Category: BROOKLAWN

Tips & Snippets: Trash Blockade, Flood, Sign Sez, Brooklawn Celebrates, No Power Again

Written By Cleary’s Notebook News Staff

CNBNEWS PHOTO

TRASH BLOCKS SIDEWALK—Why would those responsible for blocking the sidewalk with trash think that this was acceptable? A week ago, on Monday, Sweetie and I were walking on South Broadway towards Brooklawn. We tried to get past the blockade of trash in the photo, but it was impossible. We were left with no other choice but to risk our lives and walk onto nearby Broadway. Fortunately, traffic was light. One has to wonder about the people who piled the trash on the sidewalk that way. Surely they had to see that they were blocking the pathway for pedestrians. Unfortunately, as we travel through our City we have come upon more incidents of people who have no consideration for their neighbors. Their grass needs to be cut, their trash cans are placed in their front yard, and derelict cars with no license plates or registration stickers are parked on their property.

Photo courtesy of Gloucester City Historical Society.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–Following a heavy summer rainstorm, youngsters played in the contaminated water that overflowed from the sewers, flooding Market Street and nearby Broadway. Residents in that neighborhood told Cleary’s Notebook News that they saw feces floating on top of the water. The exact date of the photo is not known.

RAW SEWERAGE BACKS UP INTO HOMES IN CAMDEN AND GLOUCESTER CITIES-The Courier Post reported recently that it would cost over $400 million to fix the flooding in Camden City and Gloucester City. In the meantime, raw sewage will continue to back up into homes and flows down city streets. The untreated wastewater spills into watersheds and seeps into popular recreation spots like Cooper River, which is regularly used by rowing teams but is too dirty to swim in. In Gloucester City the raw sewerage can be seen flowing into the Delaware River even on sunny days.

A heavy rainstorm on July 6, 2026, dumped almost four inches of rain in an hour and caused Camden County’s sewer system to back up, causing floods and over 150 calls for emergency help, officials said.

Videos posted online showed flood waters breaching storefronts and basements.

Camden County says it now has a plan to fix the longstanding issue, but it’s going to take more than a decade to complete and a huge sum of money to pull off. The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), a government agency located in South Camden, is responsible for wastewater treatment and regional sewage management. Since the 1970s, Camden County residents have paid that agency millions of dollars to fix the sewerage problem and flooding. When it was first proposed, the CCMUA was going to build its wastewater treatment plant in Gloucester City, where the Holt Marine Terminal is today. READ MORE

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James “Jim” DiAmore, Longtime Pharmacist, and Friend to Many

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

*Jim and Karen

BROOKLAWN, NJ (July 19, 2026)(CNBNews)— James “Jim” DiAmore, age 77, longtime pharmacist and friend to generations of residents, passed away on July 15, 2026, following a long illness. Jim was a unique personality — blunt, direct, and sometimes misunderstood by those who didn’t know him well. But beneath that gruff exterior was a man defined by generosity, loyalty, and quiet compassion.

A Life of Service to His Community

Jim devoted decades of service to the Brooklawn Fire Department, often driving the ambulance and responding to emergency calls late at night. He supported local police, youth sports teams, and was frequently the first to offer financial help to Brooklawn and Gloucester City residents who had fallen on hard times. He didn’t talk about the good he did; he simply did it.

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Four Men Charged for Attempting to Lure Underage Girls

Four men from Camden and Gloucester counties were arrested and charged with attempting to meet with an underage girl to engage in sexual conduct after chatting online, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.
Richard Williamson, 69, of Sewell, and Daniel Henderson Jr., 38, of Lindenwold, were both charged with 2nd – degree Attempting to Lure a Child, 2nd – degree Attempted Sexual Assault of a Minor, 2nd – degree Attempted Prostitution with a Minor, and 3rd – degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Additionally, they were each charged with two counts of Engaging in Prostitution (a disorderly person’s offense).

