Colts Neck is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the population was 12,331.
What is now Colts Neck Township was established by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, from portions of Freehold Township, Middletown Township and Shrewsbury Township. The name was changed to Colts Neck Township as of November 6, 1962, based on the results of a referendum held that day.[7]
Community
Colts Neck is an affluent suburb of Central New Jersey. Many people choose to move to Colts Neck due to its open space, proximity to the Jersey Shore, New York City, and Philadelphia. It is also a desirable location because of town ordinances which have long kept out urban sprawl and chain retailers, allowing for locally owned businesses, while still being close to malls, movie theaters, and other amenities in neighboring communities.
In addition, the township has a very strong Farmland Preservation Committee, which to date has preserved nearly 1,000 acres (4 km²) of land. This also is one way in which the town has been able to prevent large scale development. The township has very strict zoning regulations, and because there is no public water or sewage service, all homes must be built on not less than an acre.
Many of its residents are professional business people who commute into New York City, as could be seen in the unusual proportion of the small community who were lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center. A memorial garden dedicated to the five members of the community who were lost was created at the municipal center by sculptor Jim Gary, a member of the community, who was raised in Colts Neck and died in January, 2006. The central feature of the memorial garden is his sculpture of metal and stained glass.
Colts Neck Fire Department
www.CNFD.org
The Colts Neck Fire Department is split between two fire companies. Company #1, organized in 1926, is located on Route 537. Company #2, located on Conover Road, was established in 1970. Also in case of a HazMat emergency, the HazMat unit from the Middletown Township Special Services unit
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 32.1 square miles (83.1 km²), of which, 31.4 square miles (81.4 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (2.12%) is water.
Demographics
| Historical populations |
| Census |
Pop. |
|
%± |
| 1930 |
1,241 |
|
—
|
| 1940 |
1,177 |
|
−5.2% |
| 1950 |
1,814 |
|
54.1% |
| 1960 |
2,177 |
|
20.0% |
| 1970 |
5,819 |
|
167.3% |
| 1980 |
7,888 |
|
35.6% |
| 1990 |
8,559 |
|
8.5% |
| 2000 |
12,331 |
|
44.1% |
| Est. 2007 |
10,091 |
[3] |
−18.2% |
| Population 1930 - 1990[8] |
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 12,331 people, 3,513 households, and 3,193 families residing in the township. The population density was 392.4 people per square mile (151.5/km²). There were 3,614 housing units at an average density of 115.0/sq mi (44.4/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 85.51% White, 7.89% African American, 0.23% Native American, 3.63% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.45% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.22% of the population.
There were 3,513 households out of which 50.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.1% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 9.1% were non-families. 7.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.17 and the average family size was 3.33.
In the township the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.4 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $109,190, and the median income for a family was $117,980. Males had a median income of $55,609 versus $38,457 for females. The per capita income for the township was $46,795. 2.8% of the population and 2.2% of families were living below the poverty line, including 2.2% of under eighteens and 2.8% of those over 64.
Government
Local government
Colts Neck 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.[1] At an annual reorganization meeting, the township committee selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor.
As of 2008[update], the Colts Neck Township Committee consists of Mayor Benjamin T. Forester, Deputy Mayor Kenneth F. Florek, James C. Schatzle, Edward C. Eastman, Jr. and Jarrett R. Engle.[9]
Federal, state and county representation
Colts Neck is in the Fourth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 12th Legislative District.[10]
New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District, covering portions of Burlington County, Mercer County, Monmouth County and Ocean County, is represented by Christopher Smith (R). New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).
For the 2008-2009 Legislative Session, the 12th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Jennifer Beck (R, Red Bank) and in the Assembly by Caroline Casagrande (R, Colts Neck Township) and Declan O'Scanlon (R, Little Silver).[11] The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).[12]
Monmouth County is governed by a five-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. As of 2008[update], Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry (R, Matawan), Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan), William C. "Bill" Barham (R, Monmouth Beach), John D'Amico, Jr. (D, Oceanport) and Barbara McMorrow (D, Freehold Township).[13]
Education
Students in public school attend the Colts Neck School District for Kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[14]) are Conover Road Primary School (grades K-2, 444 students), Conover Road Elementary School (grades 3-5, 552 students) and Cedar Drive Middle School (grades 6-8, 626 students).
Public school students in grades 9-12 attend Colts Neck High School, is one of the six high schools as part of the Freehold Regional High School District including specialized learning centers at all six public high schools. Alternately, students may attend MCVSD magnet schools. Colts Neck High School is home to the Law and Public Service Program. This is credited program designed for students interested in the areas of law, politics, and the community.The Freehold Regional High School District serves students from Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold, Freehold Township, Howell Township, Manalapan Township and Marlboro.[15]
While Colts Neck is known for having an excellent school system, in any given year about 20% of the town's K-8 population attend private schools. These include Ranney School, Rumson Country Day School and St. Leo the Great School. At the high school level, with about half of all students attending private schools, including Christian Brothers Academy, Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, Ranney School, Red Bank Catholic High School and St. John Vianney High School.[16]
Notable residents
Colts Neck Memorial Garden, dedicated to the five residents of the community who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks
Some famous current and former residents include:
- Robert E. Brennan (born 1944), entrepreneur who built the penny stock brokerage firm, First Jersey Securities. Brennan was later convicted of fraud and was arrested at his home in Colts Neck in 2001, he remains in prison.[17]
- David Bryan (born 1962), of the band Bon Jovi.[18]
- Patty Casazza, one of the four Jersey Girls. Her husband, John F. Casazza, died on September 11 at age 38.[19]
- Wayne Chrebet (born 1973), now-retired wide receiver who spent his career with the New York Jets.[20]
- Caroline Casagrande (born 1976), Assemblywoman for the 12th District of the New Jersey General Assembly.[21]
- Jeffrey M. DeGrandis, (born 1957), Attended Cedar Drive School, Graduated Christian Brothers Academy,1976, attended Monmouth College and transferred to California Institute of the Arts in 1980. Currently supervising producer of Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. Previously have produced and directed over 300 animated television shows for Chuck Jones, Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Universal, DreamWorks, FOX Kids, Carsey Werner/NBC and Nickelodeon. Currently resides with his family in Los Angeles, California.
