104-525: Moorestown is a township in Burlington County in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is an eastern suburb of Philadelphia and geographically part of the South Jersey region of the state. As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 21,355, an increase of 629 (+3.0%) from the 2010 census count of 20,726, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,709 (+9.0%) from
208-443: A female householder with no husband present and 24.5% were non-families. Of all households, 21.8% were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.21. 27.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 19.0% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
312-442: A female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.13. Age distribution was 27.4% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
416-548: A hub of music and innovation in entertainment with the presence of the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor). It is the birth place of celebrities such as tragic star Russ Columbo ; singer and Broadway actress Lola Falana . Today, Camden is home to individuals and groups that help bulster the arts in the city. Camden has religious institutions including many churches and their associated non-profit organizations and community centers such as
520-817: A joint Urban Enterprise Zone . The city was selected in 1983 as one of the initial group of 10 zones chosen to participate in the program. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% sales tax rate (half of the 6.625% rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants. Established in September 1988, the city's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in December 2023. The UEZ program in Camden and four other original UEZ cities had been allowed to lapse as of January 1, 2017, after Governor Chris Christie , who called
624-527: A long history in Camden. Puerto Rican Unity for Progress is a multi-service, community-based organization that is located in Camden and serves the Hispanic community who reside in the city. The organization was established in 1976 and opened its physical location at 437 Broadway Street in Camden in June 1978. The Arts and Entertainment have always been presence in the city. In the early 20th century, Camden became
728-528: A major contributor of naval units during World War II, shut down in 1967 due to low demand and mismanagement. During this period there was a large amount of white flight , in which white residents moved to surrounding suburbs in search of economic opportunity. Along with this, civil unrest grew resulting in riots. Police brutality and crime were at an all-time high which further exacerbated Camden's problems. Efforts to revitalize Camden began in 1980 with Mayor Randy Primas . In an attempt to generate income for
832-416: 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
936-518: A staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election in even-numbered years. At a reorganization meeting held in January after each election, the council selects a mayor and a deputy mayor from among its members. The township manager, a full-time professional administrator, is appointed by the council. Under the township's administrative code and the Faulkner Act, the manager has
1040-683: A total of 13,978 registered voters in Moorestown Township, of which 3,955 (28.3% vs. 33.3% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 5,126 (36.7% vs. 23.9%) were registered as Republicans and 4,887 (35.0% vs. 42.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 10 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . Among the township's 2010 Census population, 67.4% (vs. 61.7% in Burlington County) were registered to vote, including 92.8% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.3% countywide). Township (New Jersey) A township , in
1144-470: 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)
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#17327972606441248-407: A wide range of health and social services free or reduced charge to residents. Camden City, having one of the highest rates of poverty in New Jersey, fueled residents and local organizations to develop organizations aimed to provide relief to its citizens. As of the 2000 Census, Camden's income per capita was $ 9,815. This ranking made Camden the poorest city in the state of New Jersey, as well as one of
1352-536: Is rowhouse , similar to those in the neighboring city of Philadelphia. Saint Josephs Carpenter Society (SJCS) is a non profit that has rehabilitated 500 homes throughout the city. Camden contains the United States' first federally funded planned community for working class residents, Yorkship Village (now called Fairview). The village was designed by Electus Darwin Litchfield , who was influenced by
1456-566: Is active today. Redevelopment is an idea has loomed over the city since the 1980s, when Mayor Primas started looking for projects to be able to revitalize with the loss of several foundational industries in the preciding decades. In 2013 the New Jersey Economic Development Authority introduced incentives for companies to relocate to Camden. Other projects include the redevelopment of the Waterfront,
