The start of a new year can bring a new chapter for many local businesses around Hudson County, but one Hoboken favorite says it’s not making big changes in 2026. A listing for Mr. Wraps on 741 Garden Street popped up online, so The Hoboken Girl did some digging about how legitimate this posting could be. So… is Mr. Wraps for sale? Read on to learn about the current status of this Hoboken institution. 

About Mr. Wraps

Mr. Wraps first opened in Cranford in 2000, and then opened a second location in Hoboken in 2003. According to Yelp, the Cranford location has closed, but the Hoboken location has become something of an institution over the past 20+ years.

The namesake, of course, is wraps, and Mr. Wraps serves up dozens — but there are burgers, sandwiches, salad, and other fried favorites on the menu. Plus, the restaurant serves breakfast, too, and whips up classics like pancakes, French toast, home fries, breakfast sammies, and more.

Mr. Wraps is a local favorite for a delicious and quick meal. The Hoboken Girl has included Mr. Wraps in articles about budget-friendly lunches, gluten-free meal options, and, naturally, Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps.

See more: Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery Brings Cozy Vibes to Farmingdale

Local TikTokker Kate Norkeliunus put Mr. Wraps on the nationwide sandwich landscape thanks to her viral mukbang-style videos of herself enjoying the wraps. Kate’s favorite is the buffalo chicken wrap with ranch dressing + hot sauce, no lettuce and no tomatoes (pressed!), which is literally called “Kate’s Fav From TikTok” on the menu. 

For Sale?

A post for Mr. Wraps turned up on BuyBizSell.com, an online marketplace for buyers, sellers, and brokers to buy or sell businesses and franchises. The listing says:

“Seize this rare opportunity to own Mr. Wraps All American Bistro, a beloved quick-service restaurant operating successfully in the heart of Hoboken since 2003. This well-established business has built a loyal customer base over two decades, serving as a go-to destination for locals, professionals, and visitors in one of Hudson County’s most desirable neighborhoods. The restaurant specializes in crave-worthy wraps, burgers, salads, homemade soups, and American comfort classics. With consistent annual revenues exceeding $1.5 million, this turnkey operation demonstrates strong financial performance in the competitive American restaurant sector.” 

A post listing the business for sale was originally shared by the Rosa Agency in September 2025, listing the business for $425,000. The current listing on BuyBizSell has the business for sale at $350,000.  Both listings describe the sale as for ” [a] Turnkey business, all equipment, branding, and recipes included.”

The Hoboken Girl reached out to Mr. Wraps directly and asked if the location was for sale or if they had plans to sell. Even though the restaurant is listed online, staff members at Mr. Wraps told HG, “No, it is not for sale.” See the DM exchange below. 

However, on January 6th, The Hoboken Girl reached out to an agent affiliated with the Rosa Agency’s September 2025 listing, who confirmed the sale. Then, we called Mr. Wraps directly, and a manager told us that they didn’t know what we were talking about. So, if you’re keeping track, the manager said no, the realtor said yes to the sale of the business.  The Hoboken Girl will update this piece as more information becomes available. 

Read more: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City

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The post Is Mr. Wraps in Hoboken for Sale? Here’s What We Found appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

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One of the most important questions when planning a night out is deciding what the vibe will be for you and your crew. Now, a Mediterranean restaurant in Jersey City is bringing interesting food and drinks and curating a vibey experience. IKOS at 190 Steuben Street is one of Downtown Jersey City’s newest restaurants that opened in December of 2025. Read on for more details on Jersey City’s Mediterranean restaurant and vibe dining spot, IKOS. 

The Space 

The Mediterranean restaurant’s name, IKOS, is rooted in the ancient Greek word οἶκος (oikos), which means “house” or “household”. It’s the energy the restaurant wants to create, welcoming guests to an elevated space that feels like the comfort of home. The restaurant has a touch of modern elegance, a warm spirit, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere. 

The team behind IKOS celebrated the opening of this location in Jersey City and plans to continue growing in the future. The team is already eyeing New York, Florida, and Texas as possible locations for more concepts rooted in connection, emotion, and hospitality. 

