Colts Neck Township, New Jersey

Colts Neck Township, New Jersey
—  Township  —
Map of Colts Neck Township in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Colts Neck Township, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°18′1″N 74°10′59″W / 40.30028°N 74.18306°W / 40.30028; -74.18306Coordinates: 40°18′1″N 74°10′59″W / 40.30028°N 74.18306°W / 40.30028; -74.18306
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Monmouth
Incorporated	February 18, 1847 as Atlantic Township
Renamed	November 6, 1962 as Colts Neck Township
Government[1]
- Type	Township (New Jersey)
- Mayor	James C. Schatzle (2011)[2]
- Administrator	Robert Bowden[3]
Area[4]
- Total	32.10 sq mi (83.1 km2)
- Land	31.43 sq mi (81.4 km2)
- Water	0.68 sq mi (1.8 km2)  2.12%
Elevation[5]	75 ft (23 m)
Population (2010 Census)[6]
- Total	10,142
- Density	316.1/sq mi (122/km2)
Time zone	Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code	07722[7]
Area code(s)	732
FIPS code	34-14560[8][9]
GNIS feature ID	0882602[10]
Website	http://www.colts-neck.nj.us

Colts Neck is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 10,142.^[6]

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.^[11]

Colts Neck ranked 39th in the 2000 Census among the highest-income places in the United States with a population of at least 10,000.

Community

Colts Neck is an affluent community in Central New Jersey, located within the New York metropolitan area. Many people choose to move to Colts Neck due to its open space and proximity to the Jersey Shore, while still being within commuting distance of New York City and, to a lesser extent, Philadelphia. The town's strict zoning ordinances have long kept out urban development and chain retailers, allowing for locally owned businesses, while still being close to malls, movie theaters, and other amenities in neighboring communities. A 2007 study of New Jersey's wealthiest communities listed Colts Neck as New Jersey's 16th wealthiest town and categorized the town's population as "top rung", meaning:

These communities are the wealthiest consumer market, representing less than 1 percent of all U.S. households. These highly educated residents are in their peak earning years, aged 45 to 64, in married-couple households, with or without children. The median age is 42.3 years. With the purchasing power to indulge any choice, Top Rung residents travel in style, both domestically and overseas. This is the top market for owning or leasing a luxury car; residents favor new imported vehicles, especially convertibles. Exercise and community activities are part of their busy lifestyle. Avid readers, these residents find time to read two or more daily newspapers and countless books.

The township has a Farmland Preservation Committee which to date has preserved nearly 1,000 acres (400 ha) of land, providing one way in which the town has been able to prevent large-scale development. The township has strict zoning regulations, and because there is no public water or sewage service, all homes must be built on not less than an acre of land.

Originally a farming community, Colts Neck has long been known for its large number of equestrian farms. From the 1950s into the 1970s many of Colts Neck's heavily wooded areas were developed with large colonial and ranch-style houses on acre-sized lots. In the 1980s and continuing into the 2000s much of the town's farm land has been replaced with large houses, mansions and sprawling estates, although a large number of equestrian farms remain. During this time period increasing home prices in northern New Jersey and New York City resulted in large numbers of people moving to central New Jersey, causing real estate prices in Colts Neck and surrounding towns to rise considerably over the course of the two decades. Today Colts Neck real estate prices remain high despite the economic downturn: the current average listing price of a house is $1,455,838,^[12] and home prices are up 1.1% since last year. While home prices have remained strong, the number of home sales is down 32% from last year.^[12]

Many of Colts Neck's residents are professional business people who commute into New York City's financial district, 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. The central feature of the memorial garden is his sculpture of metal and stained glass.^[13]

Colts Neck Fire Department

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. In case of a hazardous materials emergency, the HazMat team from the Middletown Township Special Services unit is called.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 32.10 square miles (83.1 km²), of which 31.43 square miles (81.4 km²) is land and 0.68 square miles (1.8 km²), or 2.12%, is water.^[4]

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%
2010	10,142		−17.8%
Population sources: 1930-1990[14] 2000[15] 2010[16][17]

As of the 2010 Census, Colts Neck had a population of 10,142. The median age was 43.6. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 92.2% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, 0.4% some other race and 1.2% reporting two or more races. 3.5% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.^[16]

As of the census^[8] 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 per square mile (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.^[15]

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.^[15]

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.^[15]

