CNBNEWS.NET/Gloucester City

January 14, 2019CNBNews CHEERS AND JEERS

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

CHEER—Here in Gloucester City our new mayor, Dan Spencer, had a rousing swearing-in ceremony held at the Gloucester High School auditorium last week. The celebration began with

CNBNews graphics file

the Ferko String Band playing music followed by Spencer, newcomer Councilman George Berglund and other council members doing the mummer strut up to the stage. Although Spencer's festivities were unique no one has ever matched Republican Bill Flexon who rode an elephant through town in the late '50s after he was elected as mayor. We first reported on Spencer in 1984 when he began his career as a politician on Gloucester City council. Hopefully, his administration will be more forthcoming and communicative with the public than the previous mayor was for the past 12 years. Residents deserved to be kept informed on how their tax dollars are being spent. Start with bringing back the local channel's coverage of council meeting. The public deserves to be treated with respect when asking a question at a council meeting. A reporter should be able to get an answer to his or her question without having to file an OPRA request every time they are searching for information.  Council members get free telephones paid for by the taxpayers but their phone numbers are not available to the public. Let's change that practice too. Wishing you much success in your new position Dan!

A Look Ahead: Where Artificial Intelligence May Take Journalism in 2019

 

Julian Dossett / prnewswire.com

2018 was a banner year for artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, with many of the largest news publishers embracing machine-learning tools to augment newsrooms.

The Washington Post, Associated Press, and Reuters are just a few of the industry leaders who turned to AI in 2018.

Publishers who adopted AI and machine-learning tools have seen results. Last year, Digiday reported The Washington Post’s robot reporter published 850 stories in a year.

Next year, the global media industry will begin to use these new tools at a faster rate. Here are a few current stories on AI that will have real implications for journalism in 2019.

China Debuts AI News Anchor

2018 Review of Top Stories That Affected Media

Christine Cube / PR Newswire for Journalists

 

Calling 2018 a tumultuous year in media would be putting it lightly.

Some of the phrases that came out this year: “Enemy of the state” and “war on media.” Then bits of this began to play out and, tragically, journalists lost their lives.

Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian journalist and columnist with The Washington Post. He lost his life at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Also in October, a pipebomb was discovered at the New York offices of CNN.

In June, five staffers with the Annapolis Capital Gazette were gunned down at the newspaper.

UPDATE/VIDEO:Bellmawr Missing Moves Project to Start 2019; New Information on Landfill & Direct Connection

Mark Matthews | 42Freeway.com

BELLMAWR, NJ (January 7, 2019)--Missing Moves is a NJDOT project to connect Route 42 to
Route 295… specifically 42 North towards Bellmawr to 295 South, and of course the reverse… 295 North towards Bellmawr to 42 South.  It’s called “Missing Moves” because for as long as these roads existed, you cant traverse them they way I just described.

According to the Director of Communications for NJDOT, this $160 Million project is expected to start construction late 2o19.  It should take 3 years to develop, and will take place while the current large Direct Connect project is under way.

The provided YouTube link is an overview of three things actually:

Thank You for your Support and Help in 2018

We like to thank everyone for supporting us during the past year and hope you will continue to read our blog everyday in 2019. 

We also like to thank the many people who helped us in 2018 with photos and articles. They include the following:  Austin, Bruce and Jill Darrow, Anne Forline, Mark Matthews, Jim Nicholson, Nicole Pensiero, Slim Randles, Raymond Rolak, Dawn Watson, and Dave Wolfe. 

I especially like to thank my wife Connie for her support along with my daughters, Connie Lynn Woods and Kelly Ann Tussey for their help.

Bill

William E. Cleary Sr.,  (Editor and Publisher)

 

Gloucester City School District Going Solar

Boxes containing the panels have been stacked on skids in two areas near the school building

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 30, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)—The Cold Springs Grade School will soon be receiving their electrical energy from solar panels. Pallets containing the panels have been stacked two high and three deep on the school property.  There are approximately 78 boxes of the panels which were made in Malaysia according to the writing on the side of the boxes.

The cost for installation of the solar panels and how much money will be saved by going solar is not known at this time. The contractor is National Energy Partners of Voorhees, NJ.

