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Uber plans to open its first New Jersey office in Hoboken next month.

(Kathryn Brenzel | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

HOBOKEN--A nondescript door on south Washington Street announces a somewhat controversial arrival: Uber is coming.

The electronic ride-sharing service is opening its first New Jersey office in Hoboken next month, spokesman Matt Wing told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. The office will serve as a support center for drivers, a sort of one-stop shop for app issues and other questions they may have, Wing said.

The new office signals a more permanent presence in a city and state where the company has had a rocky relationship. News of Uber's new digs comes as the company fights statewide efforts to regulate its services. A bill--which hasn't yet been voted on by the full Assembly--calls for greater insurance requirements for Uber and similar ride-sharing services, and would require such companies to apply for permits with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Earlier this week, Uber launched a campaign against the bill, asserting that its proposed insurance requirements are too hefty. Uber officials held what is expected to be the first of many rallies on Monday in Secaucus.

The service has proven controversial in Hoboken as well. The service isn't technically allowed to operate in Hoboken, due to city taxi ordinances and state commercial license requirements, said city spokesman Juan Melli. But some city officials have come out in support of the company.

"We welcome Uber to Hoboken," Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a statement. "They provide a valuable transportation option for our community, and I hope that legislation is adopted at the state level to accommodate their innovative operating model."

Last summer, the city saw a series of crackdowns against Uber drivers due to a municipal ordinance that stipulates that taxis must be licensed with the city. That hasn't stopped use of the service, to the chagrin of many city taxi drivers.

Uber will hold a grand opening for its new office in May on a to-be-determined date.

Kathryn Brenzel may be reached at kbrenzel@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @katiebrenzel. Find NJ.com on Facebook