Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

Coordinates: 40°51′17″N 74°01′12″W / 40.854705°N 74.019926°W / 40.854705; -74.019926
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
Ridgefield Park municipal building
Ridgefield Park municipal building
Location of Ridgefield Park in Bergen County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Bergen County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Location of Ridgefield Park in Bergen County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Bergen County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Census Bureau map of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
Ridgefield Park is located in Bergen County, New Jersey
Ridgefield Park
Ridgefield Park
Location in Bergen County
Ridgefield Park is located in New Jersey
Ridgefield Park
Ridgefield Park
Location in New Jersey
Ridgefield Park is located in the United States
Ridgefield Park
Ridgefield Park
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 40°51′17″N 74°01′12″W / 40.854705°N 74.019926°W / 40.854705; -74.019926[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
CountyBergen
Earliest European settlement1685
IncorporatedJune 15, 1892
Government
 • TypeWalsh Act
 • BodyBoard of Commissioners
 • MayorJohn H. Anlian (term ends May 21, 2024)[3][4]
 • Municipal clerkTara O'Grady[5]
Area
 • Total1.91 sq mi (4.95 km2)
 • Land1.71 sq mi (4.42 km2)
 • Water0.21 sq mi (0.54 km2)  10.84%
 • Rank420th of 565 in state
51st of 70 in county[1]
Elevation56 ft (17 m)
Population
 • Total13,224
 • Estimate 
(2022)[9][11]
13,110
 • Rank195th of 565 in state
26th of 70 in county[12]
 • Density7,756.0/sq mi (2,994.6/km2)
  • Rank55th of 565 in state
17th of 70 in county[12]
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code
Area code(s)201[15]
FIPS code3400362940[1][16][17]
GNIS feature ID0885368[1][18]
Websitewww.ridgefieldpark.org

Ridgefield Park is a village in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the village's population was 13,224,[9][10] an increase of 495 (+3.9%) from the 2010 census count of 12,729,[19][20] which in turn reflected a decline of 144 (−1.1%) from the 12,873 counted in the 2000 census.[21] Of the 564 municipalities in the state, Ridgefield Park is one of only four with a village type of government, though it operates a Walsh Act (city commission) form of government. Of the four New Jersey villages, Loch Arbour also uses the commission form of government, while Ridgewood operates under the council-manager form, and the Township of South Orange Village operates under a special charter form with many characteristics of village government.[22]

Ridgefield Park was formed as a village on June 15, 1892, within Ridgefield Township, based on the results of a referendum passed on June 6, 1892. Overpeck Township was formed on March 23, 1897, to be coextensive with Ridgefield Park village, and was created within Ridgefield Township for the purpose of administering a Board of Education. Portions of the village gained in both 1921 and 1926 were taken from Bogota and Teaneck. On May 31, 1938, Overpeck Township became Ridgefield Park Township.[23] The village was named for the area's terrain.[24]

The village's Fourth of July Parade, first established in 1894, is said to be the longest continuously celebrated such event in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the country.[25] The village eliminated its July 4 fireworks in 2009, citing the $50,000 cost in the face of the difficult economy, but committed to retain its parade.[26]

Geography[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village had a total area of 1.91 square miles (4.9 km2), including 1.71 square miles (4.4 km2) of land and 0.21 square miles (0.54 km2) of water (10.84%).[1][2]

The village borders the Bergen County municipalities of Bogota, Hackensack, Leonia, Little Ferry, Palisades Park, Ridgefield and Teaneck.[27][28][29]

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the village include Overpeck and West View.[30]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
19001,987
19104,512127.1%
19208,57590.0%
193010,76425.5%
194011,2774.8%
195011,9936.3%
196012,7015.9%
197013,99010.1%
198012,738−8.9%
199012,454−2.2%
200012,8733.4%
201012,729−1.1%
202013,2243.9%
2022 (est.)13,110[9][11]−0.9%
Population sources:
1900–1920[31] 1900–1910[32]
1910–1930[33] 1900–2020[34][35]
2000[36][37] 2010[19][20] 2020[9][10]

2020 census[edit]

The 2020 United States census counted 13,235 people and 4,795 households in the village. The population density was 7,756.0 per square mile (2,994.6/km2). The racial makeup was 37.2% (4,887) White, 4.2% (552) Black or African American, 0.2% (26) Native American, 10.1% (1,327) Asian, 0.1% (13) Pacific Islander, and 11.5% (1,511) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 46.9% (6,160) of the population.[9]

Of the 4,795 households, 89.1% were living in the same housing unit as the year before. The average household size was 2.69.[9]

