Gloucester City, NJ(August 30, 2021)(CNBNews)— The November 2 election in Gloucester City will have three different groups offering candidates for the positions on the council that are open. When Mayor Dan Spencer resigned suddenly in April, he still had a year and a half left on his four-year term. His resignation set up the following chain of events. Democrat Councilman at large Pat Keating stepped down from his position and was appointed to the mayor’s seat until this November’s election. The fact that there were two unexpected openings on the council seems to have got two former mayors with different philosophies thinking about getting back in the arena.
Those two mayors are Bob Bevan, who was elected in the 80s to two terms as an independent, and Charles (Chuck) Billingham, who was elected in the mid-90s as a democrat.
Former Gloucester City Mayor Robert Bevan’s candidate for Pat Keating’s council-at-large seat is Sarah O’Brien; she is very involved in a youth program called Community Rocks, which teaches art and music to kids, according to Bevan. Continue reading “CNBNews Archives: Gloucester City’s Nov. 2 Council Race”→
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.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 31, 2026)(CNBNews)–Electric scooters and electric bikes have flooded into Gloucester City and surrounding towns, and the results are becoming harder to ignore. What began as a convenient way to get around has quickly turned into a safety problem for anyone who uses our sidewalks, jogging paths, or neighborhood streets responsibly.
The danger isn’t theoretical. On my daily walks with Sweetie, I’ve had kids on these motorized bikes come up behind us without a sound. These machines make no noise, so you can’t hear them approaching until they’re already on top of you. More than once, a rider has blown past us at high speed, leaving no time to react. In one instance, a teenager on an e‑bike came straight at the dog and me, expecting us to move aside. I was forced to step off the path or be hit. That’s not “sharing the road”—that’s intimidation.
Recently, we also heard of an electric scooter allegedly striking a pedestrian at the Johnson Boulevard Jogging Track in Gloucester City. That didn’t surprise us. We’ve watched riders whip around that park as if safety rules apply only to someone else. Not long after, we saw a motorbike racing down the sidewalk toward the Market Street Wawa before cutting directly into oncoming traffic. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing pattern of reckless behavior that puts innocent people at risk.
CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The family of 12-year-old Xavier Taylor, friends, teammates, and community members gathered outside Cooper University Hospital Saturday night for a prayer vigil. The family said they believe in the power of prayer and are hoping for a miracle.
As of today, the patient remains in critical condition. This past Tuesday, Xavier was walking back to the dugout when an errant throw hit him in the back of his neck. The ball was thrown by another player before the game had begun.
Greg Taylor, his father, said in an interview with CBSNews Philadelphia, “Right now, he’s in extremely critical condition, currently on a ventilator, and we’re just so touched and blessed by all the prayers and thoughts and well wishes and kind donations that everyone’s been giving him over the last couple of days.
Taylor is a pitcher and shortstop for his team.
“Our youngest son brought a pair of shoes for him the first day we got here and said these are for Xav when he comes home because he’s walking out of here dad,” said Greg, Xavier’s father. Taylor said Xavier is obsessed with baseball and is happiest on the field. He’s on three teams, collects and sells baseball cards, and recently got more than 200 player signatures on a trip to Florida for spring training.
Xavier always had a bible verse written on his baseball hats and their family is holding on to their faith.
The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating three separate incidents that occurred across the city over the last 24 hours, leaving one man dead and two others injured.
The first incident took place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 10:38 PM, when 26th District officers responded to a domestic stabbing on the 2000 block of North 6th Street; a 42-year-old male victim reported that a verbal dispute over a charger escalated until his 16-year-old son stabbed him in the arm. The father was transported by police to Temple University Hospital in stable condition, and the juvenile suspect was taken into custody by the East Detective Division, with formal charges pending.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Cleary’s Notebook News)–Anyone who is a regular viewer of Cleary’s Notebook News knows by now that one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing a torn, ragged American Flag flying on a flagpole, or any other type of pole. The flag on the left is located in front of 637 Division Street. The other flag is located at the Johnson Blvd. sports complex near the Gloucester City Water Works. Memorial Day is not just the time to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. It is also the time to remember those who fought and died for you and I. The flag should be displayed with respect and care. It is typically flown from sunrise to sunset, but can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated. The flag should never touch the ground and should be replaced if it becomes tattered.