Read More: New Jersey Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks to Save New Jersey Diners

The Menu

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The menu at IKOS is built around the idea of shared experiences. That means generous plates prepared with fresh ingredients for you and your party to split and enjoy. 

Some of the highlights of the menu include Octopus served on creamy fava with pomegranate seeds and Calamari Gemisto, where the calamari is stuffed with a rich cheese filling. Plus, the restaurant has a Petrossian Caviar service. There are plenty of grilled whole fish and prime beef cuts as well, giving guests a combination of rustic flavors with an elegant presentation. 

The cocktail menu brings the vibe together. The bar has a speakeasy mindset, blending unexpected ingredients with special techniques. Some of the highlights include “A Day in Palermo,” inspired by strawberry cheesecake, “Nicosia Whisper,” a reinvention of the Piña Colada, and “Rain Over Capri,” which blends Clase Azul Reposado with saffron, honey, and cinnamon. These cocktails are not only designed to pair well with the food menu but to enhance the dining experience.

Vibe Dining 

Weekends are when the vibe shifts at IKOS. On Fridays and Saturdays after 10:00 PM, the lights drop, music starts going up, and the dinner restaurant transforms into more of a lounge club experience. Dancing is encouraged with live DJ sets that start at 8:00 PM and bounce through the space. Brunch events that are sure to be full of music and mimosas are coming soon to IKOS.

Executive Chef Davide Zucca brings his culinary talents to IKOS. The chef, born and raised in Italy, started his culinary journey in London, where he was introduced to the art of Greek cuisine. His career has brought him around the world, including Dubai, Athens, and New York. Now he’s arrived in Jersey City, ready to bring his passion and international expertise to IKOS. 

See More: Eating Around the World in North Jersey: 4 Essex County Restaurants Serving Global Cuisines

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Food + Drink

The post New Mediterranean Restaurant, IKOS, Opens in Downtown Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

A hot sub hits different, especially when it comes from your favorite Jersey deli. A meatball parm with extra cheese, sausage and pepper with a little kick, or a classic chicken cutlet sub made with fresh ingredients all add up to an excellent meal. Lucky for us locals, Hoboken + Jersey City has plenty of amazing delis, sandwich shops, and pizzerias to choose from when you have a savory craving. Read on for a list of places around Hoboken + Jersey City where you can order a hot sub. 

Hoboken 

Benny Tudino’s | 622 Washington Street 

This pizzeria has a selection of hot subs on its menu. Choose from the sausage and peppers, grilled chicken, cheesesteak, and other hot sandwiches made to order. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11AM to 1AM. On Sundays the shop closes at 12AM. 

The Brick | 1122 Washington Street 

For those visiting The Brick and looking for something other than the large menu of pizzas, there are several hot subs on the menu, too. The classic eggplant, chicken, and meatball parm subs are available, as is the option for gluten-free bread. The Brick is open Sunday through Thursday from 11AM to 11PM. It  stays open later on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 4AM. 

Read More: 22 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Hoboken + Jersey City

Hot House Pizza | 606 2nd Street 

Hot House Pizza has plenty of hot parm sandwiches on its menu. Meatball, chicken, eggplant, and sausage parm sandwiches are available to order from this neighborhood spot. It is open 11AM to 10PM seven days a week. 

Imposto’s Pizza | 102 Washington Street 

Since 2020, Imposto’s has been serving pizza and other Italian favorites in Hoboken. Thehot subs include “Gio’s Vodka Parm,” “The Sinatra,” and more. The pizza joint is open late on Fridays and Saturdays, 11AM to 3AM. It is then open Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 10PM. 

gtk | 1014 Washington Street

GTK is a takeout + delivery restaurant with a globally inspired menu. The menu includes a wide range of dishes including a Chipotle Steak Sandwich and a Bahn Yu sandwich. 

Lisa’s Deli | 901 Park Avenue

This family-owned deli has been serving Hoboken for decades. On the menu of hot subs are Grandma’s Meatball, Grilled Sausage, Grilled Roast Beef, and more. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 9:45AM to 7PM. 

