Highlands, New Jersey

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Highlands, New Jersey
—  Borough  —
Twin Lights
Map of Highlands in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Highlands, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°24′15″N 73°59′26″W / 40.40422°N 73.990674°W / 40.40422; -73.990674Coordinates: 40°24′15″N 73°59′26″W / 40.40422°N 73.990674°W / 40.40422; -73.990674[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Monmouth
Incorporated March 22, 1900
Government[3]
 • Type Faulkner Act (Small Municipality)
 • Mayor Frank Nolan (term ends December 31, 2013)[4]
 • Administrator Tim Hill[5]
 • Clerk Carolyn Cummins[6]
Area[2]
 • Total 1.369 sq mi (3.546 km2)
 • Land 0.767 sq mi (1.987 km2)
 • Water 0.602 sq mi (1.559 km2)  43.96%
Area rank 464th of 566 in state
39th of 53 in county[2]
Elevation[7] 13 ft (4 m)
Population (2010 Census)[8][9][10]
 • Total 5,005
 • Rank 377th of 566 in state
32nd of 53 in county[11]
 • Density 6,522.8/sq mi (2,518.5/km2)
 • Density rank 72nd of 566 in state
7th of 53 in county[11]
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 • Summer (DST) Eastern (EDT) (UTC-4)
ZIP code 07732[12]
Area code(s) 732/838
FIPS code 3402531500[13][2][14]
GNIS feature ID 0885253[15][2]
Website www.highlandsnj.com

Highlands is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 5,005,[8][9][10] reflecting a decline of 92 (-1.8%) from the 5,097 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 248 (+5.1%) from the 4,849 counted in the 1990 Census.[16] It is the home town of film maker, director, and comic book writer Kevin Smith. The eastern part of the town is built on a high bluff that overlooks Sandy Hook and the Atlantic Ocean. Atop this bluff are the Navesink Twin Lights.

Highlands was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 22, 1900, from portions of Middletown Township. Additional portions of Middletown Township were annexed in 1914.[17]

Highlands is part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, an effort by nine municipalities in northern Monmouth County to reinvigorate the area's economy by emphasizing the traditional downtowns, dense residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and the natural beauty of the Raritan Bayshore coastline.

On October 29, 2012, "Superstorm" Sandy (see also Hurricane Sandy) slammed in the eastern seaboard of the United States, making landfall just north of Atlantic City, NJ. The Borough was nearly destroyed when a storm surge of nearly 10 feet swept in from the bay beginning as early as the 28th. Most homes and businesses, including the famous Bahrs Landing and Lusty Lobster fishery were either damaged or totally destroyed. The borough lost several police cars and their fire station was destroyed.

Contents

Geography [edit]

Highlands is located at 40°24′15″N 73°59′26″W / 40.40422°N 73.990674°W / 40.40422; -73.990674 (40.40422,-73.990674). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.369 square miles (3.546 km2), of which, 0.767 square miles (1.987 km2) of it is land and 0.602 square miles (1.559 km2) of it (43.96%) is water.[2][1]

Demographics [edit]

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1900 1,228
—
1910 1,386 12.9%
1920 1,731 24.9%
1930 1,877 8.4%
1940 2,076 10.6%
1950 2,959 42.5%
1960 3,536 19.5%
1970 3,916 10.7%
1980 5,187 32.5%
1990 4,849 −6.5%
2000 5,097 5.1%
2010 5,005 −1.8%
Est. 2011 5,010 [18] 0.1%
Population sources:
1900-1910[19] 1910-1930[20]
1930-1990[21] 2000[22][23] 2010[8][9][10]

Census 2010 [edit]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 5,005 people, 2,623 households, and 1,159 families residing in the borough. The population density was 6,522.8 inhabitants per square mile (2,518.5 /km2). There were 3,146 housing units at an average density of 4,100.1 per square mile (1,583.1 /km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 92.97% (4,653) White, 1.62% (81) Black or African American, 0.28% (14) Native American, 1.30% (65) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 1.94% (97) from other races, and 1.90% (95) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.47% (324) of the population.[8]

There were 2,623 households out of which 15.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.3% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 55.8% were non-families. 45.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.91 and the average family size was 2.70.[8]

In the borough the population was spread out with 14.2% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 37.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.1 years. For every 100 females there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.[8]

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $75,291 (with a margin of error of +/- $12,503) and the median family income was $80,430 (+/- $7,353). Males had a median income of $63,686 (+/- $6,479) versus $46,641 (+/- $9,013) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $42,737 (+/- $4,647). About 11.5% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.3% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.[24]

Census 2000 [edit]