Flying the American flag is a meaningful way to show respect for the nation and its values, while also commemorating the sacrifices made by those who have served. By now, everyone knows that we will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31. Hopefully, by then, the torn flag near the Water Works property and the tattered flag at the 637 Division Street will be replaced with new ones.
Holding Officials in Gloucester City & South Jersey Accountable Since 2006
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
JEER-YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW
Early Sunday morning, May 3, around 3 AM, a vehicle flipped over at the intersection of Thompson Avenue and Harley Avenue. CNBNews immediately reached out to Gloucester City Police Lt. Jason Flood for basic information about the crash. As of today, no response.
Residents deserve timely updates about serious incidents in their neighborhoods — not silence. Transparency shouldn’t require repeated requests or public shaming.
(Photo courtesy of JerseyNews.)
CHEER–New Flag for St. Mary’s Cemetery
The tattered, torn American Flag that flew over Old St. Mary’s Cemetery has been replaced with a new one. We first notified St. Mary’s Rectory about the flag approximately two years ago, and were directed to contact the curator of the New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr, which we did. CNBNews alerted them numerous times over the past 12 months, and this time we were successful.
CHEER—Emergency Alert System Installed at Johnson Blvd. Jogging Track
An emergency alert system has been installed at the Johnson Blvd. Jogging Track. Kudos to the Gloucester City mayor and council for approving the purchase and the installation of the equipment.
JEER-Verizon Trucks Block Market Street Sidewalk Near Cold Springs SchoolCampus
On April 27, 2026, around 10 AM, two Verizon trucks were parked directly across the Market Street sidewalk, just feet from the entrance to the Cold Springs School Campus. The larger truck sat idling with no driver inside, a violation of both state and local traffic laws. The exhaust fumes were overwhelming, and pedestrians were forced to step into the street to get around the blockade. What makes us mad is the fact that the drivers of these vehicles are so inconsiderate of the school children and other pedestrians who use the sidewalk daily, coming and going to the nearby elementary school and the high school.
This isn’t a one‑time problem. Verizon operates an office at that location, and trucks routinely block the sidewalk. What remains a mystery is why local police enforce street‑sweeper violations with enthusiasm, yet ignore commercial vehicles obstructing sidewalks and running engines illegally. Public safety shouldn’t depend on who’s behind the wheel.
CHEER-Firefighters Battle Massive Brush Fire in National Park
On Saturday morning, April 11, the Gloucester County Emergency Management issued an alert about an extremely large brush fire burning in National Park near the Sunoco Refinery property. Smoke plumes were reported as far south and east as Glassboro and Washington Twp. The smoke could be seen as far as the Walt Whitman Bridge. Thank you to all of the firemen and emergency personnel involved in fighting the fire.
JEER-$40,000 Pickup Truck for the UEZ Director
JEER-$40,000 Pickup Truck for the UEZ Director
We continue to wonder why the mayor and council spent $40,000 to buy a 2025 Ford F-150 for UEZ Director Lori Ryan. Is the City so rich that it can afford to spend your tax dollars needlessly? Lori Ryan is the current UEZ Coordinator and Director of Community Development for the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). She manages the district’s incentives and business development programs, including facade and signage grants. Why would that position suddenly require the purchase of a pickup truck? Previous coordinators never had one. You have a right to know!
CHEER—Gloucester City Marks America’s 250th Anniversary
The City of Gloucester has decorated the Municipal Building, 512 Monmouth Street, for the country’s 250th Anniversary. The decorations look very nice.
JEER—Judge Apologizes to Man Accused of Attempting to Assassinate President Trump
Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui (above, far right) gave the government until the next day to update the court on where Allen would be held at the Washington, D.C., jail. “Whatever you’ve been through, I apologize for the prior week,” the judge said to Allen, according to USA Today. The latest man charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump received an apology from the judge in his court appearance Monday, May 4. Attorneys for Cole Allen claimed in filings revealed during the hearing that the suspect had been wrongfully placed on suicide watch and denied access to a Bible.
