Category: CHEERS AND JEERS

CNBNews August Cheers/Jeers

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

State announces partnership to build new Edgemoor port terminal | Delaware Public Media

Image of the proposed container terminal in Edgewood, Delaware.

JEER—Affiliates of Gloucester City-based Holt Logistics Corp. filed a lawsuit last month seeking to block project approvals granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Delaware’s proposed container terminal in Edgemoor, a working-class community along the Delaware River just northeast of Wilmington. In 2024, Philadelphia port interests successfully persuaded a federal judge to invalidate a Corps permit authorizing the same project. Critics contend that the latest lawsuit is intended primarily to prevent the emergence of a new competitor.

RELATED: THE HOLT FILES: From a 1981 Wetlands Violation to Today’s Battle Over a $1 Lease

 

CHEER— Delaware’s taxpayer-owned Diamond State Port Corporation requested new approvals, which the Army Corps granted in April. Massachusetts-based Enstructure has announced it is moving forward with the $669 million Edgemoor container terminal project, located on the site of a former DuPont chemical plant. The development is expected to create thousands of construction, warehouse, and longshore jobs for the region.

JEER— Earlier this year, Holt Marine Terminal successfully blocked a South Korean shipbuilding company from establishing operations at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. The Paulsboro Marine Terminal is owned by the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC), a state entity, and operated by Holt Logistics Corp. through its subsidiaries, Gloucester Terminals LLC and Paulsboro Waterfront Development LLC. The influence the Holt family wields in the shipping industry is undeniable. To many outside observers, that level of power raises serious concerns.

CHEER— According to a 2025 economic impact study by the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey, the port industry supported nearly 580,000 jobs in 2024, generated approximately $18.1 billion in tax revenue, and accounted for $57.8 billion in personal income and $163.7 billion in business income throughout the region. It would be interesting to see whether an independent organization conducting a similar study would reach the same conclusions.

JEER— Why was the Holt Dynasty placed in charge of the Paulsboro facility? In hindsight, that decision appears misguided. The family has accumulated enormous influence and wealth throughout the region’s port industry. Based on recent events, it seems the Holt Family is intent on controlling port operations along the Delaware River, from Wilmington, Delaware, to the Packer Avenue and Gloucester City terminals.

Critics argue that such dominance stifles competition and free enterprise.

Consider what has happened along the Gloucester City waterfront and in the neighborhoods bordering the massive terminal. Increased noise, pollution, declining property values, and the deterioration of quality of life on the city’s west side are consequences many residents attribute to giving the Holt organization broad authority with limited oversight.

RELATED: AI Review of Holt Marine Terminal and its Effect on Gloucester City’s Waterfront

CHEER— It was exciting to see a family of deer last week at Johnson Boulevard Jogging Park. The journey those animals must have made to reach that location without being struck by a car or truck is remarkable. Credit goes to Mother Nature’s resilience and adaptability. (CNBNews photo credit)

JEER— A Barnegat woman accused of operating a boat while intoxicated during a Memorial Day crash that killed her son has been released pending trial. The 59-year-old faces charges including second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, and reckless operation of a vessel stemming from the May 25 incident.

Above architect drawings of the townhouses. Terraces are at the front of the buildings on the fourth floor. Photo Credit: Developer’s plans submitted to the Camden Planning Board

CHEER-George Norcross III, along with his partners, has proposed to build 78 high-end townhouses near the Camden City waterfront. TAP INTO CAMDEN reported that the group is scheduled to go before the City’s planning board next month. Eighteen of the townhouses are projected to sell for about $500,000. possibly mixed-use residential/commercial project could be the development of the former Riverfront State Prison site on the north side of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

JEER-In November the Holt Logistics and Cresmont Limited Partnership filed another civil action against the City of Gloucester and the Gloucester City Planning Board. The Holt and Cresmont lawsuit is an attempt to stop the construction of two large multi-use buildings at the former US Coast Guard property on King Street. The Coast Guard abandoned the property in 1986 and moved into a new base on the Philadelphia side of the river.  According to a rumor, Holt is against the development because the buildings would block his office view of the river. 

Mark Matthews, editor of the 42 Freeway blog,  and former Cleary’s Notebook News reporter, remarked that Holt Logistics, wanted to revoke the redevelopment designation of the property in an effort to invalidate the project’s approvals. This would be their third complaint regarding the Redevelopment Plan.

The Gloucester City project, known as Meridia on the Pier, is proposed for 101 South King Street. The development would transform approximately 4.5 acres of undeveloped waterfront land—extending into the Freedom Pier area—with two large mixed-use buildings.

