81-923: The South Branch Rahway River flows north north through Woodbridge Township, New Jersey before entering the Rahway River in Rahway, New Jersey , 4.5 miles from the Arthur Kill . Its source is the Roosevelt Park lake in Edison, New Jersey . The South Branch is subject to both tidal and fluvial flooding. With coastal surges, the Rahway River can cause backflow into the South Branch as far as St. Georges Bridge in Woodbridge. Outflow from
162-612: A city in southern Union County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . A bedroom community of New York City , it is centrally located in the Rahway Valley region , in the New York metropolitan area . The city is 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Manhattan and 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Staten Island . Built on the navigable Rahway River , it was an industrial and artisanal craft city for much of its history. The city has increasingly reinvented itself in recent years as
243-782: A criminal who planned to move with his girlfriend/model to Rahway. The city is home to more than ten parks. The best-known is Rahway River Park , which is maintained by Union County, and is also partially located in Clark . The Robinson's Branch Reservoir abuts the city at the Madison Hill Bridge on the Clark-Rahway border. The Walter E. Ulrich swimming pool in Rahway River Park was extensively renovated and retiled in 2021. A beach-style splash feature for children, with an "ocean-like" sloping entry without stairs,
324-422: A diverse regional hub for the arts and biological sciences , with a new global headquarters for Merck & Co . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's population was 29,556, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 2,210 (+8.1%) from the 27,346 recorded at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 846 (+3.2%) from the 26,500 counted in the 2000 census . Rahway and
405-443: A female householder with no husband present and 25.6% were non-families. Of all households, 21.4% were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.27. 21.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
486-473: A female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.19. In the township, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
567-551: A partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years. The council includes four members elected at-large and five members elected from each of the township's five wards . The at-large and mayoral seats come up together for vote followed two years later by the five ward seats. As of 2024 , the Mayor of Woodbridge Township is Democrat John McCormac , whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. McCormac
648-1090: A partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in January, the board selects from among its members a commissioner director and deputy director. As of 2024 , Middlesex County's Commissioners (with party affiliation, term-end year, and residence listed in parentheses) are: Director Ronald G. Rios (D, Carteret , 2024), Deputy Director Shanti Narra (D, North Brunswick , 2024), Claribel A. "Clary" Azcona-Barber (D, New Brunswick , 2025), Charles Kenny (D, Woodbridge Township , 2025), Leslie Koppel (D, Monroe Township , 2026), Chanelle Scott McCullum (D, Piscataway , 2024) and Charles E. Tomaro (D, Edison , 2026). Constitutional officers are: Clerk Nancy Pinkin (D, 2025, East Brunswick ), Sheriff Mildred S. Scott (D, 2025, Piscataway) and Surrogate Claribel Cortes (D, 2026; North Brunswick). As of March 2011, there were
729-477: A population of 103,639, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 4,054 (+4.1%) from the 99,585 recorded at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 2,382 (+2.5%) from the 97,203 counted in the 2000 census . Woodbridge was the state's sixth-largest by population in 2000 and 2010. According to historian Joshua Coffin , the community's early settlers included: Captain John Pike,
810-705: A portion of the East Coast Greenway . Merrill Park is a 179 acres (72 ha) park along the banks of the South Branch Rahway River , fully renovated in 2013. It has sports facilities, playgrounds, bike paths and walkways . James Parker founded the first printing press in New Jersey in 1751; his building has been restored with an old working printing press. It is located in Parker Press Park, Woodbridge Proper;
891-794: A staggered basis with three seats coming up for election each year, with an appointed County Manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. As of 2024 , Union County's County Commissioners are: Rebecca Williams ( D , Plainfield , 2025), Joesph Bodek (D, Linden , 2026), James E. Baker Jr. (D, Rahway , 2024), Michele Delisfort (D, Union Township , 2026), Sergio Granados (D, Elizabeth , 2025), Bette Jane Kowalski (D, Cranford , 2025), Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon (D, Elizabeth, 2026), Alexander Mirabella (D, Fanwood , 2024) and Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded (D, Westfield , 2024). Constitutional officers elected on