23.0% of the population were under the age of 18, and 12.5% were 65 years of age or older. 3.14% of the population were veterans. 37.1% of the population were foreign-born persons. 91.3% of those over age 25 had a high degree, and 38.5% of those over age 25 had a bachelor's degree or higher. The mean travel time to work was 31.3 minutes.[9]

2010 census[edit]

The 2010 United States census counted 12,729 people, 4,851 households, and 3,274 families in the village. The population density was 7,385.6 per square mile (2,851.6/km2). There were 5,164 housing units at an average density of 2,996.2 per square mile (1,156.8/km2). The racial makeup was 66.09% (8,413) White, 6.40% (815) Black or African American, 0.35% (44) Native American, 11.48% (1,461) Asian, 0.01% (1) Pacific Islander, 11.93% (1,519) from other races, and 3.74% (476) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 36.18% (4,605) of the population.[19]

Of the 4,851 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18; 48.5% were married couples living together; 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.5% were non-families. Of all households, 27.7% were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.25.[19]

21.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.6 males.[19]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $60,656 (with a margin of error of +/− $8,846) and the median family income was $83,189 (+/− $13,092). Males had a median income of $51,781 (+/− $2,949) versus $47,714 (+/− $8,394) for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,893 (+/− $2,038). About 3.1% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.[38]

Same-sex couples headed 34 households in 2010, an increase from the 21 counted in 2000.[39]

2000 census[edit]

As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 12,873 people, 5,012 households, and 3,242 families residing in the village. The population density was 7,435.7 people per square mile (2,870.9 people/km2). There were 5,134 housing units at an average density of 1, 145.8/km2 (2,965.5/sq mi). The racial makeup of the village was 78.20% White, 4.10% African American, 0.22% Native American, 7.85% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.50% from other races, and 3.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.24% of the population.[36][37]

There were 5,012 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.24.[36][37]

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 34.4% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.[36][37]

The median income for a household in the village was $51,825, and the median income for a family was $62,414. Males had a median income of $44,507 versus $35,217 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,290. About 4.7% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.[36][37]

Economy[edit]

Samsung headquarters

Overpeck Corporate Office Park is located on Challenger Road on the east side of the village (east of I-95), to the south of Bergen County's Overpeck Park. The office park contains approximately 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2) of Class-A office space which has undergone substantial renovations and upgrades. The Office Park also contains an AMC Movie Theater and Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. Corporate residents of Overpeck Corporate Park include the headquarters of Samsung Electronics America and American Stock Transfer.[40]

Government[edit]

Local government[edit]

Municipal building in Ridgefield Park on Main Street.

Ridgefield Park has been governed under the Walsh Act since 1912.[41][42] The village is one of 30 municipalities (of the 564) statewide to use the commission form of government,[43] down from a peak of 60 early in the 20th century; Ridgefield Park is one of six Walsh Act municipalities in North Jersey and most are in shore communities.[44] The Board of Commissioners is comprised of five members, who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis to serve four-year terms on a concurrent basis. The commissioners elect one commissioner as mayor, however the mayor is only responsible for his or her departments and serves as the chair of the commission.[6]

As of 2023, the members of the Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners are Mayor John H. Anlian (Commissioner of Public Safety), William G. Gerken (Commissioner of Public Affairs), Adam MacNeill (Commissioner of Revenue and Finance), Mark C. Olson (Commissioner of Public Works) and Wanda C. Portorreal (Commissioner of Parks and Public Property), all serving concurrent terms of office ending on May 21, 2024.[3][45][46][47]

In June 2017, Theresa Kohles was appointed to fill the commissioner seat that became vacant following the resignation of Maggie Boyd.[48] In the 2017 November general election, Kohles was elected to serve the balance of the term of office.[49]

In elections held on May 13, 2008, the four incumbents running for re-election—George D. Fosdick (1,210 votes), Maggie Boyd (1,142), John H. Anlian (1,063) and Hugo R. Poli (1,006)—all won new terms in office. Challenger Adam MacNeill received 1,037 votes to win the seat vacated by Joseph Storer, with Frank Scerbo (653) and Junior Hernandez (458) falling short.[50] The five incumbents won re-election in the May 8, 2012, municipal election, with Fosdick again chosen as mayor.[51]

Federal, state, and county representation[edit]

Ridgefield Park is located in the 5th Congressional District[52] and is part of New Jersey's 37th state legislative district.[53]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 5th congressional district is represented by Josh Gottheimer (D, Wyckoff).[54][55] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[56] and Bob Menendez (Englewood Cliffs, term ends 2025).[57][58]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 37th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Gordon M. Johnson (D, Englewood) and in the General Assembly by Shama Haider (D, Tenafly) and Ellen Park (D, Englewood Cliffs).[59]