1560-434: Is made up of over 20 neighborhoods, and is part of the South Jersey region of the state. The initial growth of Camden industrially is often credited to the “big three” employers of Camden: RCA Victor , Campbell's Soup Company , and New York Shipbuilding Corporation . As workers went from disorganized to unionized, labor costs increased locally to a point where the "big three" felt compelled to move away from Camden in
1664-466: 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
1768-526: Is now Main and Schooley streets was taken over in 1778 during the Revolutionary War by Hessian officers retreating from Philadelphia. In the years after the war, it was used for a town hall before 1812, when what is now called "Old Town Hall" was constructed. A house constructed in 1742 by John Cowperthwaite at King's Highway and Lenola Road is listed in the Library of Congress with details of
1872-496: 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
1976-498: The "garden city" developments popular in England at the time. In 2013, Cherokee Investment Partners had a plan to redevelop north Camden with 5,000 new homes and a shopping center on 450 acres (1.8 km ). Cherokee dropped their plans in the face of local opposition and the slumping real estate market. They are among several companies receiving New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) tax incentives to relocate jobs in
2080-607: The 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 3rd congressional district is represented by Andy Kim ( D , Moorestown ). New Jersey is represented in 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 7th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in
2184-534: The Delaware River in Pennsylvania . Just offshore of Camden is Pettys Island , which is part of Pennsauken Township. The Cooper River (popular for boating) flows through Camden, and Newton Creek forms Camden's southern boundary with Gloucester City. Camden contains more than 20 generally recognized neighborhoods: Historically, the Waterfront has always been a foundational part and major hub of
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#17327972606442288-755: The Delaware River , with access to the Atlantic Ocean , the Port of Camden handles break bulk , bulk cargo , as well as some containers. Terminals fall under the auspices of the South Jersey Port Corporation as well as private operators such as Holt Logistics/ Holtec International . The port receives hundreds of ships moving international and domestic cargo annually and is one of the USA's largest shipping centers for wood products, cocoa and perishables. The most common type of home in Camden
2392-566: The Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under Council-Manager plan E, which was implemented as of January 1, 1967, based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission . This form of government is used in 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide. The Township Council is comprised of five members, who are elected at-large in partisan elections to four-year terms of office on
2496-726: The Moorestown Mall . In 2005, Moorestown was ranked number one in Money magazine's list of the 100 best places to live in America. The magazine screened over a thousand small towns and created a list of the top 100 for its August 2005 issue, in which Moorestown earned the top spot. Main Street is located along a ridge historically occupied by the Lenni Lenape Native Americans . Two natural springs, one to
2600-967: The Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex , American Water . Camden has two generally recognized neighborhoods located on the Delaware River waterfront, Central and South. Other attractions at the Waterfront are the Wiggins Park Riverstage and Marina, One Port Center, The Victor Lofts, the Walt Whitman House , the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center, the Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts, the Camden Children's Garden, Cooper's Poynt Park (former site of Riverfront State Prison ). On
2704-645: The Restoration in 1660, previous claims were largely overwritten, the land around Camden was then controlled by different nobles serving under King Charles II that those associated with Sir Edmund Ployden. In 1664, the Duke of York had the King Charles II create the new colony for Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carteret . It was named the Province of New Jersey after George Carteret; in 1649, he
2808-594: The State Senate by Troy Singleton ( D , Palmyra ) and in the General Assembly by Herb Conaway (D, Moorestown ) and Carol A. Murphy (D, Mount Laurel ). Burlington County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are chosen 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; at an annual reorganization meeting,
2912-434: The U.S. Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 14.94 square miles (38.70 km), including 14.73 square miles (38.15 km) of land and 0.21 square miles (0.55 km) of water (1.43%). The township is located in southwest Burlington County and borders Maple Shade Township to the south, Cinnaminson Township , and Delran Township to the west, Willingboro Township on the north and Mount Laurel Township to
3016-647: The United States Navy . Otis Elevator has its largest U.S. branch in Moorestown outside of the Otis Elevator headquarters located in Farmington, Connecticut . BAYADA Home Health Care , which employs over 18,000 nursing support staff in 250 offices throughout the United States and India, has its international headquarters in Moorestown. Moorestown's municipal government operates within
