Happy Sunday, Hudson County! Lots going on locally this week, so let’s cut right to the chase. We’ve got a new Italian eatery coming to town {all the way from its origins in Brooklyn}, Cafe Peanut finally opened in Journal Square, and a young local girl who raised more than $1,000 for The Hoboken Shelter. Plus, so much more.
Not to mention, if you missed these other awesome articles, be sure to check them out now: Hoboken Girl rounded up 45 events happening in town this weekend, a guide to preparing for the summer solstice, and details on this weekend’s Yoga Fest happening in Jersey City.
For more local news headlines you may have missed this week, keep reading!
Brooklyn-Based Caffe Buon Gusto Opening in Hoboken
Welcome to the neighborhood, Caffe Buon Gusto. The Brooklyn-based Italian eatery is opening its first-ever New Jersey location right at 918 Washington Street — where Cugini Kitchen used to be.
Despite having their original location serve Brooklynites for over 30 years, Caffee Buon Gusto also has some street cred in Manhattan. They opened a second location on the Upper East Side, and now, they’re taking their Italian food endeavors across the Hudson.
With a brunch menu and plenty of pasta options for veggies and carne options for meat-eaters, Caffe Buon Gusto seems to have something for everything. The one thing the Hoboken location doesn’t seem to have {as of yet} is a liquor license. More on that as we learn more. The restaurant has not disclosed an official opening date yet, but there is currently a “Help Wanted” sign in the storefront window.
Bayonne Suspending “Affordable Housing Requirements” to Include New 1,500+ Unit
Bayonne might temporarily suspend its own “affordable housing requirements” in order to include a new 1,500+ unit in long-term tax exemption. According to Jersey Digs, Bayonne officials voted on this ordinance on June 19th.
This vote could mean a financial agreement between Bayonne City Council and the developer of the former Military Ocean Terminal, Malakshmi Goldsborough Urban Renewal. The developer seeks to construct a complex on the corner of Chosin Few Way and Goldsborough Drive; the complex would include seven buildings, four of which would be 25 stories tall. The other three would be 12 stories tall and all seven would make for a total of 1,600 units combined.
The ordinance cites that the property will benefit the community, therefore, it should be exempt of having to pay taxes. In lieu of paying taxes, the developer would instead pay a service charge for anywhere from 25 to 30 years. The developer’s argument states that this property has been in disarray for years, its potential unable to be taken full advantage of. Once restored, the developer believes its benefits would “substantially outweigh the costs, if any, associated with the tax exemptions.”
Total Nutrition Kitchen in Hoboken Closes
Total Nutrition Kitchen has officially closed its doors at 322 Washington Street in Hoboken. The health spot had a meal delivery service and was known for its healthy options — from low-carb dinners to shakes to protein pancakes. Currently, their website domain is for sale.
Bread + Salt Bakery Opens in the Heights
{Photo credit: @sam_am_cafe}
Bread + Salt Bakery located at 435 Palisade Avenue just opened up in Jersey City Heights. The bakery comes from Rick Easton and according to their Instagram, is currently hiring. Bread + Salt is looking for bakers, cooks, and counter people, so if you’re interested, send a DM on IG.
Local Musician Brett Altman Releases New Single
{Photo credit: @brettaltmanmusic}
If you love live music in the Mile Square, then you might find the above face familiar. Brett Altman is a local musician known for his single “Come Find Me,” released last year, and for playing shows at local favorites like Maxwell’s Tavern.
“Full of You” is Altman’s latest single, co-written with fellow Hoboken resident Chris Pattwell. Altman is giving Hoboken Girl readers a private listening link. Check it out here!
High-Rise Building Proposed for Downtown Jersey City West Edge
{Image rendering by STUDIO V Architecture}
A new high-rise building proposed for the west edge of Downtown Jersey City could mean four towers and 2,360 total units. This proposal comes from Manhattan Building Company — the same developer responsible for buildings like Cast Iron Lofts on the border of Hoboken and Jersey City and SoHo Lofts.
