BROOKLAWN, NJ — The Brooklawn School District will receive more than $6 million to modernize and upgrade Alice Costello Elementary School, following the Camden County Improvement Authority’s successful issuance of $6.29 million in Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds.
February 03, 2026
County officials say the investment will address long‑needed improvements to the school’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient learning spaces for students.
“This project reflects Camden County’s commitment to investing in education, strengthening community assets, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments for our children,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., liaison to the CCIA. “I applaud the CCIA, Brooklawn Borough, and the Brooklawn Board of Education for their steadfast commitment to improving Alice Costello Elementary School, ensuring student success for years to come.”
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What the Funding Will Cover
The financing package will support a wide range of capital upgrades at Alice Costello Elementary, including:
Classroom and facility renovations
Heating, cooling, and ventilation improvements
Modernized building infrastructure
Code and safety‑related repairs
Officials say these improvements will help extend the life of the school building while providing students and staff with a healthier, more reliable environment.
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A Cost‑Saving Approach for Local Schools
CCIA Executive Director Jim Lex emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the authority’s ability to help local governments and school districts finance major projects at reduced cost.
“This agreement highlights the CCIA’s capacity to assist municipalities, non‑profits, and community organizations in their capital investments by providing a cost‑saving alternative to traditional municipal bonds,” Lex said. “We are excited to support the Brooklawn Board of Education Project and look forward to seeing the improvements made through innovative funding available for schools that need code and safety repairs.”
The project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
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About the Camden County Improvement Authority
The Camden County Improvement Authority is an independent public agency created by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The authority provides low‑cost financing, economic development services, and project management for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations. Its mission includes supporting redevelopment, employment growth, affordable housing, and capital projects that improve quality of life throughout Camden County and other eligible areas of New Jersey.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ {CNBNEWS} FEBRUARY 9, 2025.–A new single‑family home is rising in the Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City—on a lot that has been vacant for decades. The property at 16 Stites Avenue sits on a 5,001‑square‑foot lot, and the two‑story home with an attached garage will span 2,986 square feet when completed. The asking price is $500,000.
The Zillow listing promotes the house as a modern build with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a finished basement, and a deck overlooking the backyard. Buyers are offered the option to customize finishes. Taxes, the listing notes, are “TBD.”
The half‑million‑dollar price tag raises a larger question: Is Gloucester City’s housing market now out of sync with the community’s economic reality?
About a year ago, Zillow identified Gloucester City as one of the communities “dangerously close to a housing price correction.” At the time, prices were rising faster than local incomes, investor activity was increasing, and distressed properties were piling up. A year later, many of those warning signs remain.
Recent data shows the city’s median home value hovering between $240,000 and $270,000, depending on the source. Prices have risen modestly, but homes are taking longer to sell—an average of 46 days on the market, compared to just 18 days the year before. Price cuts are becoming more common, and public records show hundreds of liens and dozens of pre‑foreclosures over the past year.
Compared with neighboring towns, Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive markets in the region—yet also one of the most strained. Bellmawr, Westville, and Gloucester Township all have higher home values and stronger demand. Even Brooklawn, the closest comparison, sees homes selling faster and with fewer signs of distress.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
From the Zillow advertisement:
What’s special
Welcome to 16 Stites Avenue, a thoughtfully designed new construction home offering modern comfort, flexible living spaces, and refined finishes throughout. This impressive residence features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bath, a fully finished basement, and an attached one-car garage, delivering an ideal balance of functionality and contemporary design. Buyers have the opportunity to customize select finishes—please inquire for details.
The main level showcases a bright, open-concept layout that is perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Abundant natural light fills the living and dining areas and flows seamlessly into the well-appointed kitchen, designed to serve as the true heart of the home. Modern finishes and an efficient floor plan provide both style and practicality. The fully finished basement offers valuable additional living space, ideal for a family room, home office, fitness area, or entertainment space. Upstairs, the private bedroom level features generously sized bedroom
s, including a primary suite with ample closet space and a private en-suite bathroom. Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious deck overlooking the backyard—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Additional highlights include quality craftsmanship throughout and a layout designed to complement today’s lifestyle needs.