National Energy Partners (NEP) is a nationally renowned solar energy development company dedicated to bringing clean, renewable energy to businesses, according to their website NEPsolar.com With over 10 years of experience in the solar industry, National Energy Partners has worked with commercial, industrial, educational, and government customers to successfully help them renew their commitment to their communities, defray soaring energy costs, and increase usage of environmentally friendly resources.  Their portfolio includes over $80 million of projects with more in development.

 

The school was built in the 90's at cost of $20 million. Later a gym and a pre-school addition was added to the grade school for another $20 million or thereabout.

 

(photos credit CNBNewsnet)

The panels were made in Malaysia

The contractor, National Energy Partners, has placed billboards with their name at the Cold Springs School and at Gloucester City High school. 

RELATED: 

 CNB Crime

CNBNews Tips and Snippets       

 CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

 

NJ State Commission of Investigation Exams the Link Between Scrap Metal Yards and Drug Addicts

 

Several South Jersey scrap metal yards cited for violations

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation (SCI) released a 108  page report in June about scrap metal yards in the state helping addicts fund their drug habits by buying stolen metal products such as copper wire, copper pipes and manhole covers from them. Prime offenders in South Jersey, according to the SCI, included Sgt. Scrap Metal in Haddon Township, EMR Recycling previously known as Camden Iron and Metal in Camden City, American Recycling in Mays Landing and Sims Metal Management, Camden City.

Related: Gloucester City Threatens to Sue Haddon Township over Sgt. Scrap Metal Yard

Sgt. Scrap Metal is located in Haddon Township, however, their mailing address is 610 Crescent Blvd., Gloucester City. In a blunt letter, Fred VanGeldren, the owner of Sgt. Scrap took offense to the SCI's labeling of his business. Below is an excerpt from that letter. The complete letter appears at the end of this article.

Merry Christmas To All from ClearysNoteBook

CNBNews graphics file

 

Wishing your Christmas be filled

with peace and love.

Thank you for your support and loyalty

over the past year...

Bill and Connie Cleary Sr.  

 

 

DESPITE SPENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS Flooding in Brooklawn/Gloucester City Has Gotten Worst

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 21, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)—A pedestrian was trying to make her way from Brooklawn into Gloucester City via Broadway today around 11 AM.  The tide was receding but even so water was up to her knees. Each time a car sped by the wave from the vehicle would stop her from walking any further. Members of the Camden County Freeholder Board are responsible for maintaining Broadway but they have allowed this condition to exists for decades. A few years ago the Freeholders, using taxpayers money, spent $4 million on repairing the bridge;  but the Freeholder Board never did anything to control the flooding from Little Timber Creek in this section of Broadway.

As usual the Brooklawn Circle was also flooded today. The photo above shows the water gushing over the Big Timber Creek embankment and washing out the sidewalk and the highway  near the circle.

In the distance a log that washed up as a result of the flooding blocks the driveway into the nearby business.

Why aren't the contractors who did the circle repairs and the bridge work held responsible for their shoddy work? Where are the politicians who promised the flooding would be controlled once the construction work was finished?

The public needs to make their voices heard at the voting booth. Guaranteed if those who travel this road everyday voted the incumbents of the Camden County Freeholder Board out of office in November these problems would be fixed and fixed right. 

Related: CNBNews Cheers and Jeers

 CNB Crime

CNBNews Tips and Snippets       

 CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

CNBNEWS CHEERS AND JEERS

UPDATED: 12-25-18

CORRECTION: The High School Coach of the Year was Mike Bylone from St Augustine High School and Gloucester Catholic's baseball team received a plaque for winning the Non-Public B State Championship in 2018

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

 

CHEER-Dr. Carl Vitola was named the best urgent care physician by the Washington Township Chamber of Commerce in their annual salute to local businesses.  Dr. Vitola works at the AFC Urgent Care Center 475 Huffville-Crosskeys Road Suite B, Sewell.` He has been practicing family medicine for 40 years. In 1978 he graduated from Kansas City University Of Medicine Bioscience College Of Osteopathic Medicine.  A former resident of Gloucester City he had his office on Monmouth Street for many years.