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#1732791078750972-554: A total of 54,674 registered voters in Woodbridge Township, of which 20,900 (38.2%) were registered as Democrats , 6,135 (11.2%) were registered as Republicans and 27,611 (50.5%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 28 voters registered to other parties. In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 62.2% of the vote (22,386 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 36.7% (13,200 votes), and other candidates with 1.1% (386 votes), among
1053-433: A turnout of 70.2%. In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 53.5% of the vote (19,662 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 45.1% (16,589 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (367 votes), among the 36,770 ballots cast by the township's 51,913 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.8. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 58.9% of
1134-782: Is a part of the RWJBarnabas Health System . It is affiliated with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . It also has an emergency department for area residents. In 2021, Merck & Co. announced that it would be returning its global headquarters to its Rahway research campus (currently the largest private employer in Rahway) and former headquarters. By 2024, Merck plans to complete the move of headquarters to Rahway. In September 1999, remnants of Hurricane Floyd swept across New Jersey and caused severe damage. The Rahway Public Library
1215-584: Is bordered by the municipalities of Clark to the northwest and Linden to the northeast in Union County; and by Woodbridge Township to the south in Middlesex County . The Rahway River travels through Rahway, entering from Clark at Rahway River Parkway . The river receives the waters of Robinsons Branch at Elizabeth Avenue between West Grand Avenue and West Main Street, and then receives
1296-450: Is felt to be the major component of flooding. 40°36′03″N 74°16′23″W / 40.6007°N 74.2730°W / 40.6007; -74.2730 Woodbridge Township, New Jersey Woodbridge Township is a township in northern Middlesex County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . The township is a regional hub of transportation and commerce for central New Jersey and a major bedroom suburb of New York City , within
1377-616: Is governed within the Faulkner Act , formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter law, under the Mayor-Council system of municipal government. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of a directly elected mayor and a nine-member Township Council, with all officials elected to staggered four-year terms of office on
1458-461: Is located at the corner of St. Georges and Westfield Avenues. The earliest buildings at the site date to 1795 and the property remains one of Rahway's most prominent historical landmarks. George Washington visited Rahway during his travel to New York City prior to his presidential inauguration in 1789. A marker across the street from the tavern reads: Following the Revolution, Rahway became
1539-552: Is located in the 6th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 19th state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 6th congressional district is represented by Frank Pallone ( D , Long Branch ). 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
1620-428: Is located in the 7th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 22nd state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). 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
1701-466: Is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The city's governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the nine-member City Council. The Mayor is elected directly by the voters. The City Council includes nine members, all elected to four-year terms of office. Six members of the council are elected from each of six wards . The other three members are elected to represent
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#17327910787501782-628: Is to integrate smaller areas of park land in the eastern portion of Heards Brook into the larger area of open spaces with a bioswale . In 2013, the Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve was dedicated; the Preserve occupies 67 acres (27 ha) along the Woodbridge River and has restored the river and adjacent land as a nature preserve . Activities include hiking, boating, bird watching, and picnicking. Many bird species have been observed along
1863-552: The 2000 United States census there were 26,500 people, 10,028 households, and 6,728 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,642.7 inhabitants per square mile (2,564.8/km ). There were 10,381 housing units at an average density of 2,602.2 per square mile (1,004.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 60.19% White , 27.07% African American , 0.16% Native American , 3.58% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 5.62% from other races , and 3.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.87% of
