42 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories This Week | March 16, 2025
The bird flu has reached three live poultry markets in New Jersey, including two in Hudson County. 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 new French kitchen studio, Atelier Sucré, opens at the Monroe Center in Hoboken; Yunnan restaurant 'South of the Clouds' opens first NJ location in Jersey City; and Urban Market opens on Washington Street in Hoboken. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on March 16th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to hello@hobokengirl.com.
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- Bird Flu Identified at Two Live Poultry Markets in Hudson County
- Ferry Resumes Service to Statue of Liberty
- Hoboken Mutzfest 2025 Happening 4/27
- French Kitchen Studio, Atelier Sucré, Opens at the Monroe Center in Hoboken
- Yunnan Restaurant 'South of the Clouds' Opens 1st NJ Location in Jersey City
- Urban Market Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
- Viral ‘Fluffy Pancakes’ Dessert Cafe Opens in Jersey City
- Elevate Pilates Opening 3rd Location on Clinton Street in Hoboken
- Bowls + Noodles Coming to Former Vivi Bubble Tea in Hoboken
- New Wine Shop, Refined Wine + Spirits, to Open in Downtown Jersey City
- Better Days Restaurant + 143 Social Introduce New Elevated Menu
Is Wawa Coming to Jersey City?
With spring and warmer weather heading our way, all we can think about here at The Hoboken Girl is heading down the shore with a Wawa sub. If you’re a Jersey City local, you may be able to get just that in town soon. While it has not been confirmed yet, an eagle-eyed HG reader noticed that Wawa now lists a location at Route 440 + Danforth Avenue. We heard back from Wawa on March 11th, and a representative confirmed that Wawa does not have plans to expand to Chilltown. Click here for more.
Bird Flu Identified at Two Live Poultry Markets in Hudson County
The Bird Flu has reached Hudson County, New Jersey. On Friday, March 7th, three live poultry markets in New Jersey were found to have infected birds, one being in Mercer County and the other two in Hudson County. We’re sharing what to know about the Bird Flu in Hudson County, updates regarding the virus in animals in the Greater New Jersey + New York area, and the biggest question — is it safe to eat eggs and poultry? Click here for more.
Ferry Resumes Service to Statue of Liberty
Ferry service from Hudson County to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty resumed last week, following a two-month absence. Service from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty National Monument started again at 9AM on March 8th, said Jerry Willis, spokesperson for the National Park Service. The national monument includes Ellis Island, the arrival point for 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954, and Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. Ferry tickets are $22.50 for those 13 and older, $22.50 for those 62 and older, $16.50 for those between the ages of 4 and 12. Fees are waived for those under age 4.
Hoboken Mutzfest 2025 Happening 4/27
Here in Hoboken, we take our mozzarella cheese very seriously — so much so, that there’s an entire day dedicated to the finest “mutz” our little town has to offer. The 2022 Hoboken Mutzfest was rumored to be its last, but the event proved to be non-aging, just like its namesake. Hoboken Mutzfest is returning for 2025 and will be held on Sunday, April 27th, under the 14th Street Viaduct. From 1PM-5PM, ticket-holding locals can expect a lot of cheese, local vendors, live music, food-eating contests, and more. Click here for more.
Is a Starbucks Reserve Coming to Uptown Hoboken?
Photo Credit: Sarah Cargill
The Hoboken Girl has received exclusive information about what’s coming to the downstairs retail space in a new mixed-use development. 1404 Willow Avenue will soon be home to a new Starbucks location, with another retail store situated directly next to it that’s currently up for lease. Rumors are even swirling that the new Starbucks may be New Jersey’s first Starbucks Reserve location — but that is still unconfirmed as of this writing. Click here for more.
Parts of Jersey Avenue Closing for 1 Month to Install Sliding Flood Gate
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Southwest Hoboken will soon have a sliding floodgate to mitigate the impacts during storm surge events. As a part of the next phase of the Rebuild by Design Project, Jersey Avenue between Harrison Street in Hoboken and 18th Street in Jersey City will be closed 24 hours a day for approximately one month to install the foundation of the Resist structure’s sliding gate across Jersey Avenue. The work will begin on or around March 31st, 2025. Click here for more.
Amazon One Medical Opens First New Jersey Location in Edgewater
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Amazon One Medical partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health to open its first location in New Jersey. The Amazon One Medical office in Edgewater is the first of three locations coming to the state. Additional locations are expected to open later this year in Jersey City and Englewood, according to a Hackensack Meridian press release.
Yunnan Restaurant 'South of the Clouds' Opens 1st NJ Location in Jersey City
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Another NYC-based restaurant has moved across the Hudson to join us here in Chilltown. South of the Clouds, a Chinese eatery serving authentic Yunnan-style rice and noodle dishes, has opened its second location in downtown Jersey City at 313 Grove Street in the former Salt + Ginger location. Click here for more.