3120-477: The 19,017 counted in the 2000 census . The township, and all of Burlington County, is a part of the Philadelphia - Reading - Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley . Moorestown was authorized to be incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 11, 1922, from portions of Chester Township (now Maple Shade Township ), subject to the approval of voters in
3224-625: The 1930s, Camden faced economic decline in the face of the Great Depression . It was due to Camden's thriving industry that they did not go bankrupt. The United States role in World War II made the New York Shipbuilding Company the largest and most productive ship yard in the world. World War II caused African American migration in and around Camden from the south as there was a need for factory workers for
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3328-479: The 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 school years, respectively. March 9, 2015, marked the first year of the new Camden Charter Schools open enrollment. Mastery and Uncommon charter schools did not meet enrollment projections for their first year of operation by 15% and 21%, according to Education Law Center. In October 2016, Governor Chris Christie, Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd, Camden Public Schools Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard, and state and local representatives announced
3432-428: The 21st century. The Black Community has been one of the city's foundations since its founding in 1828 and have contributed heavily to the city's culture. Corinne's Place is a Black-owned soul food restaurant located in Camden, New Jersey. Corinne Bradley-Powers opened the restaurant on Haddon Avenue in 1989. The Hispanic and Latino Community in the city has increased heavily in the past twenty years, but have had
3536-506: The Dutch until around 1650 or 1651 when it was decided that it was far to up the river to be of any value. The buildings and stockades were demolished, and Wouter van Twiller assigned Arent Corssen to find a place for another fort. The British first had a pressence in the area in 1634. On June 21, 1634, Sir Edmund Ployden was given a charter from King Charles I of England for all territory that lies between New England and Maryland . After
3640-586: The Earl of Camden. Throughout the Revolutionary War, there were several scrimishes and other effects of the war felt by locals. Development was impeded for the villiage due to the revolution, as Camden was held by the British along with Philadelphia across the Delaware River . In the 19th century Camden underwent significant changes, transitioning from a hub of transportation to a growing city. Camden
3744-455: The King's Highway. Originally known as Meeting House Lane, Chester Avenue was laid out in 1720. The community at that time probably consisted of a few farmhouses along the King's Highway from Stanwick Road to Locust Street. Thomas Moore and his wife Elizabeth settled here in 1722. In 1732, Moore purchased 33 acres (130,000 m) of land on the north side of the King's Highway. The land ran from
3848-878: The Little Rock Baptist Church in the Parkside section of Camden, First Nazarene Baptist Church, Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, and the Parkside United Methodist Church. Other congregations that are active now are Newton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, on Haddon Avenue and Cooper Street and the Masjid at 1231 Mechanic St, Camden, NJ 08104. The first Scientology church was incorporated in December 1953 in Camden by L. Ron Hubbard , his wife Mary Sue Hubbard , and John Galusha. Father Michael Doyle,
3952-605: The Mastery charter network. The J.G Whittier Family school has become part of the KIPP Public Charter Schools as KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy. Students were given the option to stay with the school under their transition or seek other alternatives. In the 2013–14 school year, Camden city proposed a budget of $ 72 million to allot to charter schools in the city. In previous years, Camden city charter schools have used $ 52 million and $ 66 million in
4056-521: The Moorestown Township Council includes Mayor Nicole Gillespie ( D , term on committee ends December 31, 2026; term as mayor ends 2024), Deputy Mayor Quinton Law (D, term on committee ends 2026; term as deputy mayor ends 2024), Sue Mammarella (D, 2024), Christopher Keating (D, 2024) and David Zipin (D, 2024). Moorestown is located in the 3rd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 7th state legislative district. For
4160-616: The Moorestown area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cooler winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Moorestown Township has a humid subtropical climate , abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The 2010 United States census counted 20,726 people, 7,450 households, and 5,625 families in the township. The population density was 1,410.6 per square mile (544.6/km). There were 7,862 housing units at an average density of 535.1 per square mile (206.6/km). The racial makeup
4264-560: 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
