CNBNEWS.NET/Gloucester City

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Corrigan Brothers and Shay Healy Why the Incredible Hulk is Green"

www.corriganbrothers.com

EVERYONE WAS STANDING ROUND AT MICK McGILLIGANS BALL

WHEN SUDDENLY A GREAT BIG MAN CAME BURSTING THROUGH THE WALL

ALL THE BOYS STEPPED BACK A BIT WHEN THEY SAW HIS MASSIVE BULK

HE CRIED "HELLO ME BUCKOS" DON'T YE KNOW ME I'M THE HULKJ

I JUST DROPPED IN TO SEE YOU ALL

www.corriganbrothers.com

EVERYONE WAS STANDING ROUND AT MICK McGILLIGANS BALL

WHEN SUDDENLY A GREAT BIG MAN CAME BURSTING THROUGH THE WALL

ALL THE BOYS STEPPED BACK A BIT WHEN THEY SAW HIS MASSIVE BULK

HE CRIED "HELLO ME BUCKOS" DON'T YE KNOW ME I'M THE HULKJ

I JUST DROPPED IN TO SEE YOU ALL

FRESH AIR Radio Host Terry Gross Interviews Gloucester City Resident Jim Nicholson

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 6, 2019)--Gloucester City resident and obituary writer Jim Nicholson, who died recently, was interviewed 30 years ago by FRESH AIR radio host Terry Gross from West Virginia Public broadcasting. It is an intriguing interview. His friends will enjoy hearing his voice once again. The article and the podcast were published on March 1, 2019.

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Dave Davies, in for Terry Gross. There was a time when newspaper obituaries focused mostly on the rich and famous. Jim Nicholson changed that. The obit writer for the Philadelphia Daily News made the so-called common man obituary an art form and soon had imitators around the country. Nicholson died last week at the age of 76. In his 19 years on the beat, Nicholson subjects included an ice hauler, a trash truck driver, housewives and domestics. He told their stories with vivid details, not all of them flattering. But he wrote about them with respect and found all of them interesting. Terry spoke with Jim Nicholson in 1987.

Further into the 17 minute podcast present day radio host Dave Davies, who worked with Jim many years ago, talks with reporter David Gambacorta who wrote Jim's obituary for the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer.

DAVIES-As it happens, I knew Jim Nicholson. My 20 years at the Daily News overlapped with his time there, and I remember he always seemed a little mysterious. He'd disappear from the newsroom for months at a time and never really explained why he was gone. He was a consummate gentleman always dressed in a dark suit. He had a thin mustache and a face described as kind of a poor man's Clark Gable. That phrase came from his obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News written by my friend and former colleague David Gambacorta. He knows where Nicholson was when he disappeared from the newsroom. Turns out, he was as interesting as the people he wrote about.

WE NOMINATE JIM NICHOLSON

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

Gloucester City High School is accepting nominations for their Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Requirements: Must have graduated at least 10 years ago; The individual must be successful in business, professional career, self employment, or exemplary in community-humanitarian service.

A man we feel who meets all those requirements is James D. Nicholson, a long time resident of Gloucester City who lived in the 400 unit block of Walnut Avenue for decades. Jim died suddenly on February 22, 2019 at the age of 76. Jim was a modest man, who lived a life that mattered.  Many of us who knew Jim were not aware of all his accomplishment until recently. 

" I like to think that my obituary is already  being written in a lot of little obituaries. It's already out there.    "  ~Jim Nicholson

Mr. Nicholson worked as an Obituary Writer for the Philadelphia Daily News for 19 years retiring in 2001. 

Previously he had worked for The Inquirer, The Bulletin, Philadelphia Magazine, WCAU All-News Radio and IBS Investigative Services, all Philadelphia-based and for the Wilmington News-Journal (DE), the Baltimore News American (MD), the Camden Courier Post (NJ) and the Independent American (LA.)

OPINION: WHERE IS THE PUBLIC OUTCRY?

Senior Citizen

image courtesy of Jean Norton

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

UPDATED/CORRECTED

Gloucester City mayor and council passed an ordinance on second reading Feb. 21, 2019 to exceed the municipal budget limit up to 3.5 percent over the previous year's appropriations. The amount of the increase is $580,696.

As such Gloucester City residents can expect their municipal taxes will go up once again. You can also expect that more people will have to abandon their homes because they can't afford to live here any longer.

 

It is apparent that those in charge of the finances in this city and this state haven't a clue on how to manage money.

Does anyone know the last time we didn't have a tax increase?

Today's South Jersey Times mentions the recent minimum wage increase could cost residents in New Jersey up to $600M. 