 

JEER—This past October New Jersey's gas tax was increased by 4.3 cents a gallon or more than 10 percent under a bipartisan law enacted in 2016. As such the new 41.4 cent-per-gallon tax rate gives the state the fifth-highest gas tax in country. Though it is still be lower than neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. Early this year  Governor Murphy raised the state tax on gas by 25 cents.

 

CHEER—Pennsylvania is spending $5 million to help homeless people in their state. “Combating homelessness and preventing someone from becoming homeless in the first place is a priority of my administration,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “Our goal is simple: to eliminate homelessness in the commonwealth. These grants are another step in achieving that goal.”

CNBNews Opinion: Save Gloucester City Taxpayers Money, Do Away with the Street Sweepers

(UPDATED JANUARY 15, 2019)

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

In 2007, the first full year of our blog we tackled the controversial topic of the City's street sweepers and the parking tickets issued for blocking the sweepers.

That year the Gloucester City Court Administrator released the following information: 

"Since January until the end of August, the Police Department has issued a total of 4,168 citations for parking violations for an average of 521 tickets a month.  There is a $25 fine for violating the law. The City has collected $13,025 a month (521 tickets x $25). Times that amount by eight months the total is $104,200.  If that pace continues the City Police/Courts will collect $156,300 for the year from parking fines. Incidentally, sometimes the fine for the violation is more so the estimated figure is on the low side."

The Force Report Looks at PD's in Gloucester City, Brooklawn,Bellmawr,Mt. Ephraim, Woodbury, Etc

 

The NJ Advance Media Study on Police Force  

 

 

by CNBNews Staff 

NJ Advance Media has released the results of a 16-month investigation into the use of police force by police departments across the state of New Jersey. The study, prepared for NJ.com, revealed little oversight by state officials and no standard practices among local departments the report stated. To obtain the information for the research the news organization filed 506 public records requests (OPRA's) and collected 72,607 use-of-force reports. They covered every municipal police department in NJ along with the State Police. This is the most comprehensive statewide database of police force ever created and made public in the United States according to NJ.com

Guest Opinion: Exorcisms Surge

November 21, 2018

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the rise in exorcisms:
 
The Christmas season has just begun, and so has the need for spiritual peace. By any measure, the number of troubled Americans, saddled with personal problems, is staggering. Some are so desperate as to seek ways to purge themselves of demons.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! From Our Family to Yours

Owners of Brooklawn Apartments Facing $240K Plus in Fines for Housing Code Violations

 Brooklawn Apartments, Browning Road, Brooklawn NJ

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

BROOKLAWN, NJ (November 7, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--A lawsuit filed by the Borough of Brooklawn against Brooklawn Norse LLC, of New Milford,  N.J. the owners of the
Brooklawn Apartments, 301, 401 and 501 Browning Road is working its way to through the court system. Asked about the status of the suit, Ryan Giles, Brooklawn Administrator, said that he is unable to comment on the legal action stating, "As it is still an open case and not resolved, I can't really discuss it. It may be resolved before years end. "

Pothole? Call The County; Good News; Et Cetera

 CNBNews tips and snippets

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

 

TIPSTER SAYS ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS CALL!—We received a tip recently from a former resident pertaining to the Jersey Avenue road conditions in Gloucester City. The tip included a photo of patch work (right) at the intersection of Broadway and Jersey Avenue along with this statement, "I was in town today, took this photo of the area that there was a complaint about.  I dropped a note to the County Highway Department. and within a week it was repaired. You can use the photo if you want ( or not)  but please do not mention me by name."

Bob Kotter made the complaint about the deplorable road conditions on Jersey Avenue and elsewhere in Gloucester City in a Letter to the Editor dated September 13, 2018. 

$17M Renovation Work on Chatham Sq. Underway

 

(CNBNewsnet photo)The front of the property showing the renovations to the outside of the apartments facing U.S. Route 130. The photo was taken last week.

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (October 29, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)— Work on the former Chatham Square Apartments, also known as Meadowbrook Mews, Route 130 and Klemm Avenue, is progressing. The Gloucester City owned apartments were sold to Cyzner Properties Inc., Green Brook, N.J. in August 2017 for  $1.5 million.

