My Journey in the Newspaper Industry

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (AUGUST 21, 2025)–My journey in the newspaper industry began in 1968 when I took on part-time roles at our family’s publications, The Gloucester City News and The Camden County Record. During this time, I also worked at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, delivering mail to residents in Gloucester City, Bellmawr, and Brooklawn.

In 1978, I made the significant decision to leave my position at the post office to fully immerse myself in journalism as the editor of both newspapers. This opportunity allowed me to shape the voice and direction of the publications, connecting with local readers and covering important stories in our community.

Continue reading →

Cleary’s July 2025 Cheers and Jeers

**CHEER**-Congratulations to Brooklawn Police Chief Shamus Ellis, who has announced his retirement. Ellis began his career as a Class 11 officer in 1998. He thanked the governing body, past and present, for their help. “Together, we hired additional officers, introduced new programs such as the Resiliency Officer and Employee Assistance Program, improved our community outreach efforts, and secured state-of-the-art equipment to better serve our residents.” And, thanked residents and business owners for their support.

**CHEER**—At the Gloucester City Council caucus meeting on June 16, 2025, the mayor and council convened in a closed executive session to address a troubling bond default by Think Pavers Hardscaping LLC (Think Pavers). This contractor, entrusted with the crucial Hudson Street Sewer Rehabilitation Re-Bid project valued at $565,500, has fallen woefully short of the expectations outlined in their contract, leading to a default on the performance bond. Just a week later, during the council meeting on June 23, the council took decisive action, authorizing the city solicitor to file a claim for the defaulted maintenance bond. Think Pavers has completed other contractors such as installing fresh asphalt on Johnson Blvd. Jogging Park and executed various projects throughout the city.

Continue reading →

New Basketball Court for Three Corner Park ; A Look Back at the Playground’s History

William E. Cleary Sr. | Clearys News Journal

Slam Dunk Upgrades at Burlington & Middlesex Streets

The basketball court at Burlington and Middlesex just got another round of improvements! The blacktop has been resurfaced and painted, and new netting has been added above the fencing to keep the game going strong. The whole 3 Corner Park area is really coming together—it’s looking better than ever and adds a nice boost to the neighborhood. As activity continues to grow west of Broadway, these upgrades help set the stage for even more good things to come.

ANGELS PLAYGROUND–In January 2007, the playground located at Three Corner Park in Gloucester City was refurbished and renamed Angels Playground in honor of the three Slack children who tragically perished in a fire on July 4, 2002, at the intersection of Broadway and Mercer Street. Regrettably, the area has experienced acts of vandalism, including the destruction of the Angels’ Welcome sign and the defacement of playground equipment with graffiti. The reasons for the failure to replace the sign remain unclear.

Continue reading →

PEYTON AND ME MEANDERING: Street Sweeper Broken, Honor Deptford Officer, New Businesses, Submarine Races

Gcity’s STREET SWEEPER IS BROKEN–The photo captures a moment earlier this week at the intersection of Sparks and Little Ridgeway Streets, just after the Gloucester City Street Sweeper made its rounds. Unfortunately, this $100,000-plus machine, which should be maintaining the city’s cleanliness, is making the streets dirtier than they were before the sweeper passed. It raises an intriguing question: Why hasn’t Public Works Superintendent Alex Tedesco, with an annual salary of $121,000, taken the necessary steps to repair such a vital piece of equipment? Furthermore, as one observes the superintendent’s pickup truck, it’s curious that there aren’t any markings declaring it as part of Gloucester City Public Works. This absence only adds to the mystery surrounding the city’s approach to maintaining the city sweeper that costs nearly half a million dollars.
Continue reading “PEYTON AND ME MEANDERING: Street Sweeper Broken, Honor Deptford Officer, New Businesses, Submarine Races” →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

Gcity’s STREET SWEEPER IS BROKEN–The photo captures a moment earlier this week at the intersection of Sparks and Little Ridgeway Streets, just after the Gloucester City Street Sweeper made its rounds. Unfortunately, this $100,000-plus machine, which should be maintaining the city’s cleanliness, is making the streets dirtier than they were before the sweeper passed. It raises an intriguing question: Why hasn’t Public Works Superintendent Alex Tedesco, with an annual salary of $121,000, taken the necessary steps to repair such a vital piece of equipment? Furthermore, as one observes the superintendent’s pickup truck, it’s curious that there aren’t any markings declaring it as part of Gloucester City Public Works. This absence only adds to the mystery surrounding the city’s approach to maintaining the city sweeper that costs nearly half a million dollars.
Continue reading “PEYTON AND ME MEANDERING: Street Sweeper Broken, Honor Deptford Officer, New Businesses, Submarine Races” →

Peyton and Me Meandering

BH Diner Anniversary, The Wall, Cafe Crema, Holt Changes Skyline

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BLACK HORSE DINER! –On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Black Horse Diner, a cherished local eatery situated at 152 North Black Horse Pike, proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the diner treated its loyal customers to a generous 30 percent discount on their meals, accompanied by a stylish Black Horse Diner T-shirt, adding a festive touch to the day.

