Manalapan Township, New Jersey

Manalapan Township, New Jersey
—  Township  —
Motto: A great place to live.
Map of Manalapan Township in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Manalapan Township, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°17′49″N 74°19′48″W / 40.29694°N 74.33°W / 40.29694; -74.33Coordinates: 40°17′49″N 74°19′48″W / 40.29694°N 74.33°W / 40.29694; -74.33
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Monmouth
Incorporated	March 9, 1848
Government
– Type	Township (New Jersey)
– Mayor	Andrew Lucas
– Administrator	Tara L. Lovrich[1]
Area
– Total	30.9 sq mi (79.9 km2)
– Land	30.8 sq mi (79.8 km2)
– Water	0.0 sq mi (0.1 km2)
Elevation[2]	82 ft (25 m)
Population (2010)[3]
– Total	38,872
– Density	1,260.1/sq mi (486.5/km2)
Time zone	Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
– Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code	07726
Area code(s)	732
FIPS code	34-42990[4][5]
GNIS feature ID	0882117[6]
Website	http://www.mtnj.org

Manalapan Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 38,872.^[3] The name "Manalapan" comes from the Lenape word for "land of good bread or good land to settle upon."^[7]

Manalapan Township was formed by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 9, 1848, from portions of Freehold Township. Englishtown was formed as a borough from portions of Manalapan on January 4, 1888, based on the results of a referendum held the previous day.^[8]

Yorketown (2010 Census population of 6,535) is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Manalapan Township.

The Battle of Monmouth was fought on land that is now part of Manalapan and Freehold townships. Monmouth Battlefield State Park occupies 2,928 acres (1,185 ha) in the two townships.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.9 square miles (80 km²), of which 30.8 square miles (80 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²), or 0.16%, is water.

The latitude of Manalapan is 40.257N and longitude is 74.396W. Elevation is 82 feet (25 m).

Also, the township completely surrounds Englishtown.

Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1930	1,464		—
1940	1,900		29.8%
1950	3,137		65.1%
1960	3,990		27.2%
1970	14,049		252.1%
1980	18,914		34.6%
1990	26,716		41.2%
2000	33,423		25.1%
2010	38,872		16.3%
Population 1930 - 1990.[9]

As the census^[4] of 2000, there were 33,423 people, 10,781 households, and 9,002 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,084.6 people per square mile (418.7/km²). There were 11,066 housing units at an average density of 359.1 per square mile (138.6/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 91.81% White, 1.99% African American, 0.03% Native American, 4.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.54% of the population. Manalapan has large Italian and Jewish communities.

There were 10,781 households out of which 47.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.9% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.5% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.4% 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 3.45.

In the township the population was spread out with 30.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $102,882, and the median income for a family was $114,124.^[10] Males had a median income of $72,198 versus $39,921 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,142. About 3.2% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local government

Manalapan 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 seats coming up for election each year.^[11] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor for one year.^[12]

As of 2011^[update], members of the Manalapan Township Committee are Mayor Andrew Lucas (term ends December 31, 2013), Deputy Mayor Ryan Green (2012), Donald Holland (2011), Jordan Maskowitz (2013) and Michelle Roth (2011).^[13]

Federal, state and county representation

Manalapan Township is split between the 6th and 12th Congressional districts. New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District is represented by Frank Pallone (D, Long Branch). New Jersey's Twelfth Congressional District is represented by Rush D. Holt, Jr. (D, Hopewell Township).^[14] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).

Manalapan is in the 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).^[15]

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. ^[16] As of 2011, Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan; term ends December 31, 2013)^[17], Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley (R, Red Bank; 2012)^[18], Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City; 2013), Lillian G. Burry (R, Colts Neck Township; 2011)^[19] and Amy A. Mallet (D, Fair Haven, 2011).^[20][21][22]

Politics

On the national and state levels, Manalapan 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 46%. In the 2009 Gubernatorial Election, Republican Chris Christie received 62% of the vote, defeating Democrat Jon Corzine, who received around 33%.

Education

Students in grades K - 8 attend the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District, which also serves children from Englishtown. Schools in the district (with 2008-09 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics^[23]) are John I. Dawes Early Learning Center (463 students), five grade 1-5 elementary schools (with previous grade coverage listed in parentheses) — Clark Mills (596; was 1-3), Lafayette Mills (476; was 4-6), Milford Brook (637; was 1-3), Taylor Mills (534; was 1-3) and Wemrock Brook (638; was 1-3) — and Pine Brook for grade 6 (751; was 4-6) along with Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School for grades 7-8 (1,354).^[24]

Students from the two communities in public school for grades 9-12 attend the schools of the Freehold Regional High School District. The district also serves students from Colts Neck Township, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell Township and Marlboro Township.^[25] Englishtown students attend Manalapan High School and Manalapan Township students attend Manalapan High School or Freehold Township High School.

