92-632: Scotch Plains is a township in Union County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . The township is located on a ridge in northern - central New Jersey, within the Raritan Valley and Rahway Valley regions in the New York metropolitan area . As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 24,968, an increase of 1,458 (+6.2%) from the 2010 census count of 23,510, which in turn reflected an increase of 778 (+3.4%) from
184-408: A ridge in northern - central New Jersey, the borough is a commuter town of New York City in the New York metropolitan area . Fanwood is located in the Raritan Valley and Rahway Valley regions. As of the 2020 United States census , the borough's population was 7,774, an increase of 456 (+6.2%) from the 2010 census count of 7,318, which in turn reflected an increase of 144 (+2.0%) from
276-722: A student–teacher ratio of 12.9:1. Schools in the district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Howard B. Brunner Elementary School with 414 students in grades Pre-K–4, J. Ackerman Coles School with 552 students in grades Pre-K–4, Evergreen School with 402 students in grades Pre-K–4, William J. McGinn School with 512 students in grades K–4, School One with 395 students in grades Pre-K–4, Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School with 909 students in grades 5-8, Terrill Middle School with 811 students in grades 5–8 and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School with 1,574 students in grades 9–12. Seats on
368-466: A comprehensive high school (9–12), all of which are located in Scotch Plains. Students from School One, Evergreen and Brunner pool into Park Middle School, while students from Coles and McGinn feed into Terrill. School One is the only elementary school that teaches English as a second language . Most students from Park Middle School and Terrill Middle school continue their high school education at
460-468: A comprehensive high school (9–12)., all of which are located in Scotch Plains. Students from School One, Evergreen and Brunner pool into Nettingham Middle School, while students from Coles and McGinn feed into Terrill. School One is the only elementary school that teaches English as a second language . As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 5,649 students and 438.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for
552-577: A countywide basis are: Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union Township, 2025), Sheriff Peter Corvelli (D, Kenilworth , 2026) and Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak (D, Clark , 2027). As of March 2011, there were a total of 5,033 registered voters in Fanwood, of which 1,614 (32.1% vs. 41.8% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 1,210 (24.0% vs. 15.3%) were registered as Republicans and 2,205 (43.8% vs. 42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 4 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . Among
644-607: A countywide basis are: Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union Township, 2025), Sheriff Peter Corvelli (D, Kenilworth , 2026) and Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak (D, Clark , 2027). As of March 2011, there were a total of 15,979 registered voters in Scotch Plains Township, of which 5,061 (31.7% vs. 41.8% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 3,562 (22.3% vs. 15.3%) were registered as Republicans and 7,346 (46.0% vs. 42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 10 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . Among
736-510: A facility in Scotch Plains. As of May 2010, the township had a total of 89.39 miles (143.86 km) of roadways, of which 75.06 miles (120.80 km) were maintained by the municipality, 11.95 miles (19.23 km) by Union County and 2.38 miles (3.83 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . The two major roads that pass through are Route 28 for a brief stretch in the central part and U.S. Route 22 in
828-400: A four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by Fanwood is a " weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in
920-484: A household in the borough was $ 85,233, and the median income for a family was $ 99,232. Males had a median income of $ 65,519 versus $ 40,921 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 34,804. About 1.6% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over. In 2014 Fanwood was recipient of a 2014 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award for its downtown development plan. Fanwood
1012-657: A list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the council seat expiring in December 2022 that had been held by Joshua Losardo until he stepped down to take office as mayor. In April 2021, Matthew Adams was selected to fill Dahiya-Shah's seat, after she stepped down from office in March, citing "personal reasons". Adams served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when he
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#17327913719141104-619: 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 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
1196-578: A railroad through the area. The line reached here in 1837 and a station, known as the Scotch Plains station, was built in 1839. The company became the Central Railroad of New Jersey in 1849. The line was later moved to reduce the grade and a new station, known as the Fanwood station, was built in 1874. At the same time, the Central New Jersey Land Improvement Company began development of Fanwood Park ,
