Long Branch, New Jersey

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Long Branch, New Jersey
settlement_type = City
nickname =
motto =

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

---

mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Map of Long Branch in Monmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in New Jersey.


mapsize1 = 250x200px
map_caption1 = Census Bureau map of Long Branch, 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 = Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Adam Schneider
leader_title1 = Administrator
leader_name1 = Howard Woolley
established_title = Incorporated
established_date = April 11, 1867

unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 16.0
area_land_km2 = 13.5
area_water_km2 = 2.5
area_total_sq_mi = 6.2
area_land_sq_mi = 5.2
area_water_sq_mi = 1.0

population_as_of = 2006
population_footnotes =
population_total = 32314
population_density_km2 = 2319.9
population_density_sq_mi = 6008.6

timezone = Eastern (EST)
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
elevation_footnotes = [Gnis|885285|City of Long Branch, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.]
elevation_m = 7
elevation_ft = 23
latd = 40 |latm = 17 |lats = 48 |latNS = N
longd = 73 |longm = 59 |longs = 19 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 07740
area_code = 732
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 34-41310GR|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 = 0885285GR|3
website = http://www.longbranch.org
footnotes =

Long Branch is a City in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 31,340.

Long Branch was formed on April 11, 1867, as the Long Branch Commission, from portions of Ocean Township. Long Branch was incorporated as a city by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 8, 1903, based on the results of a referendum, replacing the Long Branch Commission."The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 181.]

Geography

Long Branch is located at coor dms|40|17|53|N|73|59|27|W|city (40.297932, -73.990971)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.0 km²), of which, 5.2 square miles (13.5 km²) of it is land and 1.0 square miles (2.5 km²) of it (15.67%) is water.

Elberon is an unincorporated area, served as ZIP code 07740, located within Long Branch.

History

, where all seven worshiped, is the only structure left in Long Branch associated with them.

President Garfield was brought to Long Branch in the hope that the fresh air and quiet might aid his recovery after being shot on July 2, 1881, an incident that left the assassin's bullet lodged in his spine. He died here on September 19, 1881, exactly two months before his 50th birthday. The Garfield Tea House, built from railroad ties that carried Garfield's train, is in Elberon.

The famous Long Branch Saloon of the American Old West, located in Dodge City, Kansas, was originally named that by its first owner, William Harris, who had moved west from Long Branch, New Jersey, his hometown. [ [http://www.legendsofamerica.com/OZ-Facts.html Kansas Fun Facts and Trivia] , Legends of America. Accessed July 21, 2007. "The Long Branch Saloon really did exist in Dodge City, Kansas. One of the owners, William Harris, was a former resident of Long Branch, New Jersey and named the saloon after his hometown in the 1880’s."]

Originally a resort town with a few hotels and large estates and many farms in the early 20th century, Long Branch grew in population. Italian, Irish and Jewish immigrants settled in during this period. By the 1950s, Long Branch like many other towns had developed new residential spots and housing to make room for the growing population. Many of the former farms of Long Branch were transformed into residential "suburbs". Many of the estates and a few old historic resorts (with the addition of many new ones) still remain.

With the ascendancy of Hollywood in California as a film capital, Long Branch lost much of its activity as a theater spot. Parts of traditional living areas with old houses were altered to support private projects by eminent domain legislation.

Long Branch still continues however to be a popular resort area. Many people from New York City travel or settle in to the area to escape the crowded city and enjoy the benefits of Long Branch's beaches.

Demographics

USCensusPop
1930=18399
1940=17408
1950=23090
1960=26228
1970=31774
1980=29819
1990=28658
2000=31340
estimate= 32314
estyear=2006
estref= [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=16000US3441310&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US34%7C16000US3401960&_street=&_county=long+branch&_cityTown=long+branch&_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 Long Branch city] , United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 6, 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 31,340 people, 12,594 households, and 7,254 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,008.6 people per square mile (2,318.1/km²). There were 13,983 housing units at an average density of 2,680.9/sq mi (1,034.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.03% White, 18.66% African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 7.08% from other races, and 4.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.67% of the population.There were 12,594 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,651, and the median income for a family was $42,825. Males had a median income of $37,383 versus $27,026 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,532. About 13.9% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

Neighborhoods

There are several distinct neighborhoods and areas in the City of Long Branch, each with its own character, strengths and challenges. Among these are North End (once known as "Atlanticville"), Branchport, Beachfront North and South (including the tony Pier Village, adjacent to the site of the former Long Branch Pier at the foot of Laird Street), Downtown, Uptown, West End and Elberon. As the city's now famous redevelopment initiatives continue to grow in scope and renown, the lower Broadway area (a portion of the city's Downtown) will become an Arts District. One of the first successes of the art district has been the Shore Institute for Contemporary Art on Broadway and Third Avenue.