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4368-732: The William Allen Middle School Auditorium and court sessions are conducted in Maple Shade. On December 10, 2012, Town Council members John Button, Greg Gallo, Stacey Jordan, Chris Chiacchio, and Mike Testa, along with Councilmembers-elect Victoria Napolitano and Greg Newcomer, broke ground on the new Town Hall, which was completed in 2014 In the 2014 elections, Stacey Jordan was re-elected to council along with her Republican running mate, Manny Delgado, who made history by becoming Moorestown's first Hispanic Councilman when he took office in January 2015. During
4472-428: The affected area in a referendum. Voters approved the creation on April 25, 1922. The township is named for a Thomas Moore who settled in the area in 1722 and constructed a hotel though other sources attribute the name to poet Thomas Moore . Chester Township had banned all liquor sales in 1915, and Moorestown retained the restrictions for more than 70 years after Prohibition ended in 1933. Referendums aiming to repeal
4576-519: The area prior under the Province of New York . After Edward Byllynge suffered a bankruptcy and having issues with his creditors, William Penn , one of the creditors, was chosen to be arbitrator. They argued that he funded the purchase of Lord John Berkeley's share of the Province of New Jersey with funds that were justly due to them. It was decided that Fenwick was entitled to 10% of the share, while 90% would be controlled by trustees that are chosen for
4680-870: The area: the USS New Jersey , the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion , and the Adventure Aquarium . The city is the home of Rutgers University–Camden , which was founded as the South Jersey Law School in 1926, and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University , which opened in 2012. Camden also houses both Cooper University Hospital and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital . Camden County College and Rowan University also have campuses in downtown Camden. The " eds and meds " institutions account for roughly 45% of Camden's total employment. Once known for violent crime,
4784-421: The ban failed in both 1935 and 1953. In 2007, the township council approved a referendum that would allow the sale by auction of six liquor licenses (the state limit of one per every 3,000 residents), with estimates that each license could sell over $ 1 million each. The referendum did not receive enough votes to pass. In 2011, voters repealed the liquor ban; however, liquor sales in the township will be restricted to
4888-482: The benefit of the creditors of Edward Byllynge, who were mostly Quakers themselves. The trustees were chosen to be William Penn, Gawen Laurie , and Nicholas Lucas. The goal was to have the trustees sell the territory to colonists so that the creditors of Edward Byllynge would be made whole. It was also hoped that Quaker may be motivated to emigrate to this territory. At the time, the Society of Friends were flirting with
4992-658: The board selects a director and deputy director from among its members to serve a one-year term. As of 2024, Burlington County's Commissioners are: Director Felicia Hopson ( D , Willingboro Township , 2024), Tom Pullion (D, Edgewater Park , 2026), Allison Eckel (D, Medford , 2025), Deputy Director Daniel J. O'Connell (D, Delran Township , 2024) and Balvir Singh (D, Burlington Township , 2026). Burlington County's Constitutional Officers are: Clerk Joanne Schwartz (D, Southampton Township , 2028) Sheriff James H. Kostoplis (D, Bordentown , 2025) and Surrogate Brian J. Carlin (D, Burlington Township, 2026). As of March 2011, there were
5096-624: The care of orphans and helping runaway slaves. They were members of the Society of Friends whose members were the likes of William Penn. In 1865, the Society of Friends founded the Camden Home for Friendless Children . Since that home was segregated, the Society of Friends opened the West Jersey Colored Orphanage in 1874. Camden has a variety of non-profit Tax-Exempt Organizations aimed to assist city residents with
5200-515: The city and surrounding area's history. It was built in 1899 as a place for those who find anything that links to one's heritage and for other educational purposes. Camden's cultural history has been greatly affected by both its economic and social position over the years. From 1950 to 1970, industry plummeted, resulting in close to 20,000 jobs being lost for Camden residents. This mass unemployment as well as social pressure from neighboring townships caused an exodus of citizens, mostly white. This gap
5304-514: The city, he pursued initiatives such as the construction of a riverfront state-prison and a trash-to-steam incinerator which received substantial opposition from residents. With Milton Milan's election as Camden's next mayor, he declared the city bankrupt which resulted in $ 60 million of aid and the state's assumption of Camden's finances. Another notable revitalization effort was the establishment of non-profit organization, The Parkside Business and Community In Partnership, which occurred in 1993 and
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#17327972606445408-701: The city. Camden has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa in the Köppen climate classification ) with hot summers and cool to cold winters. Camden's public schools are operated by the Camden City School District . The district is one of 31 former Abbott districts statewide that were established pursuant to the decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Abbott v. Burke which are now referred to as "SDA Districts" based on
