Edison, New Jersey

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Edison Township (usually known as Edison) is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township had a total population of 97,687, making it at the time the fifth largest municipality in New Jersey. As of the U.S. Census 2004 estimate, the population of Edison is 100,142, moving down a notch behind Woodbridge Township into sixth place.

Edison was ranked the 28th most livable small city in America by Money Magazine and the 2nd in New Jersey in 2006 in MONEY Magazine's "Best Places To Live".^[1]

In the 2006 survey of America's Safest Cities, the township was ranked 23rd, out of 371 cities included nationwide in the 13th annual Morgan Quitno survey.^[2]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early history 1.2 The Edison era 1.3 Modern Edison 2 Features 3 Geography 4 Demographics 5 Government 5.1 Local government 5.1.1 Election 2005 5.2 Government reforms 5.3 Federal, state and county representation 6 Education 6.1 Public schools 6.2 Middlesex County College 6.3 Other Schools/ Private Schools 7 Notable residents 8 Notable places 9 References 10 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Early history

Edison was originally part of Woodbridge Township and Piscataway Township when settlement commenced in the late 17th Century.

The town was previously known as "Raritan Township," not be confused with the current-day Raritan Township in Hunterdon County. In 1954, the township's name was changed to honor inventor Thomas A. Edison.

[edit] The Edison era

In 1876, Thomas A. Edison set up his home and research laboratory on the site of an unsuccessful real estate development in Raritan Township called Menlo Park. It was in the Menlo Park Laboratory that Thomas Edison came up with his most famous inventions, including the phonograph and electric light. Christie Street was the first street to use electric lights for illumination. Edison subsequently moved his lab to West Orange in 1883.

[edit] Modern Edison

Edison is currently one of the fastest growing towns in New Jersey. As of the United States 2000 Census, it was the fifth most-populated municipality in the state, after the cities of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth.

Edison is primarily a middle-class and upper middle-class community with more than 75 ethnic communities represented. Edison has a large Jewish community next to Highland Park, with multiple synagogues located in Edison. Edison also has a growing Indian community and a number of temples serving the religious needs of the community. Reflecting the number of Edison's residents from India and China, the township has sister city arrangements with Shijiazhuang, China, and Baroda, India.

[edit] Features

The town of Edison is home to the Thomas Alva Edison Memorial Tower and Museum.

Oak Tree Road in Edison and Iselin is known for its large concentration of Indian stores and restaurants.

Ford Motor Company had a plant here, the Ford Assembly Plant on U.S. Route 1, assembling the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks. The plant closed in 2004, with about 1,420 workers losing their jobs. Hartz Mountain purchased the property and is proposing a mixed-use retail center to begin construction in 2007. Township officials have negotiated no housing on the site.

Edison station has New Jersey Transit trains to New York City and Trenton via the Northeast Corridor line. This station is located in South Edison and serves the needs of residents there. Some condo and apartment complexes such as Edison Hollow South, Blueberry Village are a few blocks from the station. This has attracted many New Yorkers to the area.

Edison has three public libraries: the Main Library is on Plainfield Avenue in South Edison, near Edison station; North Edison Branch is on Grove Avenue, and the Clara Barton Branch is in the Clara Barton downtown area, on Hoover Avenue. Library service also includes a popular Bookmobile.

[edit] Geography

Edison is located at 40°32′18″N, 74°22′43″W (40.538204, -74.378585)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 79.5 km² (30.7 mi²). 78.0 km² (30.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.5 km² (0.6 mi²) of it (1.86%) is water.

Edison entirely surrounds Metuchen borough, which broke away from Raritan Township in 1900. Edison is bounded on the east by Woodbridge, on the south by the Raritan River (across which are Sayreville, East Brunswick Township, and New Brunswick), on the southwest by Highland Park (which also broke away from Edison, in 1905), on the west by Piscataway and South Plainfield, and on the north by Scotch Plains and Clark.

[edit] Demographics

Edison is one of the more diverse townships in New Jersey. It and the surrounding communities of Middlesex County are commonly known throughout the state and the New York metro area as being one of the region's main centers of Asian American cultural diversity.