In years past, Long Branch was a major destination for beachgoers, along with Asbury Park, and enjoyed an upscale connotation with tourists. Long Branch is home to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, named for the United States presidents who visited the fashionable resort town, including Ulysses S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Garfield. [ [http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/parks/seven_pres.asp Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park] , Monmouth County Park System. Accessed July 10, 2007. " Long Branch was placed "on the map" in 1869 when President Grant made the city the nation's "Summer Capital," a tradition followed by Presidents Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson."]

Long Branch's previous fame as the Nation's First Seaside Resort was waning in the years following World War II. [ [http://asburyparkpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061019/NEWS/61014020 "Refuges of the famous saw economic, political change"] , "Asbury Park Press", October 19, 2006. Accessed July 10, 2007. "But the moderate climate and ocean bathing soon helped Long Branch develop a reputation as the nation's 'first seaside resort.'"] The defining moment marking the end of this era occurred on June 8, 1987 when the largest fire in the history of the city destroyed the landmark amusement pier and adjoining Haunted Mansion, "Kid's World" Amusement Park and other businesses.

Over the course of the twenty years since the fire, several municipal administrations have tackled the issues relative to the city's rebirth. Only recently has any of these efforts resulted in tangible evidence of a rebirth.

Planned development

[http://www.broadwaycenter.net/ Broadway Center] is a planned entertainment and commercial hub of Long Branch, as envisioned by the City Government and Thompson Design Group, who created the Master Plan for the city.

This complex brings together retail shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and two performing arts theaters as well as 500 new residences sitting atop a 1,500 car parking garage. It will be designed by the architectural firms of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK).

Government

Local government

The City of Long Branch is governed under the Mayor-Council form of municipal government under the Faulkner Act.

The Mayor of Long Branch is Adam Schneider. [ [http://www.visitlongbranch.com/government/city/mayor.php Office of the Mayor] , City of Long Branch. Accessed April 8, 2008.] Members of the City Council are David G. Brown, Dr. Mary Jane Celli, Michael DeStefano, Anthony Giordano and Brian Unger [ [http://www.visitlongbranch.com/government/city/city_council.php City Council] , City of Long Branch. Accessed April 8, 2008.] Councilman John "Fazz" Zambrano resigned from office following a July 20, 2006 federal court appearance at which he pleaded guilty to accepting a $1,000 bribe from an FBI informant. His seat was filled by Jackeline Biddle, a leader in the Puerto Rican community, who served until the November 2006 general election. [ [http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS/607210382&SearchID=73251981078611 Zambrano admits $1,000 bribe] , "Asbury Park Press", July 21, 2006.]

The Chief Administrative Officer of the city is Business Administrator and former Councilman Howard "Chubby" Woolley, who has served in the position since 1994. [http://www.visitlongbranch.com/government/city/directory/administrator/ Administrator] , City of Long Branch. Accessed April 8, 2008.]

Federal, state and county representation

Long Branch is in the Sixth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 11th Legislative District. [ [http://www.lwvnj.org/pubs/CG06.pdf 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] , New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 60. Accessed August 30, 2006.]

Education

Long Branch's public schools are operated by Long Branch Public Schools, serving children in pre-school through 12th grade. The district is one of 31 Abbott Districts statewide. [ [http://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/abbotts/abbotturls.pl?string=code&maxhits=100 Abbott Districts] , New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed March 31, 2008.]

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=3408940 data for the Long Branch Public Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed May 25, 2008.] ) are [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/JMF.htm Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center (JMF)] with 789 stundets, five elementary schools — [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/AAA.htm Amerigo A. Anastasia School] (PreK-5; 644), [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/AWC.htm Audrey W. Clark School] (3-5; 328), [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/Gregory.htm Gregory School] (PreK-5; 312), [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/Morris%20Ave.htm Morris Avenue School] (K-5; 355) and [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/West%20End.htm West End School] (K-5; 329) — [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/Middle%20School-Choice.htm Long Branch Middle School] for grades 6-8 (1,019) and
Long Branch High School for grades 9-12 (1,204).

All Long Branch Public Schools are free, including the Long Branch Preschools which are full-day and accommodate children ages 3-5 years old. Long Branch Schools also have free breakfast each morning for the students. In addition, Long Branch Public Schools provide free summer programs for most of the summer. Long Branch Public Schools at JMF, Gregory Elementary, West End Elementary, and Anastasia Elementary are all brand new within the past few years.