5512-567: The city. It was home to the New York Shipbuilding Company Shipyards until 1968. Since the 1990s, the Waterfront began a beacon of revitalization for the city. The city's waterfront, along the Delaware River is highlighted by its three main attractions, the USS New Jersey , the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion , and the Adventure Aquarium . The waterfront is also the headquarters for Catapult Learning ,
5616-708: The construction of the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex , and the Subaru of America 's headquarters. In recent years, Camden has transitioned from a manufacturing industry to an economy focused on education and healthcare. The Eds-and-Meds Industry has become the largest source of employment in Camden—with institutions such as Cooper University Hospital , Rowan University , Rutgers-Camden , Camden County College , Virtua, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center , and CAMcare. Camden's role as an industrial city gave rise to distinct neighborhoods and cultural groups that have affected
5720-510: 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
5824-704: The district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Brimm Medical Arts High School (175; 9–12), Camden Big Picture Learning Academy (196; 6–12), Camden High School (347; 9–12), Creative Arts Academy (290; 6–12), Eastside High School (784; 9–12) and Pride Academy (63; 6–12). In 2012, The Urban Hope Act was signed into law, allowing renaissance schools to open in Trenton, Newark, and Camden. The renaissance schools, run by charter companies, differed from charter schools, as they enrolled students based on
5928-442: The east. Moorestown Township is approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Philadelphia. Moorestown-Lenola is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located within Moorestown, which had a 2010 population of 14,217. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bortons Landing , North Bend, Stanwick and West Moorestown. The climate in
6032-573: The first European settlers. Between 1623 and 1627, Captain Cornelius Jacobsen May , an officer with the Dutch West India Company and first director of New Netherland , established Fort Nassau , where the Delaware River meets Big Timber Creek, which is today known as Brooklawn . In 1633, David Pietersen De Vries , a Dutch commander, was sailing up the Delaware River when he came across Natives in control of
6136-433: The first medical system in Camden that did not use rotating primary care physicians. Since its conception, St. Luke's has grown to include Patient Education Classes as well as home medical services, aiding over seven thousand Camden residents. The city has long had a history of philantrophy and charity, dating back to it's founding. The city's founding families were quakers that were very interested in charitable causes like
6240-408: The fort. The settlers that had been left at the fort had decided to return to New Amsterdam ( Today Manhattan, New York ). Wouter van Twiller , Governor of New Netherland , restored Fort Nassau. He was accused of extravagant spending in the fort's reconstruction. The settlement subsequently sparked competition from European Settlers over control of the fur trade in the area. The fort was used by
6344-457: The founding of Philadelphia, John Rodman bought 500 acres (2.0 km) on the west side of Chester Township, and Thomas Rodman bought 533 acres (2.2 km) in the same area; this soon became known as the Village of Rodmantown. The growing area around the eastern spring was known as the Village of Chestertown. In 1700, the first Society of Friends ' Meeting House, built of logs, was erected on
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#17327972606446448-493: The growth and decline of the city over the course of the 20th century. Camden is also home to historic landmarks detailing its rich history in literature, music, social work, and industry such as the Walt Whitman House , the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center, the Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts and the Camden Children's Garden . Others include the Camden County Historical Society, which document
6552-520: The growth and industrialization Camden experienced in the early 1900s, there came a drop in population and industry further into the 20th century. Having reached its peak number of manufacturing jobs in 1950, by 1982 it was a quarter of what it had been. Post World War II, Campbell's Soup Company and RCA Victor had decentralized their production efforts in Camden. This Capital Flight was an attempt to avoid an increase in labor wages which unionized workers were fighting for. The New York Shipbuilding Company,
6656-524: The hands of companies such as the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor ), New York Shipbuilding Corporation , and Campbell Soup Company . These were major employers in Camden, at times employing tens of thousands in and outside of Camden. Its location on the Delaware River made it ideal to launch ships. Camden also experienced dramatic shifts in its population demographic. Immigration from Eastern Europe made them
