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Green Brook Township, New Jersey

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Green Brook Township, New Jersey
Township
Township of Green Brook
Motto(s): 
"Small Enough to Know You, Large Enough to Get Things Done".[1]
Map of Green Brook Township in Somerset County. Inset: Location of Somerset County in New Jersey.
Map of Green Brook Township in Somerset County. Inset: Location of Somerset County in New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Green Brook Township, New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Green Brook Township, New Jersey.
Country United States
State New Jersey
CountySomerset
IncorporatedApril 2, 1872 as North Plainfield Township
ReincorporatedNovember 8, 1932 as Green Brook Township
Named forGreen Brook
Government
[5]
 • TypeTownship
 • BodyTownship Committee
 • MayorGerard Searfoss (R, term ends December 31, 2015)[2][3]
 • Administrator/ ClerkKelly G. Cupit[4]
Area
[6]
 • Total
4.481 sq mi (11.605 km2)
 • Land4.473 sq mi (11.584 km2)
 • Water0.008 sq mi (0.021 km2)  0.18%
 • Rank285th of 566 in state
13th of 21 in county[6]
Elevation
[7]
246 ft (75 m)
Population
 (2010 Census)[8][9][10]
 • Total
7,203
 • Estimate 
(2014)[11]
7,252
 • Rank314th of 566 in state
14th of 21 in county[12]
 • Density1,610.5/sq mi (621.8/km2)
  • Rank325th of 566 in state
7th of 21 in county[12]
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP code
08812[13][14]
Area code(s)732 and 908[15]
FIPS code3403527510[6][16][17]
GNIS feature ID0882172[6][18]
Websitewww.greenbrooktwp.org

Green Brook Township is a township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 7,203,[8][9][10] reflecting an increase of 1,549 (+27.4%) from the 5,654 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 1,194 (+26.8%) from the 4,460 counted in the 1990 Census.[20]

What is now Green Brook was originally created as North Plainfield Township on April 2, 1872, from portions of Warren Township. Portions of the township were taken to form North Plainfield borough (June 9, 1885) and Watchung (March 23, 1926). Green Brook was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on November 8, 1932, replacing North Plainfield Township, based on the results of a referendum held that same day.[1][21]

Most of Green Brook shares ZIP code 08812 with Dunellen.[14]

The township's describes itself as "Small Enough to Know You, Large Enough to Get Things Done".[1]

History

In 1872, a tract of land was subdivided off from Warren Township. Thirteen years later, in 1885, the Borough of North Plainfield was created from a section of the subdivided land. The land at that time was designated as North Plainfield. In 1926, the Borough of Watchung was carved out of North Plainfield Township.[21] The municipality's name was changed to Green Brook Township in 1932.[1]

Green Brook Township takes its name from the waterway that passes through the township called the Green Brook that rises in the Watchung Mountains several miles away, feeding from many smaller brooks and ponds along the way, as it flows in a southwesterly direction for a distance of 15 miles (24 km). It then continues southwestward and flows into the Raritan River at Bound Brook, which provides access to the New York City area and the Atlantic Ocean.[22] The broo was named for the color of its water.[23]

Also contained within the township is Washington Rock State Park, which commemorates the spot where George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette watched the movement of the British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War, mainly the months of May and June 1777. The park was established on March 17, 1913, and is about 34 acres (140,000 m2) in size.[24]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 4.481 square miles (11.605 km2), including 4.473 square miles (11.584 km2) of land and 0.008 square miles (0.021 km2) of water (0.18%).[6][19]

The township is in the Raritan Valley, a line of places in central New Jersey. Green Brook lies in the northern division of Raritan Valley along with the borough of North Plainfield.[25]

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Seeley Mills and Washington Rock.[26]

The township borders the municipalities of Bridgewater Township, North Plainfield, Warren Township and Watchung in Somerset County; Middlesex borough in Middlesex County; and both Dunellen and Plainfield in Union County.[27]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18803,217—
18904,25032.1%
1900654*−84.6%
191088635.5%
19201,11626.0%
1930544*−51.3%
194076340.3%
19501,15551.4%
19603,622213.6%
19704,30218.8%
19804,6407.9%
19904,460−3.9%
20005,65426.8%
20107,20327.4%
2014 (est.)7,252[11][28]0.7%
Population sources:
1880-1920[29] 1880-1890[30]
1890-1910[31] 1910-1930[32]
1930-1990[33] 2000[34][35] 2010[8][9][10]
* = Lost territory in previous decade.[21]

Census 2010

Template:USCensusDemographics

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $115,268 (with a margin of error of +/- $15,162) and the median family income was $123,796 (+/- $10,668). Males had a median income of $74,231 (+/- $16,708) versus $75,703 (+/- $8,965) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $49,068 (+/- $5,197). About 0.9% of families and 1.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.[36]

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census[16] there were 5,654 people, 1,893 households, and 1,508 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,234.7 people per square mile (476.6/km²). There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 418.4 per square mile (161.5/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 88.43% White, 1.68% African American, 0.07% Native American, 7.99% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.[34][35]

There were 1,893 households out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.0% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.20.[34][35]

In the township the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.[34][35]

The median income for a household in the township was $80,644, and the median income for a family was $87,744. Males had a median income of $52,147 versus $46,434 for females. The per capita income for the township was $37,290. About 1.7% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.[34][35]

Government

Local government

Green Brook Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government. The five-member Township Committee is elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.[5][37] At a reorganization meeting, held each year within the first week of January, the Committee elects a Mayor and a Deputy Mayor for that year from among its members.