In March of 2006, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation issued a report to Governor Jon Corzine specifically and to the public in general that addressed "Questionable and Hidden Compensation for Public School Administrators". The report disclosed that the Long Branch school district had reported to the New Jersey Department of Education that Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ferraina was receiving a base salary of $193,149 when, as the Commission of Investigation stated, he was actually receiving a total compensation of $305,099, some 58% higher than the amount reported to the State. [ [http://www.state.nj.us/sci/pdf/SCIHigherEdReport.pdf "Taxpayers Beware: What You Don't Know Can Cost You"] , New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, March 2006, pp. 24-25. Accessed June 8, 2008.]

Also, there is a private K-8 school, named [http://www.seashorecampandschool.com/ Seashore School] as well as several Jewish and Catholic schools, most notably Holy Trinity and Ilan High School (Catholic and Jewish, respectively).

Commerce

Portions of Long Branch are part of an Urban Enterprise Zone. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3½% sales tax rate (versus the 7% rate charged statewide). [ [http://www.state.nj.us/njbusiness/financing/tax/geographic.shtml#2 Geographic & Urban Redevelopment Tax Credit Programs: Urban Enterprise Zone Employee Tax Credit] , State of New Jersey. Accessed July 28, 2008.]

Transportation

Long Branch is connected to New York City and Northern New Jersey via New Jersey Transit trains running on the North Jersey Coast Line. The Long Branch marks the end of electrified trackage and passengers continuing south must change to diesel-powered trains. The main train station is only three blocks away from the beach, and a second station is located in the Elberon district just north of the borough of Deal. In the past there were stops in the West End neighborhood and on Broadway, but they were closed to reduce travel time to New York City.