Gloucester City Planning Board Considering Development Plans; Meeting Wednesday Night

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NEW JERSEY (October 16, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)—Redevelopment plans for properties on the west side of Broadway will be discussed at the Wednesday, October 17 Gloucester City Planning Board meeting to be held at 7:30 PM in council chambers, 313 Monmouth Street.

On January 25, 2018 City Council adopted resolution R#027-2018 directing the Planning Board to conduct an "Area in Need of Redevelopment" study. The area to be studied as directed in the Resolution is bounded by the Delaware River to the west, Somerset Street and Monmouth Street to the north, Washington Avenue to the east and Powell Street to the south. The resolution initially identified a large area, which consisted of approximately 500 parcels. However, it was decided to cut the area and focus on a smaller size.

Excavation at a Late 17th Century House Site in Gloucester City, New Jersey

 

Ronald A. Thomas and Martha J. Schiek

 

Background

 

  In the early spring of 1983, during construction of a senior citizens housing project at the northwest corner of Market and King Streets in Gloucester City, New Jersey, evidence was uncovered of prehistoric and early historic period archaeological remains. The project site, which overlooks the Delaware River, was the center of the original 17th century settlement of Gloucester and during the following years because the site of a farm, a ferry landing, residence, business establishments and various local industries.

   

The discovery of the archeological remains was brought to the attention of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the request of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Interior formulated a mitigation plan for the significant resources. The program was conducted with funds transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Gloucester City Housing Authority to the Mid-Atlantic Region, National Park Service. Negotiations were conducted with MAAR Associates, Inc., of Newark, Delaware to conduct the data recovery program at the newly discovered site (28CA50) (Plates 1 and 2). The field work continued for a period of approximately 10 weeks. The excavations resulted in the discovery of aboriginal and historic cultural features and the recovery of more than 16,000 artifact representing occupations at the site spanning an 8,000 year period.

Over 16,000 Artifacts of Gloucester City's History in Storage at the New Jersey State Museum

 

The front page of report (CNBNews graphics file)

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 15,2018)--The City of Gloucester City is celebrating its 150th Anniversary of its incorporation this year. Gloucester City was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 25, 1868, from the remaining portions of Union Township, which was then dissolved. Additional territory was annexed in 1925 from Centre Township and in 1927 from Haddon Township.^[20] The city's name derives from Gloucester, England.^[21][22]

 Gloucester City was founded by the Swedes in 1623 and named Fort Nassau. It is said to be the eight oldest community in the United States. It is rich with a historical heritage that is unmatched by any other place of its size in the nation. In 1776, the town hosted General Lafayette, and other notables of the Revolutionary War, during the famous "Battle of Gloucester." In 1773, Betsy Griscom was married to Gloucesterite, John Ross, at Huggs Tavern. Thus became the famous name of Betsy Ross, who made the nations' first flag.

*Camden County Freeholders Meeting, Monday, October 15; Public Urged to Attend

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (September 14, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--The Camden County Freeholders Board Town Hall meeting will be held on Monday, October 15 at 6:30 pm at the Gloucester City Middle School, 500 Market Street. The meeting includes a Q&A session, providing residents the ability to ask questions and get answers straight from their elected officials. Following the meeting a service fair will be held hosted by representatives from numerous county departments offering another opportunity for information and questions.

The Board urges the public to fill out the form by clicking the link below to let them know what topics you would like discussed at the meeting.

Send Us Your Questions for the Next Town Hall Meeting

RELATED: 

Gloucester City's Deplorable Streets Need to be Repaired

 

GCity Development Plans; Rams Forfeits Football Game; Gloucester Township in the Top 30

CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY DEVELOPMENT PLANS—The City of Gloucester City passed resolution, R#027- 2018 in January authorizing the City Planning Board to do a redevelopment study described as the Gloucester City West Scattered Site Area in Need of Redevelopment Study. The resolution originally included a large area to be investigated, however the focus of the Study Area was later reduced to a much smaller area, stated the legal notice. The areas being investigated at this time are those generally near the intersection of Ridgeway Street and Atlantic Street, as well as the property on Cumberland Street west of King Street, commonly referred to as the Freedom Pier. A map of the study area along with a report on that proposed development prepared by CME Associates, who was authorized to prepare an assessment of the proposal can be obtained at the City Clerk's Office, 512 Monmouth Street. 

