Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
settlement_type = Borough
nickname =
motto =

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

imagesize =
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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Map highlighting Woodcliff Lake's location within Bergen County. Inset: Bergen County's location within New Jersey.


mapsize1 = 250x200px
map_caption1 = Census Bureau map of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = New Jersey
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Bergen
government_footnotes =
government_type = Borough (New Jersey)
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Joseph LaPaglia (R, 2011)
leader_title1 = Administrator
leader_name1 = Edward Sandve [ [http://www.wclnj.com/AdministratorCFO.shtml Administrator] , Borough of Woodcliff Lake. Accessed December 26, 2007.]
established_title = Incorporated
established_date = August 31, 1894 as "Woodcliff"
established_title1 = Name Changed
established_date1 = March 1, 1910 to "Woodcliff Lake"

unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 9.2
area_land_km2 = 8.6
area_water_km2 = 0.5
area_total_sq_mi = 3.5
area_land_sq_mi = 3.3
area_water_sq_mi = 0.2

population_as_of = 2006
population_footnotes =
population_total = 5745
population_density_km2 = 666.1
population_density_sq_mi = 1725.3

timezone = Eastern (EST)
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
elevation_footnotes = [Gnis|885449|Borough of Woodcliff Lake, Geographic Names Information System, accessed December 26, 2007.]
elevation_m = 71
elevation_ft = 233
latd = 41 |latm = 1 |lats = 32 |latNS = N
longd = 74 |longm = 3 |longs = 39 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 07677
area_code = 201
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 34-82300GR|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 = 0885449GR|3
website = http://www.wclnj.com
footnotes =

Woodcliff Lake is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 5,745.

Woodcliff Lake is also the name of the reservoir that lies primarily within the borough, with a small part of it located in neighboring Hillsdale.

The borough is an upscale New York City suburb with most houses on lots of at least 15,000 square feet.

It was the world headquarters of Ingersoll Rand until it moved its headquarters in 2004 and its campus was taken over by the North American headquarters of BMW. It is the corporate headquarters of Perillo Tours, which consists of an elaborate Italian palace type structure where Richard Nixon had an office after his Presidency. [ [http://www.wclnj.com/History.shtml History – WCLNJ.COM – Retrieved November 6, 2007] ]

History

The borough was originally incorporated as the Borough of Woodcliff, on August 31, 1894, at the height of the "Boroughitis" phenomenon sweeping through Bergen County at the time, from parts of Orvil Township and Washington Township, based on the results of a referendum held three days earlier."The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 88.] On March 1, 1910, after the creation of the reservoir, the name of the borough was changed to Woodcliff Lake, to match the name of the post office. In this era prior to ZIP codes, two post offices in a state could not have the same name, and there was already a "Woodcliff" in Hudson County. On January 1, 1956 and again on July 1, 1958, Woodcliff Lake exchanged sections of land with Park Ridge. On October 13, 1960 portions were exchanged with Hillsdale. [ [http://www.dutchdoorgenealogy.com/bergen_county_new_jersey_municipalities.html Bergen County New Jersey Municipalities] , Dutch Door Genealogy. Accessed May 30, 2006.]

Woodcliff Lake has many historic houses and buildings, some dating from the 1700s. The best example of this is probably the Wortendyke Barn, a colonial-era barn and all its implements that has been preserved as a Bergen County Historic Site. Many other old buildings are also present, but are likely to have been modified through the years. The borough has seen intense development over the past fifty years, as virtually all areas available for construction have been developed.

Geography

Woodcliff Lake is located at coor dms|41|1|24|N|74|3|31|W|city (41.023343, -74.058629)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.2 km²), of which 3.3 square miles (8.6 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) (5.93%) is water. It is bounded by six municipalities: Montvale, Park Ridge, Hillsdale, Saddle River, and small portions of Upper Saddle River and River Vale. The Garden State Parkway runs through the town and may be entered, southbound, or exited from, northbound, at exit 171. Due to the fact that not all movements are possible at that exit, exits 168 in Washington Township and 172 in Montvale are also used to access the borough. Woodcliff Lake is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Manhattan.

Demographics

USCensusPop
1900= 329
1910= 470
1920= 587
1930= 871
1940= 1037
1950= 1420
1960= 2742
1970= 5506
1980= 5644
1990= 5303
2000= 5745
estimate=5939
estyear=2007
estref= [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&geo_id=16000US3480270&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US34%7C16000US3480270&_street=&_county=woodcliff&_cityTown=woodcliff&_state=04000US34&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=160&_submenuId=population_0&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= Census data for Woodcliff Lake] , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 9, 2008.]
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.] [ [http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/planning/data/HistoricalPop.pdf Historical Population Trends in Bergen County (1900 - 2000)] , Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed December 23, 2007.] As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there are 5,745 people, 1,824 households, and 1,605 families residing in the borough. The population density is 1,725.3 people per square mile (666.1/km²). There are 1,842 housing units at an average density of 553.2/sq mi (213.6/km²). The racial makeup of the borough is 93.84% White, 0.87% African American, 0.03% Native American, 4.47% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. 2.33% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,824 households out of which 47.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.2% are married couples living together, 6.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 12.0% are non-families. 10.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.08 and the average family size is 3.31.