6760-452: The highest in the county, compared to an average bill of $ 8,767 statewide. That year, Democrats Nicole Gillespie and Brian Donnelly defeated Republican incumbent Manny Delgado and Jamie Boren, giving Democrats control of council for the second time in history. At the council's reorganization meeting in January, 2019 Lisa Petriello was elected by her peers as mayor, with Nicole Gillespie serving as deputy mayor. In January 2020, Nicole Gillespie
6864-446: The house recorded in 1937 by the Historic American Buildings Survey of the United States Department of the Interior . Quakers built Moorestown's first two schools in 1785. A brick schoolhouse was located near what is now the intersection of Route 73 and the Kings Highway overpass. A stone schoolhouse was located adjacent to the present Friends Meeting House at the intersection of Chester Avenue and Main Street. The first district school
6968-498: The idea of "new country", where they could practice their religious beliefs and not be shamelessly persecuted. In 1676, the Quakers decided to form a colony, spittling the previous colony in two, East Jersey and West Jersey for the Quakers. Quakers settled in the area at the end of the 17th century and the start of the 18th century, drawn by promises of religious freedom, fairer taxation, and more representation in government. The Quakers expansion, consumption of resources, along with
7072-445: The introduction of alcohol and disease, led to a decline in the Lenape population. The development of a ferry system along the Delaware River bolstered trade between Fort Nassau and Philadelphia . Through ferries, families like Coopers and the Kaighns were able to establish settlements in surrounding areas. In 1773, Jacob Cooper played a significant role in developing the area which is today known as Camden, named after Charles Pratt,
7176-468: The leading ethnic group by 1920, whereas it had previously been German, British, and Irish immigrants. In 1926, a bridge connected New Jersey and Pennsylvania made its debut opening, which was named the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in 1956. The project cost $ 37 million, which New Jersey and Pennsylvania both paid equal parts of. The goal was to reduce ferry traffic between Philadelphia and Camden. Camden Central Airport opened in 1929 (closed in 1957). During
7280-472: 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
7384-402: The mid-to-late-20th century as they could find cheaper workers elsewhere. Though the city has declined in recent decades since the decline of heavy industry in the area and whiteflight to the suburbs, the city has made efforts to revitalize itself through various infrastructure and community projects. Projects such as the redevelopment of the waterfront area brought three tourist attractions to
7488-461: The name Moorestown gradually replaced Chester informally in the center of town. Finally, Moorestown formerly split off from Chester and became a Township. The Coles Hotel, east of the corner of Main and Chester, was a stop on the stagecoach route connecting Camden with Trenton and Philadelphia. Construction of the railroad in 1867 superseded the stagecoaches and connected Mount Holly Township and Camden. A tavern built in 1745 by John Cox at what
7592-531: The pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church located in South Camden, has played a large role in Camden's spiritual and social history. In 1971, Doyle was part of the Camden 28 , a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who planned to raid a draft board office in the city. This is noted by many as the start of Doyle's activities as a radical 'Catholic Left'. Following these activities, Monsignor Doyle went on to become
7696-540: The pastor of Sacred Heart Church, remaining known for his poetry and activism. Monsignor Doyle and the Sacred Heart Church's main mission is to form a connection between the primarily white suburban surrounding areas and the inner-city of Camden. In 1982, Father Mark Aita of Holy Name of Camden founded the St. Luke's Catholic Medical Services. Aita, a medical doctor and a member of the Society of Jesus , created
7800-514: The poorest cities in the United States. Camden also has one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the nation. About 45% of employment in Camden is in the "eds and meds" sector, providing educational and medical institutions. In 2018, the city had an average residential property tax bill of $ 1,710, the lowest in the county, compared to an average bill of $ 6,644 in Camden County and $ 8,767 statewide. Portions of Camden are part of
7904-499: The previous month. In November 2016, Republican incumbent Victoria Napolitano won re-election along with her Republican running mate Mike Locatell and Democrat Lisa Petriello, continuing the Republican Party's 4-to-1 majority. At the township's January 2017 reorganization meeting, Manny Delgado was elected by his peers as Moorestown's first Hispanic mayor. In 2018, the township had an average property tax bill of $ 11,241,
8008-627: The program an "abject failure", vetoed a compromise bill that would have extended the status for two years. In May 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that reinstated the program in these five cities and extended the expiration date in other zones. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 10.34 square miles (26.78 km ), including 8.92 square miles (23.10 km ) of land and 1.42 square miles (3.68 km ) of water (13.75%). Camden borders Collingswood , Gloucester City , Oaklyn , Pennsauken Township and Woodlynne in Camden County, as well as Philadelphia across
