William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

Looking towards Brooklawn from South Broadway, Gloucester City. A pedestrian, with water over his knees, is standing on the left side of the photo.

CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK File PHOTO

**JEER**– The striking photograph above from CNBNews files highlights the alarming state of South Broadway as it approaches Brooklawn from Gloucester City, where heavy rain has turned the road into a flooded hazard. Are we unreasonable to request additional funding from the County Commissioners to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? Despite promises made in 2012 by the Freeholder Board (now the Commissioners) to repair this vital road, residents are still faced with a treacherous landscape of potholes and flooding. The $5 million spent on a bridge in 2012 has done little to resolve the ongoing water issues that render the highway nearly impassable during storms. As the November 3 election approaches, it remains to be seen if these broken promises will resonate with voters in Gloucester City and Brooklawn.

**CHEER**–The Brooklawn, NJ Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Brooklawn Waterfront. The event, from noon to 5PM, is free and will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and kids’ activities.The festival will offer an afternoon of fall fun for the entire family, with entertainment, food, crafts, and giveaways. You can also find details on the Camden County website and the Borough of Brooklawn’s Facebook page.

**JEER**–In July 2025, FBI agents conducted a raid on Doctor Lundy’s ‘s office on Market Street, which alarmed local residents. Six weeks have passed since that action was taken and the FBI still hasn’t disclosed details of the investigation, leaving the community unsettled.

**CHEER**–This year, 357 school and municipal winners are being recognized for their commitment and support of the Safe Routes to School program (SRTS) by enabling and encouraging walking and bicycling in their communities. For a full list of current winners, visit the NJ Safe Routes Resource Center website.

**JEER**-In April 2025, a lawsuit against Gloucester City and neighboring Brooklawn was dismissed by an appellate court, but the case highlighted the municipalities’ handling of PFAS contamination in the public water supply. Both towns had been given notice in 2022 that they had exceeded maximum levels of the “forever chemicals”.

**CHEER** – We commend Public Service Gas and Electric (PSE&G) for their prompt action in addressing a request from Cleary’s Notebook regarding the two damaged utility poles at the corner of South Broadway and George Street. These poles not only created an eyesore but also posed a serious safety hazard. We sent an email to the company on a Friday at 5 PM. At 8 PM that same night, an official responded that the workers would be there on Monday to remove the polls. Both of them had been hit by a vehicle over a year ago. Forty-eight hours after our correspondence the polls were gone.

Thanks to the proactive efforts of former Gloucester City Mayor Bob Bevan and current Mayor Dayl Baile—for also contacting PSE&G about the situation. This demonstrates the effectiveness of community activism and demands that such responsiveness be the standard moving forward.

**JEER**-Drivers who refuse to use their turn signals at the Brooklawn circle were a problem at the start of the year and continue to be a frustrating hazard for other drivers who must wait and guess which direction someone is going. Let’s remember to use our signals and drive with courtesy, not just rely on traffic laws.

**CHEER**-The construction of a new Flagship Carwash started in June 2025 on Browning Road in Brooklawn is nearing completion. Additionally, plans for a new McDonald’s at the former Catholic Church property on U.S. Route 130 and Community Road are progressing through the review process. Plus, VP Racing Fuels is constructing a gas station is at the corner of Kings Highway and Browning Road.

**JEER**- At a special Brooklawn meeting in April 2025, residents raised concerns about the proposed McDonald’s Restaurant on Community Road. They cited issues with potential odors, rodents, and a negative impact on property values.

**CHEER**-We are excited to see the construction of retaining walls being built at the Brooklawn traffic circles. Hopefully, this new idea will stop the Delaware River from flowing onto the traffic circles every time there is heavy rain or an extreme high tide. Since the 70s, we have been writing about the flooding of that area. Millions of dollars have been spent trying to fix the traffic nightmare, going back to the 70s when James Florio was a Congressman.

**JEER**-Brooklawn, NJ has a significantly higher overall crime rate (146.78 per 1000 people) compared to the national average (33.37 per 1000 people), with both violent and property crime rates also exceeding national averages. Insights from locals suggest that while crime is present, the community generally feels safe and secure, indicating that the high crime rates may not reflect the perceived safety in the area. Source Nextdoor

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**CHEER**–Recently, while walking in the Southport area of Gloucester City with our Labrador Retriever, Sweetie, we saw four American bald eagles perched in a tree. We saw two more on Friday, as we walked on Market Street past the Cemetery. They were so low we could see their eyes.

**JEER**-Seviroli Foods, the frozen pasta manufacturer, announced in June 2025 that it would be closing its manufacturing facility in Bellmawr in mid-August, resulting in the elimination of 77 jobs.

**CHEER**-To the organizers of the Salem County Fair for presenting the purely agricultural event that sticks to tradition, with things like a kids’ tractor-pull.

**CHEER**-Thanks to the Gloucester City Summer Concert organizers for continuing its free concert at Proprietors Park, providing residents with accessible and enjoyable entertainment.

**CHEER**-Gloucester City has received significant grants from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, which will help with the ongoing facade improvements and other projects in the City.

**CHEER**-Gloucester City, NJ has a lower overall crime rate (24.75) compared to the national average (33.37), with significantly lower rates of violent crime (5.25 vs 13.84 nationally) but similar rates of property crime (19.5 vs 19.53 nationally). Local insights suggest that property crime, particularly break-ins at storage units, is a concern, Source Nextdoor

**CHEER**– A new water fountain has been installed at the Johnson Blvd. Jogging Park, Gloucester City, along with a number of new iron pedestrian benches and new trash cans.

**CHEER**–The Kor Center industrial buildings at 420 and 440 Benigno Boulevard, Bellmawr will be renovated after being sold for $12.6 million.

**CHEER**-The Members of the Gloucester City Firefighters and Fire Officers are proud to announce that they are raising funds for the South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition to support the Carolyn J Ochs Memorial Client Assistance Fund. Where they help breast cancer patients with essential needs like rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc while going through treatment. They are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with 100% staffing of volunteers. No one collects a salary. Shirts are available in multiple styles including adult and youth short sleeve, long sleeve, hoodie and women’s t-shirts in multiple colors.

Please order by September 15th to guarantee October 1st delivery. https://gcfdtshirts.itemorder.com/shop/category/617753/

**CHEER**-Former Camden High School basketball star, DJ Wagner, hosted a book bag giveaway and a community drive. Thank you, DJ for giving back to your community.

Cleary’s July Cheers and Jeers

**JEER**-Haddonfield Little Leaguer, Marco Rocco, 12, was suspended for flipping his bat after hitting a home run. Some people thought the suspension was too strong and should have been handled much differently. The consensus was he was a child and got caught up in the emotional moment. The suspension resulted a lawsuit and ended with the suspension being lifted.

**CHEER**– The Westville Environmental Commission was recognized in July 2025 for creating a pollinator garden. Recently Westville hosted several popular events including a Car Show and Fireworks event in June, a Community Festival & Health Fair in August, and the Annual Crab Feast is planned for October.

**JEER**-The borough of Westville continues to face issues with PFAS “forever chemicals” in its water supply. Site work for a new GAC filtration system was underway in July 2025

**CHEER**- The borough of Westville began installing fencing around the police department’s parking lot in August to improve safety for officers, vehicles and equipment.

**JEER**-Two women were injured in a shooting at an apartment complex on Broadway in late June. The suspected shooter remained at large, prompting a large police response involving K-9 units and a helicopter. The suspect remains at large. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Westville Police Department at 856-456-0028.