As of the 2000 United States Census[13] there were 5,097 people, 2,450 households, and 1,193 families residing in the borough. The population density was 6,689.2 people per square mile (2,589.4/km2). There were 2,820 housing units at an average density of 3,700.9 per square mile (1,432.6/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 95.10% White, 1.59% African American, 0.33% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.59% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.06% of the population.[22][23]

There were 2,450 households out of which 19.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.3% were non-families. 41.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.90.[22][23]

In the borough the population was spread out with 18.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 36.8% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.[22][23]

The median income for a household in the borough was $45,692, and the median income for a family was $50,985. Males had a median income of $50,296 versus $31,265 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $29,369. About 11.5% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.[22][23]

Government [edit]

Local government [edit]

Highlands is governed by a Faulkner Act form of New Jersey municipal government under the Small Municipality (Plan B). The officials that head the government are a mayor and four council members, who are elected at large in partisan elections to three-year terms on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year.[3] The current form of government was adopted in 1956.[25]

As of 2012, members of the Highlands Borough Council are Mayor Frank L. Nolan, Council President Rebecca Kane, Christopher Francy, Richard O'Neil and Kevin Redmond.[26]

David "Bruce" Hilling was the Borough Administrator beginning in April 2007, until he was terminated on April 6, 2011.[27]

Federal, state and county representation [edit]

Highlands is located in the 6th Congressional District[28] and is part of New Jersey's 13th state legislative district.[9][29][30] Prior to the 2011 reapportionment following the 2010 Census, Highlands had been in the 11th state legislative district.[31]

New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District is represented by Frank Pallone (D, Long Branch).[32] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).

The 13th district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Joseph M. Kyrillos (R, Middletown Township) and in the General Assembly by Amy Handlin (R, Middletown Township) and Declan O'Scanlon (R, Little Silver).[33] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township).[34] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).[35]

Monmouth County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders consisting of five members who are elected at-large to serve three year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as Director and another as Deputy Director.[36] As of 2013, Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City; term ends December 31, 2013),[37] Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso (R, Holmdel Township; 2013)[38] John P. Curley (R, Middletown Township; 2015),[39] Lillian G. Burry (R, Colts Neck Township; 2014),[40] and Gary J. Rich, Sr. (R, Spring Lake; 2014).[41][42][43] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are County Clerk M. Claire French (Wall Township),[44] Sheriff Shaun Golden (Farmingdale)[45] and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (Middletown Township).[46]

Politics [edit]

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 3,118 registered voters in Highlands, of which 880 (28.2%) were registered as Democrats, 728 (23.3%) were registered as Republicans and 1,509 (48.4%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[47]

In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 51.3% of the vote here (1,266 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 44.9% (1,108 votes) and other candidates with 1.7% (42 votes), among the 2,467 ballots cast by the borough's 3,451 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.5%.[48] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 50.6% of the vote here (1,230 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 47.9% (1,164 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (25 votes), among the 2,429 ballots cast by the borough's 3,431 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.8.[49]

In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 55.1% of the vote here (887 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 34.3% (553 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.1% (115 votes) and other candidates with 2.4% (39 votes), among the 1,611 ballots cast by the borough's 3,216 registered voters, yielding a 50.1% turnout.[50]

Education [edit]

The Highlands School District serves public school students in Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. Highlands Elementary School had an enrollment of 199 students in the 2010-11 school year.[51]

For grades 7-12, public school students attend Henry Hudson Regional High School, a comprehensive six-year high school and regional public school district that serves students from both Atlantic Highlands and Highlands.[52] The district served a total enrollment of 401 students in the 2010-11 school year.[53]

Transportation [edit]

The Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge, a 1,240-foot (380 m) drawbridge built in 1932, connected Highlands in the west to Sea Bright, New Jersey in the east, across the Shrewsbury River. The eastern terminus was at the entrance to Sandy Hook. The span was part of Route 36. The bridge has been replaced with a fixed span instead of a drawbridge. The new bridge rises 65 feet (20 m) instead of the original span's 35 feet (11 m).[54][55]

SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City at Conner's Ferry Landing. There are three morning trips, which stop at Pier 11/Wall Street and then the East 34th Street Ferry Landing. Six ferry trips return each weekday evening.[56]

New Jersey Transit provides local bus transportation on the 834 route to Red Bank.[57][58] Academy Bus offers bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan and to Wall Street.[56]

Popular culture [edit]

The Kevin Smith film Jersey Girl is set in Highlands.[59] In addition, Highlands' ZIP code (07732) is featured in the opening titles of Mallrats, and is Dante's ZIP code in Clerks: The Animated Series, although it is misattributed in the show to nearby Leonardo.