Luca Brasi’s Italian Deli | 100 Park Avenue 

Chicken, crab cake, and eggplant are just some of the hot sub options on the menu at Luca Brasi’s. That’s in addition to a dozen appetizers and breakfast options available all week long. The Hoboken deli is open from 8AM to 6PM seven days a week. 

Napoli’s Pizza | 1118 Washington Street + 133 Clinton Street 

A Hoboken classic. Napoli’s is known for serving a great slice of pizza, but it also has excellent subs on their menu. Choose from a chicken cutlet, parm sub, or cheese steak. All sandwiches are available at both locations.

Pizza Republic | 406 Washington Street 

Pizza Republic has a big menu for Hoboken locals. Some of the hot subs include bacon chicken ranch, chicken cutlet, cheesesteaks, and more. Pick up food at the Washington Street location or order delivery seven days a week. 

Tenth Street Pizza | 1000 Willow Avenue 

There’s a small menu of hot subs at this Hoboken pizza joint. The classic meatball parm, chicken parm, and sausage and peppers are made with fresh ingredients and taste great. Tenth Street Pizza is open 4PM to 10PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 12PM to 10PM on Saturdays, and 1 PM to 10PM on Sundays.   

Vito’s Italian Deli | 806 Washington Street

Vito’s is a family-owned deli in Hoboken that serves classic Italian foods made with fresh ingredients. There are dozens of hot sandwiches on the menu, including the “Hoboken” with grilled eggplant, chicken parm, meatball parm, and more. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 9AM to 5PM and Sundays from 9AM to 3PM. The deli is closed on Mondays. 

Jersey City 

2nd Street Deli | 122 Brunswick Street

2nd Street Deli is a favorite for Jersey City locals. Some of the hot subs on the menu include Chicken Parm, Hot Roast Beef, and Eggplant Parm. The deli is open seven days a week from 9AM to 2PM. 

Bread + Salt | 435 Palisade Avenue 

Jersey City Heights locals know Bread + Salt is a staple for fresh bread, pizza, and focaccia. The sandwiches change throughout the seasons. The place is only open Friday through Sunday from 10AM to 4PM. 

Cangiano’s Marketplace | 225 Pavonia Avenue + 531 Summit Avenue

This Italian deli has two locations in Jersey City, meaning two places to grab a delicious sandwich during your lunch break. Guests are greeted with the smell of the deli’s freshly baked bread when they step in the door. HG Pro Tip: Order the #14 with fried or grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, olive oil, and balsamic glaze for a heavenly sub. 

Dixon Deli | 358 Varick Street

This sandwich shop has been selling hot subs for Jersey City locals since 2005. Stop by for a Taylor Ham egg and cheese (with saltpepperketchup) for breakfast or order a Philly Cheese Steak for lunch. Dixon Deli is open Monday through Friday from 7AM to 9PM. 

Heights Deli + Grill | 3418 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

This Heights sandwich spot has several different hot subs on the menu. Guests can grab a grilled chicken, Philly cheese steak, Pastrami, or other hot subs from their menu. The deli is open seven days a week from 6AM to 8PM. 

Mordi’s Sandwich Shop | 320 Communipaw Avenue

Mordi’s prides itself on providing fresh, flavorful, Israeli-inspired meals for hungry Jersey City residents in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood. On the sub menu are the Americano, Italiano, California, and Mediterranean subs, along with other classic subs. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 8PM, and on Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM. 

Stella’s 24 Hour Eatery | 315 Grove Street 

For sub cravings at 1PM and 1AM, Stella’s is a quick walk from the Grove Street PATH Station in Jersey City. The pizza shop has a menu of several hot subs, including a classic chicken cutlet, meatball, or sausage and pepper sub. 

Sub Culture | 260 Newark Avenue 

This spot in Downtown Jersey City specializes in subs and milkshakes. There are dozens of mouth-watering subs on the menu, and all the names have nods to popular movies, music, and TV shows. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 8PM and Sunday from 12PM to 8PM. 

