The winter blues are in full swing now as even more snow entered our forecast this week. In the meantime, it’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: new businesses (and some re-branded familiar ones) pop up in and around Montclair; a multi-story mixed-use building is coming to Newark’s East Ward; the first NJ Bird Flu case is reported at the Union County Live Bird Market. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending February 23rd, 2025.
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Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Socialista Lounge Opens Inside Bar Franco
- First NJ Bird Flu Case Reported at Union County Live Bird Market
- New Brunch Spot, Crave + Co., Opens in Livingston
- French Bistro, Maison Fête, Coming to Montclair
- Montclair’s Brick Lane Reopens After Rebranding + Renovations
- 18 Label Studios Relaunches With New Branding
- Skopos Hospitality Opens New Venture, Nómada, in Verona
- Ear Piercing Studio, Rowan, Coming to The Mall at Short Hills
- Applications Open for Summer Jobs For Youth in Newark
- Mental Health First Aid Training Expands at Montclair State University
Socialista Lounge Opens Inside Bar Franco
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Socialista Lounge, located through Bar Franco at 5 Church Street in Montclair, opened its doors on Friday, February 21st. The upscale lounge + bar features music from Studio 54 and is open format, with bottle service for its reservation-only tables. The “after-party” is open from 11AM-2PM on Friday and Saturday.
First NJ Bird Flu Case Reported at Union County Live Bird Market
It was announced on Friday, February 21st, that a new Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as the ‘Bird Flu’, was confirmed at Union County Live Bird Market. According to Patch Westfield, this is the first positive HPAI case for domestic poultry in New Jersey since 2023, per the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s (NJDA) Division of Animal Health. The live bird market is now quarantined and will not receive new poultry until the quarantine is lifted. The market will also have a thorough cleaning and disinfection to eliminate the virus within the facility and will remain temporarily closed for a prescribed period before it is restocked.
New Brunch Spot, Crave + Co., Opens in Livingston
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A new “Instagram-able” brunch spot, Crave + Co., opened in Livingston on Tuesday, February 4th. Located at 184 South Livingston Avenue, its mission is to “create a fun dining experience through unique, handcrafted dishes and a welcoming atmosphere that connects the community” through creations like Dubai pancakes and fresh juices. Crave + Co. is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8AM-4PM.
French Bistro, Maison Fête, Coming to Montclair
A new venture from Damon Wise, chef and co-owner of Montclair’s Pineapple Express Barbecue and Oso Felipe, will be opening a new French bistro soon. Maison Fête will open for dinner service first and then add lunch, brunch, and morning coffee service, per its website. An opening date is unknown at this time.
Montclair’s Brick Lane Reopens After Rebranding + Renovations
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After closing in July 2024, the owners of Brick Lane Curry House have reimagined its space at 540 Valley Road into a more elegant and modern atmosphere for its British-style Indian cuisine. According to Montclair Local, the business has now streamlined the name to Brick Lane to complement a refreshed menu. Reservations are recommended and can be made via phone call.
Caldwell Receives Funds for Community Development
On Tuesday, February 4th, the Borough of Caldwell received a generous donation to put towards community development. It was among 12 Essex County municipalities and 36 community organizations that recently received a total of about $5.7 million from the Community Development Block Grant program and the Emergency Services Grant program. According to TAPinto West Essex, the CDBG and ESG programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development.
18 Label Studios Relaunches With New Branding
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Montlclair-based photography and videography space 18 Label Studios, located at 18 Label Street, has relaunched itself after installing ‘a fresh look,’ a new website, and an exciting new focus for its business. The renovation includes a brand new 25’ x 25’ Cyclorama wall that can help spark creative inspiration. 18 Label Studios is open Monday through Sunday from 9AM-5PM.
Montclair Resident Receives 2025 Marshall Scholarship
Emily Springer, a resident of Montclair and Montclair High School graduate, has been awarded a 2025 Marshall Scholarship. According to Montclair Local, the competitive scholarship program allows up to three years of fully-funded graduate study in any academic topic at any university in the United Kingdom. Emily is one of 36 scholarships awarded for 2025 out of nearly 1,000 applicants. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hunter College in 2023 and received her bachelor’s degree in Africana, Puerto Rican, and Latino Studies, as well as a certificate in arts management.
Mexican Restaurant Nómada Opens in Verona
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On Tuesday, February 4th, Skopos Hospitality Group launched its newest venture — Nómada, a new restaurant in Verona, New Jersey. Nómada blends vibrant flavors with an atmosphere that combines the relaxed coastal aesthetics of modern-day Tulum with the lavish feel of 1980s Acapulco, per a press release. Located at 700 Bloomfield Avenue, it provides various kinds of tacos and cocktails amongst an array of other multi-cultural dishes. It is open Monday through Thursday from 4PM-12AM, Friday and Saturday from 4PM-1AM, and Sunday from 4PM-10PM.
Local Nonprofit, Montclair Helps, Supports Families in Crisis
Since its founding in 2021, local nonprofit Montclair Helps has helped about 80 families, distributing about $80,000 in donations and providing up to $1,800 in quick assistance to help families in crisis, per its website. The organization is hosting a fundraising event on Saturday, March 1st, that features live music, a ping pong tournament, and a live auction. Interested attendees can register online here.
