Misplaced Pages

Colts Neck Township, New Jersey

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
#646353

85-571: Colts Neck Township is a township in Monmouth County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is located in the New York Metropolitan Area . As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 9,957, a decrease of 185 (−1.8%) from the 2010 census count of 10,142, which in turn reflected a decline of 2,189 (−17.8%) from the 12,331 counted in the 2000 census . The municipality of Colts Neck Township

170-467: A charter, unique to this municipality, allows its government to be tailor-made to its needs. A Charter Study Commission is one of two options available to residents of New Jersey to pursue a change in their form of government. The other option is a direct petition. The charter study commission approach is only available under the Faulkner Act. A charter study commission can be formed by a vote of

255-416: A county superintendent of schools (the state Department of Education 's representative) and executive county superintendent of schools (gubernatorial appointments whose duties include reducing district spending, collaboration and shared services) in each county. State law authorizes school districts: The state Commissioner of Education has the power of "state intervention", to intervene in governance of

340-588: A countywide basis are Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon (R, 2025; Ocean Township ), Sheriff Shaun Golden (R, 2025; Howell Township ) and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (R, 2026; Middletown Township ). As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 7,303 registered voters in Colts Neck Township, of which 952 (13.0%) were registered as Democrats , 2,805 (38.4%) were registered as Republicans and 3,539 (48.5%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 7 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . In

425-472: A five-member Board of Trustees elected for staggered three-year terms. The board selects a president and a treasurer from among the members. New incorporations under this form were stopped in 1961. While there are 4 municipalities that retain the Village type of government ( Loch Arbour , Ridgefield Park , Ridgewood and South Orange ), none of them still use the Village form of government. Loch Arbour

510-425: A form of government and vary in size from large, densely populated areas to much smaller hamlets . The town form of government dates back to the late 19th century when towns were first incorporated in the state. The town government law was rewritten in 1988. In this form of government, a mayor is elected at large plus eight councilmen – two from each of four wards. The mayor presides over council meetings and votes as

595-520: A local public school district (and to intervene in the areas of instruction and program, operations, personnel, and fiscal management) if the Commissioner has determined that a school district has failed, or is unable, to take corrective actions necessary to establish a thorough and efficient system of education. When the state intervenes in governance of a school district, the board of education acts in an advisory capacity only, and ultimate authority

680-505: A man set his brother's mansion on fire , killing his brother, sister in law and their two children. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 31.79 square miles (82.34 km), including 30.72 square miles (79.55 km) of land and 1.08 square miles (2.79 km) of water (3.38%). Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within

765-405: A member of the council. The mayor has veto power over ordinances that can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the council. All appointments to municipal offices are performed by the council. Currently, the state has 15 towns. The township form of government has a group of elected officials (the township committee) that serves as both the executive and legislative authority. This form of government

850-717: A neighboring township such as Middlebush, New Jersey . Some smaller communities are incorporated into larger urban areas, such as when Greenville was merged into Jersey City as a neighborhood . New Jersey distinguishes between regional, consolidated, and countywide districts and those serving single municipalities. There are also non-operating school districts, which are those districts that do not operate any school facilities and where all students attend school in other districts as part of sending/receiving relationships . The majority of school districts in New Jersey are established for general purposes, have boundaries equivalent to

935-416: A one-year term. Partisan elections are allowed under this law. Voters may initiate a referendum to change the membership to consist of either 3 or 5 members. While many township committees directly supervise the operation of their municipality, the revised act allows the committee to delegate all or a portion of its responsibilities to an appointed municipal administrator. A number of municipalities changed to

SECTION 10

#1732773247647

1020-411: A township, as townships are equivalent to all other forms of local municipalities. Municipalities in New Jersey may be classified into one of five types , of which townships are one. Townships may retain the township form of government, or adopt one of the modern forms of government, which are not restricted to a particular type of municipality. In New Jersey, a municipality's name (such as X Township)

1105-414: A turnout of 41.8%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 76.7% of the vote (3,174 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 17.9% (741 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 4.7% (193 votes) and other candidates with 0.4% (16 votes), among the 4,139 ballots cast by the township's 7,433 registered voters, yielding a 55.7% turnout. Students in public school attend

