| Marlboro Township, New Jersey | |||
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| — Township — | |||
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| Map of Marlboro Township in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in the State of New Jersey. | |||
| Census Bureau map of Marlboro Township, New Jersey | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | United States | ||
| State | New Jersey | ||
| County | Monmouth | ||
| Incorporated | February 17, 1848 | ||
| Government[1] | |||
| • Type | Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) | ||
| • Mayor | Jonathan Hornik (term ends 2011)[2] | ||
| • Administrator | Jonathan Capp[3] | ||
| Area[4] | |||
| • Total | 30.47 sq mi (78.9 km2) | ||
| • Land | 30.36 sq mi (78.6 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2) 0.36% | ||
| Elevation[5] | 115 ft (35 m) | ||
| Population (2010 Census)[6][7][8] | |||
| • Total | 40,191 | ||
| • Density | 1,323.7/sq mi (511.1/km2) | ||
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) | ||
| ZIP code | 07746[9] | ||
| Area code(s) | 732/848 | ||
| FIPS code | 34-44070[10][11] | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0882118[12] | ||
| Website | http://www.marlboro-nj.gov | ||
Marlboro is a Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a population of 40,191.[8] Marlboro was formed as a Township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 17, 1848, from portions of Freehold Township.[13]
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Marlboro Township is located at latitude 40°18'55" North, longitude 74°14'48" West.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.47 square miles (78.9 km2), of which 30.36 square miles (78.6 km2) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2), or 0.36%, is water.[6] The New Jersey Geological Survey map suggests the land is mostly made up of cretaceous soil consisting of sand, silt and clay.[14]
Morganville (2000 Census population of 11,255) is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Marlboro Township.[4]
| Old Bridge Township | Aberdeen Township and Matawan | Holmdel Township | ||
| Marlboro Township | ||||
| Manalapan Township | Freehold Township | Colts Neck Township |
Marlboro is located close to the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the location Marlboro Township has on the Eastern Seaboard, the following weather features are noted:[15]
According to the Köppen climate classification, Marlboro Township is considered to be in the Cfa zone. Marlboro Township has a humid sub-tropical climate placing it in Zone 7B on the USDA hardiness scale. This extends from Monmouth County, NJ to Northern Georgia. Because of its sheltered location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, some Palm trees can survive with minimal winter protection. Also, many Southern Magnolias, Crepe Myrtles, Musa Basjoo (Hardy Japanese Banana plants), native bamboo, native opuntia cactus, and bald cypress can be seen throughout commercial and private landscapes.
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 1,754 |
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| 1920 | 1,710 | −2.5% | |
| 1930 | 1,992 | 16.5% | |
| 1940 | 5,015 | 151.8% | |
| 1950 | 6,359 | 26.8% | |
| 1960 | 8,038 | 26.4% | |
| 1970 | 12,273 | 52.7% | |
| 1980 | 17,560 | 43.1% | |
| 1990 | 27,974 | 59.3% | |
| 2000 | 36,398 | 30.1% | |
| 2010 | 40,191 | 10.4% | |
| Population sources:1910–1930[19] 1900–1990[20] 2000[21][22] 2010[6][7][8] |
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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 40,191 people, 13,001 households, and 11,194 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,323.7 inhabitants per square mile (511.1 /km2). There were 13,436 housing units at an average density of 442.5 per square mile (170.9 /km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 78.59% (31,587) White, 2.09% (841) African American, 0.06% (25) Native American, 17.27% (6,939) Asian, 0.00% (2) Pacific Islander, 0.64% (257) from other races, and 1.34% (540) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.03% (1,619) of the population.[6]
There were 13,001 households out of which 46.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.8% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.9% were non-families. 12.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.38.[6]
In the township the population was spread out with 28.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 32.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.7 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.[6]
As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 36,398 people, 11,478 households, and 10,169 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,189.7 people per square mile (459.4/km2). There were 11,896 housing units at an average density of 388.8 persons/mi² (150.1 persons/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 83.76% White, 2.07% African American, 0.05% Native American, 12.67% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.89% of the population.[21][22]
There were 11,478 households out of which 50.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 81.3% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.4% were non-families. 9.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 3.38.[21][22]
In the township the population was spread out with 30.2% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. There are slightly more females than males in the township for both total and adult categories. The census shows that for every 100 females in the township, there were 98.4 males; for every 100 females over 18, there were 94.3 males.[21][22]
The median income for a household in the township was $101,322, and the median income for a family was $107,894. Males had a median income of $76,776 versus $41,298 for females. The per capita income for the township was $38,635. About 2.4% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.[21][22]
The number of violent crimes recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 15. The number of murders and homicides was 1. The violent crime rate was reported to be very low at 0.4 per 1,000 people.[23]
The median home cost in Marlboro Township is $446,890. Home appreciation in 2010 was -8.18%. Compared to the rest of the country, Marlboro Township's cost of living is 57% higher than the U.S. average.[24]
As part of its obligation under the Mount Laurel doctrine, the Council on Affordable Housing requires Marlboro to provide 1,673 low / moderate income housing units.[25] The first two rounds of New Jersey's affordable housing regulations ran from 1987 to 1999. Under a Regional Contribution Agreement (RCA), Marlboro signed an agreement in June 2008 that would have Trenton build or rehabilitate 332 housing units, with Marlboro paying $25,000 per unit, a total of $8.3 million to Trenton for taking on the responsibility for these units.[26] Under proposed legislation, municipalities may lose the ability to use these RCAs to pay other communities to accept their New Jersey COAH fair housing obligations, which would mean that Marlboro is now required to build the balance of housing. When the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing requested plans to complete this obligation, Marlboro generated the largest number of objectors to an affordable housing plan in the history of New Jersey.[25] The process now appears bogged down in paperwork processing as the COAH's executive director will need to review the objections to determine their completeness and validity. In October 2009, Marlboro submitted a notice that they were thinking of changing the site of the affordable housing plan as it was discovered that ground contamination was located at the current proposed site.[27]
Marlboro Township has a number of retirement communities. The most notable are:
Overwhelmingly, the usual mode of transportation in Marlboro Township is by car. The main public thoroughfares in Marlboro are U.S. Route 9, Route 18, County Route 520 and Route 79. These routes provide access to the main Garden State roads, the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. Taxi services are also available through a number of local companies which provide private services.
