Hoboken freezes rent hikes for rent-controlled apartments

HOBOKEN — A freeze on rent hikes arrives this month for tenants in rent-controlled apartments.The City Council passed on first reading an ordinance Wednesday that would prevent landlords from collecting more than the current rent until two months after the city’s state of emergency ends.A similar ordinance up for a final vote in Union City on April 14would apply to all tenants, not just those protected by rent control. If approved on a second reading later this month, the measure will retroactively apply to the entire month of April.“I think it’s just the right thing to do,” Councilwoman Emily...

Virus adds to Hoboken’s multi-million-dollar deficit; ‘I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do’

From increased overtime to a steep decline in city revenue, the coronavirus is adding millions of dollars Hoboken’s existing budget deficit.After fee-based revenue started drying up and overtime expenses rose, the city scrapped its drafted budget, which was already tackling a budget deficit worth up to $15 million. Now, officials are considering every possible option, from delaying projects until next year to laying off employees, said operations director and acting business administrator Jason Freeman.Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, who co-chairs the City Council’s finance subcommittee, said th...

Hoboken to close all parks for two weeks in bid to halt spread of coronavirus

Hoboken officials are hoping to replace the coronavirus with cabin fever.Sunday morning Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the city’s Office of Emergency Management announced the “difficult decision” that all Hoboken parks will be closed for the next two week to halt the spread of COVID-19, beginning Monday at 8 a.m.The measure includes the county park in the city and all dog parks.“As COVID-19 cases in Hoboken and across the region increase, and as we anticipate to reach our apex in the next several weeks, we need to ask again the following question — have we done everything we can to prevent the further ...

Commentary: A time for self-analysis

We are all deluged with advisories, announcements, assessments and an assortment of reports, studies, updates and various prognostications about the … .yes, coronavirus. From my automobile dealer to my urologist everyone is concerned about ME, but all are doing their best to make sure I don’t see them except under very stringent circumstances.Social distancing means avoiding almost all human contact.As the rebel without a cause mused, “Well, then, there, now.” What to do?When we distance ourselves from others, it is perfect time to focus internally — a time for self-analysis. There will be a “...

Statement from Mayor Bhalla on self-isolation policy in Hoboken

Hoboken imposes curfew, as it closes bars and limits restaurants to take-out service

Restaurants in Hoboken will be take-out or delivery only and bars that do not offer food can’t open at all, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced.A curfew will also be imposed on residents between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.The changes were meant to further the city’s move toward “social distancing” that began Friday with the shut-down of playgrounds, recreation centers and ballfields. On Saturday, Hoboken officials ordered gyms, health clubs, daycares and movie theatersto close as well.Hoboken identified two more residents who tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday -- both males, one in his 30s an...

Still room for healing, 40 years after devastating Hoboken fires | Faith Matters

Last year, the Rev. Elaine Ellis Thomas enrolled in a doctoral program with an unusual name at Drew Theological School of Drew University in Madison: “Prophetic Fire and Pastoral Identity in a Fluid Culture.”In her words, the program delves into “priestly ministry in a challenging world.”Little did she know that the fire part would prove prophetic. Researching the history of All Saints Episcopal Parish in Hoboken, where she has been the rector for almost two years, she heard about a wave of fires that devastated the Mile Square City in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Scores of people died, inc...

Hoboken confirms first known case of coronavirus

A man in his 40s is Hoboken’s first known coronavirus patient, Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Friday.The individual is in isolation at home and is experiencing mild symptoms, Bhalla said.Hoboken’s health department is notifying people who have been in contact with the patient so that they can self-quarantine, he added. Residents are encouraged to call the health department at 201-420-2000 ext. 5211 if they believe they have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.“To be clear, we unfortunately anticipate the likelihood of additional positive COVID-19 cases to be confirmed in the days and wee...

Hudson County coronavirus update: Jail puts measures in place, Hoboken curtails seniors’ activities

Though Hudson County currently only has one confirmed coronavirus patient, institutions county-wide are taking new measures daily to protect residents.This week, Hoboken has canceled events for seniors, the jail has suspended face-to-face visits and schools have planned early dismissals. See below for details and updates.Hoboken, Jersey City curtail senior activitiesHoboken-sponsored senior trips and senior activities at the multi-service center are suspended beginning Wednesday, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Tuesday.The mayor is also urging residents to alert city officials if they find...

Hoboken girl taken to hospital following stabbing, police chief says

A 16-year-old girl suspected of stabbing another girl in Hoboken was taken into police custody Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim — a juvenile from Hoboken — was transported to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment for multiple stab wounds following the incident near Jackson and Sixth streets at 3:43 p.m., Hoboken police Chief Ken Ferrante said.Her immediate condition was not provided.The suspect, who lives in Jersey City, was apprehended at 540 Marshall Drive and taken to police headquarters.Ferrante said patrols that were already in place in the area have been increased. He ...