1288-456: A residential community around the station. The development featured curvilinear streets. John Taylor Johnston , then president of CNJ, named the community after his wife, Frances, also known as Fanny, according to his daughter, Emily. In 1878, Fanwood Township was created from Plainfield and Westfield Townships. The Fanwood Park Historic District is a 52-acre (21 ha) historic district located along North Avenue and North Martine Avenue in
1380-579: A staggered basis in even-numbered years, with the Mayor and one of the council members elected in years divisible by four and the three other council seats coming up for election two years later. The Mayor and the Councilmembers are the only elected officials in the township government. The Mayor and Council then appoint a Township Manager, who serves as the chief executive officer of the Township, with
1472-716: A temporary camp in between the highly-utilized Delaware River and mountains to the West, and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. From the earliest periods of the Paleo-Indian (10,000-12,000 years ago) to the Archaic Period (4,000-10,000 years ago), there is evidence suggesting a high degree of mobile hunting in the rivers and woods around the Scotch Plains area, with spears, atlatls , and axe heads being found. During
1564-477: A turnout of 78.8% (vs. 74.7% in Union County). In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 6,134 votes (51.0% vs. 58.3% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 5,757 votes (47.9% vs. 40.3%) and other candidates with 83 votes (0.7% vs. 0.7%), among the 12,018 ballots cast by the township's 15,361 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.2% (vs. 72.3% in the whole county). In
1656-415: A turnout of 81.3% (vs. 74.7% in Union County). In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 2,045 votes (50.2% vs. 58.3% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 1,957 votes (48.1% vs. 40.3%) and other candidates with 41 votes (1.0% vs. 0.7%), among the 4,070 ballots cast by the borough's 5,013 registered voters, for a turnout of 81.2% (vs. 72.3% in the whole county). In
1748-485: Is South and North Martine Avenue, which connects Fanwood to U.S. Route 22 . The Fanwood station is an NJ Transit railroad station on the Raritan Valley Line . The building on the north side of the tracks (westbound platform) is a Victorian building and, like the north building at Westfield station , is used by a non-profit organization. The ticket office is in the station building on the south side of
1840-919: Is governed by a Board of County Commissioners , whose nine members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on 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
1932-412: Is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to
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#17327913719142024-784: Is located in Fanwood . Another rail line, the Lehigh Line , carries freight trains through the southernmost tip of the township. New Jersey Transit offers service on the 112 , 113 , 114 and 117 routes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan , and service to Newark on the 59 , 65 and 66 (Limited) routes. Township (New Jersey) A township , in the context of New Jersey local government , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government . As
2116-403: 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 was the first state legislation to incorporate municipalities. The government defined was a form of direct democracy , similar to
2208-612: 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 the 2024-2025 session , the 22nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in
2300-544: The 2000 United States census there were 7,174 people, 2,574 households, and 2,054 families residing in the borough. The population density was 5,363.4 inhabitants per square mile (2,070.8/km ). There were 2,615 housing units at an average density of 1,955.0 per square mile (754.8/km ). The racial makeup of the borough was 88.30% White , 5.14% African American , 0.10% Native American , 4.39% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 0.79% from other races , and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.74% of
2392-502: The 2000 United States census there were 22,732 people, 8,349 households, and 6,295 families residing in the township . The population density was 2,503.3 inhabitants per square mile (966.5/km). There were 8,479 housing units at an average density of 933.7 per square mile (360.5/km). The racial makeup of the township was 78.88% White , 11.30% African American , 0.09% Native American , 7.25% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.95% from other races , and 1.52% from two or more races. 3.94% of
2484-631: The 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 60.8% of the vote (4,504 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 37.8% (2,804 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (105 votes), among the 7,532 ballots cast by the township's 16,527 registered voters (119 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 45.6%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 4,381 votes (50.8% vs. 41.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 3,480 votes (40.4% vs. 50.6%), Independent Chris Daggett with 633 votes (7.3% vs. 5.9%) and other candidates with 68 votes (0.8% vs. 0.8%), among
