Hoboken Week In Review: Springsteen, Police News, New Restaurants

HOBOKEN, NJ — Even for bustling Hoboken, the past week was unusually busy for news. Hoboken ranked 13th on a list of the top 50 cities in America, the only New Jersey municipality chosen. There was also some concerning police news, and new restaurants opening. Here are the top 5 stories:

1. Hoboken Chosen — Hoboken was chosen as the 13th best American city by financial news site 24/7 Wall Street. The site created an index of 25 measures across four main categories: affordability, economy, quality of life and community.

2. New Businesses — A rather large Bwe Kafe opened on Fifteenth Street, with ample places to eat and work (see the photo of the MENU as one of several newly added photos in this story). And there's a new location for Little City Books in back, for those who want a book with their coffee. Also, Sunmerry Bakery opened in middle Washington Street (check out the pastries pictured above!)

3. North End Redevelopment And Possible New Light Rail Station— When Bwe Kafe and Little City opened their "North End" location Wednesday morning (see directly above), Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the city is close to finishing its North End Redevelopment Plan for north of the 14th Street Viaduct. Bhalla also said he had talked to NJ Transit on Jan. 10 about the possibility of installing an $8 million Fifteenth Street light rail stop, possibly paid for by developers in the growing, formerly industrial neighborhood.

4. Crime may be down overall in Hoboken, but that doesn't mean people can't express serious concerns when major crimes happen — especially two in one week. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said that it had arrested a man for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a parking garage elevator after 3 a.m. And woman said she was pepper-sprayed by two men on upper Bloomfield Street, and her backpack was stolen. Police are seeking witnesses in the latter case.

5. Sam Springsteen Rises: Not far from the mile-square city, Sam Springsteen, son of favorite Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen, was sworn in on Wednesday as one of 15 new Jersey City firefighters. See the photos here.

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