The lifeguards and visitor guides at state parks. The entry-level employees at the county animal shelter. The interns at the library. They are all about to get pay raises, and it's going to cost taxpayers one way or another.

For the state, it means an initial increase of $3.2 million in wages for the first year, a figure that balloons to anywhere from $300 million to $600 million five years from now. New Jersey's counties and local government say results will vary, but it's likely fees will rise and services cut in some jurisdictions to counteract increased payroll costs. 

State Senator Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth. "Here we are adding to the pile of money we don't have."

This isn't the time to increase the minimum wage in a state that is facing a $253B public pension emergency. In 2017 New York Public Radio reported (The Ticking Time Bomb) that New Jersey’s public pension system faces a $253 billion crisis that could result in higher taxes for residents, fewer services or even bankruptcy for state government.

James D. Nicholson, A Man Who Lived a Fascinating Life, Dead at the Age of 76

UPDATED with photo and links to related articles

Jim Nicholson

(CNBNews file photo)

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor/Publisher

 

"  I like to think that my obituary is already being written in a lot of little obituaries. It's already out there."    ~Jim Nicholson

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 23, 2019)(CNBNewsnet)—James D. Nicholson, of Gloucester City, NJ, died from heart failure on Friday, February 22, 2019, in Cooper Hospital, Camden City. Born in Philadelphia, he previously lived in Cherry Hill, NJ. He was 76. 

Gary Marcucci, Jim's longtime friend, and high school classmate said he was a true hero. If you ever had the chance to talk with him or be in his presence you would never know it. But, if you knew his background like some of us did you were amazed that this ordinary small man did so much in his life. He was a hero in so many ways. He did so much for his country, and for his friends and family. He was dedicated to serving his country and risked his life at times. He never would talk about it. He would disappear sometimes for months doing something for the military. We wouldn't find out about his military accomplishments until we read something about it in the newspapers. Earlier this month he and I along with Marty Sherry, Bill Tourtual, and Bill Cleary had breakfast together at Ponzios. Jim looked great. I am in shock that he is gone. His death saddens me deeply." 

CNBNews OPINION: IN NJ HIGHER TAXES ARE FORCING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES

 

William E Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor/publisher

This past year two elderly families who lived in the *Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City were forced to move because they couldn't afford to live in their homes any longer.  These were longtime residents who have resided in our immediate neighborhood for 25 years plus.

Watching the one senior citizen being evicted by a Camden County Sheriff Officer was heartbreaking. Besides giving up her home she had to give up her dog Popeye along with her cat because the place where she moved to didn't allow pets. Much of her belongings were placed on the curb for trash pickup as there was no room for it in the county home.  The other elderly residents said by moving out of Gloucester City and Camden County to Gloucester County they actually were going to save  $2,000 because their taxes, utility costs and insurance were lower.

Today both homes remain empty.

Puerto-Rico Police Officer Alfred Zanyet-Perez Shot and Killed During Undercover Operation

CNBNews graphics file

End of Watch Saturday, February 16, 2019

 

PUERTO RICO (February 16, 2019)(CNBNewsnet)--Agent Alfred Zanyet-Pérez, of the Puerto Rico Police Department was shot and killed while conducting an undercover operation in the Duey Bajo community in San Germán, Puerto Rico.

OPINION: Champions Of The Poor Sink The Poor In NYC

February 15, 2019

 

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on why Amazon bolted from New
York City:
 
Amazon was ready to provide jobs for 25,000 to 40,000 New Yorkers, bringing in an estimated $27 billion in tax revenue over 25 years. It was asking for $3 billion in government incentives, a figure that surely could have been negotiated to reflect a more realistic deal. But instead of working with Amazon, left-wing New York lawmakers and activists trashed the corporation, pushing it to relocate elsewhere.

Former 1st Methodist Church May Become High-End Apartments; Park Ave RR Crossing Upgrade

CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

 

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor

 

APARTMENTS PROPOSED FOR METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING—Plans to renovate the former First Methodist Church at 220 Monmouth Street into a multi-housing apartment complex have been submitted to the Gloucester City Planning/Zoning Board by Totem Real Estate LLC, 2152 E Dauphin St, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

The corner stone set above the door entrance is dated 1883 (photo credit CNBNewsnet)

 

The plans for the former church (currently a vacant single family property) call for six high end, privately rented apartments with parking spaces for each unit.  The application and corresponding documents are on file in the City Clerk's Office of Gloucester City at 512 Monmouth Street, and are available for public inspection between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m., at the Police Administration Building, 313 Monmouth Street.