Bergen County is governed by a directly elected County Executive, with legislative functions performed by a Board of County Commissioners comprised of seven members who are elected at-large to three-year terms in partisan elections on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each November; a Chairman and Vice Chairman are selected from among its seven members at a reorganization meeting held every January. As of 2024, the county executive is James J. Tedesco III (D, Paramus), whose four-year term of office ends December 31, 2026.[60]

Bergen County's Commissioners are: Thomas J. Sullivan Jr. (D, Montvale, 2025),[61] Chair Germaine M. Ortiz (D, Emerson, 2025),[62] Joan Voss (D, Fort Lee, 2026),[63] Vice Chair Mary J. Amoroso (D, Mahwah, 2025),[64] Rafael Marte (D, Bergenfield, 2026),[65] Steven A. Tanelli (D, North Arlington, 2024)[66] and Tracy Silna Zur (D, Franklin Lakes, 2024).[67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74]

Bergen County's constitutional officials are: Clerk John S. Hogan (D, Northvale, 2026),[75][76] Sheriff Anthony Cureton (D, Englewood, 2024)[77][78] and Surrogate Michael R. Dressler (D, Cresskill, 2026).[79][80][70][81]

Politics[edit]

As of March 2011, there were a total of 6,593 registered voters in Ridgefield Park, of which 2,249 (34.1% vs. 31.7% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 957 (14.5% vs. 21.1%) were registered as Republicans and 3,382 (51.3% vs. 47.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[82] Among the village's 2010 Census population, 51.8% (vs. 57.1% in Bergen County) were registered to vote, including 66.4% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 73.7% countywide).[82][83]

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 3,162 votes here (66.3% vs. 54.8% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 1,508 votes (31.6% vs. 43.5%) and other candidates with 45 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 4,768 ballots cast by the village's 7,035 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.8% (vs. 70.4% in Bergen County).[84][85] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 3,256 votes here (61.6% vs. 53.9% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 1,932 votes (36.5% vs. 44.5%) and other candidates with 47 votes (0.9% vs. 0.8%), among the 5,288 ballots cast by the village's 6,980 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.8% (vs. 76.8% in Bergen County).[86][87] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 2,681 votes here (55.4% vs. 51.7% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 2,104 votes (43.5% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 31 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among the 4,835 ballots cast by the village's 6,575 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.5% (vs. 76.9% in the whole county).[88]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 55.6% of the vote (1,473 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 43.0% (1,138 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (36 votes), among the 2,686 ballots cast by the village's 6,694 registered voters (39 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 40.1%.[89][90] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 1,657 ballots cast (53.7% vs. 48.0% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 1,223 votes (39.6% vs. 45.8%), Independent Chris Daggett with 166 votes (5.4% vs. 4.7%) and other candidates with 11 votes (0.4% vs. 0.5%), among the 3,085 ballots cast by the village's 6,753 registered voters, yielding a 45.7% turnout (vs. 50.0% in the county).[91]

Education[edit]

The Ridgefield Park Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of four schools, had an enrollment of 2,178 students and 180.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.1:1.[92] Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[93]) are Grant Elementary School[94] with 244 students in grades K-6, Lincoln Elementary School[95] with 374 students in grades PreK-6, Roosevelt Elementary School[96] with 339 students in grades PreK-6 and Ridgefield Park High School[97] with 1,189 students in grades 7–12.[98][99][100]

Students from Little Ferry attend the high school as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Little Ferry Public Schools that has been in place since 1953.[101][102]

The district is one of the small number in the state with schools recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in consecutive years, with Grant Elementary School earning the designation in 2010 and Lincoln Elementary School being honored in 2011.[103]

Public school students from the borough, and all of Bergen County, are eligible to attend the secondary education programs offered by the Bergen County Technical Schools, which include the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, and the Bergen Tech campus in Teterboro or Paramus. The district offers programs on a shared-time or full-time basis, with admission based on a selective application process and tuition covered by the student's home school district.[104][105]

Transportation[edit]

View north along the Interstate 95 (the New Jersey Turnpike) in Ridgefield Park

Roads and highways[edit]

As of 2014, the village had a total of 29.04 miles (46.74 km) of roadways, of which 21.64 miles (34.83 km) were maintained by the municipality, 4.38 miles (7.05 km) by Bergen County and 1.36 miles (2.19 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 1.66 miles (2.67 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.[106]

Highways passing through the village include Interstate 80,[107] Interstate 95 (the New Jersey Turnpike)[108] and U.S. Route 46.[109][110]

