Long Branch, New Jersey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Long Branch is a City in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 31,340.
Long Branch was formed on April 11, 1867, as the Long Branch Commission, from portions of Ocean Township. Long Branch was incorporated as a city by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 8, 1903, based on the results of a referendum, replacing the Long Branch Commission.[1]
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[edit] Geography
Long Branch is located at (40.297932, -73.990971)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.0 km² (6.2 mi²). 13.5 km² (5.2 mi²) of it is land and 2.5 km² (1.0 mi²) of it (15.67%) is water.
[edit] History
Long Branch was a beach resort town in the late 1700s. In the 1800s it was a "Hollywood" of the east, where some of the greatest theatrical and other performers of the day gathered and performed. By the first half of the 20th century, seven presidents had used Long Branch as a vacation place. Seven Presidents Park, a park near the beach, is named in honor of their visits.
President James Garfield was brought to Long Branch in the hope that the fresh air and quiet in Elberon might aid his recovery after being shot on July 2, 1881, an incident that left the assassin's bullet lodged in his spine. He died here on September 19, 1881, exactly two months before his 50th birthday.
Originally a resort town with a few hotels and large estates and many farms in the early 20th century, Long Branch grew in population. Italian, Irish and Jewish immigrants settled in during this period. By the 1950s, Long Branch like many other towns had developed new residential spots and housing to make room for the growing population. Many of the former farms of Long Branch were transformed into residential "suburbs". Many of the estates and a few old historic resorts (with the addition of many new ones) still remain.
With the ascendancy of Hollywood in California as a film capital, Long Branch lost much of its activity as a theatre spot. Parts of traditional living areas with old houses were altered to support private projects by eminent domain legislation.
Long Branch still continues however to be a popular resort area. Many people from New York City travel or settle in to the area to escape the crowded city and enjoy the benefits of Long Branch's beaches.
[edit] Demographics
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 18,399 |
|
|
| 1940 | 17,408 | -5.4% | |
| 1950 | 23,090 | 32.6% | |
| 1960 | 26,228 | 13.6% | |
| 1970 | 31,774 | 21.1% | |
| 1980 | 29,819 | -6.2% | |
| 1990 | 28,658 | -3.9% | |
| 2000 | 31,340 | 9.4% | |
| historical data source: [2] | |||
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 31,340 people, 12,594 households, and 7,254 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,318.1/km² (6,008.6/mi²). There were 13,983 housing units at an average density of 1,034.3/km² (2,680.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.03% White, 18.66% African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 7.08% from other races, and 4.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.67% of the population. There were 12,594 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.19.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,651, and the median income for a family was $42,825. Males had a median income of $37,383 versus $27,026 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,532. About 13.9% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Neighborhoods
There are several distinct neighborhoods and areas in the City of Long Branch, each with its own character, strengths and challenges. Among these are North End (once known as "Atlanticville"), Branchport, Beachfront North and South (including the tony Pier Village, formerly the Long Branch Pier), Downtown, Uptown, West End and Elberon. As the city's now famous redevelopment initiatives continue to grow in scope and renown, the lower Broadway area (a portion of the city's Downtown) will become an Arts District. One of the first successes of the art district has been the Shore Institute for Contemporary Art on Broadway and Third Avenue.
In years past, Long Branch was a major destination for beachgoers, along with Asbury Park, and enjoyed an upscale connotation with tourists. Long Branch is home to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, named for the United States presidents who visited the fashionable resort town, including Ulysses S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Garfield.
Long Branch's previous fame as the Nation's First Seaside Resort was waning in the years following World War II. The defining moment marking the end of this era occurred on June 8, 1987 when the largest fire in the history of the city destroyed the landmark amusement pier and adjoining Haunted Mansion, "Kid's World" Amusement Park and other businesses.
Over the course of the twenty years since the fire, several municipal administrations have tackled the issues relative to the city's rebirth. Only recently has any of these efforts resulted in tangible evidence of a rebirth.
[edit] Planned development
Broadway Center is a planned entertainment and commercial hub of Long Branch, as envisioned by the City Government and Thompson Design Group, who created the Master Plan for the city.
This complex brings together the best in retail shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and two performing arts theaters as well as 500 new residences sitting atop a 1,500 car parking garage. It will be designed by one of the world's leading architectural firms: Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK).
