Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey
Encyclopedia
Monroe Township is a Township
in Middlesex County
, New Jersey
, United States
. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 27,999. Monroe was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature
on April 9, 1838, from portions of South Amboy Township
, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. Portions of the township were taken to form East Brunswick Township
(February 28, 1860), Cranbury Township (March 7, 1872) and Jamesburg
(March 19, 1887).
Clearbrook Park
, Concordia
, Rossmoor
and Whittingham
are census-designated place
s and unincorporated areas located within Monroe Township. There is a large, growing amount of age-restricted communities
.
James Monroe
. For many decades, it was largely a farming community; when parts of the township blossomed into the more densely-packed neighborhoods of Helmetta
, Jamesburg
, and Spotswood
in the late 19th century, they seceded. Railroads came into Monroe from just about the very beginning, starting with the Camden and Amboy Rail Road in the 1830s and 1840s.
In 1905, Bernarr Macfadden
, the then-famous proponent of physical culture
, came to the part of Monroe near Helmetta and Spotswood, and attempted to set up a camp called "Physical Culture City", where he could teach his beliefs in relative peace. However, in 1907, Macfadden was arrested for distribution of what was in those times considered pornography and the camp dissolved. The area of this camp became the Outcalt neighborhood.
The New Jersey State Home for Boys, later the Training School for Boys, and now the New Jersey Training School for Boys was established near Jamesburg. It was opened in 1867 as a home for troubled youth; however, by the mid-20th century, its purpose was to incarcerate juvenile delinquents. One of the more famous residents of The State Home was Rubin "Hurricane" Carter
. Clarence Clemons
of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was a social worker there for many years during the 60's before he found fame as a sax player with Springsteen.
The township's largely agrarian landscape began to turn more suburban between 1960 and 1968, when the New Jersey Turnpike
opened up Exit 8A in the western part of Monroe, in conjunction with the effort to develop the Leisure World
age-restricted community
of Rossmoor
. Since then, at least five more communities for senior citizens have joined Rossmoor: Concordia, Clearbrook, Greenbriar at Whittingham, The Ponds, and Encore, and the prestigious Regency at Monroe. More are under development.
At the same time, and over the next few decades, suburb
s for people of all ages spread into the northern parts of Monroe Township, prompting the expansion of several schools and the construction of new ones. Since 1980, in addition to the age restricted communities, Monroe has added shopping centers, a synagogue
, a recreation center, and a new library
On Wednesday March 22, 2006, ten residents of Monroe Township, from The Ponds retirement community, were killed in a tour bus accident in the Andes
mountains in northern Chile
. The tour had been arranged by the Jewish organization, B'nai B'rith
. As Governor of New Jersey
Jon Corzine
put it, "Today, all of New Jersey is stunned and saddened by the tragic accident in Chile that took the lives of lifelong friends — vibrant and beloved residents of a community in Monroe Township who chose to share the adventure of their twilight years together" (NY Times). Of the 12 people killed, one couple was from Stamford
, Connecticut
. The bodies that were recovered were flown back to Monroe Township for funerals on Sunday March 26, 2006.
Over the past years, Monroe has had a surge in residential development. New communities are being erected usually around the Turnpike. Portions of Monroe's farmland are beial zoning, and commercial zoning. Roads have been widened to allow for the extra vehicular volume. Warehouses are being/have been constructed in the last few years along CR 535
, located near the 8A toll gate. The northern section of the township is already developed, with developers heading further south in Monroe to start new communities. New adult communities have set ground in central Monroe, along Route 33, and on CR 615
. While these new senior citizen housing units are being built, luxury homes are also being constructed. However, many senior citizens are opposed to these new construction plans since new homes would bring in more children, and therefore raise their school taxes.
There is an ongoing expansion of the Monroe Township High School that is relocating it onto portions of Thompson Park. (This project slowly received approval after an archaeological study concluded that the land was not historically significant, except about 3 or 4 acres (16,187.4 m²) of land). The controversy that led to the study involved a Lenape
settlement, Bethel Indian Town, which protesters contended existed on the site, whereas supporters of the move of the high school claimed that Bethel Indian Town was a half-mile away. In late April 2008, construction started of the new high school. "By early 2008, the State Preservation Office and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection gave full sanction to the de-accession of the land as a protected park. Ground breaking began immediately, only to be halted in June of 2008 when additional remains were found. The consultant identified these stone foundation remains as a 19th century farmstead, with no earlier association." The new high school opened in September 2011. The old high school building is now being reused as the middle school.
Monroe is planning on developing the area of land along Route 33 (Route 33 Land Development Task Force) all the way from the town line in East Windsor Township
to Millstone Township
. This proposal would include the construction of new luxury houses, a new grocery store, a baseball park, a performing arts center, a bus stop, new restaurants, and new businesses.
Along County Route 619
, new developments are beginning to surge forward. This surge has led 619 to be widened as an avenue in anticipation for the future traffic. A proposed grocery store is planned to be built at the corner of Applegarth Road, and Halsey Reed Road/Federal Road (Extension). Along Federal Road, new luxury houses are being built and will extend south towards the village of Applegarth. Along the Millstone River will be a new high class development, called the Millstone Preserve. These new developments are under construction.
, the township has a total area of 42 square miles (108.8 km²), of which, 41.9 square miles (108.5 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.24%) is water. It is the largest municipality in Middlesex County
in terms of total land area.
Also: Monroe surrounds Jamesburg
.
of 2000, there were 27,999 people, 12,536 households, and 8,236 families residing in the township. The population density
was 667.6 people per square mile (257.8/km²). There were 13,259 housing units at an average density of 316.1 per square mile (122.1/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 93.31% White, 2.93% African American, 0.06% Native American, 2.34% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races
, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.38% of the population.
There were 12,536 households out of which 15.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples
living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the township the population was spread out with 16.0% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 16.3% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 43.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $53,306, and the median income for a family was $68,479. Males had a median income of $56,431 versus $35,857 for females. The per capita income
for the township was $31,772. About 1.3% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.
List of Neighborhoods and Historical Place Names of Monroe Township:
List of Historical Railroads of Monroe Township:
system of New Jersey municipal government under the Faulkner Act
.
, the Mayor
of Monroe Township is Richard Pucci. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Gerald W. Tamburro (Ward 2), Vice President Henry L. Miller (Ward 1), Leslie Koppel (at-large), Michael Leibowitz (Ward 3) and Irwin Nalitt (at-large).
Monroe Township is in the
serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools in the district (with 2008-09 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
) are
Barclay Brook Elementary School (PreK-3; 516 students),
Brookside Elementary School (3-6; 694),
Mill Lake Elementary School (PreK-3; 659),
Oak Tree Elementary School (PreK-6; 660),
Woodland Elementary School (4-6; 505),
Applegarth Middle School (7&8; 801) and
Monroe Township High School
for grades 9-12 (1,564)
During the 1991-1992 academic school year, Mill Lake Elementary School received the Blue Ribbon Award
from the United States Department of Education
, the highest honor that an American school can achieve. This honor was followed during the 1998-99 academic school year, to Barclay Brook Elementary School across town. Both of Monroe Township's pre-K through third grade schools received such an esteemed honor.
Students from Jamesburg
attend Monroe Township High School as part of a sending/receiving relationship
with the Jamesburg Public Schools
.
Some of the age-restricted communities, such as Rossmoor and Concordia, have their own transportation services within the communities. In addition, Middlesex County runs shuttles to Jamesburg from East and New Brunswick (the New Brunswick shuttle schedule is at http://www.kmm.org/kmm/pdfs/8A_SHUTTLE_BROCHURE_10_04_08_Blue.pdf). Since Monroe entirely surrounds Jamesburg, Monroe Township also benefits from the shuttles.
Route 33 runs through the southern part of Monroe for approximately 2½ miles which then travels through Millstone Township
and East Windsor Township
(Monroe is the only municipality in the county that hosts Route 33).
Monroe has various bus stops that allow passengers to take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal
, adjacent to the Lincoln Tunnel
. Monroe's busiest roads include Applegarth Road
, Forsgate Drive
and Route 32, which connects to the New Jersey Turnpike
(Interstate 95
). Exit 8A is located on the western edge of Monroe Township, with a 9-lane toll gate featuring a "modified" double trumpet interchange (with a few ramps continuing into South Brunswick
). Interstate 195
is outside the township in neighboring Millstone Township
.
Monroe also houses a few county routes: County Route 535
, County Route 522
, County Route 527
, County Route 619, County Route 615
, County Route 614, County Route 613
and County Route 612. While County Route 520
doesn't pass through Monroe, it turns into CR 612. (However, some maps (such as Tele Atlas
) indicate that 520 traverses through Monroe Township, and ends at CR 613
.)
County Routes 612/520 connect to Shore Points
/Garden State Parkway
(Exit 109 in Middletown Township
) with the New Jersey Turnpike
at Exit 8A in Monroe Township.
While the turnpike passes through at an approximate length of 1½ miles, Monroe Township is known for the Turnpike's division (where it divides into Inner Car Lanes & Outer Truck Lanes) and its dangerous (and often-congested) merge, where the dual-dual configuration ends (5 lanes each direction; 2-3-3-2) and becomes a single roadway, consisting of three lanes in each direction (3-3); the merge is particularly difficult to travel through on Friday afternoons, summertime and on holidays. When the turnpike is congested (in the 8A vicinity), many motorists exit in Monroe Township at 8A and use Route 32 West to U.S. Route 130
south. Since 8A has become so busy, the turnpike interchange has been upgraded. The ramp (from the Turnpike) that had merged onto Route 32 west was demolished in 2006; a new two-lane ramp opened connecting with County Route 535
(at a traffic signal) in South Brunswick. Motorists must then take 535 south to gain access to 32 westbound.
On December 1, 2004, it was unveiled that the Turnpike would be widened by extending the dual-dual setup from Interchange 8A in Monroe Township to Interchange 6 (the Pennsylvania Extension) in Mansfield Township
. This would require mostly minimal construction in Monroe. Besides residents demanding sound barriers, the only major construction would be to build a new ramp from the toll gate to the southbound inner roadway (or Car Lanes). As part of this project, there are plans to widen the turnpike between Exit 9 in East Brunswick Township
to Exit 8A. This would change the dual-dual configuration (from 2-3-3-2) to "3-3-3-3".
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority
had proposed to build two roads that were to pass through Monroe. The first was the Driscoll Expressway
which was to start from the Garden State Parkway at exit 80 in South Toms River
and end 3 miles north of exit 8A along the turnpike in South Brunswick. This project was killed in the 1980s. The other was an west-east spur, Route 92. It would have started at U.S. Route 1
just north of the intersection with Ridge Road in the township of South Brunswick
and would have terminated at the Exit 8A toll gate in Monroe Township. However, this was cancelled on December 1, 2006. The Authority's main focus is now widening the Turnpike between Exit 6 and Exit 8A.
Township (New Jersey)
A township, in the context of New Jersey local government, refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. As a political entity, a township is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town, city, borough, or village, collecting property taxes and providing...
in Middlesex County
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 27,999. Monroe was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Legislature
The New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
on April 9, 1838, from portions of South Amboy Township
South Amboy, New Jersey
South Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, on the Raritan Bay. As of the 2000 United States Census, the city population was 7,913.South Amboy, and Perth Amboy across the Raritan River, are collectively referred to as The Amboys...
, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. Portions of the township were taken to form East Brunswick Township
East Brunswick Township, New Jersey
The town is located southwest of New York City and 48 miles northeast of Philadelphia.Lawrence Brook, a tributary of the Raritan River, runs along the western border of the township...
(February 28, 1860), Cranbury Township (March 7, 1872) and Jamesburg
Jamesburg, New Jersey
Jamesburg is a Borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 6,025.Jamesburg was formed as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 19, 1887, when it was created from portions of Monroe Township, based on...
(March 19, 1887).
Clearbrook Park
Clearbrook Park, New Jersey
Clearbrook Park is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, with the age restricted gated community of Clearbrook as its center...
, Concordia
Concordia, New Jersey
Concordia is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, oriented around the age restricted gated community of Concordia...
, Rossmoor
Rossmoor, New Jersey
Rossmoor is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 3,129....
and Whittingham
Whittingham, New Jersey
Whittingham, also known as Greenbriar at Whittingham, is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 2,483...
are census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
s and unincorporated areas located within Monroe Township. There is a large, growing amount of age-restricted communities
Age-restricted community
An age-restricted community or age-segregated community is a housing area, often gated, that restricts ownership to individuals who are over a set age. Often the minimum age is 50 years, but it could be 55 or even 60....
.
History
Monroe Township was founded in 1838 and named in honor of the President of the United StatesPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States . Monroe was the last president who was a Founding Father of the United States, and the last president from the Virginia dynasty and the Republican Generation...
. For many decades, it was largely a farming community; when parts of the township blossomed into the more densely-packed neighborhoods of Helmetta
Helmetta, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,825 people, 746 households, and 495 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,153.6 people per square mile . There were 769 housing units at an average density of 907.5 per square mile...
, Jamesburg
Jamesburg, New Jersey
Jamesburg is a Borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 6,025.Jamesburg was formed as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 19, 1887, when it was created from portions of Monroe Township, based on...
, and Spotswood
Spotswood, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2008, there were 7,880 people, 3,099 households, and 2,163 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,389.8 people per square mile . There were 3,158 housing units at an average density of 1,358.5 per square mile...
in the late 19th century, they seceded. Railroads came into Monroe from just about the very beginning, starting with the Camden and Amboy Rail Road in the 1830s and 1840s.
In 1905, Bernarr Macfadden
Bernarr Macfadden
Bernarr Macfadden was an influential American proponent of physical culture, a combination of bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories...
, the then-famous proponent of physical culture
Physical culture
Physical culture is a term applied to health and strength training regimens, particularly those that originated during the 19th century. During the mid-late 20th century, the term "physical culture" became largely outmoded in most English-speaking countries, being replaced by terms such as...
, came to the part of Monroe near Helmetta and Spotswood, and attempted to set up a camp called "Physical Culture City", where he could teach his beliefs in relative peace. However, in 1907, Macfadden was arrested for distribution of what was in those times considered pornography and the camp dissolved. The area of this camp became the Outcalt neighborhood.
The New Jersey State Home for Boys, later the Training School for Boys, and now the New Jersey Training School for Boys was established near Jamesburg. It was opened in 1867 as a home for troubled youth; however, by the mid-20th century, its purpose was to incarcerate juvenile delinquents. One of the more famous residents of The State Home was Rubin "Hurricane" Carter
Rubin Carter
Rubin "Hurricane" Carter fought professionally as a middleweight boxer from 1961 to 1966. In 1966, he was arrested for a triple homicide in the Lafayette Bar and Grill in Paterson, New Jersey...
. Clarence Clemons
Clarence Clemons
Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. , also known as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the tenor saxophone. He released several solo albums and in 1985, had a hit single with "You're a...
of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was a social worker there for many years during the 60's before he found fame as a sax player with Springsteen.
The township's largely agrarian landscape began to turn more suburban between 1960 and 1968, when the New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
opened up Exit 8A in the western part of Monroe, in conjunction with the effort to develop the Leisure World
Leisure World
Leisure World is the name of several retirement communities:* Leisure World, Arizona* Leisure World, Seal Beach, California* Laguna Woods Village, Laguna Woods, California, formerly known as Leisure World* Leisure World, Rossmoor, Maryland...
age-restricted community
Age-restricted community
An age-restricted community or age-segregated community is a housing area, often gated, that restricts ownership to individuals who are over a set age. Often the minimum age is 50 years, but it could be 55 or even 60....
of Rossmoor
Rossmoor, New Jersey
Rossmoor is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 3,129....
. Since then, at least five more communities for senior citizens have joined Rossmoor: Concordia, Clearbrook, Greenbriar at Whittingham, The Ponds, and Encore, and the prestigious Regency at Monroe. More are under development.
At the same time, and over the next few decades, suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
s for people of all ages spread into the northern parts of Monroe Township, prompting the expansion of several schools and the construction of new ones. Since 1980, in addition to the age restricted communities, Monroe has added shopping centers, a synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
, a recreation center, and a new library
On Wednesday March 22, 2006, ten residents of Monroe Township, from The Ponds retirement community, were killed in a tour bus accident in the Andes
Andes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
mountains in northern Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
. The tour had been arranged by the Jewish organization, B'nai B'rith
B'nai B'rith
B'nai B'rith International |Covenant]]" is the oldest continually operating Jewish service organization in the world. It was initially founded as the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith in New York City, on , 1843, by Henry Jones and 11 others....
. As Governor of New Jersey
Governor of New Jersey
The Office of the Governor of New Jersey is the executive branch for the U.S. state of New Jersey. The office of Governor is an elected position, for which elected officials serve four year terms. While individual politicians may serve as many terms as they can be elected to, Governors cannot be...
Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
put it, "Today, all of New Jersey is stunned and saddened by the tragic accident in Chile that took the lives of lifelong friends — vibrant and beloved residents of a community in Monroe Township who chose to share the adventure of their twilight years together" (NY Times). Of the 12 people killed, one couple was from Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. The bodies that were recovered were flown back to Monroe Township for funerals on Sunday March 26, 2006.
Over the past years, Monroe has had a surge in residential development. New communities are being erected usually around the Turnpike. Portions of Monroe's farmland are beial zoning, and commercial zoning. Roads have been widened to allow for the extra vehicular volume. Warehouses are being/have been constructed in the last few years along CR 535
County Route 535 (New Jersey)
County Route 535 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Logan Avenue , at the boundary between Trenton and Hamilton Township in Mercer County to the intersection of Main Street, Raritan Street and Washington Road in Sayreville in Middlesex County.The road...
, located near the 8A toll gate. The northern section of the township is already developed, with developers heading further south in Monroe to start new communities. New adult communities have set ground in central Monroe, along Route 33, and on CR 615
County Route 615 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 615 is a county route in Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. The road extends from Mercer CR 615 at the Plainsboro/West Windsor line all the way to So. Pine Ave in South Amboy, New Jersey. While most of 615 is not used a commuter road, the section in the...
. While these new senior citizen housing units are being built, luxury homes are also being constructed. However, many senior citizens are opposed to these new construction plans since new homes would bring in more children, and therefore raise their school taxes.
There is an ongoing expansion of the Monroe Township High School that is relocating it onto portions of Thompson Park. (This project slowly received approval after an archaeological study concluded that the land was not historically significant, except about 3 or 4 acres (16,187.4 m²) of land). The controversy that led to the study involved a Lenape
Lenape
The Lenape are an Algonquian group of Native Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands. They are also called Delaware Indians. As a result of the American Revolutionary War and later Indian removals from the eastern United States, today the main groups live in Canada, where they are enrolled in the...
settlement, Bethel Indian Town, which protesters contended existed on the site, whereas supporters of the move of the high school claimed that Bethel Indian Town was a half-mile away. In late April 2008, construction started of the new high school. "By early 2008, the State Preservation Office and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection gave full sanction to the de-accession of the land as a protected park. Ground breaking began immediately, only to be halted in June of 2008 when additional remains were found. The consultant identified these stone foundation remains as a 19th century farmstead, with no earlier association." The new high school opened in September 2011. The old high school building is now being reused as the middle school.
Monroe is planning on developing the area of land along Route 33 (Route 33 Land Development Task Force) all the way from the town line in East Windsor Township
East Windsor Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 24,919 people, 9,448 households, and 6,556 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,592.8 people per square mile . There were 9,880 housing units at an average density of 631.5 per square mile...
to Millstone Township
Millstone Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 8,970 people, 2,708 households, and 2,426 families residing in the township. The population density was 244.0 people per square mile . There were 2,797 housing units at an average density of 76.1 per square mile...
. This proposal would include the construction of new luxury houses, a new grocery store, a baseball park, a performing arts center, a bus stop, new restaurants, and new businesses.
Along County Route 619
County Route 619 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 619 is a county route located entirely in Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. It carries the names of Butcher Road and Applegarth Road...
, new developments are beginning to surge forward. This surge has led 619 to be widened as an avenue in anticipation for the future traffic. A proposed grocery store is planned to be built at the corner of Applegarth Road, and Halsey Reed Road/Federal Road (Extension). Along Federal Road, new luxury houses are being built and will extend south towards the village of Applegarth. Along the Millstone River will be a new high class development, called the Millstone Preserve. These new developments are under construction.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the township has a total area of 42 square miles (108.8 km²), of which, 41.9 square miles (108.5 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.24%) is water. It is the largest municipality in Middlesex County
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
in terms of total land area.
Jamesburg, New Jersey
Jamesburg is a Borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 6,025.Jamesburg was formed as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 19, 1887, when it was created from portions of Monroe Township, based on...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 27,999 people, 12,536 households, and 8,236 families residing in the township. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 667.6 people per square mile (257.8/km²). There were 13,259 housing units at an average density of 316.1 per square mile (122.1/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 93.31% White, 2.93% African American, 0.06% Native American, 2.34% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.38% of the population.
There were 12,536 households out of which 15.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the township the population was spread out with 16.0% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 16.3% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 43.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $53,306, and the median income for a family was $68,479. Males had a median income of $56,431 versus $35,857 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the township was $31,772. About 1.3% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.
Neighborhoods and historical place names
Though Monroe is not officially broken down into traditional neighborhoods (the Census-designated places oriented around active adult communities notwithstanding), but, over the years residents have given names to various parts of the township. Three common names heard in the township are Mill Lake Manor (an area centered around Monmouth Road and 10th Avenue) and Outcalt (in the northern part of the township, near Spotswood and Helmetta). For those who have lived in Mill Lake Manor, the area is broken down further into the "Old" and "New" Manor (split by Monmouth Road on the east and west sides, the Old being east and the New being the west side). The Manor also encompasses the developments of Inwood. The neighborhood east of Spotswood-Englishtown Road, centered around Monmouth Road, extending down to 1st Avenue, is called the North Manor, or Manor Heights.List of Neighborhoods and Historical Place Names of Monroe Township:
- Applegarth
- Brookside
- Dynasty Estates
- Fertile Land Section
- Forsgate
- Grace Hill
- Gravel Hill
- Half Acre (Home to the retirement communities of Concordia and Whittingham)
- Hoffman
- Hoffman Station
- Inwood
- Lower Jamesburg
- Matchaponix
- Mill Lake Manor
- Middlesex Downs
- Monroe Hills
- Monroe Woods
- Mount Mills
- North Manor (Manor Heights)
- Old Church
- Outcalt
- Prospect Plains (Home to the retirement communities of Rossmoor and Clearbrook)
- Red Tavern
- Rhode Hall
- Shore Road Estates
- South Helmetta
- Spring Garden (later referred to as Applegarth)
- State Home for Boys (located in Matchaponix)
- Stone Museum (located in Machaponix)
- Texas Road
- The Pines (located near Outcalt)
- Tracy
- Tracy Station
- Union Valley (radiates from the intersection of Union Valley Road and Union Valley-Gravel Hill Road)
- Woodland
List of Historical Railroads of Monroe Township:
- Camden and Amboy Railroad
- Freehold and Jamesburg Railroad
- Pennsylvania Railroad Amboy Division (formerly the Camden and Amboy Railroad)
- Jamesurg Railroad Amboy Division (formerly the Freehold and Jamesburg Railroad)
Local government
Monroe Township is governed by the Mayor-CouncilFaulkner Act (Mayor-Council)
The Faulkner Act, or Optional Municipal Charter Law, provides for New Jersey municipalities to adopt a Mayor-Council government.This form of government provides for election of a mayor and five, seven, or nine council members...
system of New Jersey municipal government under the Faulkner Act
Faulkner Act (New Jersey)
The Optional Municipal Charter Law or Faulkner Act provides New Jersey municipalities with a variety of models of local government. This legislation is called the Faulkner Act in honor of the late Bayard H...
.
, the Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Monroe Township is Richard Pucci. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Gerald W. Tamburro (Ward 2), Vice President Henry L. Miller (Ward 1), Leslie Koppel (at-large), Michael Leibowitz (Ward 3) and Irwin Nalitt (at-large).
Federal, state and county representation
Monroe Township is in the 12th Congressional district.Monroe Township is in the
Education
The Monroe Township School DistrictMonroe Township School District
The Monroe Township School District is a comprehensive community public school district that serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade from Monroe Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States....
serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools in the district (with 2008-09 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
) are
Barclay Brook Elementary School (PreK-3; 516 students),
Brookside Elementary School (3-6; 694),
Mill Lake Elementary School (PreK-3; 659),
Oak Tree Elementary School (PreK-6; 660),
Woodland Elementary School (4-6; 505),
Applegarth Middle School (7&8; 801) and
Monroe Township High School
Monroe Township High School
Monroe Township High School is a comprehensive four-year public high school located in Monroe Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is part of the Monroe Township School District. The school serves students from Monroe Township and those from Jamesburg Borough who attend Monroe Township...
for grades 9-12 (1,564)
During the 1991-1992 academic school year, Mill Lake Elementary School received the Blue Ribbon Award
Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created in 1981 to honor schools which have achieved high levels of performance or significant improvements with emphasis on schools serving disadvantaged students. The program centers around a self-assessment conducted by the...
from the United States Department of Education
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
, the highest honor that an American school can achieve. This honor was followed during the 1998-99 academic school year, to Barclay Brook Elementary School across town. Both of Monroe Township's pre-K through third grade schools received such an esteemed honor.
Students from Jamesburg
Jamesburg, New Jersey
Jamesburg is a Borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 6,025.Jamesburg was formed as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 19, 1887, when it was created from portions of Monroe Township, based on...
attend Monroe Township High School as part of a sending/receiving relationship
Sending/receiving relationship
A sending/receiving relationship is one in which a public school district sends some or all of its students to attend the schools of another district. This is often done to achieve costs savings in smaller districts or continues after districts have grown as part of a historical relationship...
with the Jamesburg Public Schools
Jamesburg Public Schools
The Jamesburg Public Schools are a community public school district that serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Jamesburg, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States....
.
Transportation
Route 33 runs through the southern part of Monroe for approximately 2½ miles which then travels through Millstone Township
Millstone Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 8,970 people, 2,708 households, and 2,426 families residing in the township. The population density was 244.0 people per square mile . There were 2,797 housing units at an average density of 76.1 per square mile...
and East Windsor Township
East Windsor Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 24,919 people, 9,448 households, and 6,556 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,592.8 people per square mile . There were 9,880 housing units at an average density of 631.5 per square mile...
(Monroe is the only municipality in the county that hosts Route 33).
Monroe has various bus stops that allow passengers to take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal
Port Authority Bus Terminal
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the main gateway for interstate buses into Manhattan in New York City...
, adjacent to the Lincoln Tunnel
Lincoln Tunnel
The Lincoln Tunnel is a long tunnel under the Hudson River, connecting Weehawken, New Jersey and the borough of Manhattan in New York City.-History:...
. Monroe's busiest roads include Applegarth Road
County Route 619 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 619 is a county route located entirely in Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. It carries the names of Butcher Road and Applegarth Road...
, Forsgate Drive
County Route 612 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 612 is a county route in Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. It carries the names of Forsgate Drive, Pergola Avenue, and Matchaponix Road. The road extends from CR 613 in the east to its bridge over the New Jersey Turnpike in the west, where it continues as Route 32...
and Route 32, which connects to the New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
(Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in New Jersey
Interstate 95 is a major Interstate Highway that traverses the full extent of the East Coast of the United States, from Florida to Maine...
). Exit 8A is located on the western edge of Monroe Township, with a 9-lane toll gate featuring a "modified" double trumpet interchange (with a few ramps continuing into South Brunswick
South Brunswick Township, New Jersey
South Brunswick Township is a Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 43,417....
). Interstate 195
Interstate 195 (New Jersey)
Interstate 195 is an auxiliary route of the Interstate Highway System located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its western end is at I-295 and Route 29 just south of Trenton, New Jersey in Hamilton Township, Mercer County while its eastern end is at the Garden State Parkway, Route 34 and Route...
is outside the township in neighboring Millstone Township
Millstone Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 8,970 people, 2,708 households, and 2,426 families residing in the township. The population density was 244.0 people per square mile . There were 2,797 housing units at an average density of 76.1 per square mile...
.
Monroe also houses a few county routes: County Route 535
County Route 535 (New Jersey)
County Route 535 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Logan Avenue , at the boundary between Trenton and Hamilton Township in Mercer County to the intersection of Main Street, Raritan Street and Washington Road in Sayreville in Middlesex County.The road...
, County Route 522
County Route 522 (New Jersey)
County Route 522 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from U.S. 1 in South Brunswick Township to Main Street in Freehold Borough.-Middlesex County:...
, County Route 527
County Route 527 (New Jersey)
County Route 527 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Main Street in Toms River Township to Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove. It is the second longest county highway in New Jersey after Route 519. It was first given the number 527 in 1954...
, County Route 619, County Route 615
County Route 615 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 615 is a county route in Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. The road extends from Mercer CR 615 at the Plainsboro/West Windsor line all the way to So. Pine Ave in South Amboy, New Jersey. While most of 615 is not used a commuter road, the section in the...
, County Route 614, County Route 613
County Route 613 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 613 is a county route in Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. The road extends from the interchange at Route 18 and CR 535 in East Brunswick Township to the intersection of Tracy Station Road and CR 522 in Monroe Township...
and County Route 612. While County Route 520
County Route 520 (New Jersey)
County Route 520 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. County Route 520 is a major road across Monmouth County connecting the county's central towns to the Jersey Shore at Sea Bright.-Route description:...
doesn't pass through Monroe, it turns into CR 612. (However, some maps (such as Tele Atlas
Tele Atlas
Tele Atlas is a Netherlands-based company founded in 1984 which delivers digital maps and other dynamic content for navigation and location-based services, including personal and in-car navigation systems, and provides data used in a wide range of mobile and Internet map applications...
) indicate that 520 traverses through Monroe Township, and ends at CR 613
County Route 613 (Middlesex County, New Jersey)
County Route 613 is a county route in Middlesex County, New Jersey that measures in length. The road extends from the interchange at Route 18 and CR 535 in East Brunswick Township to the intersection of Tracy Station Road and CR 522 in Monroe Township...
.)
County Routes 612/520 connect to Shore Points
Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a term used to refer to both the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the adjacent resort and residential communities. . The New Jersey State Department of Tourism considers the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore to be distinct, each having...
/Garden State Parkway
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is a 172.4-mile limited-access toll parkway that stretches the length of New Jersey from the New York line at Montvale, New Jersey, to Cape May at New Jersey's southernmost tip. Its name refers to New Jersey's nickname, the "Garden State." Most New Jersey residents refer...
(Exit 109 in Middletown Township
Middletown Township, New Jersey
Middletown Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a total population of 66,522...
) with the New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
at Exit 8A in Monroe Township.
While the turnpike passes through at an approximate length of 1½ miles, Monroe Township is known for the Turnpike's division (where it divides into Inner Car Lanes & Outer Truck Lanes) and its dangerous (and often-congested) merge, where the dual-dual configuration ends (5 lanes each direction; 2-3-3-2) and becomes a single roadway, consisting of three lanes in each direction (3-3); the merge is particularly difficult to travel through on Friday afternoons, summertime and on holidays. When the turnpike is congested (in the 8A vicinity), many motorists exit in Monroe Township at 8A and use Route 32 West to U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130 is a north–south U.S. Highway completely within the state of New Jersey. It runs from Interstate 295 and US 40 at Deepwater in Pennsville Township, Salem County, where the road continues east as Route 49, north to US 1 in North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, where...
south. Since 8A has become so busy, the turnpike interchange has been upgraded. The ramp (from the Turnpike) that had merged onto Route 32 west was demolished in 2006; a new two-lane ramp opened connecting with County Route 535
County Route 535 (New Jersey)
County Route 535 is a county highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The highway extends from Logan Avenue , at the boundary between Trenton and Hamilton Township in Mercer County to the intersection of Main Street, Raritan Street and Washington Road in Sayreville in Middlesex County.The road...
(at a traffic signal) in South Brunswick. Motorists must then take 535 south to gain access to 32 westbound.
On December 1, 2004, it was unveiled that the Turnpike would be widened by extending the dual-dual setup from Interchange 8A in Monroe Township to Interchange 6 (the Pennsylvania Extension) in Mansfield Township
Mansfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 5,090 people, 2,077 households, and 1,561 families residing in the township. The population density was 234.3 people per square mile . There were 2,122 housing units at an average density of 97.7 per square mile...
. This would require mostly minimal construction in Monroe. Besides residents demanding sound barriers, the only major construction would be to build a new ramp from the toll gate to the southbound inner roadway (or Car Lanes). As part of this project, there are plans to widen the turnpike between Exit 9 in East Brunswick Township
East Brunswick Township, New Jersey
The town is located southwest of New York City and 48 miles northeast of Philadelphia.Lawrence Brook, a tributary of the Raritan River, runs along the western border of the township...
to Exit 8A. This would change the dual-dual configuration (from 2-3-3-2) to "3-3-3-3".
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
had proposed to build two roads that were to pass through Monroe. The first was the Driscoll Expressway
Driscoll Expressway
The Driscoll Expressway was a proposed long tolled limited-access highway in Central Jersey that would have connected the New Jersey Turnpike with the Garden State Parkway in the U.S...
which was to start from the Garden State Parkway at exit 80 in South Toms River
South Toms River, New Jersey
South Toms River is a Borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the borough population was 3,684....
and end 3 miles north of exit 8A along the turnpike in South Brunswick. This project was killed in the 1980s. The other was an west-east spur, Route 92. It would have started at U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1 in New Jersey
U.S. Route 1 is a United States highway which parallels the East Coast of the United States, running from Key West, Florida in the south to Fort Kent, Maine at the Canadian border in the north. Of the entire length of the route, of it runs through New Jersey...
just north of the intersection with Ridge Road in the township of South Brunswick
South Brunswick Township, New Jersey
South Brunswick Township is a Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 43,417....
and would have terminated at the Exit 8A toll gate in Monroe Township. However, this was cancelled on December 1, 2006. The Authority's main focus is now widening the Turnpike between Exit 6 and Exit 8A.
Notable residents
- Randy BeverlyRandy BeverlyRandy Beverly is a former professional American football player. He played cornerback for the American Football League's New York Jets and is best known for making two key interceptions that helped the Jets to their historic victory in Super Bowl III in 1969.-Early career:Beverly grew up in...
(born 1944), cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
for the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
best known for making two key interceptions that helped the Jets to their historic victory in Super Bowl IIISuper Bowl IIISuper Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
in 1969. - Irene Craigmile BolamIrene Craigmile BolamIrene Craigmile Bolam was a New York banker and resident of Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. In 1970, a book which was soon widely discredited set forth an allegation that she was Amelia Earhart...
(1904–82), subject of a 1970 book which claimed that she was Amelia EarhartAmelia EarhartAmelia Mary Earhart was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean...
. - Travis MillerTravis MillerTravis Eugene Miller , is a retired Major League Baseball player who played pitcher from - for the Minnesota Twins.-External links:...
(born 1972), former baseball pitcher for the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... - Antonio PierceAntonio PierceAntonio Durran Pierce is a former American football linebacker. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Arizona....
(born 1978), starting Pro Bowl LinebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
for the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
's New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Lance SchultersLance SchultersLance A. Schulters is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
(born 1975), former defensive back in the NFL and played for Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. - Enrico Cabredo (born 1992), local musician and photographer known for his liberalization of both the Music and Art industries.
External links
- Monroe Township Official Website
- Monroe Township School District
- Data for the Monroe Township School District, National Center for Education StatisticsNational Center for Education StatisticsThe National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...