There are multiple public transportation options available, including bus, rail, air and ferry service. NJ Transit provides service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on the 139 route.[28] The Matawan train station provides a heavily-used train station on New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, providing service directly to New York Pennsylvania Station via Secaucus Junction, with a transfer available for trains to Newark Liberty International Airport. However, both options provide significant problems in terms of parking, which may require waiting periods of more than a year for a permit and private parking options are very expensive.
Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in Highlands, a trip that involves about a 45 minute drive on secondary roads from Marlboro to reach the departing terminal. SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City with trips to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street in Manhattan.[29]
Following the closure of the Marlboro Airport, Monmouth Executive Airport in Farmingdale, Old Bridge Airport and Mar Bar L Farms municipal airport supply short-distance flights to surrounding areas and are now the closest air transportation services. The closest major airport is Newark Liberty International Airport and is 33.1 miles (53.3 km) – about 42 mins from the center of Marlboro.
The township of Marlboro has multiple departments which handle emergency services. In addition to the offices below, other departments can be reached through a countywide directory maintained by the Township of Marlboro.[30] The following are the emergency service departments in Marlboro:
The police department was established in May 1962. At that time, there was one police officer which served the township.[31] Currently the Marlboro Township Police Department is composed of over 70 full-time police officers. The current Chief of Police is Bruce E. Hall who started in this position in February 2009 following Police Chief Robert C. Holmes Sr. retiring suddenly on New Year's Eve 2008.[32]
The Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code in all buildings, structures and premises, Condo development residential buildings and other owner-occupied residential buildings. The Fire Prevention Bureau does not enforce codes in residential units of less than three dwelling units.
Marlboro Township has four volunteer fire departments and two volunteer first aid squads:
SWIFT911 is a high speed notification program with the capability of delivering recorded warnings to the entire community or targeted areas, via telephone, email, text or pager. Messages can be transmitted through the Marlboro Township Police Department or Office of the Mayor and the system can contact up to four telephone numbers until reaching the designated party. Emergency and Non-emergency messages are also able to reach TTY (teletypewriter) phones used by those who are deaf or hard of hearing.[33]
Marlboro Township is served by CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold Township. This is a 282-bed medical facility serving central Monmouth County. The next closest hospitals would be Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge Division, located in Old Bridge Township and Bayshore Community Hospital, located in Holmdel Township.
In the area of Marlboro, settlements began about 12,000 years ago when people who migrated eastward from Siberia spread throughout the Americas. Those who settled in this area, about 1000 AD,[34] developed into the Lenni Lenape. As the settlements developed, an agricultural society emerged, and small villages dotted what was to become Marlboro Township, Monmouth County and all across New Jersey. The Lenni Lenape Native Americans were the first known organized inhabitants of this area.
In 1600 the Indian population may have numbered as many as 20,000.[35][36] Several wars, at least 14 separate epidemics (yellow fever, small pox, influenza, encephalitis lethargica, etc.) and disastrous over-harvesting of the animal populations reduced their population to around 4,000 by 1700. Since the Lenape people, like all Native Americans, had no immunity to European diseases, when the populations contacted the epidemics, they frequently proved fatal.[37] Some Lenape starved to death as a result of the over harvesting of mostly beavers. Others were forced to trade their land for goods such as clothing and food. As the Lenni Lenape population declined, and the European population increased, the history of the area was increasingly defined by the new European inhabitants and the Lenape Indian tribes played an increasingly secondary role.
After the Dutch arrival to the region in the 1620s, the Lenape were successful in restricting Dutch settlement to Pavonia in present-day Jersey City along the Hudson until the 1660s and the Swedish settlement to New Sweden (1655 - The Dutch defeat the Swedes on the Delaware). The Dutch finally established a garrison at Bergen, allowing settlement of areas within the province of New Netherland. Within a period of 112 years, 1497–1609, four European explorers claimed this land for their sponsors: John Cabot, 1497, for England; Giovanni de Verrazano, 1524, for France; Estevan Gomez, 1525, for Spain, Henry Hudson, 1609, for Holland. Then for 50 years, 1614–1664, the Monmouth County area came under the influence of the Dutch, but it was not settled until English rule in 1664.