Noted residents

Notable current and former residents of Long Branch include:
*M. H. Abrams (born 1912), English professor at Cornell University and founding editor of the Norton Anthology of English Literature. [Grace-Kobas, Linda. [http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/99/6.10.99/Abrams.html "Honored literary scholar M.H. Abrams continues his labors (of love)"] , "Cornell Chronicle", June 10, 1999, Accessed May 2, 2007. "Born in Long Branch, N.J., on July 23, 1912, Abrams graduated from public high school and went to Harvard, where he earned his A.B. (1934), A.M. (1937) and Ph.D. (1940) in 18th and 19th century literature, literary criticism and European Romanticism."]
*Jeff Anderson (born 1970), born here, star of the Clerks series and recurring roles in View Askewniverse.
*Clint Black (born 1962), Country music performer. [Knopper, Steve. [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=56423 "Eagles soaring on a second wind"] , "Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel", July 4, 2002. Accessed May 2, 2007. "When Black was a kid in Long Branch, N.J., a cigarette company came through town sponsoring a talent contest."]
*TemperMental (born 1983), Hip-Hop Artist
*Frank Budd (born 1939) was an American football wide receiver in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=BUDDFRA01 Frank Budd] , database Football. Accessed April 8, 2008.] Also once held the World Record in the 100 yard dash.
*John Cannon (born 1960), former defensive end who played nine seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=CANNOJOH01 John Cannon player profile] , Database Football. Accessed May 25, 2007.]
*Paul Cohen, (born 1934), born here, won the Fields Medal for developing forcing to show the independence of the continuum hypothesis and the axiom of choice in axiomatic set theory. [ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Cohen_(mathematician)] .]
*Bob Davis (born 1945), former NFL quarterback whose career included three seasons with the New York Jets. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=DAVISBOB03 Bob Davis] , database Football. Accessed December 15, 2007.]
*Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), lived in Long Branch for a short period of time until his home burnt down. [ [http://www.jerseyhistory.org/findingaiddirnb.php?dir=EAD/faid2000&aid=mg1549 Guide to the City of Long Branch, New Jersey Documents] , accessed September 25, 2006.]
*Judi Franco,Talk show host on New Jersey 101.5, Born in Brooklyn, but now resides in Long Branch
*James Garfield (1831-1881), President of the United States of America, died in Long Branch.Sharkey, Joe. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9D0CE1DB1538F937A3575BC0A967958260 "The Great Boardwalk Towns of Jersey"] , "The New York Times", August 4, 1991. Accessed July 10, 2007. "Along the 125-mile stretch of Jersey seashore, the northernmost of the Great Boardwalk Towns is Asbury Park, a resort that developed in the late 1800s as an alternative to its then vice-ridden neighbor, Long Branch, the town where President James Garfield died from gunshot wounds and thus became the first, but by no means only, local habitue to be dispatched at the hand of a disappointed office seeker."]
*David Garrison (born 1952), actor most noted for playing Steve Rhoades on "Married… with Children".Fact|date=April 2008
*Sonny Greer (1895-1982), jazz drummer, best known for his work with Duke Ellington. [Balliett, Whitney. [http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1982/04/12/1982_04_12_039_TNY_CARDS_000335949 "The Talk of the Town: Sonny Greer"] , "The New Yorker", April 12, 1982. Accessed April 8, 2008. "He was born William Alexander Greer Jr. in Long Branch, New Jersey."]
*Garret Hobart (1844-1899), the 24th Vice President of the United States, under William McKinley, was born in Long Branch.
*Winslow Homer stayed in Long Branch in 1869, while he produced paintings of Victorian women strolling the boardwalks.
*Jim Jeffcoat (born 1961) professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills from 1983 to 1997. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JEFFCJIM01 Jim Jeffcoat] , database Football. Accessed November 27, 2007.]
*Norman Mailer (1923-2007), novelist. [ [http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/mailer.html Norman Mailer] , New York State Writers Institute, accessed May 2, 2007. "Norman Mailer, a formidable presence in American letters for nearly six decades, is the author of novels, creative nonfiction, short stories, essays, and screenplays and an ex political candidate for Mayor of NYC and public persona who was born in Long Branch, New Jersey on January 31, 1923."]
*Sam Mills (1959-2005), Hall of Fame NFL Football Player, attended Long Branch High School. [Smith, Timothy W. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E3DC1F39F93AA35752C0A961958260 "Mills at 37: The Little Linebacker Who Could"] , "The New York Times", January 9, 1997. Accessed October 25, 2007. "When Sam Mills was growing up in Long Branch, N.J., he loved to tag along with his older brother and play pickup football games with the bigger boys."]
*Frank Pallone (born 1951), has served in the United States House of Representatives since 1988, and served on the Long Branch city council from 1982 to 1988. [ [http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=P000034 Frank Pallone, Jr.] , "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress". Accessed August 30, 2007.]
*Dorothy Parker (1893-1967), writer and storied member of the Algonquin Round Table, was born on August 22, 1893, at 792 Ocean Avenue. The site is now a national literary landmark. [ [http://dorothyparker.com/nj/index.html Dorothy Parker's Birthplace: A National Literary Landmark on Jersey Shore] . Accessed July 10, 2007.]
*Robert Pinsky (born 1940), Poet Laureate of the United States from 1997-2000. [ [http://www.bu.edu/writing/pinsky.html Robert Pinsky - Poetry ] , Boston University, accessed May 2, 2007. "Born in 1940 in the seashore resort of Long Branch, New Jersey, Robert Pinsky attended Long Branch High School, Rutgers College, and Stanford University, where he held a Stegner Fellowship in Creative Writing."]
*Brian Pulido (born 1961), creator of Chaos! Comics and writer of comics books such as "Lady Death", "Evil Ernie" and "Purgatori" was born here.
*Jason Ryan (1976-), pitcher who played two seasons for Minnesota Twins. [ [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/Jay-Ryan.shtml Jay Ryan] , The Baseball Cube. Accessed January 13, 2008.]
*Scott Schoeneweis (born 1973), a relief pitcher for the New York Mets. [Wagman, Jake. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F6D310CE07CADB5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "He is Mount Laurel's Angel"] , "The Philadelphia Inquirer", October 21, 2002. Accessed December 26, 2007. "The parents of World Series pitcher Scott Schoeneweis want to set the record straight. Yes, he was born at a hospital in Long Branch, Monmouth County."]
*Bruce Springsteen, Born in Long Branch, but raised in Freehold Borough, New Jersey
*Chase Untermeyer (born 1946), United States Ambassador to Qatar. [ [http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/pub/user_form.asp?step=1&pers_id=2830 Charles Untermeyer] , Texas State Cemetery. Accessed November 14, 2007.]
*Phil Villapiano (born 1949), former NFL linebacker who played in four Pro Bowls and was a part of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI winning team. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=VILLAPHI01 Phil Villapiano] , database Football. Accessed December 15, 2007.]

In Pop Culture

*In the HBO series, "The Sopranos", Long Branch is the setting for Adriana La Cerva's nightclub, the Crazy Horse.
*Also in "The Sopranos", the house in which Tony Soprano hides out in towards the end of the series is a house near the beach in North Long Branch.

References

External links

* [http://www.longbranch.org/ City of Long Branch website]
* [http://www.lmxac.org/longbranch/ Long Branch Public Library] and [http://www.lmxac.org/longbranch/lbplchildrens/ Children's Library]
* [http://www.longbranch.k12.nj.us/ Long Branch Public Schools]
*NJReportCard|25|2770|0|Long Branch Public Schools
* [http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3408940 Data for the Long Branch Public Schools] , National Center for Education Statistics
* [http://www.seashorecampandschool.com/ Seashore School's website]
* [http://www.longbranchchamber.org/ Long Branch Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.broadwaycenter.net/ Broadway Center]