Freehold Township, New Jersey

: "Also see: Freehold Borough."

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Freehold Township, New Jersey
settlement_type = Township
nickname =
motto =

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

seal_size = 66

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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Map of Freehold Township in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.


mapsize1 = 250x200px
map_caption1 = Census Bureau map of Freehold Township, New Jersey

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = New Jersey
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Monmouth
government_footnotes =
government_type = Township
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Eugene B. Golub
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
established_title = Established
established_date = October 31, 1693
established_title2 = Incorporated
established_date2 = February 21, 1798

unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 99.8
area_land_km2 = 99.6
area_water_km2 = 0.2
area_total_sq_mi = 38.5
area_land_sq_mi = 38.5
area_water_sq_mi = 0.1

population_as_of = 2006
population_footnotes =
population_total = 33953
population_density_km2 = 316.7
population_density_sq_mi = 820.2

timezone = Eastern (EST)
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
elevation_footnotes = [Gnis|882116|Township of Freehold, Geographic Names Information System, accessed October 21, 2007.]
elevation_m = 48
elevation_ft = 157
latd = 40 |latm = 14 |lats = 43 |latNS = N
longd = 74 |longm = 16 |longs = 46 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 07728
area_code = 732
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 34-25230GR|2 [ [http://mcdc2.missouri.edu/webrepts/commoncodes/ccc_nj.html A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey] , Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed July 14, 2008.]
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0882116GR|3
website = http://twp.freehold.nj.us
footnotes =

Freehold Township is a Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 31,537.

Freehold Township was first formed on October 31, 1693, and was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Portions of Freehold Township were taken to form Upper Freehold Township (c. 1731), Millstone Township (February 28, 1844), Jackson Township (March 6, 1844), Atlantic Township (February 18, 1847; now Colts Neck Township), Marlboro Township (February 17, 1848) and Manalapan Township (March 9, 1848)."The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 179-180.]

The Battle of Monmouth was fought in what has been preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park, which is in Freehold Township and Manalapan. Freehold Township is sometimes incorrectly credited as the hometown of American Rock and Roll legend Bruce Springsteen, who actually spent his childhood in Freehold Borough, the downtown district at the heart of the township.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.5 square miles (99.8 km²), of which, 38.5 square miles (99.6 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.21%) is water. Freehold Township shares borders with Marlboro, Manalapan, Colts Neck Township, Millstone, Jackson, Howell, and Freehold Borough. The borough is entirely surrounded by the township.

East Freehold (2000 Census population of 4,936) and West Freehold (12,498) are census-designated places and unincorporated areas located within Freehold Township. The New Jersey town of Upper Freehold is not connected, geographically or politically, to the township.

The township is located approximately 50 miles south of New York City and 60 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many residents of Freehold Township work in New York and commute to the city daily. Freehold Township is also just 20 miles from Belmar which is located on the Jersey Shore and is a popular summer destination for beach goers from North Jersey, New York, and parts Pennsylvania.

History

On 12 April 1782, at Middletown Point, on the southern coast of Sandy Hook Bay, Joshua Huddy was hanged by British Loyalists under the direction of Richard Lippincott. Patriots discovered Huddy's body hanging from the gallows the following morning, cut it down and brought it to Freehold Township, where he was buried at Old Tennent Church in an unmarked grave. [ [http://www.shore.co.monmouth.nj.us/archives/huddyexhibit.asp The Joshua Huddy era] , Monmouth County. Accessed December 14, 2006.]

Nomenclature

The township's title, 'freehold', was manifestly adapted from the English noun (occasionally utilized as an adverb) meaning 'the tenure of property held in fee simple for life '.

Climate

Freehold Has a Humid Sub-tropical Climate placing it in Zone 7B which extends from Monmouth County, NJ To Northern Georgia. Because of its sheltered location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, some Palm Trees such as Windmill Palm, Sabal Louisiana,Sabal Birmingham, Sabal Palmetto 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.