The initial European proprietors of the area purchased the land from the Lenni Lenape leader or Sakamaker.[38] The chief of the Unami, or Turtle clan, was traditionally the great chief of all the Lenni Lenape. One of the sons of the leader, was Weequehela[39] who negotiated the sale of several of the initial tracts of land to the first farmers.[40] An early deed refers to "the chief sachems or leaders of Toponemus." Their main village was near Wickatunk in Marlboro Township.[41]
On April 2, 1664, the British appointed Richard Nicolls to serve as the Deputy Governor of New York and New Jersey. One year later, April 8, 1665, Nicolls issued "The Monmouth Patent" to twelve men who had come from Western Long Island and New England seeking permanent stability for religious and civil freedom as well as the prospect of improving their estates. Nicolls was unaware that in June, 1664, James had given a lease and release for New Jersey to Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carteret thus invalidating the grant to the Monmouth Patentees.[42] The rule at the time was that land should be purchased from the Patent.
However, in the time between 1685 and the early 18th century, the patent was ignored and land was gradually purchased from the Lenni Lenape causing confusion and disputes over ownership. Following the initial sale of land, the history of the township starts about 1685, when the land was first settled by European farmers from Scotland, England and the Netherlands. The Scottish exiles[43] and early Dutch settlers lived on isolated clearings carved out of the forest.[44] The lingua franca or common language spoken in the area was likely, overwhelmingly Dutch. However, this was one of many languages spoken with the culture very steeped in New Netherlander. The official documentation at the time is frequently found to be in the Dutch language. The documents of the time also suggest that money transactions used the British shilling.[45] The English and Scotch settlers were predominantly of Quaker persuasion. After initial European contact, the Lenape population sharply declined.
The Quakers established a meetinghouse and a cemetery on what is now Topanemus Road[46] and held the first meeting on October 10, 1702.[47] The first leader of the church was Rev. George Keith who received a large grant of land[48] in the area due to his position as Surveyor-General.[49] Among the first listed communicants of the new church were Garret and Jan Schenck.[50] The church later changed its affiliation to the Episcopal faith and became St. Peter's Episcopal Church which is now located in Freehold.[51] The old burial ground still remains on Topanemus Road. In 1692 those of the Presbyterian Faith built a church and burial ground on what is now Gordons Corner Road. The church eventually moved to Tennent where it became known as the Old Tennent Church and played a role in the Revolutionary War. The old Scots Cemetery still remains at its original site.
The township is named for the prevalence of marl, which was first discovered in the area east of the village in 1768. The "Marl Pits" are clearly reflected on maps from 1889 shown as a dirt road off of Hudson Street heading towards the current location of the township soccer fields.[52] Farmers used marl to improve the soil in the days before commercial fertilizers and there was a heavy demand for it. Marlboro's first industry was the export of the material, used primarily as fertilizer. In 1853, the Marl was harvested and transported to other parts of the state and to the Keyport docks via the Freehold Marl Company Railroad (now the Henry Hudson Trail).[53][54] The marl was then sent to New York and other parts of the country via ship.
Marlboro was the scene of a number of skirmishes during the American Revolutionary War, in particular following the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. During the war, the Pleasant Valley section was often raided by the British for food supplies and livestock. The area was referred to as the "Hornet's nest" because of the intensity of the militia's attacks on the British. Beacon Hill (of present day Beacon Hill Road) was one of three Monmouth County sites where beacons were placed to warn the residents and the Continental forces if the enemy should approach from the bay. There was also considerable activity in the Montrose area of the Township as British troops, retreating from the Battle of Monmouth, tried to wind their way to ships lying off Sandy Hook.
Under the direction and influence of John W. Herbert,[55] Marlboro was established as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 17, 1848, formed from portions of Freehold Township.[13] The township's name was originally "Marlborough" and then changed to "Marlboro". It is unknown when the name officially changed, but it was relatively quick as a review of maps from 30 years later showed that the name is listed as "Marlboro".[56] The first elected freeholder was John W. Herbert.
Marlboro was rural and composed mostly of dairy, potato, tomato and other farms laced with small hamlets with modest inns or taverns. Before World War II Marlboro Township was actually the nation's largest grower of potatoes and also known for a large tomato and egg industry.[57] During World War II, egg farms significantly increased in the area and "fed the troops".
Following World War II, the state began to significantly build and improve the area transportation infrastructure. As the infrastructure improved, the population started to lightly increase. The 50s and 60s saw Marlboro starting to significantly grow. Housing developments started to replace the farm and rural nature as the community expanded. After the early 1970s, Marlboro became a growing exurban destination for people working in New York and in nearby large suburban corporations. During the 1980s and early 1990s most of the new housing developments featured four- or five-bedroom houses, but then the trend turned toward larger estate homes. The building effort became so advanced that Marlboro Township placed restrictions for building around wetlands; called the Stream Corridor Preservation Restrictions to mitigate construction and living contamination. 2000 saw continued growth of housing tending towards larger homes. Towards the end of the decade, due to economic decline, housing starts declined and less growth was noted.
