Percy W. Stubbs, ‘Mayor’ of Riverview Heights, Passes at 77
(Republished August 16, 2026)–Percy W. Stubbs, a lifelong Gloucester City resident affectionately known as the “Mayor of Riverview Heights,” passed away on December 10, 1990. He was 77.
Stubbs spent his career as an operating engineer specializing in refrigeration with the Atlantic Richfield Company, retiring in 1978. Even after retirement, he remained a fixture in the community — always ready to lend a hand, repair a neighbor’s appliance, or offer friendly conversation from his front porch.
He was widely admired for his generosity, quick wit, and willingness to help anyone who needed it. His neighbors often joked that if you didn’t know what was happening in Riverview Heights, Percy did.
Stubbs was active in several local organizations, including the Gloucester City–Brooklawn Chapter of Deborah Heart and Lung Center and the Town Watch. Although a heart condition slowed him down during his final year, he continued to stay connected with the community he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys, and will be remembered as one of Riverview Heights’ most beloved personalities — a man whose presence made the neighborhood feel like family.
Source: Gloucester City News/December 10, 1990) written by Wm. E. Cleary Sr.
Note: We will be publishing some of our articles from the past in the coming weeks.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (August 16, 2026)–Gloucester City residents received their 2026–27 property tax bills last week, and many are expressing frustration over unusually steep increases. CNBNews has heard from several taxpayers who say their bills jumped far beyond what they expected.
View of downtown Gloucester City from the Walt Whitman Bridge
One resident, Sandy Reed, who ran unsuccessfully for council in the November 2025 election, told CNBNews her row‑home tax bill increased by $800. Reed asked the same question many residents are now asking: Why so high?
The Archer & Greiner legal fees, $1.3 million, continue to climb as the firm represents taxpayers in the $10.5 million lawsuit filed by developer Rocco D’Antonio.
The $2.6 million in wetland mitigation credits the NJDEP is requiring Gloucester City to submit — a penalty tied to the city’s failure to file mandatory paperwork related to contamination at 850 Water Street.
The mayor and council have told the NJDEP that the doesn’t have the necessary funds to buy the $2.6 million in wetland mitigation funds. This year’s budget shows the city has a $2.5 million surplus. That same document reveals outstanding debt totals $10,196,421
These modern‑day concerns echo a familiar theme in Gloucester City history: residents questioning rising taxes, demanding accountability, and asking what they’re getting in return.
Tax Component
Rate per $100
Percentage of Total Bill
Total Dollar Amount
Municipal Tax (inc. Library)
3.213
58.87%
$4,642.97
School Tax
1.349
24.27%
$1,914.23
County Tax (inc. Open Space)
0.937
16.86%
$1,329.60
Total
5.558
100.00%
$7,886.80
Below is a breakdown of the property tax on our Riverview Heights home
Total Tax Rate:5.558% (or $5.558 per $100 of assessed value).
Total Net Tax (2026):$7,886.80.
Total Assessed Value:$141,900 (Land: $35,000 + Improvements: $106,900).
Compared to the 2025 rate of 5.293%, Gloucester City’s property tax rate increased notably to 5.558% for the 2026-27 Tax Year. We looked at Camden County municipalities that match Gloucester City’s unique profile: a compact land area (between 1.5 to 3.5 square miles) paired with a dense, mid-sized population (roughly 7,000 to 15,000 residents). [1, 2]
The breakdown explicitly shows that Municipal Taxes account for the largest individual share by a wide margin:
When isolating towns with this specific scale, Gloucester City is carrying a higher property tax rate than any comparable community in the county.
Size and Population Peer Group
The closest structural matches to Gloucester City across the county highlight how differently local budgets impact similar populations: [1]
Municipality
Land Area
Population
2025 General Tax Rate
Key Tax Dynamics
Gloucester City
2.8 sq. mi.
~11,400
5.558%(2026 actual)
Highest rate in the peer group. The municipal portion consumes a massive 58.87% share of the tax dollar.
Bellmawr
3.0 sq. mi.
~11,750
4.25%
Nearly identical footprint and population. A more diversified commercial corridor along the Black Horse Pike helps distribute the burden.
Haddon Heights
1.6 sq. mi.
~7,500
3.31%
Dense but higher property values. Higher average assessments mean the town can generate revenue with a substantially lower total rate.
Runnemede
2.1 sq. mi.
~8,350
4.12%
Similar mid-sized borough infrastructure. Balanced allocation between school and municipal levies avoids spikes.
Audubon
1.5 sq. mi.
~8,730
3.89%
Dense residential hub. Operates with an efficient structural cost-to-assessment ratio.
