What a week it has been, Hudson County. From scooter updates to a new pop-up shop coming to the Mile Square, it’s been quite the newsworthy week. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for the latest tea to spill or just want to see what new shops are coming to Hoboken or JC, we’ve rounded up the news this week for you. Keep reading to find out the top headlines you missed in Hoboken + Jersey City this week.
Hi Gorgeous Pop-Up Shop Coming to Hoboken
Hi Gorgeous, a pop-up shop for the fashion forward, is coming to 1224 Washington Street. Along with Hi Gorgeous, the same owners are also opening up a second brand, Aum Couture. According to the Hi Gorgeous IG, the brand offers handcrafted luxury clothing and of course, #GoodVibes.
Misbehaving On an E-Scooter? There Are Fines for That Now
Well, Hoboken, that grace period is officially over. According to Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante, the City has come up with a rules system for e-scooters riders. If caught breaking the rules, you could face up to $500 in fees.
“Hoboken rolling out new fines for e-scooter riders who break the rules,” Ferrante tweeted earlier this week.
But don’t worry — fees start at $20. A first offense such as riding on sidewalks, not obeying traffic signals, and riding in the wrong direction, can result in a $20 fine. Second offenses go up to $100, then after a third offense, you’re looking at $500. Fourth offense? The City will suspend you from riding a city-sponsored scooter…for a year. So be sure to follow the e-scooter rules to avoid getting fined and losing this method of transportation in the Mile Square.
Hoboken Tax Collector Admits to Tax Evasion
Hoboken accountant and tax collector Louis Picardo recently admitted to failing to pay more than $914,000 in taxes. This income was generated from his accounting firm and rental properties that he owned. Picardo, 64, of Hoboken plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler on one count of information charging him with tax evasion.
Documents filed in the case show Picardohas been a tax collector in Hoboken since 1973. He stopped briefly in 2008 to go to another firm, Cannarozi & Picardo LLC. He pleaded guilty to failing to report $3,725,853 in taxable income.
Provost Jazz Listening Bar Opens in Jersey City
Jersey City just got another unique bar. Provost Jazz, a listening bar with an emphasis on music, recently opened its doors at 150 Bay Street in Jersey City. Decorated like “your cool friend’s living room,” patrons can hear jazz albums played on vinyl while drinking craft cocktails. Savory bites are served here, along with dessert, coffee, and tea.
Jersey City Just Got $2 Million for Investing in Electric Trash Trucks
Jersey City just got a major upgrade… for its trash! According to Mayor Steven Fulop, the Department of Environmental Protection awarded Jersey City $2 million+ to purchase five electric garbage trucks. With this kind of clean energy, Jersey City is hoping to add to the city’s energy-saving efforts. These five new trucks will replace five diesel ones.
Israeli Burger Chain BurgerIM Is On Its Way, Journal Square
{Photo credit: @burgerim}
Looking to open in Journal Square in Fall 2019 is Israeli burger chain BurgerIM, which also has another outpost in Newark, New Jersey. Coming to 2 Journal Square, the hamburger franchise is converting the property’s ground floor storefront into an eatery complete with outdoor seating.
“I’ve always wanted to create job opportunities in the heart of the community which I grew up in. As a foodie and lover-of-all-burgers, I strongly believe that after a long day of hard work, there’s nothing a good burger can’t fix,” says owner George Mikheal, a Jersey City local.
The burger company just signed the lease and is looking forward to opening this fall. BurgerIM will offer a 50% discount on meals to on-duty first responders and 10% off to off-duty first responders.
“I’m always looking for ways to give back,” owner Oliver Hannah said. “I’ve been blessed to be able to bring BurgerIM to Jersey City and to have the opportunity to increase employment and provide the community with a unique place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.”
Hoboken Among 35 U.S. Cities That Will Likely Be Underwater by 2100
Using data from the Union of Concerned Scientists, a new report has been issued to release the names of 35 U.S. cities that will likely be uninhabitable + underwater by 2100, according to Patch.com. Among those 35 cities is Hoboken, along with nine other New Jersey towns. According to Patch.com, the report explains that the cities will be underwater due to climate change, floods, and other environmental factors. Unfortunately, Hoboken was number two in the roundup of cities that will be underwater in the not so far away future.
Hoboken Has Highest Ridership of Lime Scooters Around the World Within First Three Days of Being in the City
Many of us had mixed emotions about the e-scooters in Hoboken when they first rolled out {pun intended} in May. According to InsiderNJ.com, however, Hoboken had the highest ridership of Lime scooters globally within its first three days of being launched in the Mile Square. InsiderNJ.com reported that over 21,500 rides were taken by 10,300 riders within those first three days. Believe it or not, those scooters are pretty popular in the Mile Square.
Blue Hop Service in Hoboken Temporarily Discontinues Morning Service
Yes, it’s true, Hoboken residents. The reason you haven’t been seeing the Blue Hop route on the SmartTraxx app, it’s because the Blue Hop has temporarily discontinued its morning services until further notice due to repairs. It will now be running from 4:00PM onwards. We’ll update you on Hop services accordingly.