The Marlboro town center has historically been considered an area around the intersection of Main Street (Route 79) and School Road.[58] In the late 19th century the intersection held a hotel [currently fire department parking lot], general store [was on the lot of the current fire department building], and Post Office [was on the lot of a current Chinese Restaurant]. Behind the current small mini-mart on the corner of this intersection, you can still see one of the original barns from the early 19th century. The township of Marlboro has erected signs in front of historically significant buildings to explain their historical significant status. Multiple signs can be seen along Main Street and on some other streets in the town center area. However, Marlboro no longer has any official town center and can be considered an example of suburban sprawl. Efforts are underway to create an official "town center" and multiple proposals have come forward in recent discussions.[59]
In 2000, Marlboro became the first municipality in New Jersey, and one of the first areas in the U.S., to ban cell phone use while driving, a ban that took effect in March 2001.[60]
Opened in 1931, Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital was located on 400 acres (1.6 km2) in the eastern part of the township. It was opened with much fanfare as a "state of the art" psychiatric facility. It was closed 67 years later on June 30, 1998.[61] The land that the hospital was placed on was known as the "Big Woods Settlement". It was largely farm land but there was a large distillery on the property which was torn down to make room for the hospital.[56] Additionally, due to the long residential stays at the hospital, a cemetery was also located near the hospital for the residents who died while in residence and were unclaimed. There is currently a large fence around the hospital as the fate of the hospital grounds is currently not settled. Some of the land was carved out for a Monmouth County Park system park, some of the ground was granted to the YMCA, and some of the ground disposition is not settled. The large hospital buildings remain currently although they will likely be torn down due to the huge cost to maintain them and their current state of decay.
In June 2009, Marlboro Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MTMUA) deployed a 900 kW solar power array from Sharp that will enable the MTMUA to meet nearly 40% of its electricity needs with emissions-free solar-generated power. This is considered one of the largest of its kind in the East. This solar energy system will reduce New Jersey CO2 emissions by more than 4,200,000 lb (1,900,000 kg) annually; SO2 emissions by 28,000 lb (13,000 kg); and NO2 emissions by 18,000 lb (8,200 kg)., as well as eliminating significant amounts of mercury.[62] Additionally, Marlboro has been recognized as a Cool City by the Sierra Club. Marlboro is the 10th Monmouth County municipality to be named a Cool City.[63]
Marlboro had an airport, Preston Airfield, which opened in 1954 and was in operation for almost 50 years. The airport was opened by Rhea Preston on his farm and consisted of two runways, one was 2,400 feet (730 m) as well as airplane hangars. It obtained a paved runway before 1972. Exact records are not known as to when it changed its name to Marlboro Airport. It is believed to be somewhere between 1975 and 1979. In 1979, the airport was described as having a single runway 2,200 feet (670 m) long. In 2000, the airport was purchased by Marlboro Holdings LLC owned by Anthony Spalliero who closed it with the intent to redevelop the airport into housing.[64] To foster the case for redevelopment, Spalliero donated land holdings he had near the airport to the township Board of Education. This donated land was then developed as the school Marlboro Early Learning Center - a school specialized for Kindergarten classes. Following a $100,000 pay-off[65] to former Mayor Matthew Scannapieco the planning board used the distance to the new school as justification to close the airfield [66] citing a reference to a fatal plane crash in 1997.[67] Part of the airport has now been developed into Marlboro Memorial Cemetery which now borders the defunct airfield. Using Google Maps, you can still see the dis-used airfield. In the most current image, some of the landing strip is overgrown but a large yellow "X" is painted at each end of the runway to show it is no longer used. The cemetery can be seen on the side of the landing strip to the north. The Marlboro Early Learning Center is the "U" shaped gray building to the north-west of the runway with a large parking lot. The current image also shows the Henry Hudson Trail crossing the eastern edge of the runway.
Starting in 1989, Joseph Januszkiewicz started reporting visions of the Virgin Mary near the blue spruce trees in his yard at exactly 9:28pm.[68] The visions started to appear six months after he returned from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Yugoslavia. Since that time as many as 8,000 pilgrims gathered on the first Sundays of June, July, August and September to pray, meditate and share in the vision.[69] On September 7, 1992 Bishop John C. Reiss gave Januszkiewicz permission to release his messages. However, in 1993, Catholic Diocese of Trenton ruled that nothing "truly miraculous" was happening at the Januszkiewicz home. However, in Nov. 2004, pictures were taken of a mist which shows up at the location of the vision.[70] In April 2005, Januszkiewicz claims that the visions had stopped and he reports there have been no sightings since.[71]
Discovered in 1997 and located near one of the Big Brook tributaries, The Marlboro Tree, a massive black willow tree has been certified by the New Jersey Forest Service as a "State Champion" tree, signifying that it is the largest known tree of its species in the State of New Jersey, and the largest tree of any kind in Marlboro Township. It is about 152 years old and measures 76 feet (23 m) high and 19' 8" in circumference. Five grown people must hold hands to fully encircle the tree.[72]
On the National Register of Historic Places since August 2001, is Old Scots Burial Grounds, which was established around 1705.[73] Under active study, archaeologist Gerard Scharfenberger is working to excavate the foundation of the original Old Scots Meeting House as well as any unmarked graves on the property. This is the original location where the congregation of the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church once met.[74][75] It is also part of the site where the Battle of Monmouth was fought.[76]
Originally built in 1832, Robertsville Elementary School was once a one-room schoolhouse that was built on the corner of Tennent and Union Hill Roads. It was remodeled in 1912 and used for special education purposes at that time. This building is still standing today. In 1968, the current school was constructed down the road. It is believed to have been named after Matthew Roberts, a prominent businessman in the day.[77]
Marlboro lost eight of its residents as the result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; a memorial has been built. It is located near the Marlboro Recreation Center. The memorial consists of a circle of flowering dogwoods, surrounding benches and a memorial fountain on the township municipal grounds. The memorial was badly damaged and is currently being renovated after a serious motor vehicle accident in 2009.