Notable people [edit]

Notable current and former residents of Highlands include:

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f Gazetteer of New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 17, 2012.
  3. ^ a b 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 58.
  4. ^ 2013 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed May 12, 2013.
  5. ^ Borough Administrator, Borough Of Highlands. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  6. ^ Borough Clerk, Borough Of Highlands. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  7. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Borough of Highlands, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 5, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d e f DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Highlands borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d Municipalities Grouped by 2011-2020 Legislative Districts, New Jersey Department of State, p. 7. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Highlands borough, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  11. ^ a b GCT-PH1 Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 4, 2012.
  12. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Highlands, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008. 
  14. ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  15. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008. 
  16. ^ Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  17. ^ Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 180. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  18. ^ Census Estimates for New Jersey April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 26, 2012.
  19. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 337. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  20. ^ Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 717. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  21. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 2, 2009. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  22. ^ a b c d e Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Highlands borough, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  23. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Highlands borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  24. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Highlands borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  25. ^ Bryson, James W. The History of Highlands, Borough of Highlands. Accessed May 21, 2008. "The present form of government, councilmanic form under the Faulkner Act, Small Municipality Plan B, came into effect in 1956."
  26. ^ Mayor and Council, Borough of Highlands. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  27. ^ Muessig, Terry (April 7, 2011). "Highlands fires its administrator". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved April 11, 2011. 
  28. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  29. ^ 2012 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 59, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  30. ^ Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  31. ^ 2011 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 59, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  32. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 5, 2012.
  33. ^ Legislative Roster 2012-2013 Session, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 11, 2012.
  34. ^ "About the Governor". State of New Jersey. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
  35. ^ "About the Lieutenant Governor". State of New Jersey. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
  36. ^ Monmouth County Government, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  37. ^ Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  38. ^ Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  39. ^ Freeholder John P. Curley, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  40. ^ Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  41. ^ Freeholder Gary J. Rich Sr., Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  42. ^ Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  43. ^ Hopkins, Kathleen. "Arnone chosen to serve as freeholder director", Asbury Park Press, January 7, 2013. Accessed January 9, 2013. "The Board of Freeholders at its annual organization meeting on Thursday selected Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone to serve as its director for 2013.... Curley, 59, of Middletown, who served as freeholder director for 2012, was sworn in for a second, three-year, term on the all-GOP board. DiMaso, 49, of Holmdel, was sworn in to serve the final year of the unexpired term of Robert Clifton, which she successfully ran for in November."
  44. ^ About the County Clerk, M. Claire French, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  45. ^ Sheriff Shaun Golden, Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  46. ^ Monmouth County Surrogate, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  47. ^ Voter Registration Summary - Monmouth, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2012.
  48. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Monmouth County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 4, 2012.
  49. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Monmouth County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 4, 2012.
  50. ^ 2009 Governor: Monmouth County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 4, 2012.
  51. ^ Data for Highlands School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 3, 2012.
  52. ^ About Henry Hudson, Henry Hudson Regional High School. Accessed April 15, 2011. "This school district serves the towns of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands and students in grades seven through twelve."
  53. ^ Henry Hudson Regional High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 3, 2012.
  54. ^ "Highlands Bridge work under way". Star-Ledger. July 11, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2008. "The 76-year-old drawbridge carries Route 36 over the Shrewsbury River between Highlands and Sea Bright. Drivers have only two choices when they pull out of Sandy Hook -- they can turn south on Route 36 and drive along the Shore through Sea Bright or head north and cross the bridge." 
  55. ^ "Demolition starts on Highlands-Sea Bright bridge". Asbury Park Press. July 15, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2012. "About 12:35 p.m. Monday, as planned, J.H. Reid Construction Co. of South Plainfield began demolishing portions of the 75-year-old drawbridge to make way for its replacement — a 65-foot-high, fixed-span bridge." 
  56. ^ a b Caldwelll, Dave (2008-08-24). "A Clam Town, Coming Out of Its Shell - Living In Highlands, N.J.". The New York Times. p. RE7 of the New York edition. Retrieved 2008-08-24. 
  57. ^ Route 834 schedule, New Jersey Transit. Accessed August 5, 2012.
  58. ^ Monmouth County Bus / Rail connections, New Jersey Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed July 29, 2012.
  59. ^ Miramax Films: Jersey Girl, accessed November 23, 2006
  60. ^ Muir, John Kenneth. An Askew View 2: The Films of Kevin Smith, Hal Leonard Corporation, 2012. ISBN 1557837945. Accessed February 6, 2013. "Bryan Johnson, the director of Vulgar (2000) and the actor who portrays comic book snob Steve-Dave in the View Askew universe was born in Highlands and later attended Highlands Elementary and Henry Hudson Regional High School (the latter named after the sea captain who first explored the area in 1609)."

External links [edit]

Preceded by
Sandy Hook		 Beaches of New Jersey Succeeded by
Sea Bright
Municipalities and communities of Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States
Cities
Boroughs
Townships
Village
CDPs
Communities
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