The Personal Injury Attorney in Hoboken, NJ, You Can Trust

Hoboken tots have a new place to play as of August 19th, 2025. Work on the toddler playground at Church Square Park is complete, meaning kids aged five and under can enjoy the new features. The work is part of a longer-term effort to redesign the park. Read on for more about the new toddler playground at Hoboken’s Church Square Park.

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

According to a press release from the City of Hoboken, the Church Square Park playground is a modern and inclusive playspace. The playground is located in the southwest section of the park, along Fourth Street between Park Avenue and Willow Avenue. “It features inclusive and educational play elements designed to engage young children, including ramped play structures, play mounds, magnet play elements, all-user swings, curved benches, and modern safety surfacing.”

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

The funding for the playground came from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund, which was created in 2023 to acquire land for conservation, open space purposes, recreation facility enhancements, and historic preservation in Hudson County.

“Seeing our youngest kids already enjoying the new playground at Church Square Park is a reminder of why we invest in public spaces that help bring our community together,” Mayor Bhalla said via a press release. “I extend my gratitude to our County partners for their support, and to the residents whose input helped design these much-needed upgrades, which will no doubt bring joy to families for years to come.”

The playground renovations are part of Phase 1 of the Church Square Park Improvements Project. Other efforts in Phase 1 include a new lawn area where the old ages two to five playground was, a landscape buffer along the dog run to help reduce noise, and new public restrooms. Work on the Phase 1 projects is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

See More: A Guide to Playgrounds in the Montclair Area

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.

Longtime Hoboken resident and local artist Jason Sagat has debuted his latest mural installation in town. His piece, Layers, can be found inside City Hall’s main lobby and showcases the iconic Hoboken waterfront, paying tribute to the vibrant Manhattan skyline and Hoboken’s Pier A overlooking the Hudson River. This mural shows the juxtaposition between the beauty and struggles of everyday life, inviting viewers to find meaning in the seemingly mundane and celebrate the complexity of urban life. Read on for more about the latest mural project in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

On August 7th 2025, Mayor Bhalla and the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee announced the permanent display of Jason’s new mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Jason and local photographers in attendance.

Known for his abstract style, Jason often pulls from his daily life and draws inspiration from well-known artists Kandinsky and Richter, whose abstract art often displays a sense of chaos and complexity. Jason writes on his website, “My art is made to capture this sentiment while expressing the energy and vibrance of these subtle, simple elements of our world. I believe these everyday layers of our life make up something much more intricate and energetically interconnected.” Jason wants his art to draw out a similar feeling in those admiring the mural.

Jason is a long-time resident of Hoboken, is no stranger to the hustle and bustle pace of city life. His mural depicts a person standing on Hoboken’s Pier A, gazing across the Hudson looking out towards the New York City skyline, capturing a moment of stillness and reflection amidst the chaos. The mosaic-like mural — almost representative of subway tile — uses a blend of photography, paint, and colorful layering that illustrates the vibrant city while showing the deeper interconnected beauty of it all.

Mayor Bhalla praised the piece in an August press release, stating, “This mural is a powerful tribute to Hoboken’s relationship to the water. I’m proud to see Hoboken continue to invest in the arts and elevate local talent like Jason through projects like this.” Mayor Bhalla encouraged residents to stop by and take in the mural’s rich passion, color, and community pride. “By capturing and transforming a familiar view of our waterfront, this installation will welcome residents and visitors alike to our historic City Hall…” he went on to explain. Layers is now on permanent display at City Hall.

Those interested in seeing more of Jasons work can check out his website to commission a piece of their own, learn more about his life and how he got to where he is today, or explore his virtual art gallery. Jason is often at community events displaying his available pieces. He also hosts a virtual “Meet the Artist” workshop every Thursday night, where people can ask him anything about his process. On his website, he states, “No question is off limits. This is an interactive experience to build community and learn about me but also each other.” Tickets are available through his website.