The historic Winant Avenue Bridge, also known as the Route 46 Hackensack River Bridge, crosses the river to Little Ferry. The double-leaf bascule bridge was constructed in 1934 and extends for 1,549 feet (472 m), with the draw bridge at the center of the span.[111]

Public transportation[edit]

For much of the 20th century Ridgefield Park was served by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad (NYSW) and the West Shore Railroad, a division of New York Central (NYCRR)[112][113] at three passenger station in the village: Little Ferry Station, Ridgefield Park station and Westview station.[114]

NJ Transit bus routes 155, 157, 161, 165, 167 and 168 provide service between Ridgefield Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, and the 83 route provides service to Hackensack and the Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City.[115][116]

Popular culture[edit]

Scenes in the 1998 movie Rounders, starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, were filmed in the Elks Lodge.[117]

Notable people[edit]

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Ridgefield Park include:

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 1, 2020.
  2. ^ a b US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  3. ^ a b The Board of Commissioners, Village of Ridgefield Park. Accessed June 7, 2023.
  4. ^ 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, updated February 8, 2023. Accessed February 10, 2023.
  5. ^ Village Clerk's Office, Village of Ridgefield Park. Accessed March 15, 2023.
  6. ^ a b 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 157.
  7. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  8. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Village of Ridgefield Park, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 11, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h QuickFacts Ridgefield Park village, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 2, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022, United States Census Bureau, released May 2023. Accessed May 18, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  13. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Ridgefield Park, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed January 29, 2012.
  14. ^ Zip Codes, State of New Jersey. Accessed August 19, 2013.
  15. ^ Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Ridgefield Park, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed October 21, 2013.
  16. ^ a b U.S. Census website, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  17. ^ Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  18. ^ US Board on Geographic Names, United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  19. ^ a b c d e DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Ridgefield Park village, Bergen County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 13, 2013.
  20. ^ a b Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Ridgefield Park village Archived 2014-08-30 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 13, 2013.
  21. ^ 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 May 1, 2023.
  22. ^ Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government" Archived 2014-09-24 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Municipalities (publication of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities), March 2007. Accessed August 5, 2008.
  23. ^ Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 85. Accessed January 29, 2012.
  24. ^ Gannett, Henry. The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States, p. 26. United States Government Printing Office, 1905. Accessed September 21, 2015.
  25. ^ Klein, Alvin; and Emblen, Mary L. New Jersey Guide, The New York Times, July 3, 1994. Accessed July 12, 2011. "Ridgefield Park will strike up the band with extra gusto at this year's Fourth of July parade tomorrow because it is the 100th and, the sponsors assert, the longest consecutively produced one in the nation. Residents of the village took seriously the suggestion made years before by John Adams that the nation's citizenry to celebrate independence with parades, fireworks and joyous gatherings. Volunteer committees have put together an observance every year since 1894 in spite of two World Wars, the Great Depression and other distractions."
  26. ^ Kocieniewski, David. "Bad Economy Dampens Celebrations for July 4th", The New York Times, June 21, 2009. Accessed July 12, 2011. "But in Ridgefield Park, N.J., home of the state's oldest Fourth of July celebration, village leaders decided this year that because of the exceptionally bleak economic outlook, they could not afford to put on their traditional show, which costs about $50,000. "'I'm not going to say it's a luxury, because fireworks are a very important tradition, and Fourth of July is a very important day,' said Ridgefield Park's mayor, George D. Fosdick. 'But if you're confronting a situation where you're afraid you may have to lay people off and cost a family its livelihood, then it's a decision that you have to make.' Mr. Fosdick said the village would hold the rest of its Independence Day celebration, including its home- and business-decorating contest and two parades."
  27. ^ Areas touching Ridgefield Park, MapIt. Accessed March 3, 2020.
  28. ^ Bergen County Map of Municipalities, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 3, 2020.
  29. ^ New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  30. ^ Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015.
  31. ^ Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed August 19, 2013.
  32. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 335. Accessed May 8, 2012. Listed as "Overpeck Township".
