Walton said the diocese believes the school is needed given population growth in the county. Families also have expressed support for the proposed school, he noted. The on-hold status gives a reprieve to Gloucester Catholic High School, an 81-year-old institution that educates about 750 students and is located in Gloucester City, Camden County. About two-thirds of its students come from Gloucester County. Walton said Gloucester Catholic would not close until the new school was ready.

Administrator Jack Lipsett did not disclose the name of the developer and said any work at the 100-apartment complex, off Crescent Boulevard near Klemm Avenue, is likely to be months away.