The Little Sandwich Shop | 333 Grove Street 

Just a short walk from the Grove Street PATH station is a little sandwich shop called The Little Sandwich Shop. There is something for everyone on their expansive menu of sandwiches, from meatball parm to chicken cutlets. It is open Monday through Thursday from 6AM to 8PM, Friday from 6AM to 7PM, and Saturday from 7:30AM to 2:45PM. 

The Sicilian Guy | 211 Newark Avenue

The Sicilian Guy is a newer addition to Newark Avenue. The deli uses organic and fresh ingredients for each meal they craft. Featured on the menu are the Chicken Parmigiano, Eggplant Parmigiano, and Grilled Italian Sausage subs. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 8PM. 

Tony Boloneys | 363 Grove Street, Jersey City | 263 1st Street, Hoboken

Tony Baloneys is known for having some interesting pizza topping combinations. That extends to the hot sub menu, too. Some of the options include the Boloney Rex with short rib, the Chopped Patty with Jamaican beef, and the Lobsta Trap lobster roll. It’s open for pickup and delivery Sunday through Thursday from 11AM to 9PM and stays open until 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Veloce Specialty Shop | 457 Baldwin Avenue 

This Jersey City sandwich shop has been serving up hot subs since 2021. The hot sub menu lists Chicken Parmesan, Spicy Chicken Parm, Chicken Vodka Parm, Eggplant Parm, and Vodka Chicken Pesto subs. It’s open from 10AM to 6PM Monday through Thursday, then 10AM to 8PM Friday and Saturday, and 10AM to 7PM on Sundays. 

See More: A Trip to ORA Freestyle Italian in Oradell

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Food + Drink

The post 20+ Places to Get a Hot Sub In Hoboken + Jersey City  appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

After years of delays, the Hilton Hotel project slated for the Hoboken waterfront is inching towards a start. The plan for the hotel was announced in 2018, but years of litigation, project negotiations, COVID, and work with the City slowed progress. The proposed 20-story hotel will include ground-floor retail space, a lobby-level restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop bar and terrace.  In November 2025, the project was awarded tax credits under a statewide program, which helped the project clear a financial hurdle. Here’s what we know about the Hilton Hotel project in Hoboken, the progress made, and when we could expect construction to begin. 

The Background

In 2012, the Hoboken City Council approved the rezoning of the area of land on Sinatra Drive between 1st and Newark Streets, which the US Postal Service owned. It was declared an “Area In Need Of Rehabilitation” and started a long process to study possible uses for the property. 

The hotel project started in 2018 when KMS Developers were approved by the City to redevelop the site, and then announced plans for a new hotel property on the Hoboken waterfront. The team specializes in public-private partnerships. The final site plan was approved in 2020.

Read More: TAPP Card Launches for PATH as MetroCard and SmartLink Phased Out

The team behind the project, KMS Developers, specializes in public-private partnerships. This is a type of project where the government works with a private sector company to create agreements for financing, building, and operating projects. The government will offer concessions such as tax credits or special permits in exchange for the operator’s commitment to community-driven goals such as certain building standards, hiring quotas, and discounted rent for local businesses. These are often extremely beneficial when a large project is involved, such as a sports stadium or transit hub, because of the size and complexity of the project.

While these PPP agreements are often pointed to as a successful collaboration between the private and public sectors, things can get sticky in the process. Critics say that these agreements blur lines between incentives and outright bribery, are ripe for self-dealing for the parties involved, and have other negative aspects.

In the case of the Hilton Hoboken Waterfront, a lawsuit about some of those agreements was the cause for a significant delay in moving forward. Once KMS was conditionally approved by the City in 2018, two businesses that owned land near the parcel sued. The two businesses claimed that the payments made to the City were more of a ‘giveback’ than anything supporting community interests. The case was resolved in 2019 in favor of the plaintiffs: the Court found that the payments made by the developer to the City did not have a close enough nexus to the actual development. The City and the developer reworked that aspect of the contract and were sued again by the same plaintiffs. This time, the Court found in favor of the defendant, the City, saying that the new agreement, creating a $3.2 million escrow fund for future projects, had enough of a nexus to the project.

