook-Figueroa of West New York, both 20, were charged by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and are being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearances. The crash occurred on August 17th at approximately 3:40PM in the area of Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street. The 54-year-old victim suffered life-threatening injuries while Suarez says Collazo and Cook-Figueroa fled the scene on foot. The victim was later pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center.

Amelia’s Bistro in Jersey City Has Closed

A Jersey City staple for quality meals and neighborhood vibes has abruptly closed its doors. Amelia’s Bistro, located at 187 Warren Street in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City, recently announced its closure as of Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, citing economic hardships as the reason. Known for its charming dining experience and large menu with something for everyone as well as a generous drink list, Amelia’s was a popular place for a romantic evening out or brunch with friends. Click here for more.

Hoboken Council Vote Fails to Override Mayor Bhalla’s Veto on Eliminating Nonprofit Permit Fees

The Hoboken Council voted 5-4 to override Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s veto on eliminating nonprofit permit fees, failing to get a necessary sixth vote for the measure to pass. Per the Hudson County View, Bhalla vetoed the measure last month, calling it well-intentioned but “deeply flawed.” Subsequently, Council President Jen Giattino and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos sponsored a resolution for an override. The council voted on the resolution with Giattino, Ramos, 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, and 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo voting yes. 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, along with Council members-at-Large Jim Doyle, Emily Jabbour, and Joe Quintero voted no. Doyle, the council vice president who presided over the meeting with Giattino only calling in, initially voted yes, but switched his vote to no before the roll call was completed.

Popular Montclair Restaurant Faubourg Opens Second Location in Weehawken

Photo Credit: Juliet Lucia Fairbrother

Weehawken, New Jersey might be the famed dueling grounds of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, but a new restaurant is bringing a taste of France to the historic Hudson County town. Faubourg, a French brasserie in Montclair, recently opened a second location in Weehawken on the ground floor of River House 11 at 1100 Avenue at Port Imperial. Under the same name, Faubourg Weehawken mirrors the awarded menu and elevated atmosphere of its Essex County counterpart, serving dinner seven nights a week and weekend brunch. Click here for more.

Jersey City to Face Fines for Not Reinstating Police Officers Terminated for Using Cannabis

Jersey City could begin facing daily fines for refusing to reinstate two police officers whose terminations over cannabis usage were overturned by the state Civil Service Commission. Per the Jersey City Times, the state will fine the city $100 daily for each officer, Norhan Mansour and Omar Polanco, with a total maximum of $20,000. August 24th marked 31 days since the Civil Service Commission gave the city one month to rehire the officers. Michael Rubas, attorney for the cops plus three others who were disciplined for their cannabis consumption, said he has inquired with the city police department four times since August 2nd about their jobs. Norhan and Omar remain unemployed as of August 23rd. City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the department plans to appeal.

Yuan, New Chinese Restaurant, Opens in Jersey City

Yuan, a new Chinese restaurant, has opened in the Newport neighborhood of Jersey City. The restaurant is inspired by the owners’ childhood growing up in China. Located at 537 Washington Boulevard, the new eatery is open daily for lunch and dinner, and brings fresh and authentic Chinese food to locals and visitors alike. Click here for more.

Tour Strangers’ Hoboken Homes This Fall for the First Time Since the Pandemic

Photo Credit: Hoboken Historical Museum

Sometimes scrolling through Zillow or Wikipedia isn’t enough to satisfy the curiosity of what the inside of some Hoboken homes look like. The Hoboken Historical Museum is bringing back the in-person Historical Home Tours this fall, allowing ticket holders to visit some of the more well-known spots around town while supporting a great cause. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the history of Hoboken while taking in beautifully restored interiors and period furnishings. Click here for more.

Door-to-Door Soliciting in Hoboken Raises Eyebrows + Alarm

Several Hoboken neighbors have raised the alarm about one or several individuals going door-to-door, claiming to be with an energy service provider and asking to see resident’s utility bills. The setup frequently turns out to be a common scam. New Jersey residents can choose to work with a third-party energy supplier, however, the company in question has a spotted past. Click here for more.

Jersey City’s 2nd Annual Day of Fashion is Returning This Thursday, 9/5

New York City may be one of the fashion capitals of the world, but an upcoming Jersey City event aims to show that Chilltown has style, too. After its inaugural event in 2023, Jersey City’s 2nd annual Day of Fashion will return for 2024 on Thursday, September 5th (right before New York Fashion Week starts) at various Jersey City venues. The event will include workshops, runway shows, pop-up shops, and networking events — including a Q+A with Beyoncé’s stylist, local resident Ty Hunter. Click here for more.

The Jersey Shore Wave, a Women’s Football Team, Announces 2025 Debut

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Jersey Shore Wave, the newest addition to the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), has officially unveiled its team name and logo, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s journey. Per its press release, this announcement sets the stage for the team’s debut in 2025, capturing the spirit and identity of a team poised to make a powerful impact on women’s football. As the Jersey Shore Wave prepares for its inaugural season in 2025, the team is not only ready to compete at the highest levels of tackle and flag football but also to inspire the next generation of female athletes and fans.