Camden County witnessed a number of high-profile stories in 2015, with some gaining national attention.
CAMDEN -- From long-awaited business openings to both violent and mysterious deaths, Camden County witnessed a number of high-profile stories in 2015, with some gaining national attention.
Gloucester Premium Outlets opens: Years in the making, the long-anticipated Gloucester Premium Outlets finally let shoppers loose on Aug. 13. The property, which boasts 90 stores across 376,000 square feet of retail space, was declared a redevelopment zone in 2008 and previously owned by a subsidiary of Cooper Health System. The opening was not only an economic boost for Gloucester Township, but meant South Jersey shoppers seeking an experience previously offered in Atlantic City or the Jackson Premium Outlets no longer had travel so far.
The mysterious death of Brendan Creato: It's been more than two months since 3-year-old Brendan Creato was found dead in Haddon Township near the Cooper River. Among the only clues made public was a 9-1-1 call from the boy's father to report his son was missing and news that relatives had been questioned by investigators. Beyond that, an autopsy and subsequent tests failed to reveal how the toddler found dead early one October morning actually died.
Businesses booming: Thanks to the state's Economic Development Authority (EDA), Camden has had its arms full welcoming some very large ventures to the city. Holtec International broke ground on its Port of Camden technology campus in July, while Subaru of America Inc. is getting ready to relocate from Cherry Hill to Admiral Wilson Boulevard. These two companies are but a few that have received millions in tax incentives from the EDA in exchange for relocating to Camden. Detractors have said the lost revenue isn't worth the added businesses. Businesses owners have said they couldn't -- and wouldn't -- have done it without the EDA's tax breaks. New Jersey has said programs like Grow NJ spur economic development.
The murder of Carol Bowne: The 39-year-old Berlin woman who was stabbed to death in June in her driveway had a firearms permit pending with her local police department. She was fearful of her ex-boyfriend, the man who eventually took her life then his own. The longtime hairdresser also had a restraining order against Michael Eitel, who hung himself not long after the murder. Bowne's death caused controversy across the state as pro-gun groups argued that time it takes to get a firearms application approved -- which is supposed to be 30 days -- probably cost the woman her life.
The Pope: For two days in late September, Philadelphia was transformed into a holy land of sorts. Pope Francis was here, the World Meeting of Families was here for one week and millions were expected to flock to the city to experience a once-in-a-lifetime gathering. While the attendance figures were likely short of the projected millions, Pope Francis' public appearances were well-attended and gave those who crossed the globe -- and the Ben Franklin Bridge on foot --an opportunity to see an hear the leader of the Catholic church speak in the city of brotherly love.
The heroin scourge: The month of June was an ugly one for heroin users coming to Camden to score. There were at least 55 overdoses and four deaths during that month and it prompted New Jersey State Police to release information of the suspected drugs that were to blame. Camden County police also made 41 arrested during a one-day operation; the vast majority of those arrested were not Camden City residents. While the overdoses and deaths in the city stemming from heroin seemed to quiet down as soon as it began, Camden County officials set a summit, titled "The Opiate and Heroin Crisis in Our Community," for Dec. 9.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.