Patch, the hyper local news startup turned corporate arm of AOL has launchedHoboken Patch, a Hoboken version of the site meant to compete with local newspapers and blogs while turning a profit. Patch launched in suburban New Jersey markets in February of last year and has spread faster than the virus in the Dustin Hoffman film Outbreak.

The launch of the site could spell trouble for Jersey Journal blog Hoboken Now and independent blogger Hoboken 411 with both sites competing for the local business ad dollars that fuels Patch.

Hoboken411 has made notable contributions with breaking stories from city hall while Hoboken Now has the backing and resources of the Jersey Journal behind it.

Patch Editor Claire Moses was poached from the Journal late last year.