1190-632: Is $ 1,088,351 and the average disposable income for a household is $ 140,507. The 2010 United States census counted 10,142 people, 3,277 households, and 2,848 families in the township. The population density was 330.0 per square mile (127.4/km). There were 3,735 housing units at an average density of 121.5 per square mile (46.9/km). The racial makeup was 92.17% (9,348) White , 1.67% (169) Black or African American , 0.01% (1) Native American , 4.58% (464) Asian , 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander , 0.36% (37) from other races , and 1.21% (123) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.54% (359) of

1275-460: Is a partner of Atlantic Health System and is affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . CentraState Healthcare system also provides healthcare through its various family practices in communities across the central New Jersey region. One of those six family practices has an office located in the township. The next closest regional hospitals to the township are Bayshore Community Hospital , located in nearby Holmdel Township , and

1360-479: Is a winery based in the township, named for the shared initials of the owners and their two children. A 2007 study of New Jersey's highest-income communities shows Colts Neck had a median household income of $ 166,495, up from $ 109,190 in 2000, and the average household income was $ 232,520, which ranked it 16th in the state. The per capita income for the township as of 2007 was $ 70,781 up from $ 46,795 in 2000. The average household net worth, not including equity in homes,

1445-466: Is assigned as a liaison to one or more departments of the county. Five counties (Atlantic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Mercer) have a separately elected county executive . A sixth county, Union, has a county executive that is appointed by the board, analogous to the council–manager municipal form of government. In these counties, the Board of County Commissioners retains only legislative authority. Most of

1530-636: Is available through the SeaStreak service in Highlands , a trip that involves about a 25-30 minute drive from Colts Neck Township (depending on the section of town) to reach the departing terminal. SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City with trips to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street ) and East 35th Street in Manhattan. The ferry service also offers seasonal travel, such as to

1615-808: Is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as director and another as deputy director. As of 2024, Monmouth County's Commissioners are Director Thomas A. Arnone ( R , Neptune City , 2025), Susan M. Kiley (R, Hazlet Township , 2024), Erik Anderson (R, Shrewsbury , 2026), Nick DiRocco (R, Wall Township , 2025), and Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra (R, Marlboro Township , 2026). Constitutional officers elected on

1700-708: Is in a state district superintendent appointed by the State Board of Education. From 1987 to 2005, the State Board of Education had the power to take over an entire school district and manage it as a "state-operated school district", which was replaced by the legislature in 2005 with state intervention. Using this power, the state has assumed the operation of Newark Public Schools , Jersey City Public Schools , and Paterson Public Schools , which are in various stages of returning governance to local control: In Jersey City, governance has been restored to local control in

1785-415: Is no public water or sewage service, most homes must be built on lots covering a minimum of 2, 5 and 10 acres (4.0 ha). 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

SECTION 20

#1732773247647

1870-466: Is not necessarily an indication of its form of government. In New Jersey, the township form of government consists of a three to five-member township committee usually elected at-large in partisan elections. At its organization meeting, held after an election, the committee selects one of its elected members to serve as mayor and preside at meetings. The other members of the township committee serve as commissioners of various township departments, overseeing

1955-544: Is one of the oldest and is derived from the town meeting form of government used in New England , where the township committee has similar functions to the board of selectmen . The township committee has either three or five members elected at large. Every year, the committee chooses one of its members to be the "mayor", becoming the moderator for meetings of the township committee but having no special powers. In general, all legislative and executive powers are exercised by

2040-410: Is the closest air transportation service. The nearest major commercial airport is Newark Liberty International Airport , which serves as a major hub for United Airlines and located 30 miles (48 km) north (about 47 minutes drive) from the center of Colts Neck Township. Colts Neck Township is served by CentraState Healthcare System . Located in neighboring Freehold Township , the 287-bed hospital

2125-559: Is used by 27% of New Jersey municipalities; however, slightly over 50% of the state's population resides within them. Townships in New Jersey differ from townships elsewhere in the United States. In many states, townships can be an intermediate form of government, between county government and municipalities that are subordinate parts of the township, with different government responsibilities allocated at each level. In New Jersey, there are no subordinate municipalities located within