Urban Market Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
Brooklyn-based shop Urban Market is officially open in Hoboken at 1425 Washington Street. This move marks Urban Market’s first New Jersey location. We’ve covered what you need to know about this new uptown supermarket. Click here for more.
Viral ‘Fluffy Pancakes’ Dessert Cafe Opens in Jersey City
North America’s largest soufflé pancake chain is now open in Jersey City. The Japanese-style treat destination, Fluffy Fluffy USA, is located at Newport Centre Mall at 30 Mall Drive West, Unit VC12B. Click here for more.
French Kitchen Studio, Atelier Sucré, Opens at the Monroe Center in Hoboken
There’s a new studio kitchen in the Mile Square. Atelier Sucré provides recreational French baking and cooking classes at 720 Monroe Street in the Monroe Center in Hoboken. The studio welcomes students of all experience levels and provides all the equipment and tools necessary to create delicious French pastries and treats. Click here for more.
Pershing Pool Reopens in Jersey City Heights
Jersey City’s Pershing pool reopened on March 12th after the installation of new interior overhead lighting and maintenance work. The upgrades to the pool are being funded by a state grant to the city, which is in the process of undertaking major repairs and/or additions to many of its municipal recreational facilities.
Elevate Pilates Opening New Location on Clinton Street in Hoboken
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A pilates studio that is no stranger to the Hoboken fitness scene is expanding its presence in the Mile Square. Elevate Pilates — which has locations at 1414 Grand Street and 159 4th Street — is opening up another studio at 300 Clinton Street soon. Click here for more.
True Religion Opens at Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City
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True Religion, the infamous clothing brand of the early 2000s, is coming to the Newport Mall in Jersey City. Selling women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and accessories, True Religion has a mission to “transcend boundaries of faith, class, ethnicity, and orientation” and “is worn by athletes, musicians, and artists globally to express their individual style,” as per its website. This store is also most notably known for its denim pieces. True Religion is looking to open to the Hudson County community in the fall of 2025. Click here for more.
Jackson Square Pizzeria to Open in Jersey City
This wouldn’t be New Jersey if there wasn’t news of a brand-new pizza spot coming to town. While HG does not have much information yet, we do know that Jackson Square Pizzeria will be located at 382 Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City. The team behind the spot is aiming to open within the next coming weeks, but an official opening date has not been announced yet. Like any traditional pizzeria, Jackson Square Pizza will serve a menu of pizza, pasta, salad, sandwiches, and classic Italian entrees. Click here for more.
MOJO Coffee Company Adds New Pastry Items to its Menu
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MOJO Coffee Company may not be new to the Mile Square, as it has been captivating local coffee enjoyers since 2020, but the spot’s fresh pastry items are. MOJO has added a few new baked goods, including homemade strawberry pop tarts, funfetti cookies from Killer B Cookie Company, and its newest item: homemade crumb cake, which according to an Instagram post, is mostly crumbs. MOJO also has plans to open a Jersey City location at 159 Newark Avenue. As per a previous HG article, the team was aiming for an early 2025 opening, but a date has yet to be revealed. Click here for more.
New Action Thriller, The Florist, to Film in Hoboken + Jersey City
Photo Credit: @jryeomans
A new action thriller called The Florist will film in Hoboken and Jersey City from the end of March until the end of April, per NJ.com. Starring Kiefer Sutherland — best known for his roles in 24, Designated Survivor, Phone Booth, and many more — his character Carl Rikker is a florist and assassin who finds himself protecting a young girl in danger. The movie also stars French cinema star Jean Reno, known for his roles in Léon: The Professional, Mission: Impossible (1996), and more.
Bowls + Noodles Coming to Former Vivi Bubble Tea in Hoboken
Photo Credit: @prajwal1402
An eagle-eyed HG reader spotted signage at the former Vivi Bubble Tea spot in Hoboken. Bowls and Noodles, an Asian restaurant known for its poke bowls, is opening soon at 117 Washington Street. The restaurant also serves noodles, ramen, pho, and bubble tea.
New Wine Shop, Refined Wine + Spirits, to Open in Downtown Jersey City
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Refined Wine + Spirits, a new wine and spirits store located at 47 Grand Street in downtown Jersey City, will open this spring. The owner, Antek Sienkiel, shared with The Hoboken Girl that his mission is to make wine shopping fun, easy, and accessible, ensuring customers never feel overwhelmed by the selection but instead inspired by it. This wine store will feature a curated collection of small-production wines, handcrafted spirits, and rare finds. There will also be weekly tastings, events, and more.
Broken Clothing to Host Hoops for Happiness Tournament in Jersey City
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Broken Clothing, a local Jersey City brand, is collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County to bring a charity basketball tournament to the community. The event is called Hoops for Happiness, a one-day tournament with a grand prize of $1,000 to the winning team. All other proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County for mental health resources. The tournament will take place at the Boys and Girls Club, 225 Morris Blvd., in Jersey City.
Better Days Restaurant + 143 Social Introduce New Elevated Menu
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Better Days Restaurant and Bar and 143 Social recently welcomed Chef Jon-James Vazquez as Executive Chef, bringing his extensive fine dining experience, Michelin-starred expertise, and creative culinary vision to both establishments. Better Days Restaurant and Bar is located at 143 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. 143 Social is a speakeasy-style lounge located underneath Better Days. The new menu was launched on March 10th with a bold, ingredient-driven cuisine that seamlessly blends fine dining techniques with an approachable, modern touch.
Hudson County Announces $2.8 Million for Food Pantry + Affordable Housing
On, March 11th, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy joined with State Senator Raj Mukherji (NJ-32) to announce a $1.8 million county grant to bring a client choice food pantry to Hoboken, as well as a $1 million state appropriation secured by Senator Mukherji for urgent repairs and capital needs that will allow 96 single low-income residents to remain housed at the Hoboken Community Center and expand the reach of the HCC Food Pantry to the Jersey City Heights.
Artisan Market Main Street Pops Moving to 2 New Hoboken Locations
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A popular Hoboken event for shopping local artists and makers is moving to two new locations. Main Street Pops, which has been hosting its markets under the 14th Street Viaduct in Hoboken for several years, recently announced that it will relocate to the 770 Jackson Street Plaza and the Pier A Walkway in the Mile Square. Click here for more.
Hoboken Public Library Hosts Puerto Rican Experience Celebration
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The Hoboken Public Library (HPL) celebrated the completion of the Library of Congress Connecting Communities Digital Initiative award by hosting the Puerto Rican experience in Hoboken on March 13th from 6PM-8PM. The event featured culture, food, and music. HPL has an online repository of materials related to the Puerto Rican diaspora in Hoboken. It was created to help preserve the lost history of the last several decades (circa 1950-2024) in hopes it will be a useful learning tool for students, teachers, and the general public interested in researching the Puerto Rican community in Hoboken.
73-Year-Old Man Killed in Fatal Jersey City Car Crash
The Jersey City Police Department is investigating a fatal crash at the intersection of Sip and Summit Avenues on March 10th. At approximately 7AM, Jersey City police officers responded to a call of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Sip and Summit Avenues, according to city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. Upon arrival, officers observed a 73-year-old man who was underneath a white Ford F250 and unresponsive. The victim was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center with severe head trauma and was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver remained on scene, and upon further investigation, it appears there were no apparent acts of reckless driving. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Lawsuit by Former Hoboken City Hall Director Against Mayor Bhalla is Dismissed
Three months after a former Hoboken City official pleaded guilty to embezzlement, his lawsuit against Mayor Ravi Bhalla has been dismissed, according to the City of Hoboken. In May 2023, longtime Hoboken Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini resigned abruptly from City Hall, without explanation. He had served the city for 14 years. A year later, Pellegrini filed a lawsuit against Bhalla, accusing him and his administration of various ethical misdeeds. On March 8th, the city announced that the civil lawsuit filed by Pellegrini was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice. Pellegrini is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Hoboken High School Student Wins Scholastic Contest
Hoboken High School junior Tasha Fu won recognition for art in a national competition. Tasha was notified recently about winning a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art + Writing Awards for the work entitled "Stories in Bloom." Per the Hoboken Public School District, the Gold Key is the highest honor at the regional level, representing the top 7 percent of submissions. This means Tasha will also compete to receive a national honor later this year. Additionally, her "Balance in My Hands" was awarded Honorable Mention in painting, an acknowledgment of exceptional skill and originality in artistic expression.
Katie Brennan + Ravi Bhalla Join Forces for New Jersey Assembly
Housing policy expert Katie Brennan and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on March 10th that they will run together on the same slate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 32nd Legislative District, maintaining their independence from political machines and party bosses. The decision comes after both candidates had previously set out to run individually, a stance they were forced to reconsider following the passage of the new ballot redesign law (A5116/S4142) that puts candidates running without a slate at a disadvantage. Both candidates emphasized that while they are running on the same slate, they remain committed to challenging the status quo and bringing true independent leadership to Trenton.
Jersey City Ranks as Second Best Place to Live in New Jersey
Jersey City ranks as the second best place to live in New Jersey, according to World Atlas. Among the top American cities for affluent millennials in 2024, Jersey City is perfect to live, work, and enjoy for young professionals and singles. Known as “Wall Street West,” commuters and major companies love the urban lifestyle without the Manhattan prices across the Hudson River.
Hoboken Police Department Pursues Community Policing Bureau
Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar unveiled a proposal on March 12th for a new Community Policing Bureau within the Hoboken Police Department (HPD). Per a City of Hoboken press release, the Bureau would consist of specially trained officers dedicated to building community relationships by focusing on proactive, community-centered approaches to policing, crime prevention, and quality of life issues with an increased on-street presence.
Where to Get Green Beer in Hoboken + Jersey City
March means many things here in Hudson County: excitement, the start of spring, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and of course, green beer. While we’ve been keeping a pulse on all things St.Patrick’s Day already, we have one more exploration to add to the list, a festive green brew. Click here for more.
Jersey City Man Charged in Hit + Run Crash with Cyclist
Members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit have arrested the driver involved in a Jersey City hit-and-run that seriously injured a bicyclist in 2024. Per a Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office press release, on May 25, 2024, shortly before 5AM, the Jersey City Police Department was notified of a bicyclist struck in the area of Garfield Avenue, Gates Avenue, and Seaview Avenue. The male bicyclist, later identified as a 21-year-old Bayonne resident, was found with life-threatening injuries. Dinesh Budhram, 26, of Jersey City, was charged and arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus on March 6th and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, pending his first court appearance.
Jersey City LGBTQ Alliance Changes its Name on Instagram
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The Jersey City LGBTQ Alliance recently changed its name on Instagram to The Alliance JC. It shared in a recent post: “New Name, Same Community. Thank you for being here and helping us to make Jersey City more inclusive, equitable, and supportive to our communities in need. We have projects, events, advocacy, and some good trouble that we’re working on, so stay tuned for more.”
Missing Jersey City Woman Leaves Dog Behind
A woman left her Jersey City apartment with her dog last week and hasn't been seen since, Ward D Councilman Yousef J. Saleh said on March 6th. The family of the woman, named Annah, is offering a reward for information, according to a missing poster. Annah left her apartment with her dog, who was later found in the apartment corridor," the poster says. "She left behind her keys + phone. Annah was last seen via CCTV in a nearby park in the Heights." Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jersey City Police Department, North District, 201-547-5350.
New Med Spa, Urban Aesthetic Medicine, to Open in Jersey City
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A new med spa is coming to Jersey City at 100 Town Square Place. Urban Aesthetic Medicine will provide luxury aesthetic treatments including botox and dermal fillers. HG will provide more updates as they become available.
Are the PSEG Refunds in Hoboken Legit?
At the start of 2025, locals were overcharged due to a billing error from a previous electricity provider. Now, The Hoboken Girl learned residents in Hoboken and the rest of New Jersey should expect higher energy bills this summer. Click here for more.
County Executive Guy Celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with Irish Flag Raising
On March 10th, County Executive Craig Guy, Board of Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, and the Board of Commissioners celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with an Irish American flag raising at the Historic Brennan Court House. Per a County of Hudson press release, the flag-raising honored Irish heritage and culture with a bagpipe and dance presentation, and honorees were presented with citations for their significant contributions to Hudson County.
Security Cameras Installed at Church Square Park in Hoboken
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Security cameras were installed at Church Square Park in Hoboken on March 12th. Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced in December that the City of Hoboken would install a new, state-of-the-art camera security system in Church Square Park. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the new cloud-based system will provide comprehensive coverage of the park which will be monitored by the Hoboken Police Department. The city will also seek funding to install cameras in additional parks throughout the city in the coming months.
Jersey City Council Approves $162k Contract for Bike Lane in the Heights
The Jersey City Council narrowly approved a $162,113 contract with engineering firm French and Parrello Associates, PA to design a bike lane in the Heights on Franklin and Manhattan Avenues on March 12th. The council voted against introducing a walk-on version of the resolution at their February 26th meeting. The resolution passed 5-3(1) with Denise Ridley, Rich Boggiano, and Danny Rivera voting no and Frank Gilmore abstaining.
Jersey City Riders Demand Better Service from NJ Transit
Bus passengers and state officials are seeking NJ Transit to provide more frequent service on two crosstown routes in Jersey City. Per NJ.com, residents told NJ Transit’s board on March 11th that the hourly service on the 86 and 9 routes is insufficient. Commuters and students rely on the buses to travel between downtown Jersey City, the Heights, and Westside neighborhoods. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri told riders improvements are coming in June.
Jersey City Man Dies in Fatal Fire
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department are investigating a fatal fire that occurred on March 11th. Per a Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office press release, shortly after 3PM, the Jersey City Fire Department was notified of a fire at 289 Van Nostrand Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders found an injured male – later identified as Terrance Culbreath, 53, of Jersey City – in the kitchen of the unit. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead just after 4PM. This matter remains under investigation.