  33. ^ Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 712. Accessed January 29, 2012.
  34. ^ Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  35. ^ Historical Population Trends in Bergen County 1900-2020, Bergen County, New Jersey Department of Planning and Engineering, 2022. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  36. ^ a b c d e Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Ridgefield Park village, New Jersey Archived 2014-08-14 at the Wayback Machine, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 13, 2013.
  37. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Ridgefield Park village, Bergen County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 13, 2013.
  38. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Ridgefield Park village, Bergen County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 29, 2012.
  39. ^ Lipman, Harvy; and Sheingold, Dave. "North Jersey sees 30% growth in same-sex couples", The Record, August 14, 2011, backed up by the Internet Archive as of February 3, 2013. Accessed July 24, 2013.
  40. ^ Contact Information, Samsung Electronics America. Accessed October 21, 2013.
  41. ^ "The Commission Form of Municipal Government", p. 53. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  42. ^ "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 8. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  43. ^ Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  44. ^ Proctor, Owen; and Sobko, Katie. "Town commissions have become a New Jersey rarity", The Record, April 30, 2018, updated May 6, 2018. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Commissions rose in popularity, up to 60 statewide in the early part of the last century, from large cities and older suburbs to seaside resorts.... Today, only about 30 of New Jersey's 565 municipalities are commissions, including six in North Jersey. There are North Bergen, Union City and West New York in Hudson County, Lyndhurst and Ridgefield Park in Bergen County, and Nutley in Essex County."
  45. ^ 2023 Municipal User Friendly Budget, Village of Ridgefield Park. Accessed June 7, 2023.
  46. ^ 2023 County and Municipal Directory, Bergen County, New Jersey, March 2023. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  47. ^ Reorganization Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020, Village of Ridgefield Park. Accessed May 1, 2022. "At the Village of Ridgefield Park’s Municipal Election held on May 12, 2020 to fill five Commissioners’ seats, the following were duly elected for four-year terms commencing on May 21, 2020 and terminating on the third Tuesday in May 2024. John H. Anlian William G. Gerken Adam MacNeill Mark C. Olson Wanda C. Portorreal"
  48. ^ "Message from the Board of Commissioners" Archived October 6, 2019, at the Wayback Machine, Village Newsletter, June 2017. Accessed October 6, 2019. "We welcome to the Board of Commissioners Theresa Kohles who was selected to fill the vacany created by the resignation of Commissioner Boyd.... An accountant in her own business, Commissioner Kohles brings a fresh voice to the Board and will serve as Commissioner of Parks, Property and Buildings and as liaison to the Rescue Squad."
  49. ^ Bergen County November 7, 2017 General Election Statement of Vote, Bergen County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 15, 2017. Accessed March 18, 2018.
  50. ^ Fabiano, Giovanna; and Lamb, William. "May 13 town election results - Ridgefield Park", The Record, May 13, 2008. Accessed July 8, 2008. "The four incumbents were easily re-elected. MacNeill was elected to the seat being vacated by Commissioner Joseph Storer."
  51. ^ Rosenfeld, Stacey. "Fosdick remains mayor at Ridgefield Park reorganization meeting", Ridgefield Park Patriot, May 24, 2012. Accessed July 18, 2013. "After the flag salute and a moment of silence in honor of Police Memorial Day, the May 8 election results were certified. The final vote count, inclusive of absentee ballots, was George Fosdick, 1,002; John Anlian, 977; Margaret Boyd, 991; Adam MacNeil, 941; Hugo Poli, 954; Junior Hernandez, 420 and write in Wayne Boyd, 8. The newly re-elected Commissioners reappointed George D. Fosdick as Mayor, and in large part retained their assignments on their current commissions, with some minor changes."
  52. ^ 2022 Redistricting Plan, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 8, 2022.
  53. ^ Districts by Number for 2023-2031, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed September 18, 2023.
  54. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
  55. ^ Biography, Congressman Josh Gottheimer. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Josh now lives in Wyckoff, New Jersey with Marla, his wife who was a federal prosecutor, and their two young children, Ellie and Ben."
  56. ^ 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."
  57. ^ Biography of Bob Menendez, United States Senate, January 26, 2015. "Menendez, who started his political career in Union City, moved in September from Paramus to one of Harrison's new apartment buildings near the town's PATH station.."
  58. ^ Home, sweet home: Bob Menendez back in Hudson County. nj.com. Accessed April 30, 2021. "Booker, Cory A. - (D - NJ) Class II; Menendez, Robert - (D - NJ) Class I"
  59. ^ Legislative Roster for District 37, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 20, 2024.