2576-412: The 2017 gubernatorial election , Democrat Phil Murphy received 1,615 votes (59.5% vs. 65.2% countywide), ahead of Republican Kim Guadagno with 1,037 votes (38.2% vs. 32.6%), and other candidates with 61 votes (2.2% vs. 2.1%), among the 2,751 ballots cast by the borough's 5,547 registered voters, for a turnout of 49.6%. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 58.8% of
2668-504: The New Jersey Legislature from portions of Plainfield Township and Westfield Township . Portions of the township were taken to form Fanwood Borough on October 2, 1895. Fanwood Township was renamed as Scotch Plains on March 29, 1917, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. Scotch Plains was home to the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club , the nation's first African-American country club. Its pro, John Shippen ,
2760-651: The Robinson's Branch Reservoir . The 2010 United States census counted 7,318 people, 2,627 households, and 2,070 families in the borough. The population density was 5,454.1 per square mile (2,105.8/km ). There were 2,686 housing units at an average density of 2,001.9 per square mile (772.9/km ). The racial makeup was 84.72% (6,200) White , 5.30% (388) Black or African American , 0.14% (10) Native American , 6.75% (494) Asian , 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander , 0.97% (71) from other races , and 2.12% (155) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.26% (458) of
2852-544: 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 a staggered basis with three seats coming up for election each year, with an appointed County Manager overseeing
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2944-817: The United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 9.06 square miles (23.46 km), including 9.02 square miles (23.36 km) of land and 0.04 square miles (0.09 km) of water (0.40%). The township borders the municipalities of Berkeley Heights , Clark , Fanwood , Mountainside , Plainfield and Westfield in Union County; Edison and South Plainfield in Middlesex County ; and Watchung in Somerset County . Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within
3036-434: 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 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
3128-514: The Woodland period (450-4,000 years ago), it was common for communities to make items such as dugout canoes and nets for fishing, two artifacts the Lenape have come to be known for, along with their shelter of choice, the wigwam . During this time they also extensively farmed, moving around to different areas in search of productive land as the seasons progressed. The area known as Scotch Plains
3220-429: The 12,407 ballots cast by the township's 16,820 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.8% (vs. 68.8% in Union County). In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 7,094 votes (55.0% vs. 63.1% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 5,603 votes (43.5% vs. 35.2%) and other candidates with 109 votes (0.8% vs. 0.9%), among the 12,894 ballots cast by the township's 16,359 registered voters, for
3312-522: The 2,922 ballots cast by the borough's 5,064 registered voters, yielding a 57.7% turnout (vs. 46.5% in the county). Public school students in Fanwood attend the schools of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District , which serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from Fanwood and Scotch Plains . The district has five elementary schools (Pre-K/K–4), two middle schools (5–8) and
3404-598: The 22,732 counted in the 2000 census . The Lenape are the ancestral community indigenous to a large chunk of the Mid-Atlantic region, stretching from Eastern Pennsylvania to the Atlantic Ocean , and from Delaware to Southern New York . Scotch Plains and the Mid-Atlantic region was used by the Lenape and their ancestors for roughly 10,000 years. It is suggested that the Lenape used Scotch Plains as
3496-424: The 3,947 ballots cast by the borough's 5,239 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.3% (vs. 68.8% in Union County). In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 2,287 votes (54.7% vs. 63.1% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 1,817 votes (43.5% vs. 35.2%) and other candidates with 37 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 4,179 ballots cast by the borough's 5,143 registered voters, for
3588-482: The 7,174 counted in the 2000 census . Fanwood was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on October 2, 1895, from portions of Fanwood Township (now known as Scotch Plains ), based on the results of a referendum held the previous day. The borough was named for Fannie Wood, an author. In 1831, the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad received a legislative charter to construct
3680-513: The 8,619 ballots cast by the township's 16,122 registered voters, yielding a 53.5% turnout (vs. 46.5% in the county). Public school students in Scotch Plains attend the schools of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District , which serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from the Borough of Fanwood and the Township of Scotch Plains. The district has five elementary schools (grades PreK to 4), two middle schools (5–8) and