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.^[15]

A 2007 study of New Jersey's wealthiest communities shows Colts Neck has a median household income of $166,495, up from $109,190 in 2000, and the average household income is $232,520. The per capita income for the township as of 2007 is $70,781 up from $46,795 in 2000.^[15] The average household net worth, not including equity in homes, is $1,088,351 and the average disposable income for a household is $140,507.^[18]

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 2011^[update], the Colts Neck Township Committee consists of Mayor James C. Schatzle, Deputy Mayor Jarrett R. Engle, Edward C. Eastman, Jr., Michael D. Fitzgerald and Russell Macnow.^[19]

Federal, state, and county representation

Colts Neck is in the 4th Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 12th state legislative district.^[20] The township was relocated to the 11th state legislative district by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission based on the results of the 2010 Census.^[17] The new district is 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.^[20]

New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District is represented by Christopher Smith (R). 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).^[21] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham).^[22] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).^[23]

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. ^[24] As of 2011, Monmouth County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan; term ends December 31, 2013)^[25], Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley (R, Red Bank; 2012)^[26], Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City; 2013), Lillian G. Burry (R, Colts Neck Township; 2011)^[27] and Amy A. Mallet (D, Fair Haven, 2011).^[28][29][30]

Transportation

Two major state roads pass through the township: Route 18 (the freeway portion) and Route 34.

Major county roads that traverse the township are CR 520 (along the border) and CR 537.

The Garden State Parkway is accessible in neighboring Holmdel, Middletown, Tinton Falls and Wall Township. I-195 is also outside in neighboring Wall and Howell.

Education

Students in public school attend the Colts Neck School District for Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools in the district (with 2009-10 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics^[31]) are Conover Road Primary School (grades PreK-2, 382 students), Conover Road Elementary School (grades 3-5, 434 students) and Cedar Drive Middle School (grades 6-8, 486 students).

Students in public school for grades 9-12 attend Colts Neck High School or one of the other schools of the Freehold Regional High School District. The Freehold Regional High School District serves students from Colts Neck Township, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell Township, Manalapan Township and Marlboro.^[32]

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 about half of all students attend private schools, including Christian Brothers Academy, Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, Ranney School, Red Bank Catholic High School and St. John Vianney High School.^[33]

Notable residents

Colts Neck Memorial Garden, designed by sculptor Jim Gary and dedicated to the five residents of the community who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