8112-529: The program. There are a total of 240 townships in the state, including: Camden, New Jersey Camden is a city in Camden County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan region. The city was incorporated on February 13, 1828. Camden has been the county seat of Camden County since the county's formation on March 13, 1844. The city derives its name from Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden . Camden
8216-500: The requirement for the state to cover all costs for school building and renovation projects in these districts under the supervision of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority . As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of 19 schools, had an enrollment of 7,553 students and 668.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.3:1. High schools in
8320-453: The restructuring of the police force in 2013 has been credited for the decrease in that number. As of January 2021, violent crime was down 46% from its high in the 1990s and at the lowest level since the 1960s. Overall crime reports in 2020 were down 74% compared to 1974, the first year of uniform crime-reporting in the city. The city traces back to local indigenous Lenape , who are believed to have inhabited this area 13–15,000 years prior to
8424-474: The same reorganization meeting, Victoria Napolitano became Moorestown's youngest mayor ever at the age of 26, and may also be the youngest female to ever hold the office of mayor statewide. In December 2015, the township council selected Lisa Petriello from three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in 2016 that was vacated by Greg Newcomer when he left office
8528-483: The seat expiring in December 2022 that had been held by Brian Donnelly until he resigned from office. The appointment made Law the youngest and the first Black councilmember in township history. Law served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when he was elected to serve the balance of the term of office. In January 2022, Nicole Gillespie was re-elected to a second term on council and Quinton Law
8632-626: The surrounding neighborhood, similar to the city school district. This makes renaissance schools a hybrid of charter and public schools. This is the act that allowed Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Uncommon Schools, and Mastery Schools to open in the city. Under the renaissance charter school proposal, the Henry L. Bonsall Family School became Uncommon Schools Camden Prep Mt. Ephraim Campus, East Camden Middle School has become part of Mastery Charter Schools, Francis X. Mc Graw Elementary School and Rafael Cordero Molina Elementary School have become part of
8736-413: 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
8840-528: The three open seats on the township council, outpacing Republican Pete Palko (5,321 votes) and Democrats Brian Sattinger (4,899 votes) and Mark Hines (4,869 votes). Republicans maintained a 4–1 majority, and Stacey Jordan was sworn in as Moorestown's first female mayor on January 7, 2013. During summer 2007, the township hall suffered smoke and water damage caused by an electrical fire. The township offices were temporarily located at 2 Executive Place, Moorestown Township with council meetings held during that time at
8944-589: 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
9048-489: The township was $ 58,458 (+/− $ 3,172). About 1.4% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over. At the 2000 census , there were 19,017 people, 6,971 households, and 5,270 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,287.3 inhabitants per square mile (497.0/km). There were 7,211 housing units at an average density of 488.1 per square mile (188.5/km). The racial makeup of
9152-401: The township was 89.19% White , 5.69% African American , 0.16% Native American , 3.27% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.43% from other races , and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.75% of the population. There were 6,971 households, of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had
9256-611: The township's executive and administrative authority and responsibility. The township manager is Kevin Aberant. In 2004, Moorestown elected a majority Democratic council for the first time in its history. In 2008, the Moorestown Republicans won back three seats, giving them a 4–1 majority starting in 2009. On Election Day 2012, Republicans Victoria Napolitano (5,580 votes), and Phil Garwood (5,467 votes), along with Democrat J. Greg Newcomer (5,345 votes), won election to
9360-483: The war effort. Subsequently, Camden became ethnically and religiously segregated. On July 17, 1951, the Delaware River Port Authority , a bi-state agency, was created to promote trade and better coordinate transportation between the two cities of Camden and Phildelphia. However, by the 1950s, manufacturing came to slow causing industries to relocate and employment to dwindle. In contrast to