3772-546: 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 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
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3864-502: The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 5,649 students and 438.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.9:1. Seats on the district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on the population of the constituent districts, with two seats assigned to Fanwood. Schools in
3956-585: 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 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
4048-477: The acreage adjoining the house, presents a vista of that decade, the 1770s. This was the home of Aunt Betty Frazee, whose retort to Lord Cornwallis led the British to find their bread from friendlier bakers in the same battle. The farmstead of Betty and Gershom Frazee is being restored by local organizations. What is now Scotch Plains was originally incorporated as Fanwood Township on March 6, 1878, by an act of
4140-480: The authority to appoint most subordinate personnel. As of 2024, the mayor of Scotch Plains is Democrat Joshua G. Losardo, whose term of office expires on December 31, 2024. Members of the Township Council are Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman (D, 2024), Matthew S. Adams (D, 2026), Elizabeth Stamler (D, 2026), and Roshan "Roc" White (D, 2026). In January 2021, the Township Council chose Suman Dahiya-Shah from
4232-415: The borough had a total of 26.35 miles (42.41 km) of roadways, of which 20.58 miles (33.12 km) were maintained by the municipality, 4.62 miles (7.44 km) by Union County and 1.15 miles (1.85 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . Route 28 (known in Fanwood as South Avenue) passes through the borough, connecting Plainfield and Scotch Plains . Another major thoroughfare
4324-405: The borough's 2010 Census population, 68.8% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 95.1% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% countywide). In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 2,164 votes (54.8% vs. 66.0% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 1,710 votes (43.3% vs. 32.3%) and other candidates with 49 votes (1.2% vs. 0.8%), among
4416-781: The building outright five years later. The Union County Vocational Technical Schools includes the Union County Magnet High School , the Academy for Information Technology , the Union County Academy for Allied Health Sciences , the Union County Academy for Performing Arts and the Vocational-Technical School. The grouping of different schools is for vocational as well as gifted students, publicly funded by
4508-678: The chief executive officer of borough government. The mayor presides over the borough council, appoints various boards and committees, oversees borough administration, and serves as the borough's ceremonial head. As of 2024 , the mayor of Fanwood Borough is Democrat Colleen M. Mahr, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Fanwood Borough Council are Council President Katherine Mitchell (D, 2025), Jeffrey Banks (D, 2026), Gina Berry (D, 2025), Anthony Carter (D, 2026), Erin A. McElroy-Barker (D, 2024), and Patricia Walsh (D, 2024). In January 2019, Jeffrey Banks
4600-556: The combined taxes of Union County municipalities. Union Catholic Regional High School (often abbreviated UC), a private Roman Catholic school, brings in students from Union County and parts of Essex and Middlesex counties and operates under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark . The Newark Archdiocese also supervises operation of the K–8 St. Bartholomew Academy. Union County College has
4692-408: 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 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
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#17327913719144784-593: The community, although a small group continue to live in their ancestral region, hoping to educate and bring to light their claims to the land, including Scotch Plains. The Ash Swamp in Scotch Plains was the scene of a key action in the Battle of Short Hills , on June 26, 1777, which included skirmishes as Washington's forces moved along Rahway Road in Scotch Plains toward the Watchung Mountains . An ancient house in Scotch Plains recalls those skirmishes and with
4876-601: The community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 27, 2004, for its significance in architecture, community planning and development, landscape architecture, and transportation. The district has 57 contributing buildings , including the Fanwood station , which was previously listed individually on the NRHP. A key contributing property, the Georgian Revival style Urner/Gibbs house
4968-667: 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
5060-619: The district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Howard B. Brunner Elementary School with 414 students in grades Pre-K–4, J. Ackerman Coles School with 552 students in grades Pre-K–4, Evergreen School with 402 students in grades Pre-K–4, William J. McGinn School with 512 students in grades K–4, School One with 395 students in grades Pre-K–4, Park Middle School with 909 students in grades 5–8, Terrill Middle School with 811 students in grades 5–8 and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School with 1,574 students in grades 9–12. As of May 2010 ,