1944-607: The 2024-2025 session , the 19th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Joe F. Vitale ( D , Woodbridge Township ) and in the General Assembly by Craig Coughlin (D, Woodbridge Township) and Yvonne Lopez (D, Perth Amboy ). Middlesex County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners , whose seven members are elected at-large on
2025-415: The 2024-2025 session , the 22nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nicholas Scutari ( D , Linden ) and in the General Assembly by Linda S. Carter (D, Plainfield ) and James J. Kennedy (D, Rahway ). Union County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners , whose nine members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on
2106-643: The American Planning Association : "Downtown Rahway is a great place. It is a place that emphasizes livability, walkability, shopping, food, art, diversity and a destination. Centered in the heart of the bustling City of Rahway, next to the NJ Transit Station, Rahway's downtown is the building block for this diverse city." In 2019, the Watt Hotel opened across from the train station , with 100 rooms managed by Hilton on
2187-646: The Arthur Kill . Area codes 732 and 848 are used in Woodbridge. Pumpkin Patch Brook , which flows through Woodbridge, is a tributary of the Robinson's Branch of the Rahway River , which feeds the Robinson's Branch Reservoir . The township has a borderline humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) similar to most of metropolitan New Jersey. The local hardiness zone is 7a. There are distinct communities within Woodbridge Township . Several of these communities have their own ZIP Codes , and many are listed by
2268-738: The New York metropolitan area . Located within the core of the Raritan Valley region , Woodbridge Township hosts the junction of the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway , the two busiest highways in the state, and also serves as the headquarters for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority , which operates both highways. As of the 2020 United States census , the township was the state's seventh-most-populous municipality , with
2349-532: The Regina Music Box Company , Wheatena , Mershon Bros. and, most importantly, Merck & Co. , which was established in Rahway in 1903, when George W. Merck moved his small chemical company to Rahway from New York City. The national decline in industry after World War II led to the closure of most of Rahway's major manufacturing facilities (except for Merck) and a general deterioration of
2430-577: The Township Act of 1798 of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of the initial 104 townships incorporated in the state under the Township Act. Portions of the township were taken to form Rahway (April 19, 1858), Raritan Township (March 17, 1870, now Edison Township ) and Roosevelt (April 11, 1906, now Carteret ). The township is named after Reverend John W. Woodbridge (1613–1696) of Newbury, Massachusetts , who settled in
2511-738: The United States Census Bureau as census-designated places (CDPs), but they are all unincorporated communities and neighborhoods within the Township that, together, make up Woodbridge Township. Avenel (with 2010 Census population of 17,011 ), Colonia (17,795 ), Fords (15,187 ), Iselin (18,695 ), Port Reading (3,728 ), Sewaren (2,756 ), Woodbridge or Woodbridge Proper (19,265 ) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Woodbridge Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within
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2592-471: The poverty line , including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over. Woodbridge Center , with a gross leasable area of 1,633,000 square feet (151,700 m ), is the third-biggest mall in New Jersey, behind Westfield Garden State Plaza and Freehold Raceway Mall . Wakefern Food Corporation , owner of ShopRite , has its headquarters in Keasbey in the township. Additionally,
2673-623: The 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of 25 schools, had an enrollment of 13,836 students and 1,193.7 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.6:1. High schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Colonia High School with 1,356 students in grades 9-12, John F. Kennedy Memorial High School (1,371; 9-12), Reaching Individual Student Excellence (RISE) (NA; 9-12) and Woodbridge High School (1,558; 9-12). As of May 2010 ,
2754-620: The 23,913 ballots cast by the township's 53,843 registered voters, yielding a 44.4% turnout. The Woodbridge Township School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade . All schools in the district are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The district's three standard high schools offer more than 150 courses, including Advanced Placement , college preparatory, business, vocational and cooperative work/study programs. As of