Though Layers is new to the city, Hoboken is no stranger to murals done by local artists. In 2018, Mayor Bhalla signed an executive order dedicating one percent of funds be used for public art installations throughout the city. Since then, murals can be seen all around town. Earlier in August, the City of Hoboken’s Division of Cultural Affairs unveiled a new mural design, commissioned by the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee, for the Jackson Community Mural located in Jackson Resiliency Park. This particular piece will pay homage to the diversity, culture, and history of Hoboken’s West Side. This mural will pay tribute to those who help make Hoboken a special place.

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.

In a letter to the editor, Hoboken resident Kurt Gardiner explains why streets benches matter in a walking municipality like the Mile Square City.

Dear Editor,

Benches may seem like small features in the landscape of a city, but in a dense, pedestrian-oriented community like Hoboken, New Jersey, they are essential elements of public life.

As a compact, walkable city with a high population density and limited open space, Hoboken thrives on the vibrancy of its streets, parks, and waterfront.

Benches support this vibrancy by offering rest, accessibility, and inclusion for people of all ages and abilities. To remove them as a response to homelessness is a misdirected solution that punishes everyone without addressing the underlying social issues.

Supporting Public Life and Accessibility

Benches are critical infrastructure in walking cities. They give pedestrians a place to rest, wait for friends, enjoy a coffee, read, or simply observe city life.

Seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those recovering from injuries often rely on public seating to safely navigate urban environments.

In a city like Hoboken, where many residents choose walking over driving, the availability of benches can make the difference between inclusion and isolation for those with limited mobility.

Moreover, Hoboken’s family-oriented culture means strollers, toddlers, and caregivers are a common sight. Benches provide much-needed space for parents to pause during outings or soothe children during long walks.

For tourists and commuters, benches are also waypoints—places to check maps, take a break, or enjoy Hoboken’s waterfront views.

Building Social Connection and Community

Benches are more than utilitarian objects; they foster social interaction. They are where neighbors chat, where strangers strike up conversations, where musicians rest between songs, and where people experience the city at a human pace.

Removing benches erodes this subtle but vital social fabric. Cities work best when people linger, connect, and coexist in shared public spaces—and benches are invitations to do just that.

Homelessness Is a Housing Issue, Not a Bench Issue

The presence of unhoused individuals on benches is not a bench problem—it is a housing and social services problem. Eliminating benches in an attempt to discourage homeless people from using them only displaces the issue rather than addressing it.

It strips the public of necessary seating while ignoring the root causes of homelessness: lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health support, unemployment, and systemic inequality.

Compassionate urban planning focuses on creating inclusive spaces while investing in long-term support systems for the vulnerable.

Solutions like supportive housing, shelters with dignity, outreach programs, and mental health care are far more effective and humane than hostile architecture or removal of public amenities.

A Better Path Forward

Rather than removing benches, Hoboken and cities like it should expand seating access and couple it with real investments in homelessness prevention and care.

Public spaces should be inclusive, not exclusionary. Equitable cities recognize that every person—whether housed or unhoused—has a right to occupy public space peacefully and safely.

In conclusion, benches are vital for the health, comfort, and cohesion of a walking city like Hoboken.

Removing them to discourage the homeless penalizes the entire community and fails to resolve the real issue. Cities must resist short-sighted fixes and instead embrace strategies that foster dignity, accessibility, and shared public life.

Ravi Bhalla Says we are a Sanctuary City

Really, a sanctuary city from decency, community, and compassion perhaps? Our self professed woke mayor is attacking anyone not able not able to navigate this city like an able bodied person.

He is one fall or a stroke away from needing those himself. Our woke mayor needs to wake up and see the big picture and pay attention to Hoboken instead of fundraising in California or Minnesota. He is still mayor till the end of the year.

It really is cruel what he has done.

Kurt Gardiner Hoboken resident

A PATH train fire caused delays and multiple lines to be suspended Monday for the morning commute in New Jersey.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating after a train caught fire at Newport Station in Jersey City, filling the car with smoke and sending passengers into a panic.

The fire impacted service between Hoboken and New York City.

