On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Essex St will be closed to all traffic beginning at 7:00 AM for approximately 24 hours due to Conrail repairing the railroad crossing. Essex St will be closed from Broadway to Railroad Ave (North). All tractor trailer traffic should use the Exit 4, Holtec Blvd, from I-76. There will be no open truck routes from Collings Ave. See map for detours and closures.
Category: GLOUCESTER CITY
Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!
Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion
This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.
Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.
Read more: Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.
For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.
A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.
Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.
**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**
Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.
The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.
**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**
This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.
**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**
A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.
*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI
ROAD CLOSURES IN GLOUCESTER CITY HALLOWEEN DAY
On Friday, October 31, 2025, the following roads will be closed to all traffic from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM to accommodate the anticipated large crowds celebrating Halloween along the 800-900 blocks of Monmouth Street:
– Monmouth Street from Railroad Avenue to Johnson Boulevard
– Brown Street from Bergen Street to Somerset Street
Our officers will be on-site to address any issues that may arise, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration for everyone.
CNBNews Editor Recalls the Newark Uprising
William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News
EDITOR’S NOTE: On August 30, Typepad, the host of our blog for the past 20 years, announced that they were shutting down its business on September 30. We had 70,000 articles posted on its site; they gave us four weeks to move the articles to a new host, or they would be lost forever. We will be republishing many of the old articles in the weeks and months ahead. The Newark article first appeared on August 1, 2024.
NEWARK, NJ (August 1, 2024)(CNBNews)–Although the Newark riot in 1967 happened 57 years ago, the memory of that time is still fresh in my mind. The 50th memorial anniversary of the Newark riots was remembered on July 12, 2017. Some of us who were there called it “The Battle of Newark.” The five-day conflict broke out on July 12, 1967. Soldiers from South Jersey who belonged to the 50th Armored Division,1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Jersey Blues,” were called early in the morning on that day to report to their respective armories either in Woodbury or Pitman. The same call was being sent to Guardsmen stationed at other armories in New Jersey.
Continue reading “CNBNews Editor Recalls the Newark Uprising”Please Don’t Text and Drive
William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNEWS)Oct. 24, 2025)—Sweetie and I were walking in the field across from the Cold Springs today. It was around 8 AM. She was off lead and was healing on my left side. A vehicle came out of nowhere and brushed my right side leg.. When Sweetie saw the car, she ran towards Cold Springs Drive. Fortunately, she came when I called her. I hooked her to her lead and approached the woman, who was still on her computer, and knocked gently on her window. When I explained to her what had happened, she apologized several times.
Read more: Please Don’t Text and DriveDespite being so close to me that her car brushed my right leg, the woman said she never saw me.
Neither Sweetie nor I was hurt. Things could have been much worse. During my walks along Cold Springs Drive, I have noticed numerous people texting while driving on that street.
Thank you, God! For protecting both of us.
Free Rabies Vaccinations – Gloucester City
Bring your pets and take advantage of this complimentary service! Proof of residency required. All cats and dogs are welcome, help keep our community safe and healthy.
Saturday October 25, 2025, between 10 am and 12 pm at the Community Center, Nicholson Road, Gloucester City.
Missing Juvenile Xaiver McGuinness of Gloucester City
Xavier McGuinness is a missing juvenile out of Gloucester City last seen on 10/18/2025. His last known whereabouts was Rowan University in Glassboro. Please call Det Bryszewski with any information 856-456-7797.
Mary Jane Goheen, 82, of Gloucester City
Gloucester City – Mary Jane Goheen, Age 82. Of Gloucester City passed away at Cooper Hospital in Camden on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and the late Henrietta (nee Dunn) Richards. Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 40 years, John Goheen and a niece; Heather, four nephews; Raymond, Ryan, Bobby, Todd and great-nieces; Victoria, Julia, Gia, Deven, Riley, Bella, Emily Jane and great-nephew, Bobby. Mary Jane was also predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Ralph.
Mary Jane was an employee of the Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over forty years since graduating from Gloucester Catholic High School. She was past president of Professional Secretaries International, Camden Chapter. Mary Jane was a devoted parishioner of Saint Mary’s R.C. Church in Gloucester City where she was longtime director of St. Mary’s Saints and Singers. She served as a delegate to the New Jersey Governor’s Library Study Conference and was a member of the Bishop’s Family Life Commission of the Diocese of Camden. Mary Jane was one of four recipients of the YWCA Career Achievement Recognition Award in 1984.
Relatives, friends, former and current Delaware River Port Authority employees are kindly invited to Mary Jane’s visitation on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:15 to 11:15 am at St. Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 am in the church. Inurnment to follow in New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. No Evening Visitation. Family requests in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mary Jane’s name to St. Mary’s R.C. Church at the above address. Please write in memo: Mary Jane Goheen.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Mary Jane Goheen. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ. Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mary Jane Goheen, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Nancy H. Taylor of Texas, Past Gcity Resident, GHS and Douglas C. Alum
Nancy H. Taylor, nee Plews, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 30, 2025 at her home in Brookshire, TX from pancreatic cancer.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1942 to Harry and Marian Plews. Nancy was the second-born of five children, where the family grew up in Gloucester City, NJ in a bustling house on Monmouth street. She attended high school at Gloucester City High School where she was a cheerleader, a member of the student council, and a member of the National Honor Society. It was here in Gloucester City where she met Bill Taylor, and they began dating during their high school years. Nancy attended Douglas College of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where she received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. After college, Nancy and Bill married on October 17, 1964 and settled in Gloucester Township, NJ. In 1981, Bill’s job opportunities led the family to Texas where they settled in Spring, TX, and remained there for 40 years before moving to Brookshire, TX with their daughters in 2021.
Continue reading “Nancy H. Taylor of Texas, Past Gcity Resident, GHS and Douglas C. Alum”EPA Report of Cancer Pollution in Gloucester City Higher Than Reported
EPA AGENCY SAYS CANCER RISKS ARE LOWER THAN OR WITHIN ACCEPTABLE RANGES AT FORMER WELSBACH FACTORY
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (OCTOBER 5, 2025)(CNBNews)–Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved proposed changes to its 1999 cleanup plan to address contaminated radiological material at the former Welsbach facility (FWF) located within the footprint of the Gloucester Marine Terminal, in Gloucester City, New Jersey. The changes to the cleanup plan will address previously unknown and changed site conditions at the port facility that led the EPA to determine that implementing the 1999 cleanup plan was no longer possible. Specifically, those previously unknown site conditions include significant increases in the volume and depth of contaminated material. Continue reading “EPA Report of Cancer Pollution in Gloucester City Higher Than Reported”