Since opening its doors on June 23, 1995, the Black Horse Diner has become a beloved cornerstone of the community, known for its warm atmosphere and classic diner fare. Over the years, it has built many memories and relationships with patrons who return for hearty breakfasts, comforting lunches, dinners, and sweet late-night treats.

In a heartfelt message, the owners expressed their deep gratitude to the community: “We want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for letting us serve you over the years. In the fast-paced world of business, we sometimes neglect to convey just how much you mean to us. Please know that your support is never taken for granted. Our mission has always been to please and satisfy, and serving you is not just a job; it’s a true joy.”

Names Behind High Salaries of Gloucester City Dept. Heads Listed

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (JUNE 16, 2025)(CNBNEWS)–During the caucus meeting on June 16, 2025, Gloucester City Mayor Dayl Baile and the City Council members reviewed two ordinances and an extensive list of 16 resolutions. Among these, one resolution, titled “Designating Salaries for Employees Serving in Titles with Salary Ranges,” demanded attention. This document is a crucial step toward transparency in public salary expenditures, shedding light on how taxpayer dollars are spent.

While it deliberately omits specific employee names, the resolution still offers a salary breakdown by title that allows citizens to understand exactly how their funds are being utilized. CNBNews took the initiative to connect some names to the titles outlined in the resolution, pulling information directly from the City’s website to enhance public awareness.

It must be emphasized: the government does not possess its own money. Therefore, it is nothing less than unacceptable to obscure how taxpayer money is allocated to city employees. The incongruity of not including employee names in these reports raises serious questions about accountability and transparency. We demand clarity—as we stated in a recent article about employee salaries, “Where is the transparency?” This recent resolution, while a step forward, must not be the end of the conversation; the mayor and council must commit to greater openness moving forward.

Continue reading →

CNBNews Cheers & Jeers

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

JEER-Four years of Joe Biden and the Progressive Democrats in Washington, and this is the result. The illegal immigrant is standing on top of a destroyed Los Angeles police car holding a Mexican flag on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The criminal is dressed like a character from a Mad Max movie with skulls on his pants and a skull mask. President Trump has authorized the deployment of U.S. Marines from the 29Palms military base. The City of Twentynine Palms, California, in the southern Mojave Desert, is the home of Joshua Tree National Park headquarters and north entrance and proud host of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the world’s largest Marine Corps training base.

Gloucester Catholic baseball players douse Coach Dennis Barth after he chalked up his 600th game. His team beat St. Thomas Aquinas, winning the NJSIAA Non-Public B Baseball Championship. (photo Scott Faytok | courtesy of NJ Advance Media)

Continue reading →

CNBNews Opinion: A Full-Time Gloucester City Administrator is Needed Now

Three years ago, on April 27, 2022, CNBNews had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Morrell, Gloucester City’s acting administrator and Police Chief, about the city’s approach to abandoned vehicles. During our enlightening conversation, he shared important insights about enforcement, explaining that the responsibility lies with the City Housing Office rather than the police department. It’s fascinating to note that, although abandoned vehicles aren’t technically classified as a crime, the city’s ordinance implies otherwise. When we discussed if an amendment was made to the original ordinance, Morrell honestly admitted he wasn’t sure, which added an interesting layer to our dialogue.

Continue reading →

Letter to the Editor

Former Gloucester City Mayor Robert S. Bevan

(Independent) released a statement on Monday, May 11, 2025, calling for the end of Gloucester City’s part-time City Administrator role and for the position to be filled with a full-time administrator. Bevan stated that the city administrator position was created in 1987 when the Independent Party held the majority. Due to the sudden departure of City Administrator Jack Lipsett, Police Chief Brian Morrell was appointed as the temporary city administrator by former City Mayor Daniel Spencer, five years ago, at the end of December 2020. Lipsett was named administrator in 2008.

Continue reading →

What does blight like this say about Gloucester City? “Some have no community pride.”

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 8, 2025)(CNBNews)–THE three vehicles were moved to 241 S. Broadway by the property owner, a Philadelphia resident, in 2022. At that time, he alleged that parking officials in Philadelphia were going to fine him if he didn’t remove them, and that was the reason he relocated them to Gloucester City. That same individual threatened CNBNews with a lawsuit in 2022 for taking pictures of those cars from the street. According to public records, the owner is Father & Son Enterprises LLC. The property was purchased in 2008 for $147,500, with property taxes assessed at $7,614 on a value of $151,900. Some businesses that have occupied the property over the years include Gloucester Auto, owned by Bud Goldy, and Towne House Florist, owned by Charles Sarlo. [photo credit CNBNews]