CNBNEWS January 2012 Cheers and Jeers

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CNBNEWS January 2012 Cheers and Jeers

Monday, February 06, 2012

by BILL CLEARY

CNBNEWS.NET

CHEER-The Deptford Planning Board on January 5 gave Gloucester Catholic High School final approval to build a $4 million sports complex on land near the Blackwood Barnswood Road in Deptford. School officials are hoping the fields will be read in time for the 2012-2013 school year that begins in September.

JEER-The train engineers drive through our town blowing the horn the entire time. The noise is deafening and not necessary as each intersection already has gates and flashing lights. Multiple residents say they have complained to the city and NOTHING has been done. The whistles can be heard for miles and affect the quality of life in our town. Many other towns have acted on this and have had their towns declared silent zones in which the train whistle cannot be blown. Do the residents of Gloucester City not deserve the same quality of life as those in other towns?

CHEER-New Jersey has the 10th lowest rate of fire deaths in the nation, according to numbers compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “This is quite an accomplishment, given the fact that New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country,” DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa said.

JEER-State and local taxes are still too high in New Jersey. In poll after poll quizzing residents on their top concerns prior to any election, likely voters invariably cite property taxes. Yet, Trenton seems blind to the need for true reform. For all the good that may be done by Gov. Chris Christie’s “tool kits” of cost savings for municipalities and the current 2 percent limit on property tax increases — championed both by Christie and a Democrat-majority Legislature — it still amounts to tinkering around the edges. What’s really needed is a major cut in property taxes.

CHEER-Gloucester City Police Officer Ken Iepson received his Sergeant stripes last month. Congratulations Kenny on the promotion.

CHEER-The Brooklawn Highway Department did a fantastic job clearing the weeds and debris on New Broadway near the approach to the Brooklawn circle.

JEER-The red light at Route 130 and Browning Road (near Gaetanos) should have a delayed left hand turn signal. As it is now, that intersection is a traffic nightmare during the evening rush hour.

CHEER-Congratulations and best of luck to Brooklawn Borough Clerk Barbara Lewis who announced her retirement after 23 years of service to the community.

CHEER-Quick thinking by 11-year-old Justin Ellis resulted in the capture of the TD Bank robber on Jan. 11. Authorities said Justin was getting out of school saw the suspect, Steven Hill, and watched Hill make his escape. When police responded, the child was able to direct them to Hill, who was found with the cash and the note, still wearing clothes stained by the dye pack. Great to see such a young man getting involved in his community. Sad to say in today’s world most adults would not want to step-up like Justin did on that Wednesday.

CHEER-The Two Street Stompers New Years Brigade, based in Brooklawn, NJ took FIRST PLACE in the Comic Brigade Division of the 2012 Mummers Parade held in Philadelphia on New Year's Day. Their theme this year "Wenchtoberfest" was based on a German Octoberfest and included Lederhosen Mummers, pretzels, and hot dogs, and plenty of German Beer Maids! With over 165 marching members and 20 marshalls, the brigade celebrated its THIRD championship in the last 8 parades!

CHEER- Kudos to Cherry Hill Fire Department Battalion Chief Timothy McGeady, Battalion Chief Montrell Haldemann and Captain Jason Houck who were all recently promoted. Also best of luck to CHFD Battalion Chief William Stallfort who retired last month after 30 plus years as a firefighter.

JEER-To the state of NJ for allowing a 28% increase on home owners