2835-405: The 36,301 ballots cast by the township's 55,262 registered voters (329 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 65.7%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 55.9% of the vote (21,590 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 42.0% (16,251 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (472 votes), among the 38,657 ballots cast by the township's 55,075 registered voters, for
2916-645: The British in the Battle of Spanktown , which resulted in the death of some 100 British troops. The battle was named this after Rahway's original name given to it by the first settlers, Spanktown, which is said to have been chosen "because an early settler publicly took his spouse across his knee and chastised her". Spanktown was mentioned in Revolutionary War military dispatches from January 5, 1777, through March 14, 1782. The Merchants and Drovers Tavern
2997-480: The Thomas Edison Service Area is between Interchanges 11 and 12 southbound at milepost 92.9. U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 9 serve the township and merge heading north of the township as the U.S. Route 1/9 concurrency . Other roadways passing through the township are Route 27 , Route 35 , Route 184 , and Route 440 . Rahway, New Jersey Rahway ( / ˈ r ɔː w eɪ / ) is
3078-698: The Township Council selected Cory Spillar from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the Third Ward seat that had been held by Council President Michele Charmello until her resignation the previous month to take a position in Pittsburgh . The council chose new leadership, promoting Nancy Drumm from vice president to president (to replace Charmello) and Rick Dalina as vice president. Woodbridge Township
3159-548: The Township Council selected Sharon McAuliffe from a list of three candidates submitted by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the First Ward seat expiring in December 2025 that had been held by Nancy Bader-Drumm for a decade until her death earlier that month. McAuliffe served on an interim basis until the November 2022 general election, when she was elected to serve the balance of the term of office. In August 2015,
3240-446: The Township, including exits 127 to 132. The Parkway connects Sayreville in the south to Clark in the north. In addition, the New Jersey Turnpike ( Interstate 95 ) passes through Woodbridge Township for about 5 + 1 ⁄ 4 miles (8.4 km), and is accessible at Exit 11 (which features a 24-lane toll gate). The Turnpike's Grover Cleveland Service Area is located between Interchanges 11 and 12 northbound at milepost 92.9 and
3321-540: The United States and the fifth highest in New Jersey—behind Edison (17.75%), Plainsboro Township (16.97%), Piscataway Township (12.49%) and South Brunswick Township (10.48%)—of all places with 1,000 or more residents identifying their ancestry. There were 34,562 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 11.4% had
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3402-423: The United States, local authorities enacted a now-repealed measure under which people were banned from using the then-popular Sony Walkman cassette players in public, while riding a bike, crossing the street, or driving a car. Violators were to be fined $ 50 and could have spent up to 15 days in jail. In April 2022, this law was repealed in its entirety by township ordinance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau ,
3483-473: The ancestor of General Zebulon Montgomery Pike , who was killed at the battle of Queenstown in 1813; Thomas Bloomfield, the ancestor of Joseph Bloomfield , some years governor of New Jersey, for whom the township of Bloomfield is named; John Bishop, senior and junior; Jonathan Haynes; Henry Jaques; George March; Stephen Kent; Abraham Toppan, junior; Elisha Ilsley; Hugh March; John Bloomfield; Samuel Moore ; Nathaniel Webster; John Ilsley; and others." Woodbridge
3564-408: The city was $ 50,729, and the median income for a family was $ 61,931. Males had a median income of $ 41,047 versus $ 32,091 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 22,481. About 5.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over. In 2020, downtown Rahway received accolades as a Great Downtown by
3645-511: The city's Black-owned bookstore, Bridges Book Center Afro-American Research Library & Museum, located at 1480 Main Street, in 1970. As of the early 2020s, downtown Rahway has become a regional hub in the performing and visual arts. The landmarked Rahway Theatre building is home to the Union County Performing Arts Center . The Season 2 Episode 5 of NYPD Blue (Simone Says, starring Jimmy Smits) features
3726-492: The city's central business district. Beginning in the late 1990s, the city launched a plan to revitalize the downtown area and authorized the construction of hundreds of new market-rate housing units, a hotel, art galleries and additional retail space. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 4.04 square miles (10.47 km ), including 3.90 square miles (10.09 km ) of land and 0.15 square miles (0.38 km ) of water (3.59%). Rahway