In August of 2022, it was announced that the sale of the parcel of land owned by the US Postal Service was complete. In a statement, the developer said: “After 10 years of working with the USPS and pursuing local permitting approvals, the purchase of the property on August 3rd marks the latest in a long list of project development milestones and brings the project one step closer to becoming a reality. The hotel will be located on the subdivided lot facing the waterfront and will have the address of One Sinatra Drive.”

“As part of this redevelopment, the Post Office will be the beneficiary of significant improvements and operational upgrades that will improve its ability to efficiently continue to serve the Hoboken community. With the purchase of the property completed and local approvals secured, we are now working to finalize project drawings and to secure the remaining pieces of construction financing,” said Dennis Martin, Principal at KMS Development Partners.

In the same statement, KMS said that work is anticipated to begin in Spring or Summer 2023. No construction has begun at that site since that statement. The hotel is anticipated to have 349 guest rooms and will be 20 stories tall. There will be valet parking on-site, 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a 6,000 square foot rooftop deck and terrace for events.

In a statement to TAPInto Hoboken, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said, “The Hilton Hotel Project will directly benefit residents across the City, creating hundreds of jobs, millions in tax revenues, and critical improvements to neighborhood infrastructure. This project is a win-win for the City, and I look forward to breaking ground on the new hotel next year.”

2025 Update 

On November 17th, 2025, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, or the NJEDA, approved a tax credit under the Aspire Program to support the development of this hotel in Hoboken. A new developer called One SD Hoboken is taking over and now developing the project at the site of the former parking lot of the Hoboken Post Office on Sinatra Drive. The project includes the creation of a new public park, streetscape, and sidewalk enhancements so as not to disturb the flow of pedestrians along Sinatra Drive. A valet service utilizing an existing underground parking garage is planned for guest parking. One SD Hoboken was awarded the tax credit award of 60% of the total project cost, not to exceed $63.4 million.

The Aspire Program is a place-based economic development program created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) to support mixed-use, transit-oriented development with tax credits to commercial and residential real estate development projects that have financing gaps. Because it’s a performance-based program, all projects must certify that commitments established at the time of approval have been met before receiving their first disbursement of tax credits.  

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the Aspire program has supported meaningful transit-oriented development projects throughout the state, helping grow communities and create jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Adding a new major hotel to Hoboken’s iconic waterfront will attract tourism and spur economic activity in the area, building a stronger, more resilient city that will benefit Hoboken residents for decades to come.”

“The new hotel represents a win for our city, bringing new jobs, open space, and vital infrastructure improvements that will benefit residents and visitors alike. It’s a prime example of what we can accomplish when local and state partners work together toward a shared vision for smart, sustainable growth,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla shared in a statement. 

“This moves the long-stalled development closer to reality and signals significant change coming to Hoboken’s waterfront,” City Councilman Paul Presinzano said in a newsletter. No construction timeline has been announced as of December 2025.

See More: With a Netflix Studio on the Way, What Does a Potential Warner Bros. Merger Mean for NJ?

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Yes, a Hilton Hotel is Still Coming to Hoboken; New Tax Credit Issued appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

A local Jersey City family is opening a new play space for children dedicated to screen-free play. Krayon Park on the second floor at 206 Van Vorst Street will be a dedicated playspace with multi-level climbing structures, ball pits, slides, obstacle courses, and plenty of special areas for imaginative play. Their grand opening is January 11th, 2026, but The Hoboken Girl got a sneak peek at the child-friendly playspace in Paulus Hook. Read on to learn about Krayon Park and the connections to Jersey City.

The Story Behind Krayon Park

The minds behind Krayon Park all have connections to New Jersey.  One member of the managing group is Rachel Astel, who is a special education teacher in Jersey City with a Master’s degree in educational research and behavior analysis. Her husband, Jayson, is also a partner. Another team member has a background in construction. The Krayon Park manager is a former preschool director from Jersey City. Combined, they all have a background in creating safe, welcoming, and fun environments for kids to feel comfortable and play without relying on screens.

