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CHEER–GIVE PUDGE’S PUB A TRY
We had lunch today at Pudgy’s. A delicious cheesesteak with fried onions and mushrooms on a seeded roll. It was big enough for two people, and the price was very reasonable. For an appetizer, Connie and I picked clams casino; the filling was delicious. Give them a try; you won’t regret it.
JEER — To Public Works supervisors across South Jersey
Twelve days after Mother Nature dumped 10 inches plus of snow on the region, many street corners still look like miniature Alps. Pedestrians trying to cross the street are forced to climb over frozen piles because the corners were never cleared. And while the snow will eventually melt, the sewer grates buried under those same mounds won’t magically unclog themselves. When the thaw comes, the water will have nowhere to go — creating the same flooded intersections we see after every storm.
In years past, public works crews used front‑end loaders to remove these piles. This year, the silence is deafening. Where are the supervisors who are supposed to oversee this work, and why aren’t they making sure the basics are being done?
—CHEER — To the neighbors who stepped up when the city didn’t
Across Gloucester City, Brooklawn, and Westville, residents grabbed shovels and snowblowers to clear sidewalks, dig out fire hydrants, and help elderly neighbors get to their cars. These are the people who keep small towns functioning when municipal departments fall short.
Read more: CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEWS
JEER — To the motorists who treated the snowstorm like a NASCAR qualifier
Despite warnings, too many drivers sped through slush‑covered streets, fishtailed around corners, and ignored stop signs. Several near‑misses were reported around Market Street and also on Nicholson Road. Snowstorms don’t suspend the laws of physics.
—CHEER — To the Gloucester City Library staff
Even with the storm, the library remained a warm, steady presence. Staff kept operations running smoothly, answered calls, and helped residents access online resources when schools closed. A small team with a big impact.
—JEER — To the businesses that still haven’t cleared their sidewalks
It’s not optional — it’s the law. Yet several storefronts along Broadway and the surrounding blocks remain untouched days after the storm. If residents can shovel, so can commercial property owners.
—CHEER — To the volunteer fire companies
From Bellmawr to Westville, volunteers responded to calls throughout the storm, navigating icy roads and freezing temperatures. Their dedication deserves more recognition than they ever receive.
JEER-We were surprised to see the sidewalks around Old St. Mary’s Cemetery on Market Street, Brown Street, and St. Mary Street still not cleared of the snow. As a result, pedestrians are forced out into the street. Because the Market Street sidewalk is a primary route for students walking to and from the high school, the risk of serious injury is real. Why isn’t the City Police Department citing the cemetery’s owner? Why isn’t the City Police Department citing the residential property owners who haven’t cleared their sidewalks?
CHEER- AT LAST, THE MOUNDS OF SNOW ARE BEING CLEARED
Public works employees were seen in several communities on Wednesday removing snow from business districts. In the past, snowstorms and cold weather like we’ve been experiencing dominated our winters. John Lincoln and, later, Harry Dunn, who served as Gloucester City Street Superintendents at the time, would have workers clear the snow mounds left by snowplows as soon as the storm ended. A front-end loader and a dump truck would be used to clear snow from the Monmouth Street Business District, making it easier for people to park and shop in that area. Other workers would be clearing snow from storm drains to prevent melting snow from flooding the streets. They would also clear snow from the ends of sidewalks near cross streets left by the snowplows. The DEP issued this alert: After storm events pass, municipalities should clear any blockages of snow or debris on storm drain catch basins. This helps prevent localized flooding caused by melting snow. Please take appropriate precautions when clearing stormwater infrastructure. FURTHER INFORMATION HERE
JEERS — 45 YEARS OF RIVERFRONT PROMISES, STILL NO PROGRESS
Talk of redeveloping Gloucester City’s Delaware River waterfront began in the early 1980s, when a North Jersey developer pitched a grand plan called Hollywood East. It promised movie studios on King Street, marinas, restaurants, and condos across 109 acres. But when the city asked for proof of financial backing, the developer refused unless he was put in charge of the entire project. The deal collapsed. Then came 2006, one month before the November election. The incumbent Democratic council unveiled Gloucester Vista, essentially the same waterfront dream minus the movie lots. But when Independent Democrats James, Brophy, and Marchese won, their investigation revealed the truth: the land was so contaminated with industrial waste it would take a decade just to clean the toxins. Taxpayers learned the project wasn’t shovel‑ready — it wasn’t even safe.
Meanwhile, Gloucester, England, is breaking ground on new waterfront housing and social spaces. Here at home, we’re still breaking promises.
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CHEER — TOM HOMAN ADDRESSES PUBLIC SAFETY AND CONTINUITY
Tom Homan, the designated Czar of Homeland Security, held a press conference today outlining federal plans to maintain order amid the unrest in Minneapolis. He announced that 700 ICE personnel will be redeployed to another state, while the remaining officers will continue their duties. Homan emphasized that federal operations will not be disrupted by the demonstrations and that agencies will stay focused on their mission despite attempts to interfere.
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CHEER — GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND SHOWS WHAT WATERFRONT VISION LOOKS LIKE
Across the pond, Gloucester Docks is moving forward with a six‑story building containing 141 rental flats, plus a refurbished warehouse turned into a social hub with a gym, games area, parcel room, and reception. Two older industrial buildings will be demolished to make way for the project.
—It’s remarkable how our sister city finds ways to build, while our own waterfront has been “in development” since the Reagan era.
CHEER — LŌLA BRINGS NEW ENERGY TO HOBOKEN’S WATERFRONT
LŌLA, a stylish new waterfront restaurant and lounge, opens Friday, February 6 in Hoboken. Executive chef Bud Carter (formerly of The Butcher’s Block) is leading a menu built around steak, seafood, handmade pastas, and rotating weekly specials. The cocktail program promises creative spins on classics.