This new proposal would seek to construct four towers {with a total of 2,360 units} on several lots that the Manhattan Building Company owns inside of the Bates Street Redevelopment Area, adjacent to the I-78 Turnpike extension.
Manhattan Building Company will serve as the Master Redeveloper for the area and proposes that one tower is at least 50 stories. The other towers, which will be handled by other local property owners, would be anywhere between 23 and 46 stories.
As the project stands now, about 20% of the 2,000+ units would be considered affordable housing per the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.
Local Girl Raises $1,000 for Homeless Shelter From Community Bake Sale
A local fourth grader named Keira has raised a staggering $1,018 on behalf of The Hoboken Shelter. Keira and her sales team of friends hosted a bake sale outside of her home apartment building on Jackson Street with a personal goal of raising $1,000 for the Shelter. Back in 2017, Keira’s first-ever bake sale for the shelter raised $650.25.
The bake sale was supported by Tejas and Reliance Property Management {who donated $375} and Black Rail Coffee Shop {who worked with local suppliers, Baking Mama and Choc O Pain to provide baked goods} as well as some neighbors who baked for the sale.
Thanks to all who participated and congratulations!
Dawn Pascale Named as General Manager of Hoboken Chamber of Commerce
Dawn Pascale has been named the new General Manager of Hoboken Chamber of Commerce. As General Manager, Pascale becomes a member of the Hudson County Chamber staff and acts as the main point of contact for Hoboken Chamber members. She is responsible for coordinating membership recruitment and engagement for the Hoboken Chamber, assisting in maintaining the membership database, following up on website and social media and email communications, and organizing local Chamber events.
Pascale has been a member of the Hoboken Board of Directors for the past four years and also actively chairs the Women in Business Council, which she’s done for the last two years. She is also the owner of Om Sweet Home Speciality Bakery, which has a brick and mortar kitchen in Cliffside Park. Pascale was a resident of Hoboken for 19 years before moving to Cliffside Park in 2015.
If you’d like to reach the new General Manager, you can email Dawn Pascale here: [email protected].
Cafe Peanut Opens Near Journal Square
{Photo credit: Cafe Peanut}
Café Peanut — located at 586 Newark Avenue in Journal Square — is finally open. After a rough period of construction and even a lawsuit filed against their landlord, the doors of Café Peanut are open, ready to share their menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, and so much more. Open from 7:00AM-7:00PM, Peanut also functions as a coffee shop, offering lattes of all kinds of flavors — Nutella, matcha, charcoal, turmeric, rosewater, etc. — Chai tea, and artisan coffees.
PATH Stations Are Getting Entertainers
Back in March, Hoboken Girl reported that the PATH Stations were looking for performers and musicians to entertain commuters waiting for their train. Now, the PATH is bringing you just that: 2019 PATH Performs! Series.
Public performances at PATH Stations are now a thing across Hudson County, as of this past Thursday. Comedians, dancers, musicians, poets, and singers will be at the Hoboken, Journal Square, Harrison, Newport, and Exchange Place stations. While it’s not yet on a regular schedule, performances will also take place at the PATH’s World Trade Center stop.
Performances run through October with performances happening usually from 4:30PM-6:30PM, anywhere from one or more times a week. There are a total of 22 performers signed up for the series.
Coup de Coeur Clothing Store Might Have Shut Down
Coup de Coeur, a local clothing boutique at 1214 Washington Street, has appeared closed for several weeks now. Some eagle-eyed residents have confirmed that there are still clothes inside the store, though they have not opened their doors for at least two weeks. We’ve been inquiring but haven’t heard anything as of yet from the owners. More information on this developing story as it is available.