[edit] Government
[edit] Local government
The City of Long Branch is governed under the Mayor-Council form of municipal government under the Faulkner Act.
The Mayor of Long Branch is Adam Schneider. Members of the City Council are Council President Anthony Giordano, Council Vice-President Michael DeStefano, David G. Brown and Dr. Mary Jane Celli[3]. Councilman John "Fazz" Zambrano resigned from office following a July 20, 2006 federal court appearance at which he pleaded guilty to accepting a $1,000 bribe from an FBI informant. His seat has been filled by Jacqeline Biddle, a leader in the Puerto Rican community. She will serve until the general election in November.[4].
The Chief Administrative Officer of the city is Business Administrator and former Councilman Howard "Chubby" Woolley. The Assistant Director of Administration is Aide to the Mayor Michael Muscillo.
[edit] Federal, state and county representation
Long Branch is in the Sixth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 11th Legislative District[5].
New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District, covering portions of Middlesex County and Monmouth County, is represented by Frank Pallone (D). New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).
The 11th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Joseph A. Palaia (R, Deal) and in the Assembly by Steve Corodemus (R, Atlantic Highlands) and Sean T. Kean (R, Wall Township). The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).
Monmouth County is governed by a five-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director William C. Barham, Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton, Lillian G. Burry, Anna C. Little and Theodore J. Narozanick.
[edit] Education
Long Branch's public schools are operated by Long Branch Public Schools, an Abbott District. Schools in the district are Joseph Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center, five elementary schools — Amerigo A. Anastasia School (PreK-5), Audrey W. Clark School (3-5), Gregory School (K-2), Morris Avenue School (K-2) and West End School (3-5) — Long Branch Middle School for grades 6-8 and Long Branch High School [1] for grades 9-12.
[edit] Transportation
Long Branch is connected to New York City and Northern New Jersey via New Jersey Transit trains running on the North Jersey Coast Line. Long Branch marks the end of electrified trackage and passengers continuing south must change to diesel-powered trains. The main train station is only three blocks away from the beach, and a second station is located in the Elberon district just north of the borough of Deal. In the past there were stops in the West End neighborhood and on Broadway, but they were closed to reduce travel time to New York City.
[edit] Trivia
- The famous Long Branch Saloon of the American Old West, located in Dodge City, Kansas, was originally named that by its first owner, William Harris, who had moved west from Long Branch, New Jersey, his hometown.
[edit] Noted residents
- M. H. Abrams, English professor at Cornell University and founding editor of the Norton Anthology of English Literature.
- Clint Black, Country music performer
- Frederick Douglass, lived in Long Branch for a short period of time until his home burnt down[6]
- James Garfield, President of the United States of America, died in Long Branch
- Garret Hobart, the 24th Vice President of the United States, under William McKinley, was born in Long Branch.
- Winslow Homer stayed in Long Branch in 1869, while he produced paintings of Victorian women strolling the boardwalks.
- Norman Mailer, novelist
- Sam Mills - Hall of Fame NFL Football Player, attended Long Branch High School
- Dorothy Parker, writer and storied member of the Algonquin Round Table, was born in Long Branch on August 22nd, 1893.
- Robert Pinsky, Poet Laureate of the United States from 1997-2000
- Bruce Springsteen, Born in Long Branch, but raised in Freehold Borough, New Jersey
- Sonny Greer (13 December 1895–23 March 1982) an American jazz drummer, best known for his work with Duke Ellington, was born in Long Branch.
[edit] References
- ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 181.
- ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990. Retrieved on 2007-03-03.
- ^ City of Long Branch Directory: Mayor and Council, accessed July 4, 2006
- ^ Zambrano admits $1,000 bribe, Asbury Park Press, July 21, 2006
- ^ League of Women Voters: 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 60, accessed August 30, 2006
- ^ Guide to the City of Long Branch, New Jersey Documents, accessed September 25, 2006
[edit] External links
- Long Branch website
- Long Branch Public Schools
- Long Branch Public Schools's 2005-06 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
- National Center for Education Statistics data for the Long Branch Public Schools
- Long Branch Chamber of Commerce
- Maps and aerial photos
- 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
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