The Battle of Monmouth as well as a number of skirmishes were fought in and around Marlboro Township during the American Revolutionary War. Many area placards and signs can be found on the local roads to identify specific local events from the battle. The Marlboro Township area farms were often raided by the British for food supplies and local livestock taken from area farmers. Following defeat in this battle, the British retreat from the area to their ships in the bay. A local state park, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, nearby in Freehold Township and Manalapan Township provides local reference to this historic event.
Many of the houses and buildings located in the area commonly known as the "center of town" (around the intersection of Route 79 and School Road), are older historic buildings. Many of them contain signs in front of them identifying the individual buildings and their historic significance. Among the buildings identified, one building was one of the first churches in the area (now a dance studio), another was the childhood home of Garret Augustus Hobart - 24th Vice President of the United States (now an art studio), and another was the old parsonage (now a hair cutting business).
Liberty Hall also went by the name of Alfred Hardy & Son Blacksmith Shop, is a small brick building. It is located on Route 79 in the small section of Morganville. The building was reportedly built around 1880. The building name can faintly be seen in scripted letters painted over the door of the building. The blacksmith shop operated into the early 20th century and was one of the last blacksmith operations in the area. Following the blacksmith shop closing, the building housed a machine shop until 1942 when a small defense contractor, Lavoie Laboratories bought it to produce radio gear for the military.[78] In 1966 Lavoie sold it to Entron Industries, a manufacturer of missile circuitry that occupied the building until the mid 1970s.[79] The building is currently in disrepair and appears abandoned.
This church was known as the Freehold-Middletown Dutch Congregation (now Old Brick Church.) The Dutch residents who attended this church names appear in the early records and grave stones dating from 1709 (early records were written in the Dutch language.) In the beginning when services began, circa 1699, the preachers would come across the bay in small boats from Long Island to provide the service to the people of the parish.[41]
Marlboro Township is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government.[1]
The Marlboro Township Council is made up of five elected officials. Township residents elect a new Councilperson every four years on the first Tuesday in November. At its reorganization meeting, the Council elects a President and Vice-President, each of whom serve a term of one year or until the election and qualification of a successor. The Township Council is Marlboro's legislative body. It sets policies, approves budgets, determines municipal tax rates, and passes resolutions and ordinances to govern the town. The Council also appoints citizen volunteers to certain advisory boards and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Council may investigate the conduct of any department, officer or agency of the municipal government. They have full power of subpoena as permitted by Statute.
As of 2011[update], the Mayor of Marlboro Township is Jonathan Hornik (D).[80] The current Marlboro Township Council consists of Council President Randi Marder, Council Vice President Jeff Cantor, Frank LaRocca, Carol Mazzola and Scott Metzger.[81]
Political issues in Marlboro include land development and loss of open space, growth of population leading to the need for additional public schools and higher property taxes, and recurring instances of political corruption.
Former three-term mayor Matthew Scannapieco was arrested by the FBI and subsequently pleaded guilty to taking $245,000 in bribes from land developer Anthony Spalliero, in exchange for favorable rulings and sexual favors.[82][83] The same investigation has also resulted in charges against several other township officials as well as a Monmouth County Freeholder.
Most of Marlboro Township is in the 12th Congressional district along with a small sliver of the Township in the 6th Congressional district, and is part of New Jersey's 12th state legislative district.[84] The township was relocated to the 13th state legislative district by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission based on the results of the 2010 Census.[8] The new district will be in effect for the June 2011 primary and the November 2011 general election, with the state senator and assembly members elected taking office in the new district as of January 2012.[84]
New Jersey's Twelfth Congressional District is represented by Rush D. Holt, Jr. (D, Hopewell Township).[85] New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District is represented by Frank Pallone (D, Long Branch). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).
12th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature, which is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Jennifer Beck (R, Red Bank) and in the New Jersey General Assembly by Caroline Casagrande (R, Colts Neck Township) and Declan O'Scanlon (R, Little Silver).[86] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham).[87] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).[88]
Monmouth County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders consisting of five members who are elected at-large to serve three year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats up for election each year. [89] As of 2011, Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan; term ends December 31, 2013)[90], Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley (R, Red Bank; 2012)[91], Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City; 2013), Lillian G. Burry (R, Colts Neck Township; 2011)[92] and Amy A. Mallet (D, Fair Haven, 2011).[93][94][95]
In recent years, on the national and state levels, Marlboro leans toward the Republican Party. In the 2008 Presidential Election, Republican John McCain received 52% of the vote, defeating Democrat Barack Obama, who received around 48%. In the 2009 Gubernatorial Election, Republican Chris Christie received 59% of the vote, defeating Democrat Jon Corzine, who received around 36%.