According to the legal notice, which was updated and published in a daily newspaper this past weekend, the City intends to obtain the properties outlined in the report through eminent domain.

Mrs. Barbara J. (Cleary) Smith, A Loving, Caring Person Succumbs to ALS at the Age of 55

 

Ashley Massi with her mother 

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

MANTUA, N.J. (September 22, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)—Mrs. Barbara J. Smith, (née Cleary)  of Mantua, N.J. passed away on Friday, September 21 at the age 55.  In late August she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles.

Barbara graduated from Camden County College Class of 2017 as an addictions counselor.

A bubbly and loving woman, Barbara dedicated her life to her family.  She had a smile that could light up the room and loved telling everyone how awesome they were.  She was strong in her faith to Jesus and adored spending time with her family, friends and granddaughters. A kind and caring soul among us, Barbara will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her.    

Her friend Ed Brazell, said this about her the day before she died, "Throughout your life you meet some amazing people and I would like to share one such person.

OPINION: Could A Medical Marijuana Facility Be Coming To Gloucester City?

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

The Southport section of Gloucester City is being considered for a medical
marijuana facility. The city mayor and council recently announced a public meeting to discuss the possibility on Thursday, September 27 at 7:30 pm in council chambers, 313 Monmouth Street. To date, no applications have been received by the City, and no determinations to accept or reject such facilities has been made by mayor and council, according to the announcement.

Kudos to the mayor and council for inviting the public to discuss their plans. So many times before our leaders proceeded forward planning our future without our input. It is encouraging to see and hopefully, it will be a regular practice in the future. 

LETTERS to the Editor: Gloucester City's Deplorable Streets Need to be Repaired

UPDATED: with contact information for city officials  

UPDATED: with employee salaries and benefit costs

700 unit block of Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City (photo credit B. Kotter)

I have attached some photos of the deplorable road conditions taken on South Broadway when you enter Gloucester City from Brooklawn and of Jersey Avenue from South Broadway to King Street.

The Flowers Library to be Upgraded; Historic Mary Ethel Costello School Plaque to be Restored

CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

The Flowers Library at the Alice Costello School, 301 Haakon Road, Brooklawn (CNBNews photo)

 

SCHOOL LIBRARY TO GET UPDATE—The Flowers Library at the Alice Costello School, 301 Haakon Road, Brooklawn will be getting an update, according to Dr. Sam Rosetti, Brooklawn School District Superintendent.  A brief ceremony announcing the improvement plans will be held on Wednesday, September 5, at 8:15 AM prior to the opening of the Alice Costello school for the 2018-19 school year. The children and staff will gather in front of the library for the occasion.

UPDATE: Regarding The Neighbors United Saga

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (September 2, 2018)—Since June CNBNews has been investigating inquiries from our readers about the non-profit charity Neighbors United (NU), located in Gloucester City. That organization held a music festival at Proprietors Park, King Street, and the Delaware River on June 23. The majority of the public's questions pertained to monies that were donated to them from the city and others for that event. They wanted an accounting of those funds. 

According to NU, they are trying to raise money to build a community center in the city. 

CNBNews reached out to them on two different occasions via hand-written letters in August. The first letter was delivered personally by this reporter on August 19 to their address on Middlesex Street and placed in their mailbox. In that letter, we asked their contact person, Stevie Kircher for a review of their financial records for the period of January 1, 2018, up until the present date. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules that governed non-profits were cited and a request was made for an appointment date to see those records. Included was our contact information. 

GOP Congressional Candidate Dilks Calls for Investigation into Mishandling of MLK Grant

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

Turnersville, NJ (August 30, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)-- Paul Dilks, (below photo, left) a resident of Turnersville, an the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District in NJ, is calling for an investigation into the alleged mishandling of a Community Block Grant by Democratic officials.Dilks is running against incumbent Democrat Congressman Donald Norcross (below photo, right).  Dilks alleges that Norcross and fellow Democrats have redirected the $229,000 Community Block grant that was supposed to go towards the preservation and restoration of a home at 753 Walnut Street once used by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (MLK).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloucester City's Brown Water; MEC School Historical Plaque Honoring Soldiers Corroding

CNB Tips and Snippets:/8-27-18 UPDATED/8-28-18 UPDATED 

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

image provided by Gloucester City resident

 

BROWN WATER--We have received several complaints this month from Gloucester City residents about the brown color of their drinking water. One individual living on Paul Street sent us the photo above showing the brown water coming out of their spigots last week.  This problem comes up whenever the city water department flushes the hydrants.