3807-538: The city, also aided the city's commercial growth. As immigrants from Britain , Ireland and Germany streamed into what was then Rahway Township in the 1850s, Rahway became incorporated as a city by an act of the State Legislature on April 19, 1858, from portions of Rahway Township in Union and Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County . In 1860, the portion of Rahway that had been part of Middlesex County
3888-790: The city, manages the city's departments and oversees its employees. This form of government gives citizens a centralized line of authority for the efficient management of the city's business. As of 2024 , the mayor of Rahway is Democrat Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr., whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. The members of the Municipal Council are Jeffrey Brooks (At Large; D, 2026), David Brown (Fourth Ward; D, 2024), Joseph D. Gibilisco (Sixth Ward; D, 2024), Joanna Miles (At Large; D, 2026), Jeremy E. Mojica (At Large; D, 2026), Danielle "Danni" Newbury (Fifth Ward; D, 2024), Al Parker (First Ward; D, 2024), Vannie Deloris Parson (Third Ward; D, 2024), and Karla Timmons (Second Ward; D, 2024). Rahway
3969-479: The city. The population density was 7,016.8 per square mile (2,709.2/km ). There were 11,300 housing units at an average density of 2,899.5 per square mile (1,119.5/km ). The racial makeup was 52.30% (14,301) White , 30.93% (8,457) Black or African American , 0.31% (84) Native American , 4.30% (1,175) Asian , 0.02% (5) Pacific Islander , 8.37% (2,288) from other races , and 3.79% (1,036) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.52% (6,433) of
4050-570: The entire city on an at-large basis. Elections are in even-numbered years, with the six ward seats up together, followed two years later by the three at-large seats and the mayoral seat. Under the City of Rahway's form of government, all executive and administrative authority is vested in the office of the mayor, who appoints the Business Administrator and department directors. The Business Administrator develops an annual budget for
4131-564: The founders of Rahway which began as outlying acreage and plantations. The Seventeenth Century Clark House is one of the oldest buildings in the state . By the 18th century, Rahway consisted of four distinct communities: Upper Rahway, Bridge Town (or Lower Rahway), Leesville, and Milton. Rahway saw action during the American Revolutionary War because of its proximity to Staten Island , Elizabethtown and Perth Amboy . In January 1777, rebels were victorious against
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#17327910787504212-399: The future township in 1664. Woodbridge was the site of one of America's deadliest rail accidents on February 6, 1951, when a crowded commuter train derailed with 85 deaths . The victims are memorialized by a pair of historical markers, installed by New Jersey Transit in 2002 and by Woodbridge Township in 2013. In October 1982, Woodbridge made national news when, for the first time in
4293-476: The home of the first national mint to create a coin bearing the inscription E pluribus unum . A United States Post Office established in Rahway was one of only six in the entire state in 1791. Various historical place markers in town document Rahway Revolutionary War history. Rahway grew due to its location along the major stagecoach and railroad lines between New York City and Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . The navigable Rahway River , which flows through
4374-539: The old Rahway Theatre reopening as the Union County Performing Arts Center . The theater underwent a $ 6.2-million renovation and expansion project, completed in 2007. As part of the expansion, the facility was purchased by the County of Union for $ 1.3 million and leased back for $ 1 a year. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway, formerly Rahway Hospital, is a 122-bed non-profit , public, research and academic teaching hospital located in Rahway. The medical center
4455-512: The park has concert series in the summer. Woodbridge Community Center has a gym, miniature golf course, batting cages, a pool, community rooms, a playground, and also has "The Arenas", which have a roller skating rink with arcade and an ice skating rink. Joseph Medwick Park is a Middlesex County Park , shared with Carteret, along banks of the Rahway River . It is part of the Rahway River Greenway Plan. Woodbridge
4536-432: The population were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.1 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
4617-399: The population. There were 10,028 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
4698-420: The population. Of the 10,533 households, 28.1% had children under the age of 18; 42.4% were married couples living together; 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 35.3% were non-families. Of all households, 29.5% were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.23. 21.8% of