Hemp Garden CBD Officially Opens in Hoboken
{Photo credit:@hempgardenCBD}
Yup, that’s right, Hemp Garden CBD has officially opened in Hoboken this past Friday. The store is the Mile Square’s first-ever CBD store and will sell everything from lotion blends, tinctures, vape cartridges, and more.
Read more about Hemp Garden CBD in Hoboken here.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email [email protected]!
Hoboken Green Team Kicks Off 2019 Initiatives
The Hoboken Green Team has launched several green initiatives in the City of Hoboken, including an invitation to apply for Green Business Recognition, opportunities to join the upcoming Green Fair, participate in the hydration station program, and to join the City’s composting pilot program.
First up is the Hoboken Green Business Recognition Program, which distinguishes local business advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility. Know a business like this? Or are you a business like this? Apply for recognition here.
Hoboken Green Businesses will receive a Hoboken Green Business sticker to display at their storefront; a digital version of the Hoboken Green Business sticker to post on their website; recognition as a Hoboken Green Business at the 2019 Hoboken Green Fair; a press release that will be distributed via the City Nixle emails, website, and social media; a “Green Business Spotlight” on the Hoboken Green Team Instagram page; a free space at the 2018 Hoboken Green Fair; and recognition as a Hoboken Green Business on the Hoboken website.
Next up is the 8th Annual Green Fair, held on June 8.The Fair will be held from 11am to 3pm at Church Square Park, entering from the corner of Fourth Street and Garden Street, and will feature live music and organic food vendors. It is intended to introduce sustainable lifestyle choices to the community, raise awareness regarding environmental issues, and demonstrate how consumers can reduce their impact on the earth by selecting sustainable, eco-friendly products and services.
Lastly, there’s the Hoboken composting pilot program businesses and schools are invited to join. The City of Hoboken and Community Compost Company offers FREE curbside pickup of food scraps services to local businesses and schools. If your business would like to learn more about FREE compost pickup, visit www.hobokennj.gov/compost.
Barcade Jersey City to Close Permanently on 6/15
We all remember how fun it was when we were kids and we went to an arcade to play games and hang out with friends. Games like Ms. Pac-Man, NBA Jam, and Daytona USA were always the best ones, hands down. But the only thing that could make these games even better as an adult, quite possibly, is booze. Enter Barcade — a Jersey City spot that combines the best of both childhood and adult worlds. After a 14-year run in Chilltown, Barcade recently announced that its Jersey City location will be closing permanently on June 15th, 2025. Read on for more about the upcoming closure and what we'll miss about Barcade in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Closure
Barcade announced on Thursday, February 6th via Instagram that its Jersey City location will be closing permanently on June 15th, 2025.
"It is with great sadness that we announce that our time in Jersey City is coming to an end. After an amazing 14-year run, our lease is ending and the last day of service will be June 15th. We hope to return to JC one day in a new location but in the meantime, we are opening very soon just a short train ride away on Cortlandt Street in lower Manhattan this spring and we hope you will visit us there – or at any of our other bars.
There are still four months of good times to be had, epic kegs to tap, and plenty of Rush songs to play, so stop in and see us before the final last call! JC was the second Barcade we opened and so much has changed since then for us and the city. It’s been a great experience just being here and being a part of it. Thank you so much, Jersey City!"
View this post on Instagram
Barcade currently has nine other locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New Haven.
Read More: The Fox and Crow in Jersey City Announces Its Permanent Closure
About Barcade
Not only are the walls filled with classic arcade games at Barcade, but there is also an entire wall of beers on tap. The spot serves only American craft beers, but with a selection that big, there is truly something for everyone. Barcade even partners with certain breweries for exclusive drafts you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re not a beer drinker, however, Barcade has a full bar of hard liquor, wine, and cocktails to suit any palette as well.
The menu includes a selection of small plates, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads — including edamame hummus, a "Dog of the Week," and a Jersey Devil Club sandwich with deviled pork roll, lettuce, tomato, and deviled egg aioli on sourdough. You can view the full menu here.
While all of this is certainly why the place gets packed, there is also one other lesser-known feature that is pretty unique, especially for a bar. Barcade is a certified green company, which means that it tries to have as little waste as possible. Barcade composts what it can, straws are not provided, and there are no bottled beers, which keeps down the waste output — not many bars can say they do that.
With a spacious seating area an outdoor seating when weather permits, the atmosphere is laid back and fun — which makes for a great spot to blow off some steam and indulge in some favorite childhood games. Take note though: only those 21 years of age or older are permitted inside the establishment. If you’re interested in playing a bunch of the games during your visit, consider going during the week when it tends to be less crowded. You’ll have no problem grabbing a beer and hitting the pinball machines.
See More: Updates on the 1/13 Montclair Public Schools Closure Due to Security Concern
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