Ear Piercing Studio, Rowan, Coming to The Mall at Short Hills
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Mom-founded + women-led company, Rowan, will be opening its fourth New Jersey location for its ear piercing studio. Rowan has been providing ear piercing exclusively by licensed nurses with hypoallergenic earrings. The nationwide business will be opening in Short Hills in the next few months as it has opened other locations in Cherry Hill and Princeton in the last year.
Mental Health First Aid Training Expands at Montclair State University
Montclair State University is taking a proactive approach through Mental Health First Aid training. The program provides participants with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and crisis situations. Students and faculty or staff can undergo an eight-hour, in-person training course that certifies them for three years. Since its initial launch, MSU has certified more than 1,500 members of the campus community, per a news release from the University. More information can be found here.
Applications Open for Summer Jobs For Youth in Newark
Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program in Newark are now open. Newark residents between the ages of 14 and 24 can get the chance to work up to 16 hours per week through the city’s annual program, earning up to $16 per hour. According to the Newark Youth One Stop Career Center, demand for the program is very high as there were 3,289 applicants for 1,945 work opportunities in 2024. Interested applicants can apply online here before the 2025 deadline of April 28th.
Newark Mayor Unveils New Shelters + Services to Combat Homelessness
The Newark Housing Authority is now designating 200 public housing units to serve as transitional housing for homeless individuals, as it believes this is pivotal in helping them find their permanent homes. In the first week of 2025, 15 unhoused people were given keys to their temporary homes, per PIX11. According to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s office, about 2,350 individuals are currently living on the streets of the city. The City of Newark is also planning to build a new community with 24 units made from shipping containers and open a 24/7 drop-in center with social services in the near future.
Montclair Hospital Uses AI Technology to Help Treat Heart Disease
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair is revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) through the integration of two state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technologies: the HeartFlow FFRCT Analysis and the CathWorks FFRangio® System. The HeartFlow FFRCT Analysis uses advanced AI to transform data from a standard coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA) into a 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries in order to calculate fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) values. On the other hand, the CathWorks FFRangio® System assists the HeartFlow technology by assessing coronary physiology during catheterization using AI-driven analysis of routine angiograms. These advancements mark a significant step forward in providing precise, non-invasive diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall care experience.
Montclair Researchers Receive NSF Grant to Advance Research on Human-Machine Interaction
An interdisciplinary group of researchers at Montclair State University has recently received a $533,798 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further investigate the understanding of interactions between humans, machines, and environments through simulated driving experiments. The project — led by Montclair professor Rui Li with co-PIs Stefan Robila, Jennifer Yang, and Gustavo Heidner — brings together expertise in multimodal interaction and affective computing, computational sensing, psychology, and spatial cognition, along with human biomechanics and motor control to conduct cutting-edge research focused on humans and machines. This research will be tested and deployed on the Montclair extended reality-based driving simulator (XR-Drive), sponsored by the NSF, throughout the three-year project, per a news release from the University.
O’Bagel Coming to Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair
O’Bagel, which has locations in five other New Jersey towns, plans to open at 560 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair soon. This shop, which has won titles in The Hoboken Girl’s Best of awards for multiple years, serves hand-rolled bagels, house-made cream cheese, breakfast burritos, and more. Click here for more.
Montclair Art Museum Partners with NJPAC’s ArtsRx Program
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) recently announced its partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)’s groundbreaking ArtsRx program. ArtsRx bridges the arts and healthcare, supplying creative experiences as a form of therapeutic intervention for mental and physical well-being, through foundational support from RWJBarnabas Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and Women@NJPAC amongst other contributors from the community, per a press release from MAM. MAM expands the program’s reach by providing participants ages 18 and older with access to a variety of enriching art programs like art classes, workshops, and public programs designed to enhance health and wellness.
Yemeni-Style Coffee Spot, Qahwah House, Opens in Montclair
A Yemeni coffee shop, Qahwah House (located on the first floor of 493 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair), serves all kinds of Middle Eastern-style brews, teas, and pastries. Qahwah House is now open in MTC as of this week, and we’re sharing everything locals can expect. Click here for more.
New Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Practice Opens in Montclair
Ascension Pelvic Health + Orthopedics, located at 8 Hartley Street, recently opened its doors in Montclair. Owner Amy Gargin’s goal is to spread more awareness about pelvic floor physical therapy to the prenatal and postpartum demographic, along with individuals experiencing bladder or bowel symptoms. It is open Monday through Thursday from 7AM-6PM and is closed on weekends.
Montclair Welcomes Newest Chinese Restaurant, Paper Lantern
The Montclair community welcomed yet another flavor to its local dining scene on Tuesday, February 11th: the culinary tastes of Northern China. Paper Lantern, a restaurant that specializes in Sichuan and Chinese fusion dishes, is Monclair’s newest eatery, setting up shop at 379 Bloomfield Avenue. Click here for more.
Multi-Story Mixed-Use Building Coming to Newark’s East Ward
On Monday, February 10th, New York City-based SUW K Urban Renewal LLC received unanimous approval to build a 13-story mixed-use building within Newark’s Riverfront Public Access Redevelopment zone in the East Ward. The site is located at 430-436 Market Street in the East Ward and is currently vacant land. According to TAPinto Newark, SUW K Urban Renewal will construct the building consisting of 1,222 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, 225 residential units of which 45 will be affordable, and 70 parking spaces. It will also provide a gym and yoga room, a home theater, a co-working area, lounge spaces, and a demonstration kitchen.
Essex-Hudson Greenway Project: The Latest Updates
On September 15th, 2022 Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey had officially acquired a former rail line + would be converting it into a massive greenway, which will stretch from Essex County to Hudson County. This almost nine-mile linear state park, which starts in Montclair and runs to Jersey City, will serve as a recreational path for bikers and walkers — as well as provide necessary green space to a variety of communities. The hope is that this design will also help mitigate flooding in many areas. This new trail will follow along the right-of-way of the eastern portion of NJ Transit’s former Boonton Line, which discontinued commuter service back in 2002 and, after freight services stopped in 2015, has since been inactive. The state spent $65 million to acquire this 135-acre property — which is the single largest conservation project ever, per an announcement from the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project. In November 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced that it was aiming to break ground on the Newark section of the project in 2025. An open house was held on November 13th, where design plans for the project were revealed. Now, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will hire construction manager for the Greenway, and expects to have a manager ready for board approval in May 2025. Read on for what to know about the plans for the Essex-Hudson Greenway.
February 2025 Update
On Monday, February 24th, 2025, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding that calls for the authority to hire a construction manager for the Greenway, per the New Jersey Monitor. The NJEDA expects to have a construction manager ready for board approval by May, and also expects to establish a project budget by that time.
This post will be updated with any further details.
Read More: Outdoor Exercise Paths in Essex County
November 2024 Update
Per NJDEP's website, groundbreaking for the Newark section of the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project is expected to take place in 2025. NJDEP and NJ Transit hosted an open-house-style event on Wednesday, November 13th from 6PM-8PM at Park Elementary School — located at 120 Manchester Place in Newark — to inform locals about project updates, see artistic images of the Greenway, and share thoughts.
The design plans revealed at the open house include a map of the initial greenway development + construction that includes three community areas in the Newark section — which will span 0.8 miles from Branch Brook Park to Broadway.
The Branch Brook Park Overlook will feature views of Branch Brook Park with lawn and picnic space; The Tiffany Manor Hub will be a gathering space with seating and opportunities for food trucks and other short-term amenities; and The Newark Central Hub will include ADA-accessible play features, a performance space, sports courts, and restrooms. More details can be found on NJDEP's website.
This post will be updated as more details come out surrounding the groundbreaking.
All About the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project
Governor Phil Murphy and the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project announced on September 15th, 2022 that they had achieved a major milestone: the purchasing of a northern New Jersey inactive railway. This railway, which was NJ Transit’s former Boonton Line, is slated to be turned into a linear State Park that will stretch from Montclair to Jersey City on an almost nine-mile path. The state spent $65 million, which is the single largest conservation project to date — and is also the biggest investment in a non-motorized transportation corridor.
This project has been a long time coming with a lot of advocates working behind the scenes. The Essex-Hudson Greenway Coalition — which is made up of the Open Space Institute, the New Jersey Bike + Walk Coalition, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance — celebrated the purchase back in 2022.
“This acquisition by Governor Murphy and the state of New Jersey brings us one step closer to creating much-needed green space to the most densely populated and diverse region in the entire nation,” Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute, said in the original announcement.
This 135-acre property will start from Montclair and pass through Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and end in Jersey City. The path, which is up to 100 feet wide at certain spots, will allow residents space for recreational biking and walking. Plus, according to the original release, this trail will provide a host of different benefits to residents in these areas.
"The Greenway has the potential to support new and existing businesses, create enhanced access to a healthy, thriving green space for historically underserved communities, and offer the communities adjacent to the property with significant flood control and environmental solutions to resolve longstanding issues," the announcement said.
In 2021, the September 11th National Memorial Trail received unanimous federal legislation for a trail route, which created a triangle-shaped, 1,300-mile trail. The Essex-Hudson Greenway will make up a portion of this trail.
“Many people don’t realize that in addition to providing nearby residents with new green space, the Essex-Hudson Greenway also has national significance as a component of the 9/11 Memorial Trail,” Andy Hamilton, Chair of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance Board of Directors, previously said. “It’s exciting to see that we are one step closer to realizing this full potential of this project and we remain committed to supporting the State of New Jersey and our coalition partners as the project moves forward.”
Many locals have been campaigning for a linear park that would serve as a “shared-use path” for people walking, riding a bike, running, rollerblading, or just relaxing. Advocates including the Bloomfield Open Space Trust Fund, the Friends of the Ice + Iron Trail, and groups in North Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken have been pushing for this Greenway to come to fruition.
See More: The Best Playgrounds With a View in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
We can't wait to see what this project will look like once it's finished.
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