Gloucester Catholic Rams Baseball Camp

 

Gloucester Catholic Rams Baseball Camp

August 27th through August 30th

 POP BARTH FIELD

BROWNING ROAD

BROOKLAWN, NJ 

8:00am -12:00pm.  Cost $150

 Kids turning 12 and up in the fall - incoming freshmen 

Contact Josh Cassidy

for registration or questions  @ josh.cassidy2131@gmail.com

 

 

*****

Related: Gloucester Catholic Baseball South Jersey Non-Public B Champions

Gloucester Catholic Repeats

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC BASEBALL STATE CHAMPS

RELATED: Gloucester Catholic Wins State NPB Title

RELATED: Rams Alumni    Lions Alumni

Gloucester Catholic  Gloucester City   SPORT

Gloucester Catholic  Gloucester City   SPORT

Opinion: Oh No! Not Again!Gloucester City to Purchase More Real Estate

CORRECTION: The meeting is Thursday, August 16 at 7 pm not Tuesday as was originally reported.

It is being held in council chambers, 313 Monmouth Street.

The Mary Ethel Costello School, 520 Cumberland Street, Gloucester City,NJ.   (photo credit CNBNewsnet).  

"The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings."

~President John F. Kennedy

CNBNews Point of View 

 

By William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Publisher/Editor

 

The Gloucester City Mayor and Council will vote on an ordinance on THURSDAY, August 16 that would allow the transfer of the Mary Ethel Costello (MEC) school building, 520 Cumberland Street, from the School District to the City of Gloucester City for a minimum sum.  The property consists of 70,526 square feet or approximately 1.59 acres. 

 

 

Wrongful Death Lawsuit filed against City Police Settled; Some School Districts Receive Less Aid

 

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

 

CNBNews graphics file

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT SETTLED FOR $85,000—Searching for information on the internet we stumbled upon a legal document naming three Gloucester City Police Officers in a wrongful death lawsuit. It was filed in 2015 against Gloucester City Police Officer Blaze O'Donnell, Police Officer Kevin Wall, and Sgt. Jason Flood. The incident alleged in the complaint occurred on January 12, 2013, at 3:15 PM at 801 Jersey Avenue. 

Three months ago we asked Gloucester City Police Lt. Steve Burkhardt about the outcome of the case. And, would the officers involved like to explain their side of the story. Burkhardt said, "Regarding the Dottavio case, an agreement was reached between the estate and the city insurance provider.  A confidentiality clause prohibits us from discussing the case."  

Undeterred, CNBNews filed an OPRA request for the Tort claims and settlement agreements for this case to PERMA RISK MANAGEMENT, the insurance carrier for the City of Gloucester City. As a result of that appeal we discovered a payout of $85,000 on November 3, 2016 to James Dottavio, the administrator of the estate.

(Editor's Note) At the bottom of this article a copy of the settlement is posted

Gloucester City Has ONLY Sponsored The Recent NYMM Festival According To OPRA Documents

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (August 2, 2018)--In April the Gloucester City Mayor and Council donated $2,500 to the non-profit organization Neighbors United to be used to help pay for a music festival to be held in June at Proprietors Park. CNBNews received a number of comments from people asking why the city would give that group money. As a result of those questions, we submitted an Open Public Records Act request (OPRA) asking if the mayor and council have ever given money to other groups to help sponsor their event (s). For example, did the city give money to those running the annual Arts Festival? Or to those running the St. Patrick's Day Parade? 