The Marlboro Township Public School District serves students in pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. The district is composed of eight school facilities: one pre-school, five elementary schools and two middle schools. Schools in the district (with projected enrollment according to the Superintendent based on the Marlboro 2010-11 budget presentation[96]) are Early Learning Center for kindergarten and preschool special education (439 students), five elementary schools for grades 1-5: Frank Defino Central School (677), Frank J. Dugan Elementary School (702), Asher Holmes Elementary School (618), Marlboro Elementary School (595) and Robertsville Elementary School (587); both Marlboro Middle School home of the Hawks (1,145) and Marlboro Memorial Middle School home of the Monarch Lions (1,063) served grades 6-8. In 2010, the school board announced the current submitted budget at $77,428,920 and projected total students at 5,826 for a Comparative Cost Per Pupil of $13,290.[96] According to the New Jersey March 2010 Comparative Spending Guide, the state average Comparative Cost Per Pupil was $12,811.[97]
Marlboro Township has a public high school, Marlboro High School (opened 1968), home of the Mustangs, which is part of the Freehold Regional High School District serving grades 9-12, with some Marlboro students attending Colts Neck High School.[98] The district also serves students from Colts Neck Township, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell Township and Manalapan Township.[99] Many Marlboro students attend the various Learning Centers and Academies available throughout the District, and students from other District townships and boroughs attend Marlboro High School's Business Learning Center. In the 2009-10 school year, over 97% of Marlboro High School graduates and 96% of Colts Neck High School graduates reported that they planned to go on to post-secondary education, with many accepted into highly competitive colleges and universities.[100][101] The FRHSD's Comparative Cost per Pupil was $11,875 as budgeted for the 2009-10 school year, while the statewide average for 9-12 districts was $14,843.[102]
The High Point Schools are a group of private special education elementary and adolescent schools located on a 10-acre (40,000 m2) campus in the Morganville section of the Township. The schools have been providing educational and therapeutic services for students ages 5 – 21 who have emotional, behavioral and learning difficulties for 40 years. The staff-to-student ratio is 1:3.
Among other private schools serving Marlboro children is Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County, a Pre-K to Grade 8 Jewish Day School, which is a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association, the educational arm of the United Synagogue of America and a Pre-K day school Tennent Co-Op (which is actually located in Manalapan).
| School Name | Grades | Public | Sports Facilities Available | Student Population | Notes | Map |
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| Marlboro Early Learning Center |
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Pre-School & Special Ed. | Link | |
| Asher Holmes Elementary School |
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Link | ||
| Defino Central Elementary School |
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Link | ||
| Frank J. Dugan Elementary School |
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Link | ||
| Marlboro Elementary School |
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| Robertsville Elementary School |
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Link | ||
| Marlboro Middle School |
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Teacher : Student Ratio is 1:13 [103] | Link | |
| Marlboro Memorial Middle School |
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Link | ||
| Solomon Schechter |
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Jewish Day School | Link | |
| High Point |
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School for Emotional & Behavioral Problems | Link | |
| Marlboro High School |
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Link | ||
| The Jersey Shore Free School |
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Sudbury school/ Democratic education | Link |
Centrally located with a good amount of free parking, the Marlboro Free Public Library offers story time to various toddler age groups. It is open 6 days a week (closed Sundays).[105] There are meeting rooms for groups to gather and hold meetings or parties. The Children's department is large and well lit, with a great selection of books. There is no additional charge for movie rental.
Marlboro has a strong Township-sponsored recreation program, with activities for all ages. This includes very popular soccer and basketball[106] leagues for boys and girls; in addition Little League baseball / softball and Pop Warner football / cheerleading, and a growing amateur wrestling program.
In the summer the Township holds free outdoor concerts by notable popular music artists. In recent years performers have included Jay and the Americans, Bill Haley's Comets, Lesley Gore, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, The Platters, The Trammps, and The Tokens.
In 2007, Marlboro introduced monthly indoor concerts at the recreation center. These shows feature many upcoming artist as well as local talent. Artists have included Marlboro's own Bedlight For Blue Eyes and Sound The Alarm
Marlboro is also home to the Marlboro Players, a private theater group that holds open auditions for background roles.
For walkers and bicyclists, two segments of the Henry Hudson Trail have substantial stretches within the township.
Camp Arrowhead (established 1958) is a YMCA summer day camp located on Route 520 across from the abandoned Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital.
The Recreation Commission maintains several parks and facilities for public use. However, some ball fields require permits for usage. The following is a list of recreation facilities:
| Park Name | Soccer | Hockey | Tennis | Handball | Tot-Lot | Basketball | Ball Field | Sitting Area | Open Field | Notes | Map |
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| Marlboro Country Park |
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Swim Club – Membership Required | Link | |||
| Hawkins Road Park |
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| Falson Park |
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Walking Path Available | Link | ||||||
| Wicker Place Park |
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| Marlin Estates Park |
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| Nolan Road Park |
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| Municipal Complex |
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Shuffle Board, Walking Path, and shelter building | Link | |||||
| Defino Central School |
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| Robertsville School |
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| Recreation Way Park |
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| Union Hill Recreation Complex |
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Walking Paths | Link | |||||||
| Vanderburg Sports Complex |
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Aquatic Center – Membership Required | Link | ||||
| Brandigon Trail[108] | Part of Henry Hudson Trail – about 20.27 Acres[109] | Link | |||||||||
| Big Brook Park[110] | A major site for fossils from the Cretaceous and Pleistocene ages[111] See contaminated sites and hunting below |
Link |
Marlboro Township has a number of areas of parks specialized and set up for very young children. These are collectively known as Tot-Lots:[112]
Marlboro has an off-leash dog park located at the township municipal complex on Wyncrest Road.