RELATED: THE HOLT FILES: PART TWO

Seeing Eye Dogs | The Seeing Eye Organization

CHEER—Peggy Grow, a Seeing Eye Trustee, Puppy Raiser, volunteer, and Heritage Society member, has raised 15 puppies with her husband, Steve, since starting as a volunteer in 2003. She also volunteers at the Chester Campus, where the next generation of Seeing Eye puppies are born, and she assists with Town Walks, where puppy raisers can watch the puppy they raised work with an instructor in harness. She stated, “I love being part of an organization that strongly advocates for the rights of people who are blind. The staff is deeply dedicated to this mission, which allows volunteers to feel supported in all ways. It is an honor to be a part of a community that is always teaching, creating, and sharing. If you would like more information about planning a legacy gift to support The Seeing Eye’s future work, you can visit legacy.seeingeye.org or contact Lauren Knolmayer at lknolmayer@seeingeye.org.”

Deer Family Enjoying Johnson Blvd Jogging Park

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (August 20, 2026)–Today, around 1 PM, Connie and I were driving on Klemn Avenue heading towards U.S. Route 130. She yelled, “Look at the deer!”

“Where! Where!” I replied.

I had to back up a couple of feet before I saw them. Two fully grown doe’s and two spotted fawns were walking lazily about like they didn’t have a care in the world.

In recent years it is not that unusual to see deer in the Gloucester City.

Some of those sightings we have reported on include a large buck seen at the Lane Avenue playground. A Hunter Street resident reported that a deer was walking in the street past his house. A buck was hit at the railroad crossing on South Broadway near the Brooklawn border. A fawn that tried to jump the spike cemetery fence on Market Street didn’t make it and died. When walking near the back of GHS there are always deer tracks. Some of those tracks are big. To see these four deer out in the open at 1 PM in the afternoon was a pleasant surprise.

How did they get there?

We suggest they came from Newton Creek, which is on the other side of the trees in the photo. Deer can swim.

THE HOLT FILES: PART TWO

1980s Federal UDAG Program: Did It Help Gloucester City?

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

The Urban Development Action Grant program was introduced to Gloucester City residents in 1984. People living near the marine terminal at the time were against the idea from the very start. Several public meetings hosted by the mayor and council were held beginning in 1984. At those meetings, residents spoke about why they were against the expansion of that facility. At the time the Holt Family was just beginning to build their monstrous facility.

Gloucester City News article written by William E. Cleary Sr., published October 10, 1985

That program was promoted in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. The purpose was to help distressed cities attract private investment, create jobs, and redevelop blighted industrial or commercial areas. UDAGs were awarded competitively and required substantial private‑sector participation. HUD’s regulations describe the program’s core mission as assisting cities facing severe economic distress by stimulating economic activity needed for recovery. 

The public’s objections included:

Continue reading “THE HOLT FILES: PART TWO” →

The Holt Files: Part One

The Holt Family Arrives in Gloucester City

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEWS PHOTO

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Holt Marine Terminal encompasses 125 acres of Gloucester City waterfront property.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(August 3, 2026)--Driving from North Broadway onto Hudson Street recently, it was hard not to see the giant cranes blocking the skylight as you got closer to the Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City. Some of those cranes that towered over the Mill Block properties, located between King Street and Ellis Street, were 20 stories high. There was a constant humming noise emitted from the terminal as we drove on Ellis Street towards Mercer Street. 

You have to wonder how the people who reside so close to this terminal deal with the seven-day-a-week operation.  When a container ship carrying fruit, meat, or some other commodity arrives, residents in the area are given no consideration. Their only choices are to move or sleep with a pillow over their heads. 

Presently, the City has signed an agreement with a real estate developer who plans to build 350 apartments at the former Coast Guard Base, about 100 yards from the marine terminal. The Holt family is fighting the proposal. Their lawsuit claims that the development plan, which would be built just feet from Holt’s office building, would interfere with their operation.

59 YEARS AGO HOLT ARRIVED IN GLOUCESTER CITY

In 1967, Leo A. Holt Sr., the father of Thomas Holt, purchased 37 acres of the former New York Ship property. Interested in the same property at the time was the Camden County Municipal Utlities Authority (CCMUA). Gloucester City Mayor Vince Daily fought against the CCMUA moving into his community. Thank God for Mayor Daily. That agency processes roughly 58 million gallons of sewage every day at its main plant in South Camden. People living near it claim the smell coming from their property is sickening some days.

RELATED:

HOLT FAMILY NOT LIKED BY LONGSHOREMEN

Holt was an independent truck driver serving Mom and Pop stores. Holt Motor Express had 10 trucks. And they owned 11 warehouses around the Philadelphia and Camden City area. Leo Holt Sr., died in 1968. After his death, his sons took over Holt Motor Express and expanded into the stevedoring business.

THE HOLT FAMILY’S RECENT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE GLOUCESTER MARINE TERMINAL

Continue reading “The Holt Files: Part One” →

Gloucester Firefighter Shines in HYROX Contest

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

See VIDEO

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.”