As of 2016, members of the Green Brook Township Committee are Mayor Nancy Stoll (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2017; term as mayor ends 2016), Deputy Mayor Kenneth Herrmann (R, term on committee ends 2018; term as deputy mayor ends 2016), Patrick N. Boccio (R, term on committee ends 2018), James Benscoter (R, filling an unexpired term, expiring 11/8/16), Jerry Searfoss (R, term on committee ends 2016).[2][38][39][40][41][42]

Federal, state and county representation

Green Brook Township is located in the 7th Congressional District[43] and is part of New Jersey's 22nd state legislative district.[9][44][45]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).[46] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[47] and George Helmy (Mountain Lakes, term ends 2024).[48][49]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 22nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nicholas Scutari (D, Linden) and in the General Assembly by Linda S. Carter (D, Plainfield) and James J. Kennedy (D, Rahway).[50] Template:NJ Governor

Template:NJ Somerset County Freeholders

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 4,545 registered voters in Green Brook Township, of which 920 (20.2% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,219 (26.8% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 2,401 (52.8% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered to other parties.[51] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 63.1% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 85.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).[51][52]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 53.5% of the vote (1,653 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 45.1% (1,394 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (43 votes), among the 3,110 ballots cast by the township's 4,774 registered voters (20 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 65.1%.[53][54] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 1,814 votes (53.1% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 1,532 votes (44.9% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 34 votes (1.0% vs. 1.1%), among the 3,415 ballots cast by the township's 4,470 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.4% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County).[55] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 1,896 votes (58.8% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 1,290 votes (40.0% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 3,225 ballots cast by the township's 3,910 registered voters, for a turnout of 82.5% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).[56]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 71.3% of the vote (1,341 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 26.8% (504 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (37 votes), among the 1,899 ballots cast by the township's 4,810 registered voters (17 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 39.5%.[57][58] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,548 votes (63.9% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 648 votes (26.7% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 182 votes (7.5% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 21 votes (0.9% vs. 0.7%), among the 2,424 ballots cast by the township's 4,527 registered voters, yielding a 53.5% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).[59]

Education

The Green Brook School District serves public school students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's 2 schools had an enrollment of 964 students and 80.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.98:1.[60] Schools in the district (with 2011-12 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[61]) are Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School[62] (grades K-3; 392 students) and Green Brook Middle School[63] (4-8; 572).[64][65] For the 1998-99 school year, Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School was recognized with the National Blue Ribbon School Award from the United States Department of Education, the highest honor that an American school can achieve.[66]

Green Brook's public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren Township. Students from Green Brook and from the neighboring communities of Watchung, Warren Township (in Somerset County), and Long Hill Township (in Morris County) attend the school.[67][68]

Transportation

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the township had a total of 36.19 miles (58.24 km) of roadways, of which 25.49 miles (41.02 km) were maintained by the municipality, 7.47 miles (12.02 km) by Somerset County and 3.23 miles (5.20 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[69]

Public transportation

New Jersey Transit provides local bus service on the 822 route.[70]

Community organizations

There are several committees and organizations within the township of Green Brook. Green Brook has a Baptist church on Greenbrook Road. There is the Green Brook Seniors, which is held at the Senior Center. This is a place for all township seniors to meet and participate in different events. Green Brook also has a Lions Club, which volunteers for different causes. The Green Brook Recreation Committee is a volunteer organization that provides programs and event for all residents.

Notable people

See also: Category:People from Green Brook Township, New Jersey

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Green Brook Township include:

References

  1. ^ a b c d About our town, Green Brook Township. Accessed February 17, 2013. Lists 1932 as the date when the township's name was changed to Green Brook.
  2. ^ a b Township Committee, Green Brook Township. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  3. ^ 2015 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, as of October 20, 2015. Accessed November 11, 2015
  4. ^ Municipal Directory, Green Brook Township. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  5. ^ a b 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 98.
  6. ^ a b c d e f 2010 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey County Subdivisions, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 21, 2015.
  7. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Township of Green Brook, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 5, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Green Brook township, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d Municipalities Grouped by 2011-2020 Legislative Districts, New Jersey Department of State, p. 9. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Green Brook township, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  11. ^ a b PEPANNRES - Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 - 2014 Population Estimates for New Jersey municipalities, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 21, 2015.
  12. ^ 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 February 11, 2013.
  13. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Green Brook, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  14. ^ a b Zip Codes, State of New Jersey. Accessed September 9, 2013.
  15. ^ Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Green Brook, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed September 9, 2013.
  16. ^ a b American FactFinder, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  17. ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  18. ^ US Board on Geographic Names, United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  19. ^ a b US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  20. ^ 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 August 3, 2012.
  21. ^ a b c Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 223. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  22. ^ History, Green Brook Township. Accessed September 9, 2013.
  23. ^ Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  24. ^ Washington Rock State Park, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Parks and Forestry. Accessed September 9, 2013. "One of the oldest state parks in New Jersey, Washington Rock was originally purchased in 1913 to commemorate the historical events of 1777. Situated on top of Watchung Mountain in Green Brook Township, the park is best known for its scenic vista and historical significance. The park is a popular site for picnicking and relaxing."
  25. ^ Raritan River, Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter - Raritan Valley Group. Accessed September 9, 2013.
  26. ^ Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015.
  27. ^ Areas touching Green Brook Township, MapIt. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  28. ^ Census Estimates for New Jersey April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 21, 2015.
  29. ^ Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed July 26, 2013.
  30. ^ Porter, Robert Percival. Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75, p. 99. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  31. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 338. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  32. ^ Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 718. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  33. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed June 28, 2015.
  34. ^ a b c d e Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Green Brook township, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  35. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Green Brook township, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  36. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Green Brook township, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 3, 2012.
  37. ^ "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  38. ^ Somerset County, New Jersey 2015 Directory p. 67. Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  39. ^ Somerset County Official Election Results General Election November 04, 2014, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  40. ^ Somerset County Official Election Results General Election November 05, 2013, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  41. ^ WINNERS LIST; Somerset County - General Election November 6, 2012, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed August 19, 2015.
  42. ^ Hochman, Louis C. "Somerset County election results 2014", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 4, 2014. Accessed February 2, 2015.
  43. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  44. ^ 2015 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 58, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed May 22, 2015.
  45. ^ Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  46. ^ "Congressman Malinowski Fights For The Corporate Transparency Act", Tom Malinowski, press release dated October 23, 2019. Accessed January 19, 2022. "My name, Tom Malinowski. My address, 86 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553."
  47. ^ U.S. Sen. Cory Booker cruises past Republican challenger Rik Mehta in New Jersey, PhillyVoice. Accessed April 30, 2021. "He now owns a home and lives in Newark's Central Ward community."
  48. ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/nyregion/george-helmy-bob-menendez-murphy.html
  49. ^ Tully, Tracey (August 23, 2024). "Menendez's Senate Replacement Has Been a Democrat for Just 5 Months". The New York Times. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  50. ^ Legislative Roster for District 22, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 12, 2024.
  51. ^ a b Voter Registration Summary - Somerset, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  52. ^ GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  53. ^ "Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Somerset County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  54. ^ "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Somerset County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  55. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Somerset County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  56. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Somerset County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  57. ^ "Governor - Somerset County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  58. ^ "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Somerset County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  59. ^ 2009 Governor: Somerset County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed February 12, 2013.
  60. ^ District information for Green Brook Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed July 25, 2014.
  61. ^ School Data for the Green Brook School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed July 25, 2014.
  62. ^ Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School, Green Brook Township Public Schools. Accessed July 24, 2013.
  63. ^ Green Brook Middle School, Green Brook Township Public Schools. Accessed July 24, 2013.
  64. ^ New Jersey School Directory for the Green Brook School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed September 9, 2013.
  65. ^ 2013-2014 Somerset County Public School Directory, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed February 2, 2015.
  66. ^ Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 1982-1983 through 1999-2002 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed March 28, 2011.
  67. ^ Somerset County School Districts-Sending/Receiving/Regional, Somerset County Superintendent of Schools. Accessed February 2, 2015. "GREEN BROOK / K-8 / Grades 9-12 Sent to Watchung Hills"
  68. ^ Green Brook School District 2013 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 2, 2015. "Our scores have historically been above the state average and very competitive within Somerset County, including the other schools that send students to the Watchung Hills Regional High School District, the district where we send our students in grades 9-12."
  69. ^ Somerset County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.
  70. ^ Somerset County Bus / Rail Connections, New Jersey Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of January 28, 2010. Accessed February 13, 2013.
  71. ^ Lamberg, Erica. "Green Brook people", Courier News (New Jersey), May 19, 2004. Accessed March 28, 2011. "Crook, 38, was raised in Green Brook and said much of his spare time growing up was spent playing guitar."
  72. ^ Lustig, Jay. "Gloria Gaynor serenades soldiers oversees with new holiday song", The Star-Ledger, December 11, 2008. Accessed March 6, 2013. "Gaynor, 59, grew up in Newark and now lives in Green Brook."
  73. ^ Johnson, Brent. "Somerset teen brings home gold from Winter Paralympics", The Star-Ledger, March 24, 2010. Accessed July 25, 2014. "Today was Pauls' first day back at school after helping the United States win gold in sled hockey at the international tournament — the equivalent of the Olympics for handicapped athletes. The Green Brook teen was the youngest member of the squad."
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