The congestion pricing tolling system will start June 30 below 60th Street in Manhattan, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Friday. “An update on our congestion pricing program: Tolling will begin at midnight on June 30, 2024,” the MTA wrote in a post on social media platform X. “Low-income discounts, along with disability and other exemptions, are available to eligible drivers & vehicles. Applications for those are now open.” NJBIZ has reported extensively on the hot-button issue. The MTA’s congestion pricing plan has received strong pushback from leaders and stakeholder ..read more

The Exchange Place Alliance is celebrating a first, adding a permanent fixture to its public art installations lining the Hudson River waterfront.  Inspired by the Ife Heads of Benin, “Adorn Me” is made from concrete and steel. According to artist Tanda Francis, the piece seeks to address the underrepresentation of Black people in public art. The Alliance announced the purchase in April.   Adorn Me arrived at the Liberty Terrace Condos in Paulus Hook in 2019. It’s part of the Alliance’s larger public art program and walking tour that traverses the waterfront. Currently, more than a ..read more

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) wrote a letter to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency Friday threatening to pull funding for the city’s controversial Pompidou Museum project unless the JCRA cleans up its books. The Centre Pompidou x New Jersey project aims to create the Garden State’s own version of the Paris museum and serve as a key catalyst in the city’s Journal Square revitalization. The proposed museum once again received funding in last year’s state budge. The $24 million came late in the process. At the time, Republicans highlighted the funding an example of a ba ..read more

Following the tragic news earlier this week of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s untimely passing at 65, tributes and remembrances continue to pour in, from both sides of the aisle and beyond. “Congressman Payne, Jr. experienced a physical accident at home on April 6, 2024, which necessitated hospitalization,” Payne’s office said in an April 24 statement. “During his treatment for this health issue, he faced medical complications due to diabetes and high blood pressure that led to subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff to treat him and improve his h ..read more

Farm-fresh, family-run grocery chain Stew Leonard’s is preparing to unveil its second New Jersey supermarket. Scheduled to open May 17 at Styertowne Shopping Center in Clifton, the 56,000-square-foot store will offer produce, dairy and meats from local vendors and New Jersey farms. In addition to several new animatronic shows, Stew Leonard’s in Clifton will feature the same signature elements found in its other locations, such as a one-way aisle and free ice cream or coffee with every $100 spent using the store’s downloadable loyalty app. Since more than 80% of products sold by Stew Leonard’s ..read more

Hobby Lobby plans to open its first store in Morris County. According to commercial real estate information platform CoStar, the arts & crafts retailer signed on to lease a standalone site at 180 Route 10 in East Hanover. An official opening date has not been announced, but hiring efforts are underway for the future location.  Headquartered in Oklahoma, Hobby Lobby sells home décor, arts & crafts supplies, party goods and jewelry. Its more than 990-store footprint includes about 15 locations in New Jersey. In East Hanover, Hobby Lobby is filling a 50,200-square-foot space left va ..read more

Wholesome snack maker Our Home plans to acquire two production plants from Utz Brands Inc. for $18.5 million. In an April 18 press release, the Boonton-based company said it will increase its manufacturing footprint from five to seven locations by purchasing Utz-owned sites in Berlin, Pa., and Fitchburg, Mass. After the sale is complete later this month, Our Home will co-manufacture certain Utz products for up to a year as part of a transition services agreement. The 168 workers at the two plants will also reportedly become employees of Our Home. Our Home founder and CEO Aaron Greenwald said ..read more

Fairleigh Dickinson University is out with a new poll showing that a majority of New Jerseyans back the recent Transportation Trust Fund legislation signed into law. The move, which calls for an annual electric vehicle fee for drivers, drew support by a more than a 2-to-1 margin. The Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey sponsored the poll. Conducted between April 1-8, 2024, it contacted 809 registered voters in New Jersey about issues pertaining to transportation funding. The legislation signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy in March extended the TTF for five years while raising the gas tax ..read more

Foot Locker is testing out a new store concept in New Jersey as part of a larger effort to reinvent the brand’s retail footprint. The “store of the future” made its debut April 24 at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne. It features a streamlined, easier-to-shop layout, dynamic digital fixtures and a bolder look. Along with expanded footwear and accessory selections, store highlights include a communal try-on area as well as “sneaker hub” offering specialized lacing and customization options. It also has an upfront “drop zone” area showcasing Foot Locker’s latest sneaker releases and trending products ..read more

Very sad news to report, as U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-10th District, died April 24 at the age of 65. Payne had been hospitalized since a cardiac episode earlier this month, based on complications from his diabetes, according to his office. A former union worker and toll collector, the six-term congressman began in local politics in Newark before winning the seat held by his father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne Sr., who passed away in 2012. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and three children – Donald III, Jack and Yvonne. Remembrances and tributes are pouring in from around the Gar ..read more