Hoboken Honors Local Baseball Trailblazer Maria Pepe With 2nd Annual All-Girls Baseball Tournament
Steambach Auto Detailing Opens in Newport Centre
{Photo credit: @steambachofficial}
Professional auto detailer Steambach Auto Detailing has opened a location at the Area A3 of the West Parking Garage at Newport Centre in Jersey City. Right between JC Penney and Sears, customers can find the convenience of professional auto detailing. Services include exterior wash, full interior and exterior detailing, paint correction, and ceramic paint coating installation.
Schedule any detail service by July 15th and enjoy a 15% discount. Mention “GRAND OPENING” for the discount and schedule an appointment by phone at 201-455-6444 or online at steambach.com.
New NY Times Op-Ed Says Electric Scooters Have Gone Too Far
{Photo credit: @scootersbehavingbadly}
Have electric scooters in cities gone too far? A new NY Times op-ed regarding the e-scooter debacle in Nashville points out all the negative effects and results of what happens when a city approves motorized scooters. Read the full op-ed here.
Trial for the Hoboken Cash-for-Votes Scandal Begins
One of Hoboken’s biggest-ever scandals is finally going to trial.
Frank “Pupie” Raia, 67, was a real-estate developer and major figure in Hoboken politics before he fell from grace after being accused of overseeing a cash-for-votes scheme during the 2013 municipal race in the Mile Square. The trial began with a Hoboken political operative testifying against Raia, who asserted that the scheme specifically targeted low-income residents. {Raia had offered $50 payment to voters who would send votes in by mail, marking a specific candidate.}
Raia is on trial for conspiracy to violate the federal Travel Act, using mail for voter bribery.
The court also heard from Matt Calicchio, who pled guilty to promoting voter bribery in the same Newark courtroom last month.
City of Hoboken Recognizes 2019 Green Businesses at Green Fair
{Photo courtesy of Vijay Chaudhuri}
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Councilman Jim Doyle, and the Hoboken Green Team recognized the 2019 list of Hoboken Green Businesses at the 8th Annual Green Fair earlier this week.
“Thank you to the various businesses in Hoboken for going above and beyond to help protect our environment,” Mayor Bhalla said. “We’re proud to showcase these small businesses so residents can consider patronizing these stores that make Hoboken a more sustainable place to live and work.”
The following businesses that received outstanding sustainable recognition include:
- Alfalfa
- Avocado Green Mattress
- Bareburger
- Better Life Pharmacy
- Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café
- Christina Andersen Floral Design
- Hoby Dogy Pet Care
- Hudson Table
- Ma’s Gourmet Market
- Matter of Earth
- Mint Market
- My Conscience, My Choice
- Nurturing Life Acupuncture & Wellness
- Organic Basic Food
- Pilsener Haus & Biergarten
- Red Bridge Homes
- Purely Juiced
- Smushed Organics
- Sports Acupuncture & Family Wellness
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- The Hudson School
- The Little Grocery
- Vintage on First
- Willow Rose Shop
The Hoboken Green Team launched the Green Business Recognition Program in 2017 to distinguish local businesses that are advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility. In order to qualify for the Green Business Recognition Program, 26 businesses completed the Green Business Application on the Hoboken Green Team website. The Hoboken Green Team reviewed each application submission and determined that 24 businesses qualify for recognition as 2019 Hoboken Green Businesses.
For more information about the Hoboken Green Business Recognition Program, please visit www.hobokennj.gov/greenteam, follow the Green Team on Facebook @HobokenGreenTeam and on Instagram @Hoboken_Green.
City of Hoboken Makes First Scooter Related Arrest
{Photo credit: @ojoelectric}
That’s right, Mile Square Residents, the City of Hoboken has made its first official scooter related arrest. According to the Hudson Reporter, 35-year-old Carl Mattson, a resident of Edison, drove the wrong way on a one-way road, rode the scooter on the sidewalk, failed to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, and allegedly hit a pedestrian who was in the crosswalk. Mattson was charged with obstructing the administration of law and received a motor vehicle summons on Wednesday, June 19th, according to the Hudson Reporter. Remember, scooter riders, it’s important to adhere to the traffic rules + keep yourself and others safe while riding.