Situated in one of Gloucester City’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home is conveniently located near parks, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, including Route 130 and Route 295, with easy access to Philadelphia bridges—placing Center City Philadelphia just 15 minutes away. This is a unique opportunity to personalize and own an exceptional new construction home. Schedule your private showing today. “Taxes are not $1 and are TBD. Taxes and square footage are the responsibility of the buyer to have verified.”
This comparison shows a clear pattern: Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive towns in the region — yet also one of the most economically strained. Neighboring towns with higher prices have stronger demand, newer housing stock, and fewer signs of distress. Even Brooklawn, the closest match, sees homes selling far more quickly.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
U.S. planning major military base upgrade in Greenland amid diplomatic crisis, officials say U.S. troops on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, and military strike takes out another ISIS leader.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS)(JANUARY 13, 2026)—Sixteen years ago, in 2010, we wrote a story about the number of rental properties, which included an interview with Housing Officer Joe Stecklair. Prior to the interview with Stecklair, we submitted an OPRA asking how many rental properties there are in Gloucester City. Who are the biggest landlords? How much money does the city receive from rental properties, and other questions. Ten days later, CNBNews received a 46-page list containing the names of landlords and the addresses of rental properties, along with other information.
We updated those numbers in 2022.
To write an current story on housing situation, we submitted an OPRA on December 9, 2025, to Vanessa Little, the City’s Custodian of Records, asking for the same information we requested in 2010 and 2022 . On January 5, 2026, nearly a month after submitting our request, we received an answer. Instead of the 46 pages of information we received in 2010, we received two pages with numbers scribbled on both pages. We also received 83 pages containing addresses of homes located in the City. There was no explanation why the Custodian of Records emailed those addresses to us.
Gloucester City occupancy rates
According to data released by https://www.point2homes.com/in September 2025, there are 4,117 occupied housing units. However, the recent pencil information from the Custodian of Records states there are 3,639 or 478 fewer.
The same website, point2homes.com reveal that there are 4,117 occupied housing units in Gloucester City, 56.9% are owner-occupied, while 43.1% are occupied by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes or 443 properties on the local market sit vacant. Gloucester City is home to 11,465 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Gloucester City locals are male, and 49.4% are female.
In 2015 The Obama administration passed a law pertaining to illegal immigrant minors. They have to be read their rights (a minor immigrant understands his rights?) The law goes on to detail their rights as food, clothing, and shelter and a ton of other rights the average citizen doesn’t have. Last year, 2021, The Biden Administration updated the law. Read the next sentence very carefully! The update specified that the government had to supply illegal immigrant children with “baby formula and milk.” The Washington Post wrote the article with a “see, there’s no problem – we’re just following the law.”
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS RECEIVE GOLD STAR BENEFITS-Families in the United States are struggling to find formula for their babies. And, when they do find it the prices are astronomical.
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GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 15, 2022)–Just about everyone knows that there is a baby formula shortage. Many of you are experiencing it. What is happening? This is America and every day we look more like a third-world country rather than the richest and most powerful nation in the world.
So, what is the story behind the story with the formula shortage? Let’s start with a few facts. The United States makes 98% of the formula we use. This is a good thing; it keeps jobs in America and we have much more control over the quality and distribution of the product. The majority of formula is used by WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) recipients. The federal government has a contract with Abbott Company to supply the formula for WIC and SNAP (formerly food stamps) administrated through the states. The states give a “discount” to Abbott et al. up to 85% This is very profitable for Abbott and the federal and state governments don’t really care because it is “We, the People” who pay for it.