Crime

Manalapan's crime rate has been on a steady rise since 2001. The crime rate rose from 9.7 in 2001^[26] to 12.7 in 2007,^[27] representing the highest crime rate in 11 years.

In 2008, seven residents of Manalapan were arrested on money laundering and drug trafficking charges, bringing in a net of $1 million per month in an international drug ring.^[28]

Community

Manalapan Under the Stars in 2010

Three Manalapan landmarks are the headquarters facility of the Monmouth County Library, the Manalapan Recreation Center, and the battlefield for the Battle of Monmouth. Manalapan Under the Stars, the township's community celebration featuring rides, concerts, fireworks, and other activities, is held annually at the Recreation Center.^[29] Name acts featured in the series have included Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone and Tommy James and the Shondells.

Manalapan was rated the second hottest town on the East Coast by Money magazine.^[30]

On May 27, 2001, Manalapan was struck by a tornado rated at F2 on the Fujita scale, causing over $1 million in damage. The 200-foot-wide (61 m) tornado had winds of up to 120 miles per hour (190 km/h) over a path of 1.5 miles (2.4 km).^[31]

On April 28, 2009, a fire occurred at the Olde Silver Tavern, a notable restaurant in town.^[32]

Manalapan's Recreation Center provides the widest variety of facilities in the area. It expanded an additional 68.5 acres, a total of 162 acres. The Manalapan Recreation Center now includes 2 handball courts, 9 softball/baseball fields, a fitness trail, 2 football fields (1 turf), 9 football/soccer fields, 2 street hockey courts, 3 tot lots, 6 basketball courts, 6 tennis courts, 2 bocce courts, 2 sand volleyball courts, a 9 hole disc golf course, concession stand, 2 picnic areas, 2 maintenance buildings, 2 shelter buildings, and headquarters building.^[33]

Transportation

Manalapan hosts U.S. Route 9 in the northeast, and State Route 33 passes through near the southern part of the township.

Major county routes, such as 522 and 527 traverse through the municipality, while 537 goes along the southeast border of the township.

Other major roads that are accessible outside the township are the Garden State Parkway in bordering Old Bridge, Interstate 195 in bordering Millstone Township, and the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) in East Windsor Township (Exit 8) and bordering Monroe Township (Exit 8A).

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Manalapan Township include:

• Jim Babjak (born 1957), guitarist for the Smithereens.^[34]
• Danny Basavich (born 1978), professional pool player.^[35]
• Jason Bergmann (born 1981), pitcher for the Washington Nationals.^[36]
• Alyssa Campanella, Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2007, 1st-Runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2007, Miss California USA 2011, and became Miss USA 2011.^[37]
• Frank Conover (born 1968), a 1986 Manalapan High School graduate, was drafted out of Syracuse University by the NFL's Cleveland Browns and played for the team in 1991.^[38]
• Frank Coppa (born 1941), gangster in the Bonanno crime family.^[39]
• David DeJesus (born 1979), center fielder for the Oakland Athletics.^[40]
• Louie DeVito, DJ and producer.^[41]
• Michael DeVito (born 1961), competitive eater and three-time winner of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.^[42]
• Val Emmich (born 1979), singer, songwriter and actor.^[43]
• Johnny Petraglia (born 1947), former professional ten-pin bowler who won 14 PBA titles and PBA Triple Crown.^[44]
• Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino (born 1982), cast member of MTV's Jersey Shore.^[45]