The Journal Square to 33rd Street, Hoboken to 33rd Street and Hoboken to World Trade Center lines were all suspended. The Hoboken to 33rd Street line resumed a short time later, and the other two were back on track by 11 a.m.

NJ Transit, NY Waterway and buses cross-honored PATH tickets for riders seeking alternate routes to and from Manhattan.

People treated for smoke inhalation at Newport Station

Chopper 2 flew over Newport Station where multiple fire trucks could be seen on the street outside.

Port Authority officials said the fire started around 6:15 a.m. under an eastbound train at the station. Smoke then filled the train and passengers had to be evacuated onto the platform.

Video from inside the train showed passengers yelling for the doors to open as smoke filled the car. When the doors opened, flames could be seen coming from under the train and shooting up along the side of the platform.

One witness said he saw people holding onto their chests and nearly a dozen getting oxygen. He said a couple were taken to the hospital after he saw them holding their chests.

"I seen about 10 people getting oxygen outside the building, in the front," Eric Robinson said. "It had to be a panic, because I'm surprised nobody got trampled, the amount of smoke they say was inside and everything."

"I hope they're OK, that's a scary thing to have to deal with in the morning. Getting to work and then you're getting smoked in. I hope they get to the bottom of it," said another person.

Several people were treated for smoke inhalation, officials said.

Crowded platforms as commuters urged to find alternate routes

At other stations, video showed crowded platforms as commuters received alerts urging them to find alternate routes.

"I have the PATH app. There was a smoke condition," a rider said.

"I typically used this train to get to work. So now I have to take a cab to get in."

"I'm glad they did the safe thing of closing down the PATH and making sure everyone was safe. That is very, very scary," another person said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Renee Anderson

Renee Anderson is a digital producer at CBS New York, where she covers breaking news and other local stories. Before joining the team in 2016, Renee worked at WMUR-TV.

It wouldn’t be a New Jersey summer without a weekly (or even nightly!) ice cream stop. In Hoboken and Jersey City, residents have numerous shops to satisfy their creamy cravings. And now, a popular ice cream chain will officially be added to the roster of local spots. Opening on July 30th, 2025 is Van Leeuwen, an ice cream franchise renowned for its distinctive flavors and vegan options, located in the former Glosslab space at 537 Washington Street. Read on for what to know about Van Leeuwen opening in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Since early 2021, Van Leeuwen has expanded all across Northern New Jersey over the past couple of years, with its first Garden State outpost being in East Rutherford (inside the American Dream Mall). Now, the business can be found at 347 Grove Street in Jersey City, 35 Main Street in Millburn, and 537 Washington Street in Hoboken, starting July 30th, 2025.

^ the Jersey City location

Marking Van Leeuwen’s fourth New Jersey locale, the Washington Street storefront will serve $1 scoops from 11AM to 1PM on July 30th in honor of its grand opening.

Van Leeuwen joins an elite list of ice cream spots on Hoboken’s Washington Street, including Mexican ice cream shop Morelia Paletas at 932 Washington Street, Jun’s Macaron Gelato at 410 Washington Street, and Maroons Creamery at 1122 Washington Street.

The menu at this ice cream spot features truly unique flavors, such as Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, Sicilian Pistachio, Marionberry Cheesecake, Buttermilk Berry Cornbread, Malted Cookie Dough Shake, and the newest addition: Dreamsicle. A take on the orange and vanilla ice cream classic, this flavor was created by country artist Maren Morris and inspired by her recent album titled (you guessed it) “Dreamsicle.”

Van Leeuwen is also known for its vegan products, which come in three different vegan bases: coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew milk. Packaged in aesthetic pastel containers, the flavors include Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Vegan Strawberry Shortcake, Vegan Churros + Fudge, and more.

While Van Leeuwen is a Northeastern-born brand, its frozen treats are available in grocery stores nationwide.

Founded by brothers Pete and Ben Van Leeuwen and Laura O’Neil, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream began in NYC as a food truck. The business drew inspiration from the founders’ classic frozen treats of childhood. Since 2008, the brand has operated on the mission of providing exceptional flavors made with high-quality ingredients.

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.