Employees Resign; How Many in your City?; OPRA Update; Rams Alumni; Radio Hosts Suspended

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES RESIGNING—Margaret O'Donnell, Gloucester City School District Administrator, and Board Secretary announced her resignation at the Tuesday, July 24 board meeting. O'Donnell began her career in the Gloucester City school district in 2007.  Her resignation letter reads;

 

Police Try to Take Guns from NJ Veteran; City School District Audited; Update on Vitale's

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

"So, as we set out this year to defeat the divisive forces that would take freedom away, I want to say those fighting words for everyone within the sound of my voice to hear and to heed, and especially for you, Mr. Gore: 'From my cold, dead hands!'^[6]

— Charlton Heston, May 20, 2000

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

Millstone NJ resident Leonard Cottrell 

New Jersey State Troopers tried to seize a NJ veteran's guns without a warrant earlier this month. Disabled Army veteran Leonard Cottrell said he wasn't going to turn the guns over without a warrant.

 “No one from the state was going to take my firearms without due process,” says Cottrell, after successfully staving off law enforcement and the courts from confiscating his firearms. Cottrell, an Iraq War veteran, was at work when he received a phone call from his wife. The cops were there, busting in to take his guns away. It all started after a casual conversation his son had at school.  He said the attempted seizure resulted because of a new law N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law that makes it easier for police to confiscate guns when someone in the state poses a threat to themselves or others. The law is part of a broader statewide effort to make New Jersey’s gun laws even tougher amid the national outcry for more gun control in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

More NYMMF Info; Gloucester City Taxpayers Borrow 1M; Mr. Rogers Movie; New Stop Signs

RELATED: Gloucester City Festival Group Pleased With Turn Out

 

UPDATED (July 14, 2018)

 

CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

MORE INFORMATION ON NYMMF—Thursday, July 12 we received the last response to our OPRA request filed June 25, 2018. We had asked for the number of firemen that worked that day?   How much were they paid? Why were firemen needed for the festival? 

The festival organizers were billed $798.30 for the services of two firemen.

 

A copy of the Neighbors United check representing the payment of $798.30 for services rendered by the Gloucester City Fire Department

 

Tom "Choo-Choo" Murphy Succumbs; Past Brooklawn School Board Member; Retired Navy Yard Employee; U.S. Air Force Veteran

Thomas J. Murphy

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

(Westville, NJ)(June 24, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)—Thomas J. Murphy, of Westville passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the age of 81.  He was known as Choo-Choo by his longtime friends.  Most of the time it was just Choo. And later in life he was known by some as Saint Thomas.

Are Little Towns on the Chopping Block? Rams Accolades; Plastic Bag Tax; Commentary

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

MERGING LITTLE TOWNS IN NJ--The State of New Jersey is conducting a study on the possibility of merging the smallest towns in the state. There are a total of 191 communities on the table, according to NJ Advance Media. Nearly 200 of New Jersey's 565 towns could be slammed together as a potential cost-cutting measure to help ease the state's crushing tax burden.  Towns with populations of less than 5,000 people would be forced to merge with an adjacent town.

Some of those towns in the immediate area include Audubon Park (population 993), Avalon (population 1421), Brooklawn (1954), Cape May (3529), Clementon (4924), Gibbsboro (2157), Lawnside (2923). 

Deceased City Teen Identified; A New Job for the MV Twin Capes; BlueJean Food Critic News

DECEASED GLOUCESTER CITY TEEN IDENTIFIED—The name of the Gloucester City teen that died in a horrific car crash in Lakewood, NJ last Thursday has been released, according to the Courier Post.

Devine Askew, age 16, of  Mercer Street, was riding in a vehicle that hit a tree after fleeing an attempted traffic stop by a Toms River police officer on June 7, a law enforcement source said yesterday.

Metro Says Goodbye; The Biggest on the East Coast; New Jersey Pension Fund Hits $11 Billion

 

photo credit JT Townsend

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

METRO DINER CLOSES-The owners of the Metro Diner closed the popular dining site Monday, June 4 at the end of the day.  The landmark diner, Route 130 and Browning Road, Brooklawn will be demolished to make way for a Super Wawa.  The Metro opened in 2009.  In 2013 the rumors began to circulate that the diner had been sold to Wawa.  The gossip, mostly coming from Metro employees, off the record, surfaced again in 2015 and again in December 2016.

Gloucester City Local School Tax Increases by $59 Annually; Overall Budget Decreases by $1.5M

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 29, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--The Gloucester City Board of Education approved the School District's 2018-19 budget in March that totals $47,042,793 or $1,549,182 less than last year's total of $48,591,975.