2210-428: Is usually first among equals with no powers over and above the other commissioners. The Municipal Manager Law was enacted in 1923 and is an optional form of government available to any type of municipality. Under this form of government, a municipal council composed of three, five, seven, or nine members is elected at-large with a term of office typically of four years. The council appoints several key officials, namely

2295-537: The 2000 United States census there were 12,331 people, 3,513 households, and 3,193 families residing in the township. The population density was 392.4 inhabitants per square mile (151.5/km). There were 3,614 housing units at an average density of 115.0 per square mile (44.4/km). 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

2380-405: The 2012 presidential election , Republican Mitt Romney received 72.6% of the vote (3,912 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 26.4% (1,420 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (55 votes), among the 5,423 ballots cast by the township's 7,634 registered voters (36 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 71.0%. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 67.8% of

2465-643: The American Community Survey for 2013–2017, Colts Neck residents had a median household income of $ 167,480, ranked fifth in the state among municipalities with more than 10,000 residents, more than double the statewide median of $ 76,475. Colts Neck is a wealthy bedroom 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

2550-1096: The Colts Neck School District for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade . As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 955 students and 116.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.2:1. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Conover Road Primary School with 374 students in grades PreK-2, Conover Road Elementary School with 310 students in grades 3-5 and Cedar Drive Middle School with 324 students in grades 6-8. Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Colts Neck High School , along with students from portions of Howell Township. The Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD) also serves students from Englishtown , Farmingdale , Freehold Borough , Freehold Township , Howell Township , Manalapan Township and Marlboro Township . As of

2635-650: The Jersey Shore , while still being within commuting distance of New York City . The township's strict zoning ordinances have long kept out urban development and chain stores , allowing for locally owned businesses, while still being close to malls, movie theaters, and other amenities in neighboring communities. 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 Colts Neck has been able to prevent large-scale development. The township has strict zoning regulations, and because there

Colts Neck Township, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue

2720-507: The United States for having five distinct types of incorporated municipalities. Each type of municipality has equal legal standing, rights, and powers as any other type or form. Unlike other parts of the United States, New Jersey does not have different tiers of power or legal standing for its municipal governments. Each of the five types has an associated form of government of exactly the same title. By default municipalities have

2805-825: The United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 11th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Vin Gopal ( D , Long Branch ) and in the General Assembly by Margie Donlon (D, Ocean Township ) and Luanne Peterpaul (D, Long Branch ). Monmouth County

2890-403: The boroughitis phenomenon of the late 19th century led to the incorporation of large numbers of new boroughs. A city in the context of local government in New Jersey refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. There are 52 cities in New Jersey. Despite the widely held perception of a city as a large, urban area , cities in New Jersey have a confused history as

2975-461: 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

3060-498: The 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,316 students and 91.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 14.4:1. Students may apply to attend one of the district's six specialized learning centers, including the Humanities Learning Center hosted at Howell High School. The FRHSD board of education has nine members, who are elected to three-year terms from each of

3145-498: The 21 counties has more than one municipality. New Jersey has no independent cities , nor consolidated city-counties . The forms of municipality in New Jersey are more complex than in most other states, though, potentially leading to misunderstandings regarding the governmental nature of an area and what local laws apply. All municipalities can be classified as one of five types of local government— Borough , City , Township , Town , and Village —and one of twelve forms of government,

3230-411: The 5,708 ballots cast by the township's 7,200 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 79.3. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 83.5% of the vote (2,630 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 15.2% (478 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (40 votes), among the 3,189 ballots cast by the township's 7,624 registered voters (41 ballots were spoiled), for

3315-447: The 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state. The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle. At an annual reorganization meeting,

3400-666: The Census Bureau's classification does not reflect the underlying state law that draws no distinction among the five types. New Jersey is divided into 21 counties, each of which is governed by a Board of County Commissioners ), which typically serves as both the legislative and executive body. The boards consist of three, five, seven, or nine members. The means of election of county commissioners varies from all county commissioners being elected in districts, all being elected at-large, or being elected through mixed district and at-large county commissioners. Elections are first past