While not officially open to the public, Big Brook transects the border of Colts Neck and Marlboro, New Jersey. The stream cuts through sediments that were deposited during the Late Cretaceous period. Reportedly, prolific finds of fossils, such as shark teeth, and other deposits of Cretaceous marine fossils, including belemnites are frequently found.[113] This is a particularly fossiliferous site, with fish teeth, crab and crustacean claws, shark teeth, rarely dinosaur teeth, dinosaur bone fragments (and on a very rare occasion a complete bone), megalodonyx (prehistoric sloth) teeth and bone fragments—to name a few.[114] Additionally, this area is generally regarded as one of the top three dinosaur fossil sites in the state. Multiple dinosaur finds have been found in this area.[115] Most currently, a leg section from a duckbilled dinosaur called a hadrosaur was found.[116] Near this area, the first Dinosaur discovery in North America was made, back in 1858.[117] A Mastodon find also occurred in early 2009 when several bones from a Mastodon were found by an individual fossil hunting.[118] Much of the credit for the fossil finds goes to the vast deposits of marl which is known for its preservation value.[119] If you go to Big Brook, you should take note of the contamination article about Big Brook Park below.
Some areas of Monmouth County Big Brook Park allow bow hunting access. A permit is required. These areas are outlined in a map provided by the Monmouth County Park System.
Bella Vista Country Club has an 18 hole course over 5,923 yards with a par of 70. It is considered a Private Non-Equity club. Google Maps shows the location of the country club and golf course.
The Henry Hudson Trail goes through parts of Marlboro. However, in September 2009, the Monmouth County Park System closed a section of the Henry Hudson Trail Southern Extension going through Marlboro Township (Aberdeen to Freehold) for 18 months while Conti Federal Services performs the clean-up. Part of this path runs through the Imperial Oil superfund clean-up site. There were concerns of undisclosed contaminated soil found and a clean-up became necessary.[120]
Marlboro Township offers a summer camp program for grade school children. The program is a 6 week program [with an optional 7th week consisting of aqua-week]. It is run by the Marlboro Township Recreation & Parks Commission.
The township has attempted to preserve the areas known as F&F properties, Stattel's Farm & McCarron Farm (also known as Golden Dale Farm) from future development. The last two farms are currently working farms and while the township has purchased the development rights on the property, their fate remains unknown.[121] The development rights of F&F property were purchased for $869,329 to keep the 79-acre (320,000 m2) site as open space.
Open space funding is paid for by a number of sources. State and local sources account for most of the funding. Marlboro obtains the funding from a special tax assessment. The town collects $600,000 annually from a local open space tax assessment of 2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.[122]
Marlboro Township is located near some major East Coast recreation attractions. One of the most notable of these attractions is the Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township. The Jersey Shore is also another close feature which is located south by taking Route 18 or by taking County Route 520 east. The Freehold Raceway Mall is a super-regional mall anchored by J.C. Penney, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Nordstrom and Sears. For horse racing, the Freehold Raceway is the oldest half-mile racetrack in the United States, it offers harness racing. The Manasquan Reservoir is 30 minutes south on Route 9 and offers nature and exercise related activities such as fishing, non-powered water sports, bird watching, jogging, biking, and paths for dog walking. The reservoir also has a regionally known Environmental Center offering nature exhibits where people can go see the local wildlife found at the park and region.
The NJDEP lists 39 known locations of underground storage tank contamination in Marlboro Township.[123]
Located off Tyler Lane and Spring Valley Road on the Old Bridge Township border, the area of Burnt Fly Bog in Marlboro Township is listed as a Superfund clean-up site. It is a rural area covering approximately 1,700 acres (6.9 km2), most of it in Marlboro Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. During the 1950s and early 1960s, many unlined lagoons were used for storage of waste oil. As a result, at least 60 acres (240,000 m2) of the bog have been contaminated. In addition to the current contaminated area, the site still consists of: four lagoons; an approximately 13,000-cubic-yard mound of sludge; and an undetermined number of exposed and buried drums. The site is a ground water discharge area for the Englishtown Aquifer. In this bog, ground water, surface water, and air are contaminated by oil and various organic chemicals. The following contaminations are known to be present: Ethylbenzene, Methylene Chloride, Tetrachloroethylene, toluene, base neutral acids, metals, PAHs, PCBs, unknown liquid waste, and VOCs.[124]
A number of studies have been mounted starting in 1981. At that time the EPA awarded a Cooperative Agreement and funds to New Jersey under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Early in 1982, EPA used CERCLA funds to install a 900-foot (270 m) fence and repair a 6-foot (1.8 m) section of a dike. In 1983, the state completed (1) a field investigation to study the ground water, (2) a feasibility study for removal of contaminated soil and drums, and (3) a feasibility study for closing the site. EPA and the state continue negotiating agreements for further cleanup activities.[125]
This 15-acre (61,000 m2) part of land was owned by Imperial Oil Co./Champion Chemicals. The site was added to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites in 1983.[126] The site consists of six production, storage, and maintenance buildings and 56 above-ground storage tanks. Known contamination includes: PCBs, arsenic, lead and total petroleum hydrocarbons.[127] A number of companies may have been responsible for waste oil discharges and arsenical pesticides released to a nearby stream as industrial operations date back to 1912. The area is protected by a fence that completely encloses it. This site is being addressed through Federal and State actions. The Mayor of Marlboro Township, Mr. Hornik, said the polluted site is considered one of the worst in the country.[128]
