CNBNews

April 29, 2008

"I hope that you all are up for the fight, for it is my intention to take whatever action, no matter how drastic and explore whatever venue, no matter what the cost to prevent this from happening", Mayor William James 

Dear Citizens of Gloucester City,

Today I met with a representative of South Jersey Port Corporation regarding the proposed relocation of the Camden City Methadone Clinic to the Port Facility in South Camden.  As I expressed my extreme displeasure with the plans to go forward with the project I was informed that a new location for said clinic has been identified.

The new location explained to me is the Air Products Facility directly on the right-hand side at the base of the Broadway Bridge. I've been advised that this is a recently identified location that the Port facility owns.

After expressing my thoughts on the matter, I advised the Port representative that the fight is on and that I would do everything in my power to prevent this from happening. 

After the meeting I contacted the Mayor of Camden City.  And spoke with her regarding the new location selected by the Port.  Mayor Faison was unaware of this new development and expressed her deepest concern as she no more wants the clinic at her entranceway than we want it on our entranceway.  The Mayor referred me to The Camden City CEO former Superior Court Judge Theodore Davis.  Judge Davis called me back later in the day and was caught off guard by the new information.  The Judge promised that he would look into the matter and expressed his concern with placing the clinic anywhere near a city entranceway.  He further advised that he would be contacting Joe Balzano of South Jersey Port as well as the Counsel to the Governor's Office. 

I hope that you all are up for the fight, for it is my intention to take whatever action, no matter how drastic and explore whatever venue, no matter what the cost to prevent this from happening.  The statistics don't lie, the clinic offers services to approximately 700 drug addicts a day and with all of our efforts to beautify our community entrances and exits in progress this would be absolutely devastating to our efforts not even taking into consideration the societal impact this facility and clientele would have upon our community and the Broadway Corridor.

We have already met with our neighbors in South Camden regarding the proposed plans of placing the clinic within the port facility and now with this new plan in existence I feel as though it's time to step up to whoever is responsible and forbid them from again dumping upon the City of Gloucester and the City of Camden. 

I know we have a lot going on right now but I am placing this project at the top of our agenda.  This situation that we face will have a dramatic impact upon the present and future quality of life within our community and I hope every one of you (members of Council), the news media and the fine citizens of Gloucester City are behind me for the "Good Fight".



William P. James
Mayor of Gloucester City