A CNBNews OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request revealed that the new spending plan calls for an increase of $59 annually in the local school tax on an average home assessed at $108,000. A further breakdown disclosed the total amount of school taxes for a homeowner assessed at the average amount in 2018-19 will be $1,303 in school taxes compared to  $1,244 in 2017-18.

Capital improvements planned for the new fiscal year include the following expenditures:

 

New Law Mandates Local Police and County Prosecutors to Handle Animal Cruelty Violations

CNBNews graphics file

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet 

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 29, 2018)--A new state law that assigns the enforcement of animal cruelty laws to county prosecutors and municipal police
departments takes effect on August 1. As a result the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) and the county SPCA's will no longer be doing that job.

Search for Information Regarding Fire Dept. Fight, Leads to 12 Lawsuits Filed Against Gloucester City

 

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: In our search for information about the alleged fight between two Gloucester City firemen that occurred earlier this year at Fire Headquarters, King and Monmouth Streets, CNBNews submitted an OPRA request for all lawsuits filed against the City in 2018.  We had heard that the injured fireman, who suffered a broken arm, had filed a lawsuit against the person responsible for the attack and also against the City. 

 

 

 

Cedar Grove Needs You: Curaleaf Expands; Norcross Hired by 'Pot' Grower; St. Maurice Costs

CNBNews Tips and Snippets:

CNBNews photo

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY NEEDS YOU: Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Cedar Grove Cemetery, located in 1000 unit block of Market Street, Gloucester City. Emery Bittmann who took care of the property for years died of cancer on March 22, 2018. Since then the property has been left to deteriorate. Patty Rettig Heiser was seen on Sunday in front of the property picking up trash and other debris along the Market Street sidewalk. She said that her and Bruce Marks, and some others are urging the public to come out lend a hand. "Let's go Gloucesterites. Your help is needed. We all know someone who is buried here. Let's show them the respect they deserve by cleaning up their resting place."

To volunteer or for more information call Marks at 609-405-3611

 

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Waiting on Site Plan Study:Brooklawn Council Is Considering Leasing St. Maurice Property from School District

 

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

BROOKLAWN, NJ (CNBNewsnet)—Near the end of December, the Brooklawn Board of Education began to explore what to do with the former St. Maurice property at 401 Community Road. The Board had purchased the ground about four years ago after voters approved a $1.9 million bond referendum. In February CNBNews contacted Dr. Sam Rosetti, the Brooklawn School District Superintendent about the latest plans for the empty church and rectory.

Society of Professional Journalists: All Things Journalism

"Journalism isn’t about the reporter. It's about the stories and informing the public and checking power. If you think it's about you ... that's not journalism." – Tanzina Vega, Eisner Fellow, author at The Nation Institute.

 

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING

 

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday left the internet in a hot mess of debate. President Donald Trump’s absence for the second year in a row and comedian Michelle Wolf’s controversial performance have many people wondering if the dinner should continue. Washington Post columnist Margaret Sullivan says the dinner should be canceled altogether. Even though aspects of the dinner have been controversial for decades, in response to Saturday, the WHCA is thinking about changing the format and tone for future dinners.

CNBNews Stories of Interest from the Past Week

• Despite $4 Million Spent on Repairing the Broadway Bridge the
  Flooding Continues

BAD FINANCIAL NEWS! Gloucester City's Debt Outlook Given a Negative Rating by S&P Global

• Fifth Defendant in Multi-State Dog Fighting Prosecution Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

CNB CRIME NEWS: Gloucester City Police Officer Nearly Struck by Alleged Drunken Driver

• OFFICER DOWN: Paterson NJ Officer Tamby Yagan

Serial Child Molester Strikes Again in Southwest Philadelphia, 5th Time in Nearly a Year

• St. Mary's Announces Major Construction Plans

Brooklawn News; Sexual Diseases Down in GCity; Mob Boss Guilty; Murphy's First 100 Days

CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

 

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

NEW TITLE FOR THE MAYOR— Brooklawn Mayor Teri Branella (photo) was sworn in as vice- president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors on Thursday, April 26. On Friday Branella said, "Last night I had the honor of being sworn in as Vice President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. It is a privilege to be a part of this organization that represents the Mayors throughout the State of New Jersey."