Photo by Jason Villamil Cork & Journey.
From free English classes in North Bergen to residents on watch on a redevelopment project in Harrison, here’s what’s been happening around Hudson County.
Spend This Week Supporting Local Businesses At Kearny Eats
You can show your love and support for local businesses through Kearny Eats, a multi-week food fest filled with deals and discounts, exclusively available at local Kearny food spots.
From now until June 22, you can enjoy deals at various restaurants, cafes and bakeries serving authentic Asian, Argentinian, Brazilian, Peruvian, Portuguese and more dishes from all over the world.
Here’s some of the deals:
- Curiosity by Nest – an Asian-fusion restaurant with a backyard and bingsu, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert. You can get 15% off when you mention Kearny Eats.
- Stella’s Empanadas & Argentine Grill – This eatery has been featured on NJ.com’s “Best Empanadas in NJ” list every year. The empanadas, homemade chimichurri and hot sauce are considered game changers. You can get 15% off when you mention Kearny Eats.
- Brasas Bar & Grill – This Brazilian bar and grill is known for rodizio-style meats and cocktails. Their Kearny Eats special includes a thin beef filet with onions, rice, beans and salad or fries for just $14.99.
- Bárbara’s Café – This Brazilian-inspired cafe is offering a free dessert of the day when you spend $30.
- El Sabor de Su Casa – This Peruvian spot is letting customers choose from three combos:
- Combo 1 for $40: (available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
- Portion of chicharron, 2 breads, criolla sarza, 1 tamal de pollo or chancho with 2 black coffees.
- Combo 2 for $50: (available from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Clasico Trio ceviche – mixed seafood & 1/2 of choros a la chalaca and 2 personal Inca kola sodas
- Combo 3 for $25: (available from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Anticuchos Con Rachi, Papa a la huancaina and 1 Inca Kola soda.
- Combo 1 for $40: (available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
- Natas & Bowls – This Portuguese cafe is offering one free açaí bowl when you order two. They’re also serving pastéis de nata, smoothies and sandwiches (tosta mistas).
- The Greeks – This has been a local staple since 1968 and was named the No. 2 “Best Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese” on NJ.com. Their Kearny Eats special is Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese with a special drink from their specials menu for $15.
- Nana Noodle House – This eatery serves authentic Chinese cuisine with everything homemade from the noodles to dumplings. For Kearny Eats, they’re offering a $20 prix-fixe menu with a choice from beef and onion dumplings, chicken soup, noodles and pumpkin cake.
Kearny residents expressed their interest and excitement for the food fest on Instagram with one user commenting, “That Peruvian breakfast has my mouth watering! Makes me want to catch a flight but the drive to Kearny is cheaper haha.”
Another user stated, “Putting Kearny on the map with their finest eats! 😍.”
The form you have selected does not exist.
Commuters With Disabilities Can Ride The PATH For 50% Off
PATH train riders with disabilities will be able to ride the train with 50% discounts, according to The Port Authority.
The agency is opening applications for the program starting Monday, June 16.
Riders who qualify will only be required to pay $1.50 for one-way tickets. They will be issued a SmartLink Card or they can use their preferred contactless payment method through the TAPP system.
The following disabilities qualify for the 50% discount:
- Persons with blindness
- Persons with deafness
- Ambulatory disabilities
- Severe mental illnesses
“Removing barriers and increasing accessibility remain a key focus in our efforts to improve the PATH passenger experience, particularly those who rely on public transit as a lifeline,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said in a statement.
“We are committed to working with the disability community to put in place an application process for this new reduced fare program that is easy and user-friendly.”
The agency’s board approved the discounts back in December of 2024. This was part of its budget for 2025. The proposal received support from the PATH Riders’ Council, transit and disability advocacy groups and both New York and New Jersey Governors Kathy Hochul and Phil Murphy.
Riders can apply via mail by completing the form, having it notarized and sending it to the rail’s application center at the Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City. Applicants must submit documentation to prove their eligibility.
They can also apply in person at PATH stations or the application center, but applicants should make appointments here.
Hoboken’s 1600 Park Will Briefly Close
A small area of 1600 Park in Hoboken will be temporarily shut down due to construction. The construction is part of the Hudson Tunnel Project.
The Hudson Tunnel Project includes construction of new passenger rail tunnels under the Hudson River and the rehabilitation of existing tunnels.
The affected area is approximately 2,500 square feet, or about 2.5 percent of the park. The construction will affect a small area of the park for about 14 months starting in the middle of 2026 to the middle of 2027, according to Jake Wade, a senior environmental planner.
“This is the most heavily trafficked rail corridor in the country,” said George Paschalis, the community relations manager for the project. “It relies on over a century-old, one-track-in, one-track-out tunnel. Construction is well underway in both states and has already created more than 20,000 jobs.”
Public comments on the proposed construction impacts will be accepted until July 7. For more information, you can visit: https://www.hudsontunnelproject.com/.
Without you, there is no Slice of Culture. Any type of gift helps continue our mission of supporting aspiring journalists and keeping local journalism alive. Give a gift today.
It’s Never Too Late To Improve Your Literacy Skills
The North Bergen Free Public Library is offering free ESL classes to New Jersey residents this summer, providing an opportunity to strengthen your English skills.
The following locations are offering Basic ESL Level 1 and 2 classes from June to August:
- 81st Street Branch, located at 510 81st Street
- North Bergen Recreation Center and Library, located at 1231 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- Guttenberg Resource Center, located at 7002 John F. Kennedy Boulevard East, Unit 115
The North Bergen Rec Center is also offering Intermediate ESL classes.
Secure your spot by navigating to your desired date: https://nbpl.libnet.info/events?.
Harrison Residents Keep Eye On Delayed Redevelopment Project
A longtime redevelopment saga in Harrison continues.
The Harrison Redevelopment Agency (HRA) has extended more project deadlines for developers Accordia Harrison Urban Renewal LLC (Accordia) and Eastone Harrison Urban Renewal LLC. This project has already been delayed and extended multiple times over the span of years.
The recent resolution shows that Building A (or Lot 1.06, per the resolution) must be done by Sept. 30, 2025 and Building D (Lot 1.07) has a deadline for Dec. 1, 2025. The developer must also present a revised plan with rendering of the buildings planned.
But one part that was reportedly left out was the bifurcation of the existing Financial Agreement for Phase I and II. The bifurcation, or a split, is a precondition for Walker & Dunlop, the mortgage lender, to finalize the financing deal. The lender said they are willing to finance Phase I if it is “covered under a separate, standalone agreement.”
Harrison Mayor James Fife is expected to bifurcate the financial agreement in an upcoming Harrison Mayor and Council agenda.
In order to keep the advantage, the HRA sought several financial and legal conditions to the latest approval such as:
- Any transfer of ownership prior to project completion will ignite a $4 per square foot fee.
- The submission of architectural and site plans for Phase II must adhere to a tightly prescribed schedule, culminating in a Planning Board application for Building B by February 2026.
- Construction of Building B must begin within six months of securing all necessary approvals.
If any of these conditions are not met, it could create more delays and legal involvement.
The bifurcation of the Financial Agreement could not only be a big development for this project, but for future redevelopments in Harrison altogether.
Since Fife holds both chairman of the redevelopment agency and the town’s chief executive role, the town’s next moves are expected to be watched.
Residents and taxpayers have been loudly voicing their concern and questioning whether these several extensions really do serve the town’s best interests.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