  60. ^ County Executive, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  61. ^ Vice Chairman Commissioner Chairman Thomas J. Sullivan, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  62. ^ Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine M. Ortiz, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  63. ^ Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan M. Voss, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  64. ^ Commissioner Mary J. Amoroso, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  65. ^ Cattafi, Kristie. "Democrats pick Bergenfield councilman to fill vacancy on Bergen County commissioners board", The Record, March 13, 2023. Accessed March 16, 2023. "A Democratic councilman from Bergenfield will be sworn in as a Bergen County commissioner Wednesday night, filling a vacancy on the governing body for almost 1 million residents. Rafael Marte will serve until Dec. 31, taking on the unexpired term left by former Commissioner Ramon Hache, a Democrat who resigned last week to lead the Ridgewood YMCA as its chief executive officer."
  66. ^ Commissioner Steven A. Tanelli, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  67. ^ Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  68. ^ Board of County Commissioners, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  69. ^ 2022 County Data Sheet, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  70. ^ a b 2022 County and Municipal Directory, Bergen County, New Jersey, March 2022. Accessed January 30, 2023.
  71. ^ Bergen County November 8, 2022 General Election Statement of Vote, Bergen County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 21, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.
  72. ^ Bergen County Statement of Vote November 2, 2021 Official results, Bergen County, New Jersey, updated November 17, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.
  73. ^ Precinct Summary Results Report - Combined 2020 Bergen County General Election - November 3, 2020 Official Results, Bergen County, New Jersey, December 3, 2020. Accessed January 1, 2021.
  74. ^ Bergen County November 5, 2019 General Election Statement of Vote, Bergen County, New Jersey Clerk, updated December 10, 2019. Accessed January 1, 2020.
  75. ^ About the Clerk, Bergen County Clerk. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  76. ^ Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  77. ^ Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Bergen County Sheriff's Office. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  78. ^ Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  79. ^ Michael R. Dressler, Bergen County Surrogate's Court. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  80. ^ Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  81. ^ Constitutional Officers, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 16, 2023.
  82. ^ a b Voter Registration Summary - Bergen, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  83. ^ GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State – County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  84. ^ Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Bergen County Archived December 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  85. ^ Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Bergen County Archived December 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  86. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Bergen County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  87. ^ 2008 General Election Results for Ridgefield Park Archived December 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, The Record. Accessed January 29, 2012.
  88. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Bergen County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  89. ^ "Governor - Bergen County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  90. ^ "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Bergen County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  91. ^ 2009 Governor: Bergen County Archived December 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  92. ^ District information for Ridgefield Park Public School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.
  93. ^ School Data for the Ridgefield Park Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.
  94. ^ Grant Elementary School, Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Accessed December 2, 2022.
  95. ^ Lincoln Elementary School, Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Accessed December 2, 2022.
  96. ^ Roosevelt Elementary School, Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Accessed December 2, 2022.
  97. ^ Ridgefield Park High School, Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Accessed December 2, 2022.
  98. ^ Our Schools, Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Accessed December 2, 2022. "They include Grant School, Lincoln School and Roosevelt School, our three Pre-K - 6 elementary schools, and Ridgefield Park Jr./Sr. High School which contains grades 7-12. Our PK - 8th grade students come from Ridgefield Park while our high school includes students from both The Village of Ridgefield Park and the borough of Little Ferry."
  99. ^ School Performance Reports for the Ridgefield Park Public School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed July 21, 2022.
  100. ^ New Jersey School Directory for the Ridgefield Park Public Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 29, 2016.
  101. ^ About Us Archived February 2, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, Little Ferry Public Schools. Accessed February 1, 2020. "The Little Ferry School District is a New Jersey Public School District located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Our Prek-8 district serves approximately 950 students in two schools located across the street from each other in the town of Little Ferry, New Jersey.... Little Ferry's 9–12 students attend Ridgefield Park High School in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey."
  102. ^ James, George. "School Districts' Battle On Tuition Goes to Court", The New York Times, December 16, 1989. Accessed August 19, 2013. "School officials in the borough, Little Ferry, which sends 202 students to the 546-student high school, say a partial audit several years ago raised suspicions that Ridgefield Park has overcharged them by hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years.... Little Ferry, a borough of 1.5 square miles and 9,900 people, has sent its high school students to this neighboring 1.92-square mile village of 12,000 people, since 1953."
  103. ^ Decicco, Robin. "Ridgefield Park's Lincoln School recognized as a Blue Ribbon School", Ridgefield Park Patriot, September 23, 2011. Accessed August 19, 2013. "Lincoln Elementary School was recently named a Blue Ribbon School by the New Jersey Department of Education, the most prestigious title in education, said Chris Onorato, superintendent of Ridgefield Park School District.... Ridgefield Park is one of the only districts in the country to receive two Blue Ribbon titles in back to back years. Last year, Grant Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School."
  104. ^ About Us Archived October 14, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Bergen County Technical Schools. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  105. ^ Admissions Archived March 5, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Bergen County Technical Schools. Accessed December 29, 2016.
  106. ^ Bergen County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  107. ^ Interstate 80 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated April 2014. Accessed July 21, 2022.
  108. ^ Interstate 95 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated August 2014. Accessed July 21, 2022.
  109. ^ U.S. Route 46 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated May 2017. Accessed July 21, 2022.
  110. ^ Map of Municipalities, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed December 2, 2022.
  111. ^ Route 46 Hackensack River Bridge Overview, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed October 21, 2013.
  112. ^ Kaminski, Edward S. New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad in New Jersey, p. 19. Arcadia Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978-0-7385-7367-0. Accessed September 14, 2016.
  113. ^ Rose-McEntee, Donna E. Ridgefield Park, p. 114. Arcadia Publishing, 2003. ISBN 9780738512235. Accessed September 14, 2016.
  114. ^ Agnes, Kristen. "Mount Vernon Street train station in Ridgefield Park was a popular place for commuters", Ridgefield Park Patriot, March 27, 2015. Accessed September 14, 2016.
  115. ^ Routes by County: Bergen County, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed July 12, 2011.
  116. ^ Bergen County System Map Archived August 6, 2019, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed September 14, 2016.
  117. ^ http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/01/amazon_prime_video_sopranos_boardwalk_new_jersey.html "N.J. binge-watching guide: 36 Amazon Prime picks from the Garden State", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, January 14, 2016. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Rounders - This 1998 movie stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton (and John Malkovich!) as underground poker players. Some scenes were filmed at Rutgers School of Law in Newark and the Elks lodge in Ridgefield Park."
  118. ^ "Nomination of Joan M. Clark To Be Director General of the Foreign Service" Archived December 18, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, June 16, 1981. Accessed December 14, 2013. "Miss Clark resides in Washington, D.C. She was born March 27, 1922, in Ridgefield Park, N.J."
  119. ^ Richard A. Easterlin, Population Association of America. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Richard Easterlin was born in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, in 1926 and studied engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology, where he earned an ME degree with distinction in 1945."
  120. ^ Nowlin, Bill. "Alex Gaston", Society for American Baseball Research. Accessed November 14, 2016. "His high school was Ridgefield Park in New Jersey, the community where Milt was born. At the time of the 1900 and 1910 censuses, the family lived in Overpeck, Bergen County, New Jersey."
  121. ^ Nowlin, Bill. "Milt Gaston", Society for American Baseball Research. Accessed November 14, 2016. "Nathaniel Milton Gaston was born on January 27, 1896, in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.... The family lived in Overpeek, Bergen County, New Jersey. Milt attended a number of schools in New York City and New Jersey, and completed one year of high school at Ridgefield Park, but then left school and went to work."
  122. ^ Spelling, Ian. "Ours lead singer Jimmy Gnecco will perform in Manhattan", The Record, May 20, 2010. Accessed August 15, 2012. "Gnecco – who was born in Teaneck, raised in Ridgefield Park and lives in Bogota — plays every instrument on the album, which includes such songs as 'Rest Your Soul,' 'Take a Chance,' 'Mystery' and the title track."
  123. ^ Calderone, Joe; and Zambito, Thomas. "Farewell To FBI Bomb Expert And Father of 4", New York Daily News, October 1, 2001. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Son of a cop, Hatton starred as halfback on the Ridgefield Park football team, married his high school sweetheart and took the only job he'd ever wanted, as an agent with the FBI. His work took him to New Orleans for years, but, after being assigned to the Joint Bank Robbery Task Force in New York, he returned to Ridgefield Park.... On Saturday, as strains of an Elton John song filtered through the church, Hatton's Ridgefield Park class, members of the Class of '75, wiped away tears."
  124. ^ Overbye, Dennis. "John Huchra Dies at 61; Maps Altered Ideas on Universe", The New York Times, October 13, 2010. Accessed August 19, 2013. "John Peter Huchra was born on Dec. 23, 1948, in Jersey City and grew up in Ridgefield Park, N.J., reading science fiction and popular cosmological books."
  125. ^ Fandrich, Leslie. "The Golden Nature of James Gordon Irving", Uppercase magazine, Issue 15, Fall 2012. Accessed May 14, 2016. "Gordon was born June 2, 1913, in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, just a few miles from the home he has lived in for the past 60 years."
  126. ^ Keogh, Jim. "Rumors about teachers take on a life of their own",The Record, September 13, 1994. Accessed July 21, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Jim Keogh Is a member of the Ridgefield Park school board and an evening professor in the computer science department at St Peter's College, Jersey City."
  127. ^ Louis Kosco Class of 1950, Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School Alumni Foundation. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Senator Louis Kosco attended Lincoln School and was a member of the class of 1950 at Ridgefield Park High School."
  128. ^ Cowen, Richard. "Humble hero of the atomic age: Passaic retailer helped deliver 'the bomb'", The Record, August 9, 2013. Accessed August 19, 2013. "Robert Lewis, the co-pilot of the Enola Gay, was a Ridgefield Park High School graduate."
  129. ^ a b Fosdick, George. History of Ridgefield Park High School, Ridgefield Park Jr. / Sr. High School Alumni Association. Accessed August 19, 2013. "Among those who rose to national prominence are Ozzie Nelson '23, a radio and television performer who often mentioned his RPHS experiences on his radio and television programs. Bud Lewis '37 was the co-pilot of the Enola Gay Aircraft which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, leading to the end of World War II, a war in which over 1,000 RPHS graduates served."
  130. ^ George Lowe, Baseball-Reference.com. Accessed December 14, 2013.
  131. ^ Ross, Rob. "Album Review: Bobby Messano, Welcome To Deltaville, popdose.com, July 31, 2014. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Ridgefield Park, New Jersey native (and current Nashville resident) Bobby Messano steps up to the front of the line with his newest release on Marty Scott's JEM Recordings, Welcome To Deltaville. 10 slices of heavy blues that definitely make their mark."
  132. ^ "Kiwanians Hear Program Given By Bandleader; Dick Messner Entertains Park-Teaneck Club At Meeting", The Record, October 4, 1935. Accessed December 2, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Dick Messner of Ridgefield Park, leader of the famed Messner Brothers orchestra, was guest yesterday of the Ridgefield Park-Teaneck Kiwanis Club at Its weekly luncheon meeting at Bernhardt's Inn, Teaneck."
  133. ^ Staff. "Messner Into Army", Billboard, February 12, 1944. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Johnny Messner, the master of Ridgefield Park, N. J. and the maestro at McAlpin's Marine Grill for so many years, enters the army March 21."
  134. ^ via Associated Press. "Ozzie Nelson Honored By Town", The Robesonian, October 19, 1992. Accessed August 19, 2013. "The actor, whose TV family entertained millions during the 1950s grew up in Ridgefield Park and graduated in 1923 from the town's high school."
  135. ^ Hall of Fame - Lawrence Nuesslein, USA Shooting. Accessed November 14, 2016.
  136. ^ George, Jason. "From a C Student to a Celestial Traveler", The New York Times, May 16, 2004. Accessed December 14, 2013. "In 1962, with an F in trigonometry and a C average at Ridgefield Park High School in New Jersey, Gregory Olsen seemed destined for the final frontier of a steady job, evenings in front of the television and, if lucky, vacations on the Jersey Shore."
  137. ^ "Mrs. Amelia Stone Quinton", The New York Times, June 25, 1926. Accessed November 17, 2017. "Mrs. Amelia Stone Quinton, 91, died on Wednesday at her home, 160 Preston Street, Ridgefield Park, N. J."
  138. ^ Gavin, John A. "Harrison 'Hatch' Rosdahl, ex-pro football player, at 62", The Record, June 18, 2004. Accessed July 31, 2014. "Ridgefield Park - Harrison 'Hatch' Rosdahl, a professional football player for seven years, died from injuries suffered in a fall at his home Tuesday."
  139. ^ Beckerman, Jim. "A play about ex-cons, played by themselves", The Record, July 6, 2008. Accessed January 21, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "That's the combined prison time of the four ex-convicts who play themselves in this unique off-Broadway play, conceived and directed by Bergen County native David Rothenberg.... Rothenberg, who grew up in Ridgefield Park and Teaneck (Teaneck High School, class of 1951), began his career as a part-time sports writer for The Record."
  140. ^ Dan Ruch, Old Dominion Monarchs soccer, backed up by the Internet Archive as of August 7, 2011. Accessed November 15, 2017. "Hometown: Ridgefield Park, NJ; High School: Ridgefield Park"
  141. ^ Harold "Hal" Turner, Turner2000.org, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 31, 2000. Accessed October 17, 2017. "At age 4, Hal's family moved from Union City to Ridgefield Park, in Bergen County. He attended Roosevelt School on Teaneck Road in Grades K - 8. Hal graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in 1980."
  142. ^ Levin, Jay. "Their lives made ours a little richer", The Record, January 1, 2008. Accessed May 27, 2008.
  143. ^ Passow, Sam. "Passing Down Stories: Oradell resident Yoojin Grace Wuertz", The Record, April 4, 2017. Accessed June 5, 2017. "Wuertz, who lives in Oradell after growing up in Paramus and Ridgefield Park, released Everything Belongs to Us in February."

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