Gilbert Wylen, 69, of Audubon, was charged with 2nd – degree Attempting to Lure a Child, two counts of 2nd – degree Attempted Sexual Assault of a Minor, 2nd – degree Attempted Prostitution with a Minor, 3rd – degree Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor, and 3rd – degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was also charged with two counts of Engaging in Prostitution (a disorderly person’s offense). Theodore Haviland, 52, of Woodbury Heights, was charged with 2nd – degree Attempting to Lure a Child, 2nd – degree Attempted Sexual Assault of a Minor, and 3rd – degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

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Rest in peace, Jim.

The Brooklawn Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim DiAmore, a longtime friend and unwavering supporter of our department and the Brooklawn community.

For many years, Jim served our community as a trusted pharmacist, always greeting everyone with kindness, compassion, and a genuine willingness to help. His dedication to caring for others extended far beyond his profession, touching the lives of countless families throughout Brooklawn.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, compassion, and community pride will continue to live on.

Rest in peace, Jim. 💙

Gloucester Firefighter Shines in HYROX Contest

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (June 20, 2026)–Gloucester City Firefighter Jack Driscoll participated in a HYROX contest held recently in Stockholm, Sweden. Jack is a Gloucester City native who graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School. He placed second in the World Wide contest in the Overall and Age Group.

Afterwards, Driscoll said, “I went all in on the sport this year and had some big goals written down before the season started. I wanted to win a pro race and won five. I wanted to make it to the start line of an Elite 15 race and made it to two, one in solo and one in doubles. I wanted to podium at Worlds, and pulled a hard-fought 2nd out of the best of the best.

“Thank you to my family and friends for all the support this year, especially my girlfriend Erika Tvedten I couldn’t do it without you all. And thank you to all the people who have cheered me on at races and online all year! Time to build better for next year.”

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Another Marijuana Store Arrives in Gloucester City

This will be the second cannabis dispensary to open in Gloucester City. The first, BluLight, operates out of the former O’Donnell’s Bar and Restaurant at 401 North Broadway.

Residents living near the former Pat’s Select Pizza say they’ve complained for months about the tall weeds surrounding the property, calling it an eyesore. Behind the building sits a pile of trash. One neighbor told CNBNews, “Hopefully, now the property will be maintained.”

In 2020, New Jersey voters approved a statewide referendum legalizing adult‑use cannabis. Of the state’s 564 municipalities, 211 allow some form of licensed cannabis business, and more than 160 specifically permit recreational retail sales. Local zoning rules vary widely, meaning not all “opt‑in” towns allow every type of cannabis license, according to reporting by The Patch.

BluLight Dispensary

New Jersey’s legal marijuana industry now includes more than 300 dispensaries statewide, but because many towns banned retail sales, these businesses are clustered in municipalities that embraced the new market.

Gloucester Township: A Case Study in Cannabis Revenue

Gloucester Township, which has five dispensaries, has publicly touted the financial benefits. Under state law, 2% of each cannabis sale goes directly to local taxes.

Township Council President Orlando Mercado reported that cannabis retailers generated $38,960.60 in local sales‑tax revenue in 2024. That figure jumped to $232,753 in 2025, he said during a council meeting. Gloucester Township began permitting licensed recreational dispensaries in 2021, one year after the statewide referendum. The first shops opened in the summer of 2023.

The following cannabis retailers are currently operating (from oldest to newest:

  • MPX NJ: opened summer 2023 at 581 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Sicklerville
  • HoneyGrove: opened summer 2023 at 1337 Blackwood-Clementon Rd., Clementon
  • Flower & Flame: opened March 2024 at 601 College Dr., Blackwood
  • Blackwood Wellness: opened last September at 816 N Black Horse Pike, Blackwood
  • Quality Cannabliss: opened last month at 1610 N Black Horse Pike, Blackwood

A sixth dispensary, Unity Rd., was approved by local officials two years ago, but it hasn’t been built. It will be located at 2751 Sicklerville Rd.