In the borough the population is spread out with 29.9% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough is $123,022, and the median income for a family is $133,925. Males have a median income of $90,000 versus $45,150 for females. The per capita income for the borough is $53,461. 1.5% of the population and 0.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.4% of those under the age of 18 and 2.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Government

Local government

A Mayor and a six-member Borough Council structure govern Woodcliff Lake. In addition there are a number of Boards, and Committees. The Mayor generally appoints the members of these with consent of the majority of the Council.

The Mayor is elected for a four-year term and Council members are each elected for three-year terms. Elections are held in November and the terms start on January 1 of the following year. Positions are held on a part-time basis.

The Council members elect a Council President at the beginning of each year. Each member of the Council serves as chairperson or liaison to one or more of the Boards, and/or Committees. The assignments are made at the beginning of each calendar year.

The Mayor of Woodcliff Lake is Joseph LaPaglia (R, term ends December 31, 2011). Members of the Borough Council are Council President Joanne Howley (R, 2009), Josephine C. Higgins (D, 2008), Paul Camella (R, 2008), John Glaser (R, 2009), Jeffrey A. Bader (R, 2010) and Robert T. Rosenblatt (D, 2010). [ [http://www.wclnj.com/MayorCouncil.shtml Woodcliff Lake Mayor & Council] , Borough of Woodcliff Lake. Accessed March 1, 2007.] ["County of Bergen: 2007 County and Municipal Directory", Bergen County, New Jersey, p. 68.]

In elections held on November 6, 2007, voters filled a four-year term for mayor, two three-year seats and a single one-year unexpired term on the Borough Council. Incumbent Republican Joseph T. LaPaglia (808 votes) won re-election over Democrat Bernard R. Kettler (755). Democrat Robert T. Rosenblatt (880) and incumbent Republican Jeffrey A. Bader (770) both won three-year terms on the council, with incumbent Republican Frederick D. Singer (754) and Democrat Chet Smith (734) both falling short. Democrat Josephine C. Higgins (1891), a former mayor, defeated Republican Joseph A. Langschultz (672) in the race for a single one-year unexpired term in office. [ [http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MjE3MzUy "Woodcliff Lake municipal elections"] , "The Record (Bergen County)", November 3, 2007. Accessed November 28, 2007.] [ [http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MjE4Mzg1 "Woodcliff Lake election results"] , "The Record (Bergen County)", November 6, 2007. Accessed November 28, 2007.] [ [http://www.northjersey.com/dngmedia/media_server/tr/2007/11/06election/bergencounty2007.html Bergen County election results] , "The Record (Bergen County)", November 7, 2007. Accessed November 10, 2007.]

On Election Day, November 7, 2006, Woodcliff Lake voters filled two seats on the Borough Council. As of Election Day, the council was composed of five Republicans and one Democrats in a community in which registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by an almost 5-4 margin. Republican incumbents Joanne C. Howley (1,341 votes) and John J. Glaser (1,264) both won re-election to their third terms in office, defeating Democratic challengers Chet Rubackin (1,039) and Chet Smith (980). [ [http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MDEzNzU4 Woodcliff Lake Election Guide] , "The Record (Bergen County)", November 1, 2006.] ["Election 2006: Municipal Results", "The Record (Bergen County)", November 8, 2006.] [ [http://151.198.187.55/countyclerk/2006%20General/2006_General.pdf Bergen County 2006 General Election Results] , accessed February 1, 2007.]

Controversy erupted in the borough in August 2008 when Mayor LaPaglia described Councilmen Bader and Rosenblatt as "the temple twins", an apparent reference to the Jewish religion. The two councilmen demanded an apology, which LaPaglia has not given, denying anti-Semitic intent and stating that he is prone to colorful nicknames. [ [http://www.northjersey.com/news/Mayor_refusing_to_apologize_for_anti-Semitic_slur.html Mayor refusing to apologize for anti-Semitic slur] , "The Record (Bergen County)", August 9, 2008.]

Federal, state and county representation

Woodcliff Lake is in the Fifth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 39th Legislative District. [ [http://www.lwvnj.org/pubs/CG06.pdf 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] , New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 66. Accessed August 30, 2006.]