3485-554: The Faulkner Act, municipalities can choose one of four different options for their form of government. They are: New Jersey municipalities are not required to be governed by the Walsh Act, the 1923 Municipal Manager Law or the four forms of the Optional Municipal Charter Law (Faulkner Act). A community that finds all optional forms unsuitable may request a special charter from the state legislature. Such

Colts Neck Township, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue

3570-688: The Old Bridge Division of Raritan Bay Medical Center , located in nearby Old Bridge Township . The closest major university hospital to the township is Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township , along with Saint Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick . People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Colts Neck Township include: Township (New Jersey) A township , in

3655-560: The Township type, or the Township form of government, between 1979 and 1982. A federal law, The State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 provided funding to the states to be divided between state and municipal governments. In 1981, states were removed from the program and the law was amended to provide direct grants to the most popular form of local government in the United States - townships. In Essex County alone, 11 municipal governments changed their form or name to take advantage of

3740-399: 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

3825-568: The board consists of nine members unless by law the number was reduced to three, five or seven members, elected at annual school elections for terms of three years, or appointed board of education, where members are appointed by the mayor or other chief executive officer of the municipality for five-year terms (for five-member boards) and three-year terms (for seven- and nine-member boards). Board of education members must be United States citizens, residents of their school districts for at least one year immediately preceding their appointment or election to

3910-605: The board, be registered to vote in the district, must be able to read and write English, cannot receive any compensation for their board service, and their conduct is governed by a code of ethics and the New Jersey School Ethics. All meetings of boards of education must be held in public, with certain exceptions, according to the Open Public Meetings Act. There is a superintendent for each district (which may be shared between districts), and

3995-440: The boundaries of a given municipality—or even a given county. All local general purpose governments have equivalent legal powers, with the different forms and types reflecting the historical circumstances of the municipality's incorporation, similar to New England towns . For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau treats only boroughs, cities, towns, and villages as " municipalities ", and townships as " townships ";

4080-481: The committee as a whole. The committee, however, may appoint an administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the municipality. The township form of government is only available to municipalities that are of the township type. Out of the 240 townships in the state, the township form of government is used by 141. The village form of government was made possible by the Village Act of 1891. This form comprises

4165-455: The communities have official recognition as a census-designated place , such as Somerset, New Jersey which is part of Franklin Township . Other communities have their own ZIP Code because they have their own post office such as Neshanic Station (ZIP Code 08853), which is part of Branchburg Township , or Deans , which is part of South Brunswick Township . Other communities were once single-owner large farms that were later incorporated into

4250-677: The constituent districts. Each member is allocated a fraction of a vote that totals to nine points, with Colts Neck Township allocated one member, who has 1.0 votes. About 20% of the township'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 , Mater Dei High School and St. John Vianney High School . As of May 2010,

4335-510: The context of New Jersey local government , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government . As a political entity, a township in New Jersey is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town , city , borough , or village . They collect property taxes and provide services such as maintaining roads, garbage collection, water, sewer, schools, police and fire protection. The Township form of local government

SECTION 50

#1732773247647

4420-410: The course of the two decades. Colts Neck real estate prices remain high despite the economic downturn: as of November 2012, the average listing price of a house was $ 1,433,112 and the number of home sales is down 41.4% from the previous year. 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

4505-470: The first class (cities with a population of over 150,000) the board of education must consist of nine members, and board members are appointed to three-year terms by the mayor or other chief executive of the municipality that constitutes the district. Type II school districts include all local districts in municipalities other than cities, all consolidated school districts, and all regional school districts, and can have either an elected board of education, where

4590-451: The first five being historically associated with the five types of government and the other seven being non-standard "optional" forms provided by the New Jersey Legislature . To make matters more complex, New Jersey also distinguishes between regional, consolidated, and countywide school districts and school districts that serve only a single municipality. As well, the total area of any given airport may or may not lie completely within

4675-401: The form of government which corresponds to their type, i.e. a Township has the Township form of government. In New Jersey a municipality can choose a different form of government if its citizens do not wish to operate under the form that matches its type. The borough form of government is New Jersey's most common, being used by 253 of the state's municipalities. Although it was once quite rare,