Freehold Bypass

Route 33 once ran through the heart of Freehold, but congestion led to the study of a new freeway alignment. After several years, the freeway was downsized to merely a bypass of Freehold. Construction from near Sweetmans Lane (CR 527) to U.S. Route 9 was finished in 1972. Eventually construction began again and the bypass was extended to Halls Mill Road in 1989. For decades traffic was detoured, and congestion just kept getting worse. The delay was lengthened when an endangered species was found in the path of the proposed roadway. Finally, after nearly 30 years of waiting, the bypass was fully completed in January 2003. Since then, the congestion on Route 33 and Route 33 Business has considerably lessened.

Demographics

USCensusPop
1930=1720
1940=2459
1950=3442
1960=4779
1970=13185
1980=19202
1990=24710
2000=31537
estimate= 33953
estyear=2006
estref= [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=06000US3402525230&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US34%7C16000US3422950&_street=&_county=freehold&_cityTown=freehold&_state=04000US34&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&_submenuId=population_0&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= Census data for Freehold township] , United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 15, 2007.]
footnote=Population 1930 - 1990. [ [http://www.wnjpin.net/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation/lmi01/poptrd6.htm New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990] , Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.] As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 31,537 people, 10,814 households, and 8,283 families residing in the township. The population density was 820.2 people per square mile (316.7/km²). There were 11,032 housing units at an average density of 286.9/sq mi (110.8/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 87.09% White, 5.12% African American, 0.14% Native American, 5.15% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.19% of the population.

There were 10,814 households out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the township the population was spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $77,185, and the median income for a family was $89,845. Males had a median income of $62,545 versus $36,668 for females. The per capita income for the township was $31,505. About 2.8% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local government

Freehold Township is governed under the Township form of government with a five-member Township Committee. The Township Committee is elected directly by the voters in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. ["2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book", Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 110.] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.

This Township Committee enacts local ordinances, levies municipal taxes and conducts the affairs of this community. In almost all cases, it can review and approve the actions of other Freehold Township boards, committees and agencies. The Township Committee conducts all of its business during monthly meetings open to the public. [ [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/general_info.asp Township Committee: General Information] , Freehold Township. Accessed March 30, 2007.]

The members of the Township Committee are Mayor [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/eugene_golub.asp Dr. Eugene B. Golub] ,
Deputy Mayor [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/david_salkin.asp David M. Salkin] , [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/anthony_ammiano.asp Anthony J. Ammiano] , [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/dorothy_avallone.asp Dorothy H. Avallone] and [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/raymond_kershaw.asp Raymond A. Kershaw] . [ [http://twp.freehold.nj.us/township_committee/committee_members/default.asp Township Committee Members] , Freehold Township. Accessed April 28, 2008.] All the current members of the township committee are members of the Republican Party.Fact|date=April 2008

Federal, state and county representation

Freehold Township is split between the Fourth and Twelfth Congressional Districts, and is part of New Jersey's 12th Legislative District. [ [http://www.lwvnj.org/pubs/CG06.pdf 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] , New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 57. Accessed August 30, 2006.]

Education

Public school students in Kindergarten through eighth grade are educated by the Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics [ [http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3405640 Data for the Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 28, {2008.] ) are five K-5 elementary schools: [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/catena/index.htm C. Richard Applegate School] (544 students), [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/catena/index.htm Joseph J. Catena School] (615), [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/donovan/index.htm Laura Donovan School] (582), [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/errickson/index.htm Marshall W. Errickson School] (627) and [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/westfreehold/index.htm West Freehold School] (606); Then, in grades 6-8, most students in Applegate and Catena go to [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/eisenhower/index.htm Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School] (767) and most students in Laura Donovan and West Freehold go to [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/barkalow/index.htm Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School] (850). Errickson is split between Eisenhower and Barkalow.

