GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 23, 2025) CNBNews Editor’s Note--Today, we received a complaint from a resident of Gloucester Towne who was upset about the destruction of Christmas decorations that the local community had put up. According to this individual, employees from the Public Works Department arrived at the site on November 21 and dismantled the holiday display. The resident claimed that the employees informed her that the order to remove the decorations came from Brian Morrell, the Chief of Police and City Administrator, as well as Mayor Dayl Baile. The resident expressed confusion over why such an order was given and noted that there had been no prior communication with the property managers or the residents regarding the removal of the decorations. “The people living here used their Social Security checks to pay for these ornaments and trimmings,” she stated. Additionally, she mentioned that the mayor and city council members were contacted on Friday, November 21, but as of today, Sunday, they had yet to receive a response.

Cleary’s Notebook News has submitted an OPRA request to the City’s Custodian of Records in order to seek transparency regarding the puzzling removal of festive decorations at Gloucester Towne. The resident we spoke with is a concerned resident who contacted us to share that for the past three years, residents have been allowed to adorn the area with holiday displays. The pressing question for city officials is: why are residents now prohibited from setting up their cherished Christmas decorations? What led to this unexpected change, and why were residents not notified of the new rules?

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Dear Mr. Cleary,

I am writing to bring to your attention the unfortunate incident that occurred on November 21, 2025, involving our Christmas display at Gloucester Towne. On that day, employees from Public Works arrived at our apartment complex and removed the Christmas decorations we had put up. They did not notify the office manager or any of the residents about any violations of ordinances or laws regarding these decorations. The residents had used their limited funds to purchase these decorations, and instead of giving us a warning or allowing the apartment manager to address the issue, they destroyed everything without notice.

Despite sending a complaint letter, no one in authority has responded. It seems that the “Grinch” is living in Gloucester City. We aimed to beautify the city and foster community spirit, but it is disheartening when those in charge disregard our efforts.

On November 21, I stepped outside the Gloucester Towne senior apartments to find a city trash truck and several individuals tearing down our Christmas decorations along the fence in our parking lot. I was informed that the chief of police had instructed them to remove the holiday decorations. Not a single person came inside to speak with the office manager or any resident. Instead, they purposefully destroyed our decorations, with some items even being stomped on. For what reason? Will we be reimbursed? Did the holiday decorations offend someone?

I find it disgraceful and distressing that a city striving to enhance its reputation and overall appearance would choose to dismantle something that harmed no one. There was little to no explanation given, merely that they were instructed to do so. We have decorated the outside of the building for over three years; why is there an issue now in 2025? I have personally witnessed the positive impact these holiday decorations have had on the residents, bringing joy and cheer during the season. The funding for these decorations comes from the residents’ Social Security and retirement funds as we try to make this place feel like home.

For the city to come and destroy our property without any prior notice or permission is simply unacceptable. If we needed permission from the city to decorate the fence in our parking lot after all these years, it should have been communicated to us beforehand, allowing us time to take the decorations down. Instead, they chose to use force and show disrespect toward individuals who have done no harm to the city. Many residents appreciated being able to contribute to the beauty of a lawn that they no longer have access to while living in these apartments. There are certainly more pressing matters for the city to address than a collection of colorful holiday decorations outside of a senior home.

Best regards,

The Residents of Gloucester Towne Senior Home Apartments

Property Details

To accommodate families with 3 to 6 members, the community offers 15 three-bedroom homes throughout Gloucester City. Additionally, there are activities planned for residents regularly and an On-Site Social Service Coordinator helps connect elderly residents with assistance providers and services.

Amenities

• On-site management and maintenance offices
• 24-hour on-call service for emergencies
• Conveniently located within walking distance to stores, banks, and public transportation
• Community spaces for resident use
• Planned activities for the community
• On-Site Social Service Coordinator to connect elderly residents with assistance providers and services in the community
• Resident newsletter
• Emergency pull cords in bathrooms and bedrooms
• Pet Policy: 1 pet allowed. Dogs must be under 30 lbs. Cats must be less than 12 lbs and must be de-clawed.
• Utilities: Residents pay for heat and electricity.

Gloucester Towne

101 Market St, Gloucester City, NJ 08030