Continue reading “Gloucester Firefighter Shines in HYROX Contest” →

CNBNEWS: July Cheers and Jeers

By William E. Cleary Sr

CHEER–Audubon Family Park Improvements

Camden County awarded Audubon Family Park a $25,000 grant for upgrades and maintenance, supporting safer and more accessible recreation for local families. 

JEER—Rip and Boomer Dead…WHY?

UPDATE: A Salem County Sheriff’s Office sergeant is facing charges after prosecutors allege he left two K-9 partners in a hot vehicle for seven hours, resulting in their deaths. …

The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of the deaths of Rip and Boomer, who died together while on duty on Friday. The dogs were brought to an emergency veterinary hospital in Delaware, where they were pronounced dead, Miller told NJ.com. The circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed.

Read More: Investigation underway for K9 deaths in Salem County | https://nj1015.com/salem-county-k9s-deaths/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

CHEER-Groundbreaking of the Camden County LINK Trail

Audubon is part of the newly launched 34‑mile LINK Trail, a major regional project that will give residents a safe, scenic route for walking, biking, and running. Construction on the Audubon–Haddon Heights segment began in March and is expected to finish by year’s end. 

JEER-Gloucester City’s Public Buildings in Disrepair

We have $50,000 plus to purchase a new truck for the Gloucester City UEZ director. Yet, the Police Administration Building, the Municipal Building, and the Water Department storage tanks are all in need of painting. At the water works, one of the glass windows is broken, plus a broken-down trailer bed has been lying beside the property for a decade or more. The mayor and council are well aware of these maintenance issues.

CHEER-Audubon Civic REACH Community Leadership

The nonprofit umbrella group continues to energize civic life, celebrating the grand opening of the Audubon Historical Society Museum and organizing community events that strengthen local pride. CHEER- So happy that those driving E-bikes and E-scooters will have to be licensed and wear a safety helmet. Plus they need to have insurance. 

JEER-What can be done about 637 Division Street?

Continue reading “CNBNEWS: July Cheers and Jeers” →

Trump’s Administration Scores Major Supreme Court Win

26, 2026

SUMMARY-The article describes the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. The article also highlights the Trump Administration’s efforts to end the catch-and-release policy, expedite deportations, and crack down on sanctuary cities.

The Supreme Court has delivered a major victory for American sovereignty, ruling that the Trump Administration has full authority to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. The Biden Administration weaponized TPS as a backdoor amnesty to flood the country with millions of unvetted migrants — and that loophole is finally closed.

This is the latest decisive win in President Donald J. Trump’s relentless effort to end the border invasion and put American citizens first.

The Trump Administration has made 60 changes in border rules since being elected :

Continue reading “Trump’s Administration Scores Major Supreme Court Win” →

Gloucester City Power Outage Weather Related, said PSE&G

UPDATE: The power outage was not the reason why electricity was lost in the Riverview Heights section of the city, according to a spokesperson for Public Service Electric and Gas.

iStock graphic

Kathy Hennessy Riley, PSE&G Corporate Communications, said the cause was weather-related. “I wanted to clarify that the traffic light pole that was struck at Broadway and Market Street was not the cause of the local power outage that affected the Riverview Heights section of the City on Monday night.

The outage, which affected approximately 2500 customers, was weather-related. Crews worked to safely identify and address the issue and restore service to affected customers as quickly as possible.”

A thunderstorm was happening in Gloucester City and the surrounding area when the power outage occurred.

RELATED :https://gloucestercitynews.net/2026/06/local-power-outage/

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!

CNBNews Archives:…BARNARD AVE WORK DISGRACEFUL

Peyton and Me Meandering Through Gcity and Beyond…

By William E. Cleary Sr.

Covering The South Jersey, Philly Region and Surrounding Communities

 

February 27, 2023

THE DONKEY PATH —

DOES ANYONE KNOW? Why has it taken over six months to repave Barnard Avenue in Gloucester City? It can’t be weather related since this winter has been mild. There have been weeks when no construction work was done on the street. According to Barnard

Regarding the Barnard Street repairs, Brian Morrell, the acting City Administrator/Police Chief, promised the residents living on that DONKEY PATH that the work would start at the beginning of January 2022. However, the long-overdue work didn’t begin until September 2023, nine months later. Residents have been putting up with the dirt and dust from the construction crews all this time. On Monday, January 30, another infrastructure crew dug up the street again. 

That street, along with others in the Riverview Heights area, has been neglected by the past and present Democratic mayor and council for decades. The incumbents have no competition, so they have no need to live up to their promises. Which explains why the streets in this area and across the City have been patched so many times. Gigantic holes in these streets with water pouring out of them are a common occurrence.  

                                             

Continue reading “CNBNews Archives:…BARNARD AVE WORK DISGRACEFUL” →