- Steven E. Fass, President & CEO of White Mountains Insurance Group.[citation needed]
- Jim Gary (1939-2006), sculptor, popularly known for his large, colorful creations of dinosaurs made from discarded automobile parts. His gallery, Iron Butterfly, was founded in Colts Neck and remained there for many years.[22]
- Charles Haight (1838-1891), United States Congressman who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district from 1867-1871.[23]
- Joe Klecko (born 1953), former player of the New York Jets.[24]
- Queen Latifah (born 1970), rapper and actress.[25]
- Heather Locklear (born 1961), actress and former resident.[25]
- Jim Nantz (born 1959), lead NFL and NCAA men's basketball commentator for CBS.[26]
- Paul Parmar (born 1970), financier and business strategist, and founder and Chairman of Pegasus Blue Star Fund (PBSF).[27]
- Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), rock and roll legend.[16]
- Adrian Shatku President/CEO of UNIFI Holding Companies
References
- ^ a b 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 63.
- ^ USGS GNIS: Township of Colts Neck, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.
- ^ a b Census data for Colts Neck township, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 13, 2008.
- ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed July 14, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 178.
- ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.
- ^ Colts Neck Township Committee, Colts Neck Township. Accessed April 4, 2008.
- ^ 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 56. Accessed August 30, 2006.
- ^ Legislative Roster: 2008-2009 Session, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed June 6, 2008.
- ^ "About the Governor". New Jersey. http://www.nj.gov/governor/about/. Retrieved on 6 June 2008.
- ^ Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 29, 2008.
- ^ Data for the Colts Neck School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 4, 2008.
- ^ 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."
- ^ a b If You're Thinking of Living In: Colts Neck; 60 Miles From Broadway, A Rural Feel - At a Price, The New York Times by Doug Scancarella, September 17, 1995
- ^ "Metro Business Briefing; EX-FINANCIER INDICTED AGAIN", The New York Times, November 2, 2000. Accessed November 27, 2007.
- ^ Bon Jovi FAQ, accessed January 11, 2007. "David lives in Colts Neck, New Jersey."
- ^ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. " 9/11 Widows Skillfully Applied The Power of a Question: Why?", The New York Times, April 1, 2004. Accessed December 3, 2007. "Kristen Breitweiser was at home in Middletown, N.J., cleaning out closets. Patty Casazza of Colts Neck was dashing to the dry cleaners. Lorie Van Auken of East Brunswick was headed out to do grocery shopping. Her neighbor Mindy Kleinberg had just packed her children off to school."
- ^ New York wide receiver Wayne Chrebet has found a new sport to love, Hoof Beats, accessed January 11, 2007. "Four years ago, he [Chrebet] moved into the horse country of Colts Neck, N.J., and couldn't help but admire the equine specimens with whom he shared his neighborhood."
- ^ District 12 Profile, Eagleton Institute of Politics. Accessed November 11, 2007. "His GOP running mate is Caroline Casagrande of Colts Neck, an attorney in the Matawan firm of Cleary, Alfieri, Jones & Hoyle who currently serves as the Township Attorney for Manalapan."
- ^ Fox, Margalit. "Jim Gary, Sculptor Inspired by Junk, Dies at 66", The New York Times, January 19, 2006. Accessed November 27, 2007. "He was 66 and lived in Farmingdale, N.J.... James Gary was born in Sebastian, Fla., on March 17, 1939, and grew up in Colts Neck."
- ^ Charles Haight, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 15, 2007.
- ^ Holt, Shannon. "Joe Klecko - Blue Collar Player", National Football League Players Association press release dated December 22, 2004. Accessed February 17, 2008. "Klecko and his wife, Debbie, currently reside in Colts Neck, NJ, where Joe serves as a representative for various construction companies."
- ^ a b A Day in the Life of Colts Neck, Asbury Park Press, October 18, 2001
- ^ CBS Sports Team: Jim Nantz, CBS Sports. Accessed April 4, 2008. "He was born May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, N.C., and grew up in Colts Neck, N.J."
- ^ Haughney, Christine; and Konigsberg, Eric. "Despite Tough Times, Ultrarich Keep Spending", The New York Times, April 14, 2008. Accessed May 18, 2008. "In recent months, Mr. Parmar, who lives in Colts Neck, N.J., said he bought 140 acres in Mineola, Tex., and is “spending $20 million to begin building a refuge there for abused tigers.” ", “A trained fighter pilot, he still flies planes and owns aviation companies.”, ” In 2007 MDTablet™ became a portfolio company of Pegasus Blue Star Fund (www.pegasusbluestarfund.com), a private equity firm based in New York. MDTablet is now benefiting from the leadership provided by Mr. Paul Parmar, founder and Chairman at Pegasus Blue Star Fund”
External links