“Our inspiration came from seeing a need for a space where imaginative play is prioritized over screen time,” Rachel tells The Hoboken Girl. “We wanted to create a haven where children can develop crucial skills, burn off energy, and thrive in a screen-free environment.”

Read more: This Jersey City Resident Upcycles Jewelry

Rachel and her husband grew up in New Jersey and have called Jersey City home since 2016. They felt it was the perfect location to build a unique community for young families and friends in the area. “It also feels deeply special to us personally; our great-grandparents arrived here through Ellis Island and headed into Jersey, so planting our roots in this city honors that history.”

What Parents Can Expect

Parents can expect a safe, clean indoor play space. The 6,500 square foot space is a screen-free zone designed just for kids. There are indoor trampolines, monkey bars, slides, and a ball pit for the adventurers. There is a separate sensory section for kids looking to slow things down. Toddlers, or the “Smallest Krayons,” will have a VIP-like section to themselves that includes age-appropriate climbing structures, slides, soft play zones, and a mini ball pit.

Cleanliness is also a huge part of Krayon Park. The indoor playspace has a two-set toy system, where they rotate between two complete collections of toys. It allows them to thoroughly sanitize one set while the other is in use to ensure a fresh, clean environment for each open play session.

Memberships, Classes, + Hours

There are several different membership and package options available for parents to choose from online. There are also options for birthday parties and other celebrations being held at the playspace. Plus, there will be weekly classes offered with local talented therapists and specialists to enrich both children’s and parents’ lifestyles.

Open play hours are every day from 9:30AM to 7:30PM, but they are closed on Saturdays during the winter season. “Our goal is to ensure you never feel alone—we want everyone here to feel like family,” they tell HG.

The grand opening for Krayon Park is January 11th, 2026. “We are thrilled to be a new hub for families from all over the area! Whether you are a City family taking the PATH, or joining us from Downtown, Greenville, Bayonne, or Hoboken, Krayon Park is close by and ready to welcome you,” Rachel said. “In a world dominated by technology, let’s stop, breathe, and be in the moment together.”

See more: New Jersey Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks to Save New Jersey Diners

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Inside Krayon Park, Jersey City’s New Indoor Gym + Playspace for Kids appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

 A vote from the Hoboken City Council to temporarily freeze the CLEAR program will no longer be taking effect after outgoing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla voted down the decision. On December 3, the Hoboken City Council voted to temporarily freeze the CLEAR program, the camera-based parking enforcement program, until January 15. Per Hudson County View, Mayor Bhalla vetoed the freeze on Friday, December 12th. Read on to learn about this program and its status. 

The CLEAR Program

A quick recap. The Camera-based License Plate Enforcement for Access and Response, or CLEAR program, launched in October 2025, aiming to crack down on double parking in bike lanes, parking violations in bus stops, and overall make the streets safer by keeping these lanes clear. It’s part of the Vision Zero initiative to end traffic injuries and deaths by 2030.  

Read More: Zero Deaths in 7 Years, But What’s the Real Story of Traffic Injuries in Hoboken?

The system relies on cameras that the Hoboken City Council authorized in 2024. It takes photos of vehicles parked illegally along Washington Street between Observer Highway and 8th Street. These photos are then reviewed by the Hoboken Parking Utility, who determines if a ticket is warranted. If so, the vehicle owner gets a citation in the mail. 

The Temporary Freeze 

During a City Council meeting on December 3, the Hoboken City Council members voted 5-4 on a second reading to freeze this program until January 15. 

The vote came after complaints from some local business owners who said business dropped significantly since CLEAR began because people aren’t parking along busy streets like Washington Street, according to 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher. 

“This is the busiest time of year for them, and their seasonal sales are down,” Councilwoman Fisher said during the meeting. “People are just not coming.”

However, some members of the council say the program has been beneficial, and don’t want to see it paused. 