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 97,687 people, 35,136 households, and 25,895 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,252.2/km² (3,243.0/mi²). There were 36,018 housing units at an average density of 461.7/km² (1,195.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 59.49% White, 6.89% African American, 0.14% Native American, 29.27% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.02% from other races, and 2.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.37% of the population.

There were 35,136 households out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the township the population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $69,746, and the median income for a family was $77,976. Males had a median income of $53,303 versus $36,829 for females. The per capita income for the township was $30,148. About 3.3% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

As part of the 2000 Census, 17.75% of Edison residents identified themselves as being Indian American. This was the highest percentage of Indian people of any place in the United States with 1,000 or more residents identifying their ancestry.^[3]

[edit] Government

Edison's politics tend to lean towards the Democratic Party. John Kerry carried the township over George W. Bush in the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election.

[edit] Local government

Edison Township is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system with a strong Mayor-Council form of government.

The current Mayor of Edison is Jun Choi. The Council President is Robert Diehl Robert Diehl (term ends December 31, 2009

[edit] Election 2005

Running on a good government platform and a call to reform the Democratic Party, Jun Choi won the June 2005 primary by a 56-44% margin, defeating longtime incumbent Mayor George A. Spadoro. This was the first time in Edison history that a challenger won the Democratic primary. Mayor Choi won endorsements from mainstream Democratic leaders including Bill Bradley, for whom he worked on the 2000 presidential campaign, and was unexpectedly endorsed by a number of traditionally candidate- neutral unions in Edison. Union representatives have made clear that their break with neutrality is because of Mayor Choi’s commitment to fight for middle income families. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), IUC, and Teamsters all put their forces behind Choi. Choi also received the national endorsement of Democracy for America (DFA).

In the ensuing general election, Choi did not face a Republican candidate, but instead faced a former Democrat turned Independent. Choi had a large grassroots following of new, independent and younger voters.

The 2005 Edison Mayoral campaign brought together four key factors that helped Choi win both the primary and general elections. An American Prospect article details these findings. They include 1) attracting new voters into the process, 2) a good government message, 3) anti-Wal-Mart or economic justice theme and 4) an effective Internet-based progressive mobilization. These dynamics, the article argues, can be a model for progressive candidates in developing a winning campaign.^[4]

On Election Day, November 8, 2005 Jun Choi declared victory, leading in unofficial results with a vote of 12,126 to 11,935. However, due to the small margin of victory, candidate William Stephens initially refused to concede and claimed that he would pursue a recount.^[5]

On January 1, 2006, at age 34, Mayor Choi was sworn-in by Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine as the youngest Mayor in Edison history.

[edit] Government reforms

A mature community with nearly all of its available land developed and an aging infrastructure, Edison Township is in a period of transition. Citizens faced rising property taxes, increased traffic congestion, development issues and an under-performing municipal government when Mayor Choi took office. His first significant challenge was bringing fiscal discipline to municipal operations. Downsizing government by more than 40 full-time employees (800 total) and $3.5 million in annual operating expenses in the first nine months, the new administration was able to avoid layoffs and major cuts in services. Runaway spending for more than a decade, primarily a result of labor contracts to the Police and other municipal unions have left the community in hard fiscal times while property taxes have soared 200% in the last 12 years. Mayor Choi introduced his first budget ($108 million) on July 10, 2006, which advocated a multi-year fiscal recovery plan and fiscal discipline. The proposal called for significant downsizing over several years and enhanced revenues through an active Economic Development program and investments in key programs that would generate new income. The plan also calls for new investments in technology to bring accountability and performance measures to government. The plan also called for restructuring approximately $17 million out of $65 million in Township debt that would help stabilize tax rates in FY 2007-2009 until the Township was in better fiscal condition. As of November 7, the Council led by the Finance Committee has yet to introduce an amendment to the budget or response.

Development also added to increased burdens on the infrastructure of the community including overcrowded schools and a strained sewer system. Mayor Choi brought top planners and other professionals to revamp the overall planning, land-use and redevelopment process. Receiving a $300,000 grant from the State, Mayor Choi kicked off the Edison Smart Growth Planning Initiative which focuses on revitalizing the Route 1 and 27 corridors of the Township with a new blueprint for redevelopment and beautifying a significant section of the community.