In 1991, EPA excavated and disposed of an on-site waste filter clay pile. In 1997, EPA posted warning signs on on the Henry Hudson Trail which is located near the site and the tarp covering the remaining waste filter clay pile was replaced to prevent human contact and limit the migration of the contamination. Arsenic and metals continued to be found in soils in the vicinity of this site.[129] In April 2002, EPA excavated and disposed of a 25-foot (7.6 m) by 25-foot (7.6 m) area of soil containing a tar-like material discovered outside of the fenced area. The presence of elevated levels of PCBs and lead in this material may have presented a physical contact threat to trespassers. In April 2004, 18,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from Birch Swamp Brook and adjacent properties. In August 2007, EPA arranged for 24-hour security at the site, given that Imperial Oil declared bankruptcy and ceased operations at the site during July 2007.[130]
The EPA announced in 2009 the start-up of remediation activities for contaminated soils at the site now called "Operable Unit 3" (OU3). Marlboro Township has benefited from the $10–$25 million in stimulus funding to pay for the cost of this cleanup.[131]
Marlboro Middle School contamination issue was an issue which was handled by the state and local level. It was not a Superfund site. This field was an Angus bull farm prior to being donated to the town for school construction. During the soccer fields improvement program, tests were conducted at the soccer complex which showed elevated levels of unspecified contaminants. The Mayor closed the fields as soon as the test results came in. The township then applied for and received a grant to help with the anticipated remediation work. Marlboro received money from the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund to conduct the soil remediation at site of work being done to the soccer complex.[132]
This property clean-up is being handled through the NJEDA and is not considered a Superfund clean-up site. The site is located at the northeastern intersection of Route 79 and Beacon Hill Road. There are a total of 10 buildings on the site along with wooded areas. Investigations have found the presence of a variety of unspecified environmental contaminants associated with the construction of rocket launcher parts. In addition, investigations included possible groundwater contamination on the property. There are no current known plans for clean-up, however, public hearings have been held to start the process of clean-up and redevelopment of the area.[133] Marlboro township was given a total of $200,000 in two different grants to complete remedial investigation of the site by the NJEDA.[134] The mayor has suggested it may take up to $5 million to clean up the land[135]
This is a non-Superfund clean-up site with focus by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It is located at 217 Route 520 in Marlboro Township. This 22-acre (89,000 m2) site was an automobile junkyard. Contamination consisted of volatile organic compounds in the groundwater and soil contamination of metals, trichloroethylene (TCE), methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).[136] Initial clean-up consisted of contaminated soil and 22 drums removed. In 1998, NJDEP conducted a second drum removal action. They excavated 70 buried drums and removed area contaminated soil. The drums of hazardous wastes had been crushed and buried prior to 1987. NJDEP has installed additional monitor wells near the site. Investigations are continuing to determine if additional contamination is present on the site which requires clean-up actions.[137]
This 77-acre (310,000 m2) property[138] was purchased by Marlboro Township under P.B. 938-05[139] for recreational uses, including walking-jogging trails, a playground area and a picnic grove area.[140] The property is located at Pleasant Valley and Conover roads. Clean-up is being handled through the NJEDA and is not considered a Superfund clean-up site. In 2004, Schoor DePalma[141] addressed the contaminated soil on the property. The soil on this property had widespread hazardous levels of arsenic, lead, pesticides and petroleum related contamination; consistent with farming related operations.[142] After clean-up, deep monitoring wells were created. In 2007, Birdsall Engineering investigated arsenic and pesticide contamination on the property. Two isolated hot spots were found with high levels of pesticides. The clean-up work was funded by the state farmland preservation program.[143] In 2008, Marlboro Township received state funds for continued clean-up and monitoring by the NJEDA.[144]
This site is being addressed through state and local department and funds and is not a superfund clean-up site. In 1997, the Monmouth County Park System bought 378 acres (1.53 km2) of the closed Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital land. The intent is to create a regional park, similar to Holmdel Park.[145] It is also expected to be home to part of the Henry Hudson Trail.[146] However, it is currently closed to the general public and is currently primarily used for bow hunting. The plans have not been completed due to potential environmental contamination.[147] Preliminary environmental studies by Birdsall Engineering found asbestos and oil contamination on the grounds.[148] Additionally, they identify that there is agricultural grade arsenic, reportedly a byproduct of farming, on the land.[149] In an attempt to further classify the contamination, the Luis Berger Group has done further testing on this site. They are reporting that the arsenic found on the site is "actually a naturally occurring condition in local and regional soil in this area". Additionally they reported that the site contamination found in the prior study was caused by a number of factors, including a former septic system, pesticide mixing building, fuel oil underground storage tank, and construction debris. This evaluation made the following recommendations to the NJDEP:
The site of the closed Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital has on-site contamination—it is not considered a Superfund clean-up site. Mayor Jonathan Hornik estimates it could cost more than $11 million to clean up. Mayor Jonathan Hornik stated that the state clearly has the responsibility for cleaning up the site. He however, stated that in the interest of getting it done, the township may have to show some flexibility in helping the state defray the costs.[151] In addition to the contamination on the site, the old buildings from the hospital are now in a state of decay and are not being maintained. As the buildings continue to deteriorate, the risk of someone being injured in one of them significantly increases.
This site is being addressed through state and local funds and is not considered a Superfund clean-up site. The property is contaminated with an undisclosed substance. To clean up the contamination, 1,708 cubic yards of soil was removed. The site is located on Prescott Drive, Block 233 Lot 13.[152]
Notable current and former residents include:
