As August rolls in, Hudson County continues to experience a relentless heat wave. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest news updates from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending August 3rd, 2025.
In Hoboken, renowned eatery Tony Boloney’s faced a small kitchen fire on July 31st. Emergency services swiftly responded and tackled the flames, but the restaurant is now temporarily closed for repairs. Fortunately, the Jersey City location of Tony Boloney’s remains operational, offering takeout and delivery options in the meantime.
On the commercial development front, Pure Green, a popular smoothie and juice chain, has announced its plans to set up shop in the former Cafe Unibread location on Washington Street. This space has been vacant since Cafe Unibread closed in August 2024. Signs for the new establishment were spotted over the last weekend of July.
Another exciting addition to Hoboken’s dining scene is Pura Vida. This upscale fast-casual restaurant from Miami will be making its New Jersey debut here in Hoboken. Although exact details about its location are still under wraps, locals can expect a menu focused on healthy, delicious options.
Just days ago on July 30th, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream celebrated its opening in Hoboken, taking over the former Glosslab space. Known for its unique flavors and vegan offerings, this new ice cream spot adds yet another sweet option for residents.
In Jersey City, plans are underway for a Mediterranean restaurant that will feature golf simulator suites, set to be called Solaz. Located at 70 Town Square Place, the opening is set for mid-September 2025. This concept promises a unique dining experience, blending culinary delights with recreational fun.
Hoboken has also been buzzing about the arrival of New Balance, confirmed to come to the area in 2027. As the brand experiences a renaissance in fashion, locals will be eager for its athletic footwear and apparel.
Further enhancing Hoboken’s retail landscape, Kiehl’s, the esteemed skincare brand, is planning to open a new store on Washington Street, filling the space previously occupied by T-Mobile. The upcoming location is set to gain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission soon.
As for Jersey City, work has resumed on the Harborside 8 residential development, a project that has been in the works for five years. This ambitious 68-story building aims to redefine the city skyline and is set to become the sixth-tallest building in Jersey City upon completion.
In other news, Hoboken’s City Council convened on July 29th to approve a preliminarily amended budget amounting to $150,267,179.02, which includes a 4.57% tax increase. The budget received a narrow majority, with five votes in favor and three against, underscoring ongoing fiscal discussions within the community.
The state continues to deal with rising electricity prices, with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announcing another potential increase in 2026. Households can expect to see a 1.5% to 5% increase on their electric bills due to surging wholesale capacity prices, following already substantial hikes experienced recently.
Highlighting a more artistic collaboration, the Mile Square Cafe has partnered with local artist Rachel Durante, unveiling a new painting designed to resonate with the Hoboken community. Durante’s work aims to embody the cafe’s essence as a communal gathering spot.
Additionally, the K-Pop Foodie Fest will take place at Magnolia Landing on August 9th, showcasing Korean pop culture with dance lessons, street food, and local vendors. This vibrant celebration promises to attract many attendees and encourages early registration.
In regards to education, the Hoboken Board of Education elections are approaching, with seven candidates vying for three open seats in the November 4th non-partisan race. This election promises to bring important discussions about educational policies and leadership within the district.
Safety remains a priority as the Hoboken Police Department prepares for the National Night Out on August 5th. This community-focused event, which targets building stronger police-community relations, will feature activities, food, and fun for families.
Hoboken also recently faced challenges from severe weather, leading to a state of emergency declaration following extensive storms and flooding. Officials have taken measures to mitigate risks in flood-prone areas, urging residents to report any flooding issues to local authorities.
Tragic news surfaced with the announcement that a 17-year-old has been charged as an adult in connection with a fatal shooting in Jersey City. This ongoing investigation raises critical discussions around youth violence and community safety.
Lastly, as the retail landscape evolves, JCPenney has announced the closure of 119 stores nationwide, including their location at Newport Mall, signaling a significant shift in the retail environment.
Overall, Hudson County is in a dynamic period with new business openings, safety initiatives, and ongoing community events shaping the local landscape as summer 2025 progresses.
image source from：hobokengirl