4760-417: The governing body. Alternatively, a ballot question to form a charter study commission can be performed through a petition or by the existing municipal governing body enacting an ordinance to form a commission. Voters simultaneously vote yes / no to form a commission and also vote to select its members (if it passes), with the top five candidates becoming the members of the commission. There is no territory in

4845-472: The mayor's office each year, while others elect the same mayor for 2–3 consecutive years. Out of the 240 townships in the state, the township form of government is used by 140. On road signs, township is often abbreviated TWP or Twp . Some official documents abbreviate it as "Twsp." Historically, a variety of legislation has been passed by the state legislature that has defined and refined the township form of municipal government: The Township Act of 1798

4930-476: The municipal manager, tax assessor, auditor, clerk, treasurer, and attorney. The manager is the chief executive of the municipality and is responsible for appointing other officials and preparing the budget for council consideration. The manager serves only at the pleasure of the council. A mayor is also chosen from among the council members whose primary duty is to preside over council meetings. Only seven municipalities currently use this form of government. In 1950

5015-425: The municipality with which they are associated, and are classified as either Type I or Type II school districts. The schools of each public school district are governed by a board of education. Type I school districts include every local school district established in a city except where the district has changed its classification, and the board of education consists of five, seven or nine members, while in cities of

5100-431: The population were under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.5 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

5185-415: The population. Of the 3,277 households, 43.1% had children under the age of 18; 77.4% were married couples living together; 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 13.1% were non-families. Of all households, 11.0% were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.33. 28.5% of

SECTION 60

#1732773247647

5270-405: 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

5355-564: The post for single-member districts, and for at-large elections when only one seat is at stake. For at-large elections with more than one seat, plurality-at-large voting is used. All counties in New Jersey hold organizational meetings on or right after New Year's Day. At this time the boards elect members to leadership positions on the boards. Depending upon the specific board these offices include director, deputy director, president, vice-president, chair, chair pro tempore, and vice-chair. Also at this organizational meeting each county commissioner

5440-515: The program. There are a total of 240 townships in the state, including: Local government in New Jersey#Unincorporated communities Local government in New Jersey is composed of counties and municipalities. Local jurisdictions in New Jersey differ from those in some other states because the entire area of the state is part of a municipality ; each of the 564 municipalities is in exactly one county ; and each of

5525-644: The public beaches on Sandy Hook , baseball games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field , trips to Broadway matinees, Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts , college football games at West Point , fall foliage in the Hudson Valley , and to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade , among other excursions. Monmouth Executive Airport in Farmingdale supplies short-distance flights to surrounding areas and

5610-459: The rest of the counties also appoint a county supervisor or administrator who is responsible for routine administrative operations of the county government. New Jersey counties have powers that are intermediate between the broad powers of counties in Pennsylvania and the limited powers of counties in New York . Counties in New Jersey do not have tax collecting power. New Jersey is unique in

5695-562: The small community who were lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks on 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 . In 2018, Colts Neck made national headlines when

5780-557: The state legislature enact a special charter. The Walsh Act was enacted in the Progressive Era as a way to remove corruption and political influence from local politics. Voters elect three or five commissioners in non-partisan elections. Each commissioner is in charge of specific departments within the municipality, and all serve four-year concurrent terms. The commissioners exercise both legislative and executive powers. The commissioners elect one of their members as mayor, but he

5865-409: The state legislature passed the Optional Municipal Charter Law, more familiarly known as the Faulkner Act. In the post-World War II era there was a general push toward more efficiency and professionalism in municipal government, as well as the creation of stronger executives at all levels of government. The 1947 New Jersey State Constitution , a contemporary document, reflects these trends as well. Under

5950-433: The state of New Jersey that is not part of an incorporated municipality. Some communities in the state of New Jersey are well-defined areas or neighborhoods that are part of one or more incorporated municipalities, but they are not independent municipalities in their own right. While these communities may have a sense of "communal character" and unique identity, they are all located within incorporated municipalities. Some of

6035-413: The term "municipality" and recognized five types of government: borough , township, city , town , and village and granted each equal legal standing. The Township Act of 1989 simplified the much-amended Act of 1899. It retains a three or five member township committee serving staggered terms, whose members are generally elected at-large. The committee elects a mayor from among its members to serve