The Structural Reality
Many of these communities share the exact same challenge: they are fully developed with very little blank acreage to build new, revenue-generating commercial projects or modern industrial complexes.
These modern‑day concerns echo a familiar theme in Gloucester City history: residents questioning rising taxes, demanding accountability, and asking what they’re getting in return. Below is one such example
📰
Verified Bill Details
Total Net Tax (2026):$7,886.80.
Total Tax Rate:5.558% (or $5.558 per $100 of assessed value).
Total Assessed Value:$141,900 (Land: $35,000 + Improvements: $106,900).
Actual 2026 Tax Rate Breakdown
The breakdown explicitly shows that Municipal Taxes account for the largest individual share by a wide margin:
Tax Component
Rate per $100
Percentage of Total Bill
Total Dollar Amount
Municipal Tax (inc. Library)
3.213
58.87%
$4,642.97
School Tax
1.349
24.27%
$1,914.23
County Tax (inc. Open Space)
0.937
16.86%
$1,329.60
Total
5.558
100.00%
$7,886.80
Compared to the 5.293% rate from 2025, Gloucester City’s property tax rate did experience a notable increase up to 5.558% for the 2026 calendar year.
Exact Dollar Increase
Breakdown of the effect of the new Gloucester City Property tax on a Riverview Heights home owner.
2026 Property Tax Bill (at 5.558%):$7,886.80 (As shown on your statement).
2025 Property Tax Bill (at 5.293%):$7,510.77 (Based on the same $141,900 assessment).
Net Annual Increase:$376.03
Current Camden County Tax Rankings
A 5.558% general tax rate places Gloucester City among the absolute highest tax rates in Camden County, and effectively puts it back at the very top of statewide lists tracking “highest overall rates.”
While affluent towns in North Jersey or Cherry Hill pay higher absolute dollar amounts because their homes are valued much higher, Gloucester City’s rate means residents pay a larger percentage of their home’s value into the tax system than almost anywhere else.
On August 14, 2026, in the 22nd District, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a shooting occurred on the highway in the 2100 block of N. Gratz Street. The victim was transported by police to Temple University Hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.
In the 39th District, at approximately 8:33 p.m., a shooting occurred on the highway at N. 25th and W. Elkhart Streets. The victim was transported by private vehicle to Temple University Hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.
GCity Residents Challenge Council on Proposed Tax Increase
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (April 8, 1982)–Two Gloucester City residents confronted Mayor William E. Gartland and City Council during the April 8, 1982 meeting, questioning what taxpayers would gain from a proposed nine‑cent increase in the municipal tax rate.
Former Fire Chief James Durkin asked council members what additional services residents could expect if the tax rate rose from 43 cents to 52 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Durkin noted that his seashore home — taxed at a lower rate — received three trash collections per week, while Gloucester City had reduced its schedule to once weekly.
Mayor Gartland responded that the increase was necessary simply to maintain existing services. He said he doubted the city could restore twice‑weekly trash collection given rising costs.
Durkin also criticized the condition of Brown Street, citing potholes and deteriorating railroad crossings. He blamed Conrail for resurfacing work done two years earlier that had since broken down. The discussion continued as Councilman Fred Anzide pressed Durkin for details about the community he referenced. Durkin confirmed that the town had a paid fire company, paid ambulance drivers, and a library. When Anzide asked whether it was a full‑time community, Durkin replied, “It is six and six.” Anzide responded, “Oh — it is only a part‑time community.”
Another resident, Anthony Ruggeri of Lambert Avenue, voiced his frustration with the proposed increase.
“Taxes are always going up,” Ruggeri said. “We are paying more and getting fewer services. It is easy for you to sit there and always say yes. I have yet to hear one councilman ever dispute another one. Everything is automatic. I feel we are getting taxation without representation, and furthermore you people are doing a lousy job.”
Councilman Anzide defended the process.
“If you know how government works, then you are aware that many long hours are spent putting together a budget,” he said. “Our budget went up only five percent this year, yet we are faced with rising costs. Last year it cost $37,000 to dump trash; this year it will cost $75,000. We have a built‑in minimum increase of seven percent for city workers and mandated costs such as workers’ compensation.”
Anzide added that residents should appreciate a council that works together rather than “running a three‑ring circus.”
Ruggeri replied, “I am entitled to my opinion the same as you.”
(SOURCE)Gloucester City News, published April 8, 1982/written by William E. Cleary Sr
On July 21, 2026, at approximately 12:22 AM, Gloucester Township Police responded to the unit block of Vance Avenue in Sicklerville for a report of a suspect actively breaking into a resident’s shed.
As officers arrived in the area, they observed a white Chevrolet Equinox fleeing the scene. Officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop; however, the driver failed to comply and continued to flee.
Officers identified the driver as Darryl Hill, age 60, of the unit block of Dickenson Drive in Sicklerville. Officers responded to Hill’s residence, where they observed him exit the Chevrolet Equinox and flee on foot. Hill was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident. The Chevrolet Equinox was impounded pending an application for a search warrant.
Speaker Craig J. Coughlin issued the following statement today on the announcement that Seth Hahn is stepping down as the Executive Director of the Assembly Majority Office in September.
“Seth has been an invaluable member of our team and an important part of the success of our caucus over the past six years,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Seth’s leadership was instrumental in expanding paid family leave, passing landmark affordable housing legislation, increasing ballot access, and making sure New Jersey has been on the leading edge pushing back against attacks on reproductive care, immigrants’ rights, voting rights and common sense gun safety laws. He was the Assembly’s top negotiator for five bipartisan budgets spanning two administrations. I wish him the best of luck as he enters the next phase of his career, and I know he will be successful.”
Route 42 northbound and southbound are scheduled to have single lane closures Monday night between Tuckahoe Road/Stagecoach Road/CR 555 and Watson Drive in Washington Township to restripe the roadway and perform a traffic shift, as a pavement preservation project advance in Gloucester County.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, August 17 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, a single lane on Route 42 northbound and southbound is scheduled to be closed from Tuckahoe Road/Stagecoach Road/CR 555 to Watson Drive in Washington Township. The lane closures are expected to begin in the right lane on Route 42 northbound, before moving to the left lane. Once work is complete on Route 42 northbound, lane closures will begin on Route 42 southbound. The lane closures are necessary to restripe the roadway, move construction barrier and shift traffic in both directions.
Governor Shapiro is no longer able to attend today’s WLL Championship at Subaru Park. Media are still welcome to attend. Game time for the WLL Championship is 5 p.m. and will be live on ESPN. Please RSVP via email if you are not already credentialed.
Also, the Philadelphia Waterdogs are currently facing the New York Atlas live on ESPN for a PLL (men’s) regular season matchup before the WLL Championship. The Waterdogs are Philadelphia’s only professional men’s lacrosse team.
Updated media advisory is below…
EVENT:INAUGURAL WOMEN’S LACROSSE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP MAKES WOMEN’S SPORTS HISTORY AT SUBARU PARK
PLACE: Subaru Park, One Stadium Drive, Chester, Pa. 19013
TIME: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.
DETAILS: The inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League Championship will make women’s sports history at Subaru Park on Saturday, Aug. 15, as the Maryland Charm and California Palms compete for the league’s first title.
The championship marks the culmination of the WLL’s first full regular season and will feature some of the world’s top women’s lacrosse players, including several with ties to Philadelphia and South Jersey.
The championship comes as the league works with state, local and community partners to expand access to professional women’s lacrosse and introduce more young athletes and families across Pennsylvania to the sport.
In partnership with the Shapiro Administration, the WLL provided 2,500 complimentary tickets to nonprofit organizations, youth programs and community groups across Pennsylvania to attend the championship at Subaru Park.
The City of Philadelphia has proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 15, Women’s Lacrosse League Day in Philadelphia.
The Lower Township Police Department responded to the 200 block of E. Delaware Parkway, in the Villas section of Lower Township for a reported stabbing. The victim, a 23-year-old male from Villas, sustained significant injury to his hand as a result of an apparent assault with a knife. The victim was transported to Cooper Cape Regional for his injuries, which were non-life threatening.
Responding Officers determined that the victim had fled the scene of the assault, which had occurred in the 300 block of E Pacific Avenue. Patrol Officers located several witnesses to the altercation. An ensuing investigation conducted by members of the Lower Township Detective Bureau determined that the victim was attacked by the accused after arriving at a 3rd party residence. The altercation continued into the street, where the accused brandished a knife and stabbed the victim. The accused then fled the scene prior to police arrival.
The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be shared as they become available, and information regarding current incidents will be provided throughout the day.
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on the 9XX block of South 4th Street at approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 15, 2026. At approximately 8:15 a.m., an adult male walked into Jefferson Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unknown at this time. There is no known motive, and no arrest has been made.
On August 15, 2026, at approximately 12:31 a.m., 25th District officers responded to the 43XX block of North 5th Street for a radio call reporting a person with a gun and a male shot inside a vehicle near a barbershop. Upon arrival, officers located two shooting victims inside a gray Honda Pilot. Both victims were transported to Temple University Hospital. The first victim, identified as a 22-year-old, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso and was listed in critical but stable condition. The second victim, a 17-year-old female, sustained gunshot wounds to the head and left leg and was listed in serious-critical condition. No arrest has been made, and no motive has been determined at this time.
Both investigations are active and ongoing with the Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group.