A New Coffee Shop is Coming to 519 Adams Street in Hoboken
Hoboken is getting a new coffee shop, so coffee lovers can rejoice. The Little Local is coming soon to 519 Adams Street in Hoboken. Although the details are still TBD {The Little Local’s Instagram account simply says, “Coming Soon”}, according to Jersey Digs, this new coffee lover haven will serve specialty coffees, teas, and baked goods.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at [email protected]!
What’s Going on With the NYC Congestion Pricing Plan?
The New York City congestion pricing plan has been an ongoing saga for New Jersey and New York drivers. The plan was first announced in 2021, halted weeks before it was set to take effect in June 2024, and a revised plan was officially implemented in January 2025. The plan has been met with much criticism from drivers and State officials alike. In most recent news, President Donald Trump announced plans to end congestion pricing in February 2025. The Hoboken Girl is sharing the most recent information on congestion pricing and what the next steps are after President Trump’s announcement. Read on for the latest updates on the New York City congestion pricing plan.
Status Quo
January 5th, 2025 was the first day of the new congestion pricing plan. Before its implementation, the plan was the subject of extensive debate between supporters and detractors, public transit advocates, taxpayer groups, and even the states of New York and New Jersey.
The plan created a toll structure that mandated a $9 congestion pricing fee for all non-commercial vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. Despite the controversial nature of the plan, the goal is to raise $15 billion for MTA system improvements and to reduce gridlock in midtown and lower Manhattan.
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Per the New York Times, observers noted reduced vehicular traffic in the zone and anecdotally faster bus trips since the congestion pricing plan began.
What's Next
On Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 President Donald J. Trump announced that he would end the congestion pricing plan. In a letter sent to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed the agency’s rescission of its approval of the toll program.
The Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP) is a program managed by the Federal Highway Administration that is designed to help state and local governments underwrite changes to highway tolling programs. The VPPP is an essential element of the NYC Congestion pricing plan. By rescinding the approval for the VPPP, the congestion pricing program is essentially rendered null.
A statement issued by the Department of Transportation included the following information about Secretary Duffy’s rationale:
“As detailed in the letter, the Secretary is terminating the pilot for two reasons. First, the scope of the CBDTP is unprecedented and provides no toll-free option for many drivers who want or need to travel by vehicle in this major urbanized area. Second, the toll rate was set primarily to raise revenue for transit, rather than at an amount needed to reduce congestion. By doing so, the pilot runs contrary to the purpose of the VPPP, which is to impose tolls for congestion reduction – not transit revenue generation.”
The MTA has filed a lawsuit to preserve the congestion pricing plan, per a press release. Governor Hochul has also expressed her dedication to keeping the plan in place, as evidenced by her comments during a joint appearance with the chair of the MTA. “We're in fight mode within seconds of us getting this notification. Our MTA was prepared. We knew this could come and filed a lawsuit within minutes. I'm very confident we will be successful. And I also want to say, the cameras are staying on. We are keeping the cameras on. Lights, cameras, action. They're staying on,” she said.
NJ Governor Phil Murphy has long been a critic of the pricing plan, and issued the following statement following President Trump’s announcement:
“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program in Manhattan’s Central Business District.
While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not unfairly burden hardworking New Jersey commuters, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans.
Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing, we have always had a productive relationship with our neighbors across the Hudson. I look forward to continuing that spirit of partnership for the benefit of the entire Tri-State Area.”
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In the meantime, the tolling will remain in effect for drivers. Observers say that the situation presents a unique legal question about the role of the federal government. In a Gothamist article, a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) expressed skepticism about whether the administration’s decision would hold. Attorney Eric Goldstein told Gothamist, “ The courts impose a very high burden when the federal government seeks to reverse course and completely do a 180 turnaround simply because administrations have changed. They've got to prove that their rationale is legally justified, and it's hard to see how they can make that case.”
This post will be updated with any further information.
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