4779-474: The preserve is the Butterfly Garden. Downstream and north of Port Reading Avenue is Woodbridge River Park. It covers 40 acres (16 ha), and has been described as "loaded with channels, backwaters , oxbows and suitable for canoes." The Middlesex Greenway is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) long rail trail , a former Lehigh Valley Railroad rail line between Metuchen and Woodbridge. It makes up
4860-539: The river, particularly at the Oros Preserve. Bird sightings include wading birds ( great blue herons and great egrets ), the bald eagle , belted kingfishers and Canada goose . Eight mammal species have been noted, including raccoon and red fox; nine fish species have been identified, including the American eel . The Preserve has been called "an important hot spot in an otherwise highly developed area." Within
4941-479: The south Branch to the main channel is inhibited by the "U" shape turn in the Rahway River and six bridge constrictions within a mile. The South Branch has an 11.6 square mile drainage area from "intensely developed portions" of Rahway, Edison, Woodbridge and Metuchen. Repeated "flashy" fluvial flooding in this river is a consequence of urbanization with impervious surfaces exacerbated by downstream channel constrictions, stream bank decay and steep hills. Fluvial flooding
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#17327910787505022-855: The surrounding area were once the home of the Lenape Native Americans , and tradition states that the city was named after Rahwack (or Ra-wa-rah), a local tribal chief. Formal European colonization began in 1664 with the purchase by the English from the Lenape of the Elizabethtown Tract , which encompassed lands from the mouth of the Raritan River and included all of present-day Union County as well as parts of Somerset , Middlesex , Morris and Essex counties. The early settlers of Elizabethtown and Woodbridge were
5103-472: The third and fourth floors of a 17-story building, a lobby cocktail lounge and a rooftop terrace with a seasonal bar offering views of the city, river and outwards to the Watchung Mountains . Beginning in the early 1990s and continuing through the present day, the City of Rahway has rebounded as its downtown began to see the construction of new restaurants, art galleries, market-rate housing and
5184-589: The township had a total area of 24.61 square miles (63.74 km ), including 23.26 square miles (60.24 km ) of land and 1.35 square miles (3.50 km ) of water (5.50%). The township borders Carteret , Edison , Perth Amboy and Sayreville in Middlesex County; Clark , Linden and Rahway in Union County . Its border with the borough of Staten Island in New York City is in
5265-504: The township had a total of 303.32 miles (488.15 km) of roadways, of which 244.16 miles (392.94 km) were maintained by the municipality, 28.79 miles (46.33 km) by Middlesex County, 17.69 miles (28.47 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 12.68 miles (20.41 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority . The Garden State Parkway extends 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles (12.1 km) through
5346-520: The township include: Boynton Beach, Demarest Hill Top, Edgars , Fairfield, Hazelton, Hopelawn , Keasbey , Lynn Woodoaks, Menlo Park Terrace, , Ostrander, Saint Stephens, Sand Hills, Shore View, Union, and Woodbridge Oaks. The 2010 United States census counted 99,585 people, 34,615 households, and 25,754 families in the township. The population density was 4,290.0 per square mile (1,656.4/km ). There were 36,124 housing units at an average density of 1,556.2 per square mile (600.9/km ). The racial makeup
5427-436: The township is one of a handful in New Jersey that have authorized the sale of medical cannabis through local dispensaries. In the center of Woodbridge Heards Brook passes through Heards Brook Park. Described as "the most preferred tourist attraction in Woodbridge," it has a wooded area, picnic tables, tree-lined stone pathways, basketball courts and "stunning views of the brook." The Rutgers University floodplain plan
5508-515: The township was $ 32,144 (+/− $ 717). About 3.8% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 United States census , there were 97,203 people, 34,562 households, and 25,437 families residing in the township. The population density was 4,224.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,631.1/km ). There were 35,298 housing units at an average density of 1,534.1 per square mile (592.3/km ). The racial makeup of
5589-431: The township was 70.83% White , 8.75% African American , 0.17% Native American , 14.46% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 3.30% from other races , and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.21% of the population. As of the 2000 Census, 9.19% of Woodbridge Township's residents identified themselves as being of Indian American ancestry, which was the tenth-highest of any municipality in