Some notable 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.^[34]
• David Bryan (born 1962), of the band Bon Jovi.^[35]
• Caroline Casagrande (born 1976), Assemblywoman for the 12th District of the New Jersey General Assembly.^[36]
• Patty Casazza, one of the four Jersey Girls. Her husband, John F. Casazza, died on September 11 at age 38.^[37]
• Wayne Chrebet (born 1973), now-retired wide receiver who spent his career with the New York Jets.^[38]
• Jeff DeGrandis (born 1957), supervising producer of Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer.^{[citation needed]}
• Steven E. Fass, President & CEO of White Mountains Insurance Group.^[39]
• Jim Gary (1939–2006), sculptor, popularly known for his large, colorful creations of dinosaurs made from discarded automobile parts as well as for his elegant life-sized figures and fine art. His gallery, Iron Butterfly, was founded in his "hometown" of Colts Neck and remained there for many years.^[40]
• Al Golden (born 1969), head football coach, University of Miami^[41]
• Charles Haight (1838–1891), United States congressman who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district from 1867-1871.^[42]
• Joe Klecko (born 1953), former player of the New York Jets.^[43]
• Queen Latifah (born 1970), rapper and actress.^[44]
• Heather Locklear (born 1961), actress and former resident.^[44]
• Jim Nantz (born 1959), lead NFL and NCAA men's basketball commentator for CBS, grew up in Colts Neck.^[45]
• Paul Parmar (born 1970), financier and business strategist, and founder and Chairman of Pegasus Blue Star Fund (PBSF).^[46]
• Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), rock and roll legend, owns the town's largest equestrian farm and recently completed building his new home on the farm.^[33] He also recorded a large part of his album Nebraska in one of his residences in Colts Neck.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 63.
2. ^ 2011 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed September 15, 2011.
3. ^ Township Administrator, Colts Neck Township. Accessed April 17, 2011.
4. ^ ^{a b} GCT-PH1. Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000 for Bergen County, New Jersey -- County Subdivision and Place, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 29, 2011.
5. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Township of Colts Neck, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.
6. ^ ^{a b} "Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File (QT-PL), Colts Neck township, Monmouth County, New Jersey". U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder 2. http://factfinder2.census.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2011. 
7. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code, United States Postal Service. Accessed September 15, 2011.
8. ^ ^{a b} "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
9. ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed July 14, 2008.
10. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
11. ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 178.
12. ^ ^{a b} Colts Neck, 07722 Real Estate Overview - Trulia.com
13. ^ Via Associated Press. "Jim Gary; Created Art From Castoff Auto Parts", The Washington Post, January 19, 2006. Accessed September 15, 2011. "Mr. Gary's work also included more serious pieces, such as a bouquet of six roses he completed last year for a Jewish temple to commemorate the Holocaust, and a Sept. 11 memorial he created for the community of Colts Neck, N.J. "
14. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 2, 2009. Accessed September 15, 2011.
15. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights: Colts Neck township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 15, 2011.
16. ^ ^{a b} Profile of General Demographic Characteristics for Colts Neck township, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed September 15, 2011.
17. ^ ^{a b} 2011 Apportionment Redistricting: Municipalities sorted alphabetically, New Jersey Department of State, p. 2. Accessed September 15, 2011.
18. ^ Top 25 Wealthiest Zip Codes in the State of New Jersey, Ranked by Wealth indicators from ESRI, p. 26. Accessed November 16, 2009.
19. ^ Township Committee Colts Neck Township Committee, Colts Neck Township. Accessed April 17, 2011.
20. ^ ^{a b} 2011 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 56. Accessed September 15, 2011.
21. ^ "Legislative Roster: 2010-2011 Session". New Jersey Legislature. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/roster.asp. Retrieved 2010-02-08. 
22. ^ "About the Governor". New Jersey. http://www.nj.gov/governor/about/. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
23. ^ "About the Lieutenant Governor". New Jersey. http://www.nj.gov/governor/lt/. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
24. ^ Monmouth County Government, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 5, 2011.
25. ^ Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
26. ^ Deputy Director Freeholder John P. Curley, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
27. ^ Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
28. ^ Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
29. ^ Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed January 7, 2011.
30. ^ Rizzo, Nina. "Monmouth County freeholders sworn into office", Asbury Park Press, January 6, 2011. Accessed January 7, 2011.
31. ^ Data for the Colts Neck School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed September 15, 2011.
32. ^ Freehold Regional High School District 2010 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 17, 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."
33. ^ ^{a b} Scancarella, Doug. "If You're Thinking of Living In: Colts Neck; 60 Miles From Broadway, A Rural Feel - At a Price", The New York Times, September 17, 1995.
34. ^ "Metro Business Briefing; EX-FINANCIER INDICTED AGAIN", The New York Times, November 2, 2000. Accessed November 27, 2007.
35. ^ Staff. "People: Nusres from Nebraska Booted From Survivor", The Press of Atlantic City, April 20, 2002. Accessed April 17, 2011. "Bryan lives in Colts Neck Township with his wife and their three young children."
36. ^ 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."
37. ^ 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."
38. ^ 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."
39. ^ Staff. "Who's What Where", The Boston Globe, March 12, 2000. Accessed April 17, 2011. "White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd., headquartered in Hanover, has added Raymond Barrette of Hanover and Steven E. Fass of Colts Neck, N.J., to its board of directors."
40. ^ 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."
41. ^ Weiss, Dick. "University of Miami lures Temple's Al Golden to take over as the Hurricanes' new football coach", Daily News (New York), December 13, 2010. Accessed January 7, 2011. "Golden, who is from Colts Neck, N.J. and was the starting tight end and captain of Penn State's 1991 team, will reportedly sign a four year deal worth close to $8 million dollars."
42. ^ Charles Haight, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 15, 2007.
43. ^ 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."
44. ^ ^{a b} A Day in the Life of Colts Neck, Asbury Park Press, October 18, 2001
45. ^ 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."
46. ^ 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."

External links

• Colts Neck Township website
• Colts Neck School District
• Colts Neck School District's 2009–10 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
• Data for the Colts Neck School District, National Center for Education Statistics
• Colts Neck High School
• Freehold Regional High School District
• Colts Neck Sports Foundation
• Colts Neck September 11 Memorial by sculptor Jim Gary