“It’s always been illegal to double park. We just now have an effective enforcement mechanism that allows us to enforce city ordinances,” Bike Hoboken Executive Director Andre Wilson said.

For now, the pause will delay automated parking enforcement under CLEAR, giving businesses and locals time to assess the program’s impact.

City Council required six votes to waive the 20-day wait period before the measure gets to the mayor’s desk, where he can veto it or sign it into municipal law. 

Freeze Vetoed 

On December 12th, Mayor Bhalla vetoed the ordinance passed by City Council to temporarily freeze the program. In his veto statement shared with Hudson County View, the Mayor stated that the program’s three-month data collection period has not yet ended and that ending the program would be, “Inconsistent with the City’s goals of increasing compliance with current laws and advancing the public safety objectives of the program.”

In the statement, Mayor Bhalla further cited support for the CLEAR program from NJ Transit, Hudson County Complete Streets, Bike Hoboken, and Bike JC.

The CLEAR Program is scheduled to conclude on December 31st, 2025. The Mayor urged City Council to continue the program through that date, after which data from the program would be evaluated for future planning. Notably, Mayor Bhalla’s term as Mayor of Hoboken will end on the same date and Mayor-Elect Emily Jabbour will take office on January 1st, 2026. 

See More: This Proposed Law Would Make Porch Piracy a Federal Crime

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Vetoes Vote to Freeze CLEAR Program appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The classic yellow MetroCards will soon be a thing of the past for PATH commuters. In an effort to make commuting more accessible, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) launched a new payment card and vending machine system. Riders will be able to instantly reload the TAPP card and still tap and go when commuting on the PATH. MetroCards and SmartLink cards will be phased out later in 2026. Read on to learn about the TAPP cards, how to buy them, and what to expect if you still have a MetroCard. 

Shifting From Metro to TAPP

MetroCard sales and refills are set to end after December 31st, 2025. The Port Authority announced it will be replaced with the Total Access PATH Payment, known as the TAPP card, a reloadable physical fare option for PATH riders.

Read More: New Jersey to Increase Gas Tax 1/1/26

The TAPP cards are available to purchase online and from machines at all stations. The Port Authority also launched new vending machines, designed to be more user-friendly, at Journal Square and 33rd Street stations. There are plans to expand those new machines to other stations as more testing is completed.  

Commuters can still tap their credit or debit cards on the fare gate to pay to get on the PATH. The TAPP card works the same way and helps make it easier for commuters to pay with cash. The Port Authority reports nearly 70% of the system’s 200,000 weekday riders now use contactless payments, and weekend riders are closer to 80%.  

SmartLink Card dispensing machines have now been retrofitted to dispense TAPP cards at all PATH stations as the new machines come online. PATH passenger information agents have also undergone training to help riders as the new system is launched. 

How Does It Work?

The TAPP card works a little differently from the SmartLink card. A new TAPP card costs $5 and can be reloaded with any monetary value, rather than a fixed trip increment. Riders can also purchase 10, 20, and 40-trip packages at vending machines, online, or by phone. If you register the card online, riders will receive a $5 travel credit on PATH. Online registration unlocks features such as auto-reloads and balance protection in the event of a lost or stolen card.

Over the next few months, PATH will migrate 1-day, 7-day and 30-day unlimited passes, as well as senior and disabled fare Smartlink card customers, to the TAPP platform. MetroCards bought before January 1st, 2026, will also eventually be phased out at a later date. Existing MetroCard balances will continue to be accepted until that date is set.

See More: With a Netflix Studio on the Way, What Does a Potential Warner Bros. Merger Mean for NJ?

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Read More News

The post TAPP Card Launches for PATH as MetroCard and SmartLink Phased Out appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

It’s not the holiday season without sharing good food and treats with loved ones. As Hanukkah gets closer, it’s a good time to plan what treats and other dishes to order ahead of time. The Local Girl rounded up several bakeries and delis selling traditional and not-so-traditional Jewish treats for Hanukkah. Read on for a guide to Hanukkah treats in the Northern New Jersey area. 

The post Hanukkah Treats In Northern New Jersey 2025 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.