Politics

As of April 1, 2006, out of a 2004 Census estimated population of 5,886 in Woodcliff Lake, there were 3,976 registered voters (67.6% of the population, vs. 55.4% in all of Bergen County). Of registered voters, 689 (17.3% vs. 20.7% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 856 (21.5% vs. 19.2% countywide) were registered as Republicans and 2,431 (61.1% vs. 60.1% countywide) were registered as Undeclared. There were no voters registered to other parties. ["County of Bergen: Voter Statistics by Municipality, Ward & District," dated April 1, 2006.]

On the national level, Woodcliff Lake is split almost evenly. In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 50% of the vote here, narrowly edging Democrat John Kerry, who received around 49%. [ [http://www.nj.gov/lps/elections/2004results/04_Municipality_pdf%27s/presidential_bergen_co_2004.pdf 2004 Presidential Election results: Bergen County] , New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Elections, dated December 13, 2004.]

Education

The Woodcliff Lake Public Schools serve students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. The 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=3418210 Woodcliff Lake Public Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed November 14, 2007.] ) are [http://www.woodcliff-lake.com/dorchester/site/default.asp Dorchester School] with 561 students in grades Pre-K through 5 and [http://www.woodcliff-lake.com/woodclifflakems/site/default.asp Woodcliff Middle School] which has 304 students in grades 6-8.

Woodcliff Lake and Montvale public school students attend Pascack Hills High School as part of the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. [ [http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc06/narrative/03/3960/03-3960-000.html Pascack Valley Regional High School District 2006 School Report Card District Narrative] , New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 12, 2008. "The district is comprised of [sic] two high schools. Pascack Hills High School, which is located in Montvale, receives students from the towns of Montvale and Woodcliff Lake. Pascack Valley High School, located in Hillsdale, enrolls students from Hillsdale and River Vale."]

Transportation

Woodcliff Lake is served by New Jersey Transit on the Pascack Valley Line at the Woodcliff Lake train station. The station is located at Broadway and Woodcliff Avenues.

This line runs north-south to Hoboken Terminal with connections via the Secaucus Junction transfer station to New Jersey Transit one-stop service to New York Penn Station and to other NJ Transit rail service. Connections are available at the Hoboken Terminal to other New Jersey Transit rail lines, the PATH train at the Hoboken PATH station, New York Waterways ferry service to the World Financial Center and other destinations and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service.

The Pascack Valley Line is a single-track line providing service towards Hoboken during the morning rush hour and service from Hoboken in the evening rush hour.

Garden State Parkway and County Route 503 passes through Woodcliff Lake.

Community

Tice Farms was a farm and roadside stand in Woodcliff Lake. Founded in 1808, it was a local landmark which attracted families from miles around, especially in the fall, when it was noted for pumpkins, apple cider, freshly baked donuts, and other fall products. Many people would make the drive to the area from New York City, causing massive traffic jams on autumn weekends. Beginning in the 1970s, the farm was increasingly squeezed by local land development, and Richard Tice, the head of the family, repeatedly sold land to accommodate development. Tice Farms is now an upscale strip mall, named Tices Corner after the family name, and includes such stores as Apple Store, Anthropologie, Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch to name a few.

Van Riper's Farm was also a favorite in town, located approximately across the street from Tice's. Founded in the late 1700s, it was also known for its apple cider and annual "Turkey Shoot." Sadly, it was closed to make way for an A&P Supermarket.

BMW calls Woodcliff Lake home, and is the predominate land owner in town as of date. Located on Chestnut Ridge Road, it is built, and currently being expanded on land once owned by the Tice Family.

A small reminder of Woodcliff Lake's rural history is Fusco's Market, located on the corner of Werimus and Saddle River Roads. Fusco's is the town's "general store", and is owned and operated by the Fusco family. Nearby is the Old Mill Pond, which was established as the town's swimming pool several decades ago.

Woodcliff Lake lacks its own public library, however it offers its residents reimbursement if they get a library membership from a neighboring town.

Woodcliff Lake was originally given the ZIP code 07680. As part of post office consolidation in the early 1970s, it lost its postmaster (though not its post office) and was designated a branch of the Westwood post office, sharing the ZIP code 07675. Following longtime public protest, it regained its own ZIP code, 07677, in the early 1990s.

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Woodcliff Lake include:
*Steven M. Goldman, Commissioner of Banking and Insurance of New Jersey. [ [http://www.njdobi.org/commishbio.htm Steven M. Goldman, Commissioner] , New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Accessed August 7, 2007.]
*Randolph Perkins (1871-1936), represented New Jersey's 6th congressional district from 1921-1936. [ [http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=P000237 Randolph Perkins biography] , United States Congress. Accessed July 8, 2007.]

References

External links

* [http://www.wclnj.com/ Woodcliff Lake official website]
* [http://www.woodcliff-lake.com/ Woodcliff Lake Public Schools]
*NJReportCard|03|5880|0|Woodcliff Lake Public Schools
* [http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3418210 Woodcliff Lake Public Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics
* [http://www.pascack.k12.nj.us/ Pascack Valley Regional High School District]