By Albert Countryman Jr.
The staggering economy has been the big story of 2008, with the U.S. government finally admitting the nation was in a recession all of this year.
This has affected local people who have lost jobs and are struggling to make ends meet.
It has also hurt local businesses, making it harder to survive.
The budget process for town governments and school boards will be increasingly difficult.
However, there have been some bright spots.
The new Gloucester City Middle School, which is now a vacant lot minus 68 homes and two businesses, will finally be built.
Governor Corzine has asked the N.J. School Development Authority to begin building and renovating schools as a measure to upgrade the economy.
Developers and builders have been feeling the credit crunch, but there are still several projects — including 29 new townhomes at the former Coast Guard Pier on the Delaware River.
Here is the NEWS’ annual Year in Review:
JANUARY
3 – Gloucester City Mayor William James said at last week’s City Council meeting that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection has approved the City’s application for designation as a Brownfield Development Area.
Winners of Bellmawr’s Eighteenth Annual House Decorating contest were honored by Mayor and Council at their December 20 meeting.
As of press time, Westville Mayor Michael Galbraith was a home recovering, and feeling better.
District gets ready for HSPA test with a prep program offered to all eleventh graders.
10 – Gloucester City Mayor and Council held the 139th annual reorganization and Sine Die meeting.
The Gloucester City UEZ held a workshop at the Dining Car Depot to unveil a new plan to help promote businesses in the community. The meeting was hosted by Gina Dunphy, UEZ coordinator.
Gloucester City Mayor William James, beginning his second year in office, delivered his 2008 State of the City address during the reorganization meeting.
Three new police officers were appointed during last week’s meeting by the Mount Ephraim Board of Commissioners.
Two Council members were sworn in as members of the Westville governing body on January 2.
17 – Police Chief, Deputy sue City, the two chiefs took legal action against the Mayor and Council because the City did away with longevity pay perk that has been in existence for years.
A resident asked the Gloucester City School Board why the December meeting was not on Channel 19 during the Board’s January meeting.
Mayor John Soubasis officiated at the swearing in ceremonies for reelected Councilwomen Rosemarie Boulden and new Councilman Gregory Boulden during the reorganization meeting.
The Gloucester City Business Association presents Howard Clark Communication and Channel 19 with the \”Man of the Year\” award for his hard work and dedication to the association and the community.
24 – Felicia Mikels, 17, formerly of the 800 block of Mercer Street in Gloucester, was the apparent victim of murder on the evening of January 18.
In an effort to further revitalize the Gloucester City waterfront, Mayor and Council were looking for developers and builders who want to play a part in the effort.
Several members were sworn in during last week’s brief meeting of the Gloucester City Planning Board.
Anthony Wojtkowiak, 21, of Gloucester, a senior in the School of Communications at the University of Miami, covered the state of Florida as a MTV Street Team Reporter from January 14 to November 15.
31 – In a classic cross-town battle before a packed gym the Lady Lions scored the final seven points of the basketball game to defeat Gloucester Catholic, 45-38.
Public Service Electric and Gas stopped installing new electrical poles along Market Street and Broadway.
The Gloucester City Tree and Beautification Committee presented at state award to City Council during their last meeting.
Gloucester City Council presented Resolution of Appreciation to three residents during the meeting – James McNamee, Mark Maise and Bruce Parry.
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