Students in public school for grades 9-12 attend either Freehold Township High School or Freehold High School (based on home address), as part of the Freehold Regional High School District. The Freehold Regional High School District also serves students from Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro. [ [http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc07/narrative/25/1650/25-1650-000.html Freehold Regional High School District 2007 Report Card Narrative] , New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 28, 2008. "Freehold Regional High School District, the largest high school district in New Jersey, has six high schools with almost 12,000 students and over 1,500 employees.... District members include the Townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, and Marlboro, and the Boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale, and Freehold."] High school students in Freehold Township have the opportunity of going to Vocational Schools such as Biotechnology High School, High Technology High School and the Academy of Allied Health & Science, which are part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District, which are available to all students in Monmouth County on a selective basis. Freehold Township is also home to the Contemporary Global Studies Learning Center (formerly International Studies) that admits talented students from all over the Freehold Regional High School District.

Recreation

Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Turkey Swamp Park, and Michael J. Tighe Park (formerly known as Liberty Oak Park) are all located within the township and provide assorted recreational opportunities. The southernmost segment of the Henry Hudson Trail also starts in the township and is used by walkers, runners, and bicyclists. The township also boasts other smaller parks such as Durand Park, Whittier Oaks Park, Opatut Park, Wynnefield Park, Stonehurst Park, Sandy Brook Park, Duchess Court Park, Greentree Park, Medford Park, Woodgate Park, Woodcrest Park, Orchard Hills Park, and Sargent Park.

Freehold Raceway offers horse lovers and bettors an opportunity to see harness racing, while the large Freehold Raceway Mall is, in addition to a large-scale shopping area, a venue for mall walkers in the mornings and a teenage hangout center in the evenings. As of January 2007, the mall is undergoing a major expansion project.

In 2004, the Freehold Township Senior League baseball team won the Senior League World Series. Led by manager Mike Brach of Freehold Township, the team became the first from Freehold Township to make it to the World Series, let alone win it. [ [http://nbs.gmnews.com/News/2004/0819/Sports/ Jersey’s best standing tall at World Series] , "North Brunswick Sentinel" by Tim Morris, August 19, 2004.]

Points of interest

*Maplewood Cemetery
*Michael J. Tighe Park (formerly Liberty Oak Park)

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Freehold Township include:
* Caren Lissner (born 1972), author. [Celano, Claire Marie. [http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0730/Front_page/025.html "Young author offers tips to audience at workshop: Caren Lissner says love of writing should be first ingredient toward success"] , "News Transcript", July 30, 2003. Accessed August 25, 2008. "Lissner, 31, grew up in Freehold Township and attended the Laura Donovan School and the Barkalow Middle School.... She later graduated from high school in Old Bridge."]
*Kal Penn (1977-), actor of "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle".Fact|date=April 2008
*Val Majewski (1981-), center fielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles. [ [http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2003/0820/Sports/051.html "Several factors have led to township’s LL success: League has produced three state champions in last two years"] , "News Transcript", August 20, 2002. Accessed June 8, 2007. "The camp not only features Piccola and an outstanding coaching staff, but ex-Township Little Leaguers, such as Val Majewski who is now playing in the Baltimore Orioles minor league chain in Fredricksburg sic, Va., who come back and in­struct the kids the same way they were in­structed."]

ee also

*Freehold Borough, New Jersey

References

External links

* [http://twp.freehold.nj.us Freehold Township website]
* [http://www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/ Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools website]
*NJReportCard|25|1660|0|Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools
* [http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3405640 Data for the Freehold Township Elementary and Middle Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics
* [http://www.frhsd.com/freehold/ Freehold Boro High School]
* [http://www.frhsd.com/freeholdtwp/ Freehold Township High School]
* [http://www.frhsd.com Freehold Regional High School District]
*NJReportCard|25|1650|0|Freehold Regional High School District
* [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html Monmouth Battlefield State Park]