6120-408: The township are CR 520 (along the border) and CR 537 . The Garden State Parkway is accessible in neighboring Holmdel Township , Middletown Township , Tinton Falls and Wall Township . Interstate 195 is also outside the township, in neighboring Wall and Howell Township . NJ Transit provides local bus service between Freehold Township and Sea Bright on the 838 route. Ferry service

6205-579: The township committee selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor, each serving one-year terms. As of 2023, the members of the Colts Neck Township Committee are Mayor Sue Fitzpatrick ( R , term on committee ends December 31, 2025; term as mayor ends 2023), Deputy Mayor Frank Rizzuto (R, term on committee ends 2024; term as deputy mayor ends 2023), Joseph "J.P." Bartolomeo (R, 2024), Tara Torchia Buss (R, 2023) and Michael S. Viola (R, 2023). Frank Rizzuto

6290-589: The township for a rent of at least five dollars a year. A group of five freeholders was elected to one-year terms on the Township Committee, which was responsible to oversee the expenditure of revenue in between town meetings. The Township Act of 1899 abolished the town meeting and strengthened the role of the Township Committee, which was initially set at three and amended to allow for expansion to five members. Members were elected for staggered three-year terms. The Home Rule Act of 1917 legally defined

6375-480: The township had a total of 132.59 miles (213.38 km) of roadways, of which 103.86 miles (167.15 km) were maintained by the municipality, 15.52 miles (24.98 km) by Monmouth County and 13.21 miles (21.26 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . Two major state roads pass through the township: Route 18 (the freeway portion) and Route 34 . Major county roads that traverse

6460-525: The township include Bucks Mill , Cooks Mills, Hominy Hill, Lippincott, Montrose , Phalanx , Scobeyville , Swimming River and Vanderburg. The township borders the Monmouth County communities of Freehold Township , Holmdel , Howell , Marlboro , Middletown , Tinton Falls and Wall Township . Laird & Company produces Laird's Applejack at its facility in the Scobeyville section of

6545-509: 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. Colts Neck is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of

6630-633: The township. Since the end of distilling in Colts Neck in 1972, the company has had its apples picked and distilled in Virginia, and then brought north to be aged, blended and bottled at its facility in the township. The only remaining producer of Applejack in the United States, the company received the first license granted by the United States Department of the Treasury , which was granted in 1780. Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards

6715-438: The vote (3,970 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 30.4% (1,781 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (46 votes), among the 5,856 ballots cast by the township's 7,581 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.2%. In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 68.8% of the vote (3,929 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 28.5% (1,629 votes) and other candidates with 0.5% (37 votes), among

6800-439: The work of those areas along with overall legislative issues. Some mayors in this form of government also oversee specific departments. The mayor in this form of government is primarily ceremonial and has the same power as other township committee members. The mayor does hold the powers vested in all mayors under state law One township committee member is elected deputy mayor each year. Some towns with this form of government rotate

6885-429: Was $ 154,491 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 16,020) and the median family income was $ 166,909 (+/− $ 14,315). Males had a median income of $ 117,917 (+/− $ 16,897) versus $ 67,188 (+/− $ 14,434) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 65,919 (+/− $ 6,519). About 2.0% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over. As of

6970-462: Was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2018 that had been vacated by Michael Fitzgerald. Colts Neck Township is located in the 4th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 4th congressional district is represented by Chris Smith ( R , Manchester Township ). New Jersey is represented in

7055-429: Was initially established by an act of the New Jersey Legislature as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, carved 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. The township has been ranked as one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from

7140-460: Was the first state legislation to incorporate municipalities. The government defined was a form of direct democracy , similar to the New England town meeting , in which the vote was available to all white males, at least 21 years old, who were citizens of New Jersey, and residents of the township for at least six months; and who paid taxes in the township, or who owned land, or rented a home in

7225-541: Was the last to do so, but on December 20, 2011, its residents voted to change to the Walsh Act form of government, with a three-member board of commissioners. New Jersey municipalities are not restricted in their form of government by the type of municipality. Any type of municipality that chooses to do so can adopt one of the six standard optional forms of government listed below, with some exceptions. Municipalities may also adopt non-standard forms of government by having

#646353