References

1. ^ Administration, Manalapan Township. Accessed April 12, 2011.
2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Township of Manalapan, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.
3. ^ ^{a b} "Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File (QT-PL), Manalapan township, Monmouth County, New Jersey". U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder 2. http://factfinder2.census.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2011. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
5. ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed July 14, 2008.
6. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
7. ^ Chang, Kathy; Kesten, Karen (December 16, 2009). "Birth of a town". News Transcript. 
8. ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 181.
9. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.
10. ^ Selected Economic Characteristics: 2005-2007. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
11. ^ 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 63.
12. ^ Form of Government, Manalapan Township. Accessed April 12, 2011.
13. ^ Mayor & Township Committee. Manalapan Township. Accessed April 12, 2011.
14. ^ Municipalities, Congressman Rush D. Holt, Jr. Accessed June 29, 2008.
15. ^ "Legislative Roster: 2010-2011 Session". New Jersey Legislature. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/roster.asp. Retrieved 2010-02-08. 
16. ^ Monmouth County Government, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 5, 2011.
17. ^ Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
18. ^ Deputy Director Freeholder John P. Curley, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
19. ^ Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
20. ^ Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
21. ^ Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
22. ^ Rizzo, Nina. "Monmouth County freeholders sworn into office", Asbury Park Press, January 6, 2011. Accessed January 7, 2011.
23. ^ Data for the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 12, 2011.
24. ^ Our Schools, Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools. Accessed April 12, 2011.
25. ^ Freehold Regional High School District 2010 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 12, 2011. "Freehold Regional High School District, the largest regional high school district in New Jersey, has six high schools with almost 12,000 students and over 1,500 employees. Covering over 200 square miles, the district encompasses eight socio-economically and ethnically diverse communities. District members include the townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, and Marlboro, and the boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale, and Freehold."
26. ^ New Jersey Crime Reports, Data Universe. Accessed August 1, 2009.
27. ^ New Jersey Crime Reports, Data Universe. Accessed August 1, 2009.
28. ^ Diamant, Jeff. "Seven arrested in Monmouth County drug bust", The Star-Ledger, June 2, 2008. Accessed April 12, 2011. "Based at the multi-million dollar Manalapan home of its alleged leader, it operated out of 'quiet suburbia' but had contacts worldwide, said Gerard McAleer, special agent in charge of the DEA's New Jersey division."
29. ^ "Manalapan Under the Stars returns June 12". News Transcript. June 2, 2010. http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2010-06-02/Front_Page/Manalapan_Under_the_Stars_returns_June_12.html. 
30. ^ Benjamin, David. ‘Money’ ranks Manalapan, Marlboro among top towns. News Transcript, December 24, 2003.
31. ^ Saulny, Susan. "It's Official: Sunday Storm In New Jersey Was a Tornado", The New York Times, May 29, 2001. Accessed July 23, 2008.
32. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
33. ^ Parks & Recreation Active Park Properties. Manalapan Township. Accessed November 2, 2011.
34. ^ Cahillane, Kevin. "Not Fade Away: The Smithereens' Monument to Persistence", The New York Times, October 10, 2004. Accessed November 15, 2008. "We have the same mentality as the old blues singers, said the lead guitarist, Jim Babjak, who lives in Manalapan with his wife and three sons."
35. ^ McGrath, Charles. "The Happy Hustler", The New York Times, October 6, 2007. Accessed June 12, 2008. "Mr. Basavich grew up, one of two children, in Manalapan, N.J."
36. ^ Heyman, Brian. "Agonizin' loss for Amazin's", Asbury Park Press, September 26, 2007. "Reyes got one back by rocketing Manalapan native Jason Bergmann's third pitch over the fence in right-center to open the bottom half."
37. ^ Garcia, Oskar via Associated Press. "Former Manalapan resident Alyssa Campanella takes Miss USA crown", Asbury Park Press, June 20, 2011. Accessed June 20, 2011. "Originally from Manalapan, N.J., Alyssa Campanella began modeling at age 16, graduated from high school a year early and received a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, according to her personal website."
38. ^ Frank Conover profile, National Football League. Accessed July 23, 2008.
39. ^ Exclusion List: Frank Coppa, Sr., New Jersey Attorney General. Accessed April 3, 2008.
40. ^ DeJesus: Baseball beginnings, Major League Baseball, October 28, 2003. Accessed February 20, 2008. "My name is David DeJesus. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Manalapan, New Jersey."
41. ^ Cronick, Scott. "'AMERICA'S DJ' SPINS HIS WAY INTO TAJ'S CASBAH CLUB", The Press of Atlantic City, December 28, 2001. Accessed June 20, 2011. "'Dance music is growing not as quick as I would like but it's growing' says DeVito a Manalapan resident."
42. ^ Strunsky, Steve. "HOT DIGGITY! DOG DIGGITY! -- FAME; Eating His Way to the Top", The New York Times, May 24, 1998. Accessed June 20, 2011. "Michael DeVito, 36, of Manalapan, won five straight state championships, from 1992 to 1996, in competitions sponsored by that hallowed wiener institution, Nathan's. He is also a three-time world champion -- 1990, 1993 and 1994 -- in the contest held every Fourth of July at the Nathan's on Surf Avenue in Coney Island."
43. ^ La Gorce, Tammy. "A Rocker Who Rocks to His Own Beat (and CD)", The New York Times, December 2, 2007. Accessed June 8, 2008. "“So I just went,” said Mr. Emmich, who grew up in Manalapan and graduated from Manalapan High School."
44. ^ Staff. "Petraglia top-seeded for match play", Associated Press Archive, August 26, 1998. Accessed June 20, 2011. "Petraglia, of Manalapan, N.J., began to pull away from the pack after rolling a 300, as well as two high games of 268."
45. ^ Staff. "'Jersey Shore's' Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino Opens Up About His Relationship With Family", New York Post, October 4, 2010. Accessed June 20, 2011. "'The Situation' is moving fast -- but keeping it real. He's gone from Manalapan, NJ, to Hollywood in less than a year -- but MTV's Jersey Shore star, born Mike Sorrentino, is coming into his own on Dancing With the Stars."

External links

• Manalapan Township official website
• Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District
• Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District's 2009–10 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
• Data for the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District, National Center for Education Statistics
• Manalapan High School
• The Official Manalapan Township Police Explorer Website
• Freehold Regional High School District
• Freehold Regional High School District's 2009–10 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
• Manalapan, NJ Information and Facts