TRUMP DRIVES SOCIALIST WEDGE IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY DURING SOTU ADDRESS

By Joe Sixpack 

President Donald Trump touched a few third rails during his State of the Union (SOTU) address. He also dared utter one word which showed the American people the nexus where the old and new Democratic Party meet. 

That word? Socialism. 

When Trump boomed, “America will never be a Socialist country”, one side of the aisle stood and applauded loudly. The Democratic establishment – represented by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remained seated while half-heartedly applauding, as if they were sitting on a fence. On one side of the fence sits a significant percentage of their voting bloc, which openly supports Socialism. On the other side of the fence sits the Reagan Democrat base that has not yet defected to Trump.

Anniversary Celebrating Polish-USA Relations

Republic of Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki celebrates with U.S. Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher, the Polish-USA bond at the historic Bristol Hotel in Warsaw. 

By Raymond Rolak | CNBNews Contributor

 

WARSAW, POLAND (January 31, 2019)--  Diplomats and officials from Poland and the USA gathered at the historic and elegant Bristol Hotel to mark the centennial of diplomatic relations recently.  Poland established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1919, regained independence on November 11, 1918, the day World War I ended.  This was after 123 years of partition by Russia, Austria and Prussia. 

 

“These anniversaries provide opportunities for both countries to celebrate these momentous events together and to renew and strengthen people-to-people ties by highlighting our shared histories, shared values, and cooperation,” the US embassy said through a released statement.

Bristol Hotel in Warsaw where Paderewski held his first government in 1919.

 

Update on Stabbing; Johnny & Guy Gaudreau; Convenience Store Cited; Fire Hydrant Repaired

 

CORRECTED/UPDATED

 

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

UPDATE ON STABBING IN GLOUCESTER CITY-The first degree murder charged filed against Joel Martinez, 18, of Camden, who was arrested in connection with the stabbing that killed Alexander Medina on January 17, 2019 have been reduced, according to the Camden County Prosecutors Office. Further investigation determined it was a crime of passion. As such the charge was reduced to aggravated manslaughter.

On January 17 Gloucester City Police responded to the 700 block of Bertwood Avenue in Gloucester City just before 8:00 p.m. to reports of a man who was injured. When they arrived, they found Alexander Medina stabbed and laying on the ground. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he died a short time later. All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Obituary:Bill James, A Man Who Loved His Community

William P. James

 

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ—William P. James, age 62, of Gloucester City, died suddenly on Monday, January 21, 2019.  Loving husband of 36 years to Virginia “Ginny” James (nee Quinton). Beloved father of Erin (Sean) Gorman, Ian (Fiance Samantha Arnone) James, Liam (Bernadette) James,  Colin James and Johanna James. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Kaiden, Kellan, Shea, Desmond and expecting Kennedy. Dear Brother of Therese (Mike) Smollock, Maria (Tom) Kerchersky, Marybeth (Scott) Jeffries, David James, Christopher James, Steven James, Patrick James, Kathy James and Michael (Joanne) James. Survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents, William F. James and Rosemary James (nee Keoghan).

Bill James, The Longest Serving Mayor in Gloucester City's History Dies Suddenly

UPDATED

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

 

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (January 21, 2019)(CNBNewsnet)William P. James, the former mayor of Gloucester City passed away suddenly earlier today, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden. James was elected in 2006 to his first four-year term running on a ticket that included council candidates Nick Marchese and Jay Brophy under the banner "The James Gang".   James and "His Gang" got elected that year. (photo below) And although Marchese and Brophy eventually moved on James was elected two more times becoming the longest-serving mayor in the city's history. 

Jay Brophy, Bill James, and Nick Marchese

CNBNews photo

 Newly installed mayor, Dan Spencer, who replaced James 18 days ago said, "He was like so many other mayors and council members who have served this city over the years. They do it not for fame but because they love our community. Bill James had only intended to run for two terms but he wanted to see several projects that he and council had started completed. He asked me to run four years ago and I said no. This time when he asked me I accepted his offer."

GUEST COMMENTARY: Trump V Pelosi Great Fun; More Than Meets The Eye

By Joe Sixpack
 

Yes, this is great theatre. Queen Nancy makes her move, threatening to cancel President Trump’s State of the Union Address by not allowing him access to the House Chamber.  Then King Donald plays his trump card. He sends her a short, but official, letter canceling her week-long junket to three countries.

Ouch.

“I am sorry to inform you that your trip to Brussels, Egypt and Afghanistan has been canceled,” says Trump in the letter. “We will reschedule this seven-day excursion when the Shutdown is over,” he continues, twisting the knife a little by adding “I am sure that you would agree that postponing this public relations event is appropriate.”

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.