Gloucester City’s Food Trucks and Fireworks To Be Held Thursday

Last Updated: July 1, 2026 – 2:40pm

This year, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will launch from barges on the Hudson River.

Alamy

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (July 1, 2026)–The Gloucester City Celebrations Committee announced today, Wednesday, July 1, that after much deliberation, the City Food Trucks and Fireworks event WILL be held Thursday, July 2, as scheduled. 

With the forecast of oppressive heat and humidity predicted for tomorrow and throughout the weekend, the GC Celebrations Committee together with our Office of Emergency Management and Mayor and Council have had long discussions about whether or not to hold tomorrow’s event. Please be assured that we took all factors into consideration.

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Brooklawn – Westville Fireworks June 27th

The Borough of Brooklawn will be Celebrating the 4th of July along side of Westville, with a Firework Display, DJ, Food Trucks and a Face Painter. The Festivities will be on June 27, 2026 begin @ 6pm. The event will take place down at the Waterfront.

Brooklawn to Celebrate the Fourth Of July Along Side Westville

Multi‑Million‑Dollar Upgrade for Alice Costello Elementary School

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

BROOKLAWN, NJ (CNBNews) (June 13, 2026) — Groundbreaking ceremonies for the multi‑million‑dollar enhancement project at Alice Costello School were held Friday, June 12, on the school grounds at 301 Haakon Avenue. Dr. Samuel A. Rosetti, Superintendent of Schools, served as host for the event.

Dignitaries in attendance included State Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr., Camden County Commissioner Jonathan L. Young Sr., Mayor Jerry “Skip” Grandstrom, School Board President Michele Cecilio, and Architect Bob Garrison.

Two seventh‑grade students, Geoffrey Gettings and JJ Meehan, also participated in the program. Gettings led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Meehan delivered the student address. His comments are below.

The facilities improvement and modernization project is being funded through a strategic partnership utilizing the Camden County Improvement Authority’s Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds (Series 2025).

“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, families, and community,” Dr. Rosetti said. “The facility upgrades will allow our school to continue serving as a place of learning, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”

The Brooklawn Borough School District has officially launched a $6,290,000 modernization initiative scheduled throughout 2026 at Alice Costello School. Supported through the CCIA financing program, the project reflects the district’s commitment to providing a safer, more sustainable, and high‑performance learning environment.

Critical infrastructure upgrades will address essential components of the school’s physical plant, including advanced building automation systems (BAS), comprehensive electrical improvements, and modern architectural design‑build enhancements. District officials say these improvements will deliver immediate benefits in environmental quality, operational efficiency, and updated safety protocol

Good afternoon, everyone! I’d like to welcome our school board members, teachers, parents, neighbors, and fellow classmates. 

My name is J.J. Meehan, and I am a 7th grader here at Alice Costello School. It is an absolute honor to stand here today as we break ground on a massive upgrade for our school. 

When you’re in 7th grade, you spend a lot of time thinking about the future—high school, sports, and what you want to be when you grow up. But today, our town is investing $6.3 million directly into our future right here in these classrooms. 

We aren’t just getting a few cosmetic fixes. This project is bringing top-tier technology to ACES. We’re talking about smart building automation systems that control the climate, flat LED lighting that helps our planet save energy, and high-tech air purifiers in our classrooms to keep us all healthy and focused. 

As students, our school is like a second home. When our community invests in making it safer, cleaner, and more modern, it tells us that our education matters. It inspires us to work harder. 

Even though I’ll be graduating soon, I am so proud that this project will leave a lasting legacy for the younger grades and the future students of Brooklawn. 

Thank you to the Brooklawn Board of Education, the Camden County Improvement Authority, Dr. Rosetti, ACES staff, and everyone in our community who made this historic day possible. Now let’s dig in!