5152-640: The district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on the population of the constituent districts, with seven seats assigned to Scotch Plains. Park Middle School was renamed in 2021 to honor Malcolm V. Nettingham, who had served with the Tuskegee Airmen . Shackamaxon School, was built in 1951 (the same year as Evergreen School) and operated until 1981, when it was leased to the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey as their Jewish Community Center and offices. The Federation bought
5244-537: The economic benefits of one-seat ride access to New York City since 1998. RVRC has succeeded in gaining one-seat rides during off peak hours during the week; there are nine trains in each direction where riders do not need to transfer at Newark Penn Station. The ultimate goal of RVRC is to extend such one-seat rides during rush hours, which would have been achieved with the Access to the Region's Core tunnel program, but this
5336-452: The event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. The borough council is Fanwood's legislative body and may pass, adopt, amend and repeal any ordinance or where permitted, any resolution, for any purpose required for
5428-628: The first African-American golf professional, led the 1892 U.S. Open in the final round before finishing fifth. The Shady Rest clubhouse hosted Cab Calloway and other greats as a local center for African-American culture in the 1920s and 1930s. It is preserved today as the Scotch Hills Municipal course. A much more complete history of the township can be found in the October 28, 1999, "Our Towns: Scotch Plains-Fanwood (2nd Annual)" issue of The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood , produced by
5520-421: The government of the municipality, and also controls and regulates the finances of the municipality. The council may investigate any activity of the municipality, remove any officer of the municipality for cause other than those excepted by law and shall have all the executive responsibilities of the municipality not placed by general law, in the office of the mayor. The mayor of Fanwood is responsible for serving as
5612-408: The incorporation of the borough, having first been established in 1890 with its first firehouse constructed in 1897. Fanwood 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
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#17327913719145704-624: The living area of the community. In 1778, the US ratified the first treaty with an American Indian tribe, the Treaty of Fort Pitt ; the treaty eventually fell apart, causing the inter-cultural relationship to rupture. Today, the Lenni-Lenape, now known as the Delaware Nation , are found in small regions across the US and Canada. A variety of treaties, conflicts, and migration have spread out
5796-425: 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 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
5888-588: The north. The township is accessible from major limited access highways in neighboring communities, such as Interstate 78 in both Watchung and Berkeley Heights , the Garden State Parkway in Clark and Interstate 287 in Edison Township . Scotch Plains is bisected by NJ Transit 's Raritan Valley Line , formerly the mainline of the Central Railroad of New Jersey . A passenger station
5980-473: 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 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
6072-434: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 8,349 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
6164-431: The population were under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 89.3 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
6256-431: The population were under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 29.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.3 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
6348-418: The population. Of the 2,627 households, 41.0% had children under the age of 18; 68.7% were married couples living together; 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 21.2% were non-families. Of all households, 18.8% 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 2.78 and the average family size was 3.19. 27.7% of
6440-489: The population. Among Fanwood residents, 23.2% identified as being of Italian ancestry, 23.0% as being of Irish ancestry and 20.6% as having German ancestry. There were 2,574 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.2% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who
6532-416: The population. Of the 8,595 households, 37.4% had children under the age of 18; 62.6% were married couples living together; 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.2% were non-families. Of all households, 21.7% were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.20. 25.9% of
6624-438: 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 the program. There are a total of 240 townships in the state, including: Fanwood, New Jersey Fanwood is a borough in Union County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Located on
6716-413: The results of the November 2012 general elections. The redistricting plan that went into effect in 2013 put 1,091 residents from the extreme northernmost portion of the township into the 7th District, with the remaining 22,