JEER—$550,000 Spent on the Abandoned PNC Bank With No Plan
In 2024, the Gloucester City mayor and council spent $550,000 to buy the abandoned PNC Bank at 500 Monmouth Street. They had no plans for the property, but they spent your money anyway. At times, the governing body has acted as if they are playing Monopoly. Were you aware, Mr. and Ms. Taxpayer, that you have funded the purchase of over 200 properties? This governing body continues to frivolously spend taxpayers’ funds without any explanation or public input. Today, the former PNC property remains empty. PNC left the City in 2023. SEE RESOLUTION: https://www.cityofgloucester.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5381/f/uploads/132-2024.pdf
Why didn’t the mayor and council ask the city taxpayers for their opinion? After all, it was their money that was being spent to purchase the building.
A search on the internet revealed an article about another community that purchased a PNC property that was also being sold for $550,000. But they invited their residents to a meeting to discuss the purchase. They were able to buy it for less than the asking price. Read: Commission Meets on Purchase of PNC Bank Building.
JEER—Seminar Highlights Ongoing Language Barriers Recently, an organization held a seminar to show Spanish-speaking communities how to use WhatsApp to communicate better. Liberal New Jersey is a sanctuary state; as such, it comes as no surprise that people are living here who can’t speak English. To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, applicants must demonstrate an intermediate level of English proficiency, which includes the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Our Irish forefathers arrived in America in 1892. Although our great-grandparents couldn’t speak a word of English, they persevered and became U.S. citizens. Other nationalities, such as Italian, Germans, Poles, etc., did the same. Why is it that Spanish-speaking people and some other nationalities haven’t succeeded in learning our language?
JEER — Trash Overflowing at the Railroad Right‑of‑Way
The area along the Conrail right‑of‑way near Market Street is once again littered with mattresses, tires, and construction debris. Residents report calling Public Works for months with no response. Illegal dumping continues because enforcement is nonexistent.
JEER — Broken Streetlights on King Street Still Not Repaired
Several streetlights between Monmouth and Somerset have been out for more than six weeks. Residents have reported them repeatedly. Dark streets invite trouble — and the City should know better.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Gloucester City taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and basic competence from their government. CHEERS to the residents and workers who keep this community moving forward — and JEERS to those who treat public money like a private checkbook.
BENSALEM, PA (CNBNEWS)(April At 8:53 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Bensalem Police responded to the parking lot at Parx Casino regarding an unattended child inside a vehicle.
Leola Dualuqua, age 37
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-month-old child in the backseat of a locked vehicle that was not running, with the windows closed. The child appeared to be sleeping but was visibly sweating, as outside temperatures were in the mid-80s.
Officers were able to gain entry to the vehicle and safely remove the child. The child’s father was contacted, and Bensalem EMS transported the child to St. Mary Medical Center, where he was evaluated and later released to his father.
VINELAND, NJ (Cleary’s Notebook News)(April 7, 2026) — The Vineland Police investigation into the death of Philadelphia Christian Pastor Lance Warren on New Year’s Eve concluded on Friday, April 3, 2026, resulting in the arrest of Donald Hunt Jr., 34, of Pittsgrove. Hunt had been free since the accident, pending the outcome of the accident investigation.
Gloucester City Firefighter Settles Lawsuit for $45K
Written by William E. Cleary Sr.
JEER — To the ongoing dysfunction inside the Gloucester City Fire Department
A recently settled lawsuit revealed allegations of harassment, retaliation, and hostility toward an injured firefighter, ending in a $45,000 payout by the city. The details paint a picture of leadership problems that taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for.
The source for the $45,000 payout by Gloucester City is a March 27, 2026, report by Transparency NJ, written by open‑government advocate John Paff. The article details the settlement of a lawsuit filed by firefighter Kyle Jeffries, (photo) who alleged disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the Gloucester City Fire Department. The city agreed to pay $45,000 to resolve the case — $23,804 to Jeffries for emotional distress and $21,196 for attorney fees.
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Key points from the documented settlement
The lawsuit stemmed from a June 2023 training injury and the firefighter’s subsequent treatment while on light duty. In his lawsuit, Kyle Jeffries, who began working for the department in 2014, alleged that he sustained a ruptured nerve in his spine leading to his left leg during a swift water training exercise in June 2023. He alleged that after reporting the injury and seeking medical treatment, he was placed on light-duty status but faced hostility from both supervisors and coworkers.
Allegations included hostility from supervisors, delayed workers’ comp paperwork, and retaliatory shift changes.
The settlement was finalized in August 2025, but publicly reported in March 2026.
The city did not admit wrongdoing, but paid the settlement to close the case. The mayor and council never said a word to the taxpayers who footed the bill for this case.