9464-602: The west (off Main Street before reaching the Perkins Center for the Arts, just by Roberts Elementary School) and one to the east (off North Stanwick Road) drew Native Americans and traders to the area. In 1682, John and Sarah Roberts became the first English-speaking residents of Moorestown when they established their home. Their residence is now marked by the Roberts Monument at the intersection of County Route 537 and Route 73 . In May 1686, three years after
9568-517: The west side of the Friends' graveyard on the northwest corner of the King's Highway and Meeting House Lane on the east, and west to Locust Street on the western boundary of his property and north to Second Street. Moore set up a hotel on the northwest corner of the King's Highway and Union streets (Cornerstone Bank and the Wawa now occupy opposite corners there). Given Moore's extensive property ownership,
9672-439: 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
9776-471: Was Governor of the Isle of Jersey . Lord John Berkeley kept his share of New Jersey from 1664 until 1674, when he sold it to two Quakers , John Fenwick and Edward Byllynge . This due to political difficulties between him, Carteret, and Governor of New York Richard Nicolls , as well as financial difficulties. Governor Richard Nicolls had objected to the Province of New Jersey as he had exercised control over
9880-709: Was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males. The median household income was $ 78,826, and the median family income was $ 94,844. Males had a median income of $ 74,773 versus $ 39,148 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 42,154. About 2.4% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over. Several notable businesses house offices and operations in Moorestown. National and international corporations located in Moorestown Township include Destination Maternity , Lockheed Martin , Comcast Cable , Coca-Cola , and
9984-498: Was 43.4 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 86.1 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $ 108,655 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 6,347) and the median family income was $ 129,217 (+/− $ 6,334). Males had a median income of $ 100,266 (+/− $ 4,901) versus $ 60,057 (+/− $ 11,139) for females. The per capita income for
10088-416: Was 84.50% (17,513) White , 6.42% (1,331) Black or African American , 0.09% (18) Native American , 6.00% (1,244) Asian , 0.02% (5) Pacific Islander , 0.81% (168) from other races , and 2.16% (447) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.48% (721) of the population. Of the 7,450 households, 38.1% had children under the age of 18; 61.7% were married couples living together; 10.9% had
10192-507: Was chartered in Camden, which connected ferry terminals from New York City to Philadelphia via rail. The railroad ended in Camden's Waterfront, where passengers would be ferried across the Delaware River to arrive in Philadelphia. Similarly to Camden's inception, transportation was a huge catalyst in its growth—the railroads opening in 1834 led to an increase in population and commerce. At the turn 20th Century, industry grew rapidly at
10296-515: Was elected mayor and Brian Donnelly as deputy mayor. On November 3, 2020 Democrats Sue Mammarella, Dave Zipin and Jake VanDyken made history by defeating three Republican opponents to give Democrats the first ever 5-0 majority on Moorestown council beginning in January, 2021. In January 2021, the Township Council unanimously elected Nicole Gillespie as mayor for a 2-year term, Sue Mammarella as deputy mayor, and selected Quinton Law to fill
10400-470: Was elected to a full term, retaining the Democrat's 5-0 majority. In January 2023, Nicole Gillespie and Quinton Law were unanimously elected as mayor and deputy mayor by their peers. In December of 2023, Jake Van Dyken resigned from Moorestown council for personal reasons, and the remaining councilmembers unanimously appointed Christopher Keating to fill the unexpired term until December, 2024. As of 2024,
10504-521: Was filled by new African American and Latino citizens and led to a restructuring of Camden's communities. The number of White citizens who left to neighboring towns such as Collingswood or Cherry Hill left both new and old African American and Latino citizens to re-shape their community. To help in this process, numerous not-for-profit organizations such as Hopeworks or the Neighborhood Center were formed to facilitate Camden's movement into
10608-434: Was incorporated as a city on February 13, 1828, from portions of Newton Township , while the area was still part of Gloucester County . In 1832, Camden Township was created as a township coextensive with Camden City. The township existed until it was repealed in 1848. Camden Township was established in 1832 which was the same area as Camden City until it was reduced in 1848. In 1830, the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company
10712-436: Was opened in 1810. The first free Moorestown public school was established in 1873. Vernon Hill 's 46,000 square feet (4,300 m) mansion Villa Collina —Italian for "Hill House"—the largest private residence in New Jersey, is located in Moorestown. Moorestown's Quaker heritage is discussed in Moorestown resident and native historian William H. Kingston's book, Moorestown's Third Century: The Quaker Legacy . According to
10816-460: 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
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