Each year between and four babies are reported with infections from a bacteria called cronobacter sakazakii. Never before has a plant been closed. The closest I was able to find for the number of babies who became ill this year was four. Two babies recovered and two died. So, at some point the government closed the plant for inspection. This was the right thing to do. However, I could only come to an inspection date between January 31, 2022 and March 18, 2022. What was the time span between the disclosure of the problem, the decision to close the Michigan plant, the inspection and conclusion? We don’t know.
At the point it was determined to close the plant there should have also been a plan for an alternate source of formula. There are other U.S. based companies; but there is no evidence that this was done. We have to be more careful than usual because these are our babies, not IPhones or clothes, etc. In the past it was found that the Chinese were putting melamine into their formula. We grey hairs remember unbreakable dinnerware called Melmac which was taken off the market because it caused…yes, cancer. Where we get the replacement formula is essential but did anyone look right here in America?
According to the Washington Examiner, May 13, 2022 the inspection is complete, the results are in but the Food and Drug Administration won’t specify the exact criteria for full approval to re-open Abbott’s Michigan plant. The inspection found some of the bacteria but none in the processing area. Samples of the formula were completely free of the bacteria. Everything sounds good.
Bacteria, like humans and all other living things, has its own DNA. Scientists were able to determine that the bacterial DNA in the babies did not come from the closed plant. So why hasn’t the FDA provided a date or even criteria for a full opening?
This is where you have to take off your scientist’s hat and put on your lawyer’s hat. On May 12, 2022 the Washington Post issued a headline about the “faux outrage” over this supposed problem. The term “faux outrage” is outrageous in itself but the article went on to say there is no real formula shortage. “They” were just following the law. Fortunately, The Post printed excerpts from the law. In my opinion, for what that’s worth, it all has to do with politics and money. Here’s what happened:
In 2015 The Obama administration passed a law pertaining to illegal immigrant minors. They have to be read their rights (a minor immigrant understands his rights?) The law goes on to detail their rights as food, clothing, and shelter and a ton of other rights the average citizen doesn’t have. Last year, 2021, The Biden Administration updated the law. Read the next sentence very carefully! The update specified that the government had to supply illegal immigrant children with “baby formula and milk.” The Washington Post wrote the article with a “see, there’s no problem – we’re just following the law.”
President Biden can solve the problem with the stroke of a pen. I am usually against Executive Orders. I feel Presidents use them to make law that would normally not get through Congress. In this case I am exasperated that President hasn’t already signed an executive order to alter the “formula or milk for illegal babies” to “Give the illegals formula or milk after all the citizen and legal resident babies have been fed.”
Vehicle burglaries and stolen vehicles are on the rise again! This week, the Brooklawn Police Department investigated multiple vehicle burglaries. All the vehicles were left unlocked.
AS A REMINDER: Criminals look for easy targets. You can make it more difficult for them by following the 9PM routine of locking all vehicles! Many vehicle burglaries occur as a result of vehicles being left unlocked.
On December 16, 2025, at the age of 79. Of Brooklawn. Formerly of Gloucester City. Survived by his daughters, Stephany Sersen (Jason), Tiffany Brake (Jeff) and Bethany Frederick; and his 6 grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, Grover “Bud” Goldy and Florence Goldy (nee Wilke).
Grover was a graduate of Gloucester High School and went on to receive his associates degree before starting to work in the family business, Gloucester Auto Supply. He proudly served our country in the U.S.M.C during the Vietnam War. Grover was a longtime member of the Brooklawn American Legion Post #72.
Nationwide, American Legion posts are hosting watch parties for the Dec. 13 ‘America’s Game’, which will be broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.
For the second straight year, The American Legion is the official veterans organization and associate sponsor of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. The game will be broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 13.
And across the nation, that broadcast will be shown in American Legion posts that are hosting watching parties. Posts are inviting both their American Legion Family members and the community to watch “America’s Game” while learning more about the organization’s mission and programs.