5670-529: The vote (12,122 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 39.7% (8,183 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (286 votes), among the 21,064 ballots cast by the township's 56,121 registered voters (473 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 37.5%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 50.1% of the vote (11,987 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 41.9% (10,029 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.2% (1,710 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (261 votes), among
5751-435: The waters of the South Branch at East Hazlewood Avenue and Leesville Avenue. The river leaves Rahway at the city limits of Linden and Woodbridge before flowing into the Arthur Kill . Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Inman Heights and North Rahway. The 2010 United States census counted 27,346 people, 10,533 households, and 6,815 families in
5832-421: Was $ 58,551 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 3,355) and the median family income was $ 77,268 (+/− $ 9,506). Males had a median income of $ 56,572 (+/− $ 3,375) versus $ 47,832 (+/− $ 3,542) for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 28,855 (+/− $ 1,981). About 5.4% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. As of
5913-410: Was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.24. In the city the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males. The median income for a household in
5994-417: Was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males. The median income for a household in the township was $ 60,683, and the median income for a family was $ 68,492. Males had a median income of $ 49,248 versus $ 35,096 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 25,087. About 3.2% of families and 4.8% of the population were below
6075-495: Was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 98.0 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $ 79,277 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 2,537) and the median family income was $ 88,656 (+/− $ 2,537). Males had a median income of $ 60,139 (+/− $ 1,971) versus $ 46,078 (+/− $ 1,635) for females. The per capita income for
6156-430: Was 59.18% (58,935) White , 9.85% (9,810) Black or African American , 0.32% (321) Native American , 22.42% (22,324) Asian , 0.04% (39) Pacific Islander , 5.28% (5,254) from other races , and 2.91% (2,902) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.63% (15,562) of the population. Of the 34,615 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18; 57.2% were married couples living together; 12.4% had
6237-532: Was added to the pool that year. The pool is available to Union County residents and their guests for a daily fee. Built in 1929, it was documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in 1985. The City of Rahway is governed under the Faulkner Act system of municipal government under the Mayor-Council (Plan F), implemented as of January 1, 1955, based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission . The township
6318-723: Was first elected on November 7, 2006, and sworn in on November 14, 2006. McCormac replaced Frank G. Pelzman, who became mayor on January 17, 2002, when former mayor James E. McGreevey resigned to become governor. Members of the Township Council are Council President Kyle M. Anderson (D, 2027; at-large), Council Vice President Cory S. Spillar (D, 2025; Third Ward), Harold R. "Howie" Bauer Jr. (D, 2025; Second Ward), Lizbeth DeJesus (D, 2027; at-large), Gregg M. Ficarra (D, 2027; at-large), Sharon McAuliffe (D, 2025; First Ward - elected to serve an unexpired term), Debbie Meehan (D, 2025; Fifth Ward), Virbhadra N. "Viru" Patel (D, 2025; Fourth Ward) and Brian F. Small (D, 2027; at-large). In January 2022,
6399-500: Was on a flood plain and suffered over US$ 1 million in flood damage. The building was demolished in October 2001 and a new library was constructed and opened on March 22, 2004, behind the city's municipal building along a less flood-prone area of the Rahway River. The site of the former Rahway Public Library now contains tennis courts and a small playground. The new library opened in 2004. Historian and Rahway native Eva Bridges opened
6480-413: Was the site of the first gristmill in New Jersey. The mill was built by Jonathan Singletary Dunham , who was married to Mary Bloomfield, relative of Joseph Bloomfield . Woodbridge Township is the oldest original township in New Jersey and was granted a royal charter on June 1, 1669, by King Charles II of England . It was reincorporated on October 31, 1693. Woodbridge Township was incorporated by
6561-508: Was transferred to Union. On March 13, 1861, the remainder of Rahway Township became part of Rahway City. Clark Township was formed from portions of the city on March 23, 1864. The first municipal elections for the mayor and council were conducted on April 19, 1858, and the council held its first meeting on May 3, 1858. The city's police department and its initial group of four constables were created at that first council meeting. The city became home to dozens of major manufacturers, including
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