Photo courtesy of Brian Donahue.
Hudson County and the entire state of New Jersey will see a higher minimum wage very soon and also a new and improved bike lane.
Here is what has happened this week!
Minimum Wage In New Jersey Set To Rise
New Jersey’s minimum wage is set to rise 36 cents-an-hour for most employees on Jan. 1, 2025. The minimum wage will increase from $15.13 to $15.49.
When Governor Phil Murphy was first elected into office in 2018, the state minimum wage was just $8.60 an hour. Since Jan. 1 of this year, New Jersey’s minimum wage has been $15.13.
“Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers,” Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said.
New Jersey currently has the fourth-highest minimum wage in the country, following behind California, Washington, and Connecticut. Twenty states defaulted to the federal minimum wage of $7.25, which was set back in 2009.
The minimum wage increase will have a different effect on employers:
- Seasonal businesses and those with up to five workers will reach $14.53, which is an 80 cents increase, and is expected to hit $15 an hour by 2028.
- Farm workers’ rates will rise from $12.81 to $13.40 an hour; Their minimum wage is expected to reach $15 an hour in 2030.
- Care workers at long-term care facilities will receive a 36 cents increase, bringing them to $18.49 an hour. A state law passed in 2020 requires the wage floor for these workers to be $3 higher than the state’s base minimum wage.
- Tipped workers will rise from $5.26 an hour to $5.62 an hour. Employers will have to make up the wage difference if tips and minimum wage combined fall short of $15.49.
Bike Lane Improvements Coming To River Road
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy has announced plans to resurface and improve the bike lane on River Road in West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen.
“The Hudson County Vision Zero Action Plan is a critical focal point of my administration, and I’m excited to see this project take Hudson County one step closer to establishing safer roads for all motorists and cyclists,” Guy said in a statement.
Included in the improvement project are several Proven Safety Countermeasures set by the Federal Highway Administration and will align with the goals of the upcoming Hudson County Vision Zero Action Plan. These include:
- Bicycle Lanes
- High Friction Surface at Curves
- Reflective Backplates on Traffic Signals
- High Visibility Crosswalks
- Centerline Rumble Stripes
- Dedicated Left and Right Turn Lanes
According to a press release from the Hudson County Executive’s Office, “River Road will be milled and resurfaced from Anthony M. DeFino Way to South of Churchill Road. The northbound right lane and southbound right lane will be shared bike lanes from Anthony M. DeFino Way to Palisades Medical Center. The existing and turning lanes from Palisades Medical Center to Bulls Ferry Road, will remain with a road striping to allow for a northbound and southbound bicycle lane alongside the northbound vehicular lanes.”
A two-foot-wide concrete island will be constructed to separate the car lanes from the bicycle lanes, which will be 20 feet in length with a 12-foot gap in between. Curb ramps will be reconstructed at each intersection.
The construction cost estimated for the project is $2,962,647.94. Funds to help cover the cost come from the 2023 New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Bikeway Grant ($637,000) and from NJDOT County Aid and County funding.
Construction is estimated to take 180 calendar days to complete, which will take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with at least one lane open in each direction except during construction hours. Drivers should try to plan alternate routes.
Hoboken Creates Community Survey For 2026 FIFA World Cup
Hoboken has started a community survey about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The city is looking for potential events, activities and ways to celebrate the most watched sporting event in the world. The survey is intended to collect input on event options including fan zones, cultural showcases, live screenings, youth soccer training/clinics and more.
“We are thrilled that the World Cup is coming to our region and want to ensure that Hoboken plays an active role in celebrating this historic event,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for the entire community to come together, enjoy the excitement of the World Cup, and showcase Hoboken’s vibrant business community. I look forward to hearing from residents about what kind of events they’d like to see and how we can make this an unforgettable experience for our residents and visitors.”
Members of the City’s administration and Assemblyman John Allen’s office recently met with the NY/ NJ FIFA Host Committee to highlight Hoboken as a location for tournament festivities that celebrates the sport’s global influence and brings the community together.
Residents are encouraged to take the survey by visiting this link. The survey will remain open until 6 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The FIFA matches are set to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Say Goodbye To Jersey City’s Golden Cicada
The Golden Cicada, located on the corner of Grand Street and Marin Boulevard, in Jersey City is officially closing its doors next month.
The Golden Cicada, which originally opened in the 1980s at 195 Grand Street, closed in 2019. But under new owners, Gary Keating and Eva Johannesdottir, the restaurant bar was revamped and reopened in fall of 2021.
“The original Golden Cicada was such a legendary landmark and a huge part of Jersey City. We want to be aware and respectful of the family that Terry created at the original Cicada. We want to pay homage to what Terry built here; it feels like such an honor to carry the baton of this place,” Eva said in 2021, expressing her desire for the Golden Cicada to honor its amazing history.
Keating and Johannesdottir also own a restaurant in Jersey City Heights called The Cliff.
The Golden Cicada is home to a menu of a variety of Mexican food, a pet-friendly outdoor patio and weekly karaoke nights, stand-up comedians, musicians and DJs.
Originally, The Golden Cicada was founded in the 1980s by Terry Tan, a Chinese immigrant. The restaurant had been in a battle with the city because the city was attempting to take private property from the restaurant for public use. Tan fought this and ultimately won, keeping the restaurant.
Many will remember the Golden Cicada as a rowdy and fun karaoke spot as well as its vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant is set to officially close in November 2024.