Since Mayor Choi won the Democratic primary in June 2005, significant milestones in good government were instituted. A pay-to-play and redevelopers’ pay-to-play reform measures, both endorsed by the Citizens’ Campaign and Common Cause New Jersey, were enacted, significantly limiting the corrupting influence of political contributions for contracts. An open appointments ordinance went into effect which makes the government appointments process more open and transparent.

[edit] Federal, state and county representation

Edison is split between the Sixth and Seventh Congressional Districts and is part of New Jersey's 18th Legislative District.^[6]

New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District, covering portions of Middlesex County and Monmouth County, is represented by Frank Pallone (D). New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District, covering portions of Hunterdon County, Middlesex County, Somerset County and Union County, is represented by Mike Ferguson (R). New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Robert Menendez (D, Hoboken).

The 18th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Barbara Buono (D, Edison) and in the Assembly by Peter J. Barnes (D, Edison) and Patrick J. Diegnan (D, South Plainfield). The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).

Middlesex County is governed by a seven-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. Middlesex County's Freeholders are: Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel, Freeholder Deputy Director Stephen J. "Pete" Dalina, Camille Fernicola, H. James Polos, John Pulomena, Christopher D. Rafano and Blanquita B. Valenti.

[edit] Education

[edit] Public schools

Many of Edison's schools have been ranked among the top 100 schools in New Jersey. J.P. Stevens High School in Edison ranks among the top 50 high schools in New Jersey, with Edison High School not far behind. Edison has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools that are part of the Edison Township Public Schools.

The two public high schools separate the South and North ends of Edison. In the Edison High School zone to the south, there are six K - 5 elementary schools: Benjamin Franklin Elementary, James Monroe Elementary, John Marshall Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Lindeneau Elementary and Washington Elementary. John Marshall, Lindeneau, and Washington graduates attend Thomas Jefferson Middle School for grades 6 - 8. James Monroe, Benjamin Franklin, and Lincoln graduates go to Herbert Hoover Middle School for grades 6 - 8. Thomas Jefferson and Herbert Hoover graduates go to Edison High School, for grades 9-12.

In the J.P. Stevens High School zone there are five K-5 elementary schools. They are James Madison Primary School (K-2), who then move on to James Madison Intermediate School for grades 3-5; Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Menlo Park Elementary and Woodbrook Elementary. Menlo Park and Woodbrook graduates go to Woodrow Wilson Middle School for grades 6-8. James Madison Intermediate and MLK Jr. graduates go to John Adams Middle School for grades 6-8. Woodrow Wilson Middle School and John Adams Middle School graduates move on to J.P. Stevens High School for grades 9-12.

[edit] Middlesex County College

Middlesex County College (or MCC) is a public, two-year community college located in Edison at the intersection of Woodbridge Avenue and Mill Road.

[edit] Other Schools/ Private Schools

There are many private schools in Edison, including the Wardlaw-Hartridge School, Bishop George Ahr-St. Thomas High School, Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva School, Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, St. Helena School, St. Matthew School, and the Lakeview School.

Middlesex County College houses the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies, an engineering based high school, which is part of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School district. The high school is free for all Middlesex County residents, but admission is based on a test, past grades, and other academic and extra-curricular activities.

In Edison the sizable Asian/Chinese population had pushed for years to establish a Chinese School where students could learn the Chinese Language. In 1998, Huaxia Edison Chinese School (which teaches Simplified Chinese) was established in Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Huaxia currently resides in Edison High School. However, many families from Taiwan send their children to Edison Chinese School, located at John Adams Middle School, which teaches Traditional Chinese.

[edit] Notable residents

• Bobby Brownlie, Chicago Cubs minor leaguer
• David Bryan, played the keyboard for Bon Jovi
• Al Chez, trumpet player for the Late Show with David Letterman
• Jun Choi, current Mayor of Edison
• Junot Diaz, writer, was raised in Edison
• Thomas Alva Edison, inventor and the township's namesake
• Stephen Kaminski, film composer
• Patrick McDonnell, cartoonist, creator "Mutts" comics
• Aalok Mehta, actor and composer, born in Edison
• Brittany Murphy, actress, attended Herbert Hoover Middle School and Edison High School
• Jim Norton, comedian and actor, starred in the HBO show Lucky Louie, can also be heard every morning on the Opie and Anthony Show on XM Satellite Radio.
• Mark Polansky, astronaut, attended John P. Stevens High School in Edison
• Joli Robinson, Stuff Magazine model, attended J.P. Stevens High School
• David Rosenthal, keyboardist for Billy Joel
• Susan Sarandon, cinema actress, grew up in Edison and attended Edison High School
• Joel Stein, Los Angeles Times columnist, attended J.P. Stevens High School
• Tammy Trenta, contestant on The Apprentice 5.
• Mike Vallely, professional skateboarder.
• Brian Barry, Writer and Former Lead Vocalist for alterno-pop band, The Family Jewels

[edit] Notable places

• Bishop George Ahr High School, a 4-year college preparatory high school located off of Tingley Lane.
• Camp Kilmer, a World War II era army post, was partially located in what is now Edison.
• The Clara Barton downtown area.
• Edison High School, in South Edison.
• The Edison Municipal Building, located off of Route 27.
• Edison Station in south Edison
• John F. Kennedy Hospital, located off of Parsonage Road.
• J.P. Stevens High School, located off of Grove Avenue in North Edison.
• Lincoln Park, a historic neighborhood surrounding Lincoln School. This area was a "cookie-cutter" development in the late 1940's for returning GI's and their families.
• Menlo Park Mall, one of the most popular malls in New Jersey, located at the intersection of Route 1 and Parsonage Road.
• Middlesex County Academy for Science Math and Engineering Technologies, a high school located on the campus of Middlesex CC.
• Middlesex County College, is located at Woodbridge Avenue and Mill Road.
• Oak Tree Pond, site of a minor battle of the American Revolutionary War and whose conversion into a park ended a real estate development controversy.
• Raritan Center, a major industrial park anchored by the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
• Roosevelt Hospital, a hospice located just East or Roosevelt Park.
• Roosevelt Park, located between Parsonage Road and Route 1, west of the Mall.
• St. Helena Roman Catholic Church, off of New Dover Road.
• The Thomas Alva Edison Memorial Tower and Museum, in Menlo Park.
• Wardlaw-Hartridge School, a K-12 private school located off of Inman Avenue.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Edison's official webpage
• Edison Chamber of Commerce
• Thomas Edison/Menlo Park page
• Edison Township Public Schools
• Edison Township Public Schools's 2004-2005 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
• National Center for Education Statistics data for the Edison Township Public Schools
• Oak Tree Road (Edison, NJ) Asian Indian Community Guide
• J.P. Stevens High School website
• Edison Public Library
• Metuchen-Edison Historical Society website
• Edison-Metuchen Sentinel community newspaper
• CNN: Ford's announcement to shed 35000 jobs
• Kruczak Charged with DWI

• Maps and aerial photos Coordinates: 40.538204° -74.378585°
  • Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
  • Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
  • Topographic map from TopoZone
  • Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

This box: view • talk • edit Municipalities of Middlesex County, New Jersey (County Seat: New Brunswick)
Cities	New Brunswick | Perth Amboy | South Amboy
Townships	Cranbury | East Brunswick | Edison | Monroe Township | North Brunswick | Old Bridge | Piscataway | Plainsboro Township | South Brunswick | Woodbridge
Boroughs	Carteret | Dunellen | Helmetta | Highland Park | Jamesburg | Metuchen | Middlesex | Milltown | Sayreville | South Plainfield | South River | Spotswood
CDPs and Communities	Clearbrook Park | Avenel | Brownville | Colonia | Concordia | Dayton | Deans | Fords | Heathcote | Hopelawn | Iselin | Keasbey | Kendall Park | Kingston | Laurence Harbor | Madison Park | Menlo Park Terrace | Monmouth Junction | Plainsboro Center | Port Reading | Princeton Meadows | Raritan Landing | Rossmoor | Sewaren | Society Hill | Whittingham
Historic Houses	Buccleuch Mansion | Cornelius Low House | Henry Guest House | James Buckelew Mansion | Joyce Kilmer House | Metlar/Bodine House | Rockingham