For more than a month posts have been sharing their watch party plans on the Army-Navy Game section of our national website. It’s not too late to share you plans.
William J. Crothers, 44, of Florida, Former Resident of Gloucester City
Cape Coral, Florida (March 10, 2020)–William Joseph Crothers, 44, a resident of Cape Coral for the past 3 years, formerly of Mickleton, NJ, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020 in Cape Coral. He was born on September 12, 1975 in Woodbury, NJ.
William was of the Catholic faith. He was a bull in a china shop with a golden heart. His big, burly stature could not mask the teddy bear inside of him. His thunderous voice was heard by everyone, and no one could depict if they were being welcomed or scolded. When William was not working, you could find him at the Matlacha Bridge with a rod in his hands. While fishing, he enjoyed snapping photos of the beautiful scenery, and sending it to the relatives saying, “I live where you vacation.”
He loved to spend time with his family and friends and would do anything possible to ensure that they were safe. Not only a father of his two children, he served as a public parent within the baseball community. Whenever another kid needed guidance he was there to listen and suggest a proper path. Within his early stages in high school, William knew that his career path was to follow his father’s footsteps and become a police force. At the ripe age of seventeen, he actively pursued his dream of becoming a member of law enforcement and took his first police exam. In 1996, he successfully achieved his goal of becoming a member of the Brooklawn Police Department. He quickly amassed the respect and friendship of a large number of local officers. In 2001, he transferred to East Greenwich Police Department, and had the opportunity to increase his professional opportunities, and he became head of traffic investigation and firearms instructor. He quickly rose to a Patrol Sergeant in July of 2013.
His knowledge of police procedures and the law was widely recognized, and it was not uncommon for officers of various ranks to ask for his guidance. After retiring from the force in 2017, he moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He spent his time as a beach patrol officer. He soon realized that he missed police work, and he joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in February 2019. Other officers quickly recognized his capabilities and was accepted into their brotherhood. Bill seemed to amass friends wherever he went. People recognized Bill for three things: An outstanding family man, An outstanding officer, and a terrible fisherman.
He is survived by his two loving children, Alexander Crothers and Austin Crothers, both of Cape Coral; parents, Bill and Donna Crothers of Deptford, NJ; one brother, Jeffrey Crothers (Alicia) of Mr. Ephraim, NJ; one sister, Dana Like (Brandon) of San Diego, CA; former wife, Kimberly Crothers of Cape Coral; five nieces and nephews, Gabriel, Ava, Amelia, Aurora and R.J; predeceased by his grandparents John Gogolin, Lillie Gogolin, Harry Crothers; Uncle Jack Gogolin, and survived by his Aunt Dot Gogolin; cousins Scott, Dawn, and Shawn; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert Watson (Robin) of Cape Coral; as well as the two huskies, Kona and Sanibel.
A time of visitation will be held 4:30 – 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33916.
Memorial Contributions in memory of William Crothers, are suggested to the College Education Fund for Alexander and Austin Crothers. Donations to be directed through Mullins Memorial c/o William Crothers, 1056 NE 7th, Cape Coral, Florida
Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home
& Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
The Brooklawn Police Department responded to the area of 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue for a report of a male attempting to enter parked vehicles. The caller provided officers with home-surveillance video capturing the individual pulling on multiple car door handles.
A male matching the description was located a short time later in the 100 block of Pennsylvania Road. Upon contact, the suspect refused officers’ commands and fled on foot, attempting to hide in several locations. Ofc. Blackiston ultimately located the individual concealed under a U-Haul truck. He was safely taken into custody and identified as Eric A. Hunter (DOB 03/28/1982).
with Stecklair, we submitted an OPRA asking how many rental properties there are in Gloucester City. Who are the biggest landlords? How much money does the city receive from rental properties, and other questions. Ten days later, CNBNews received a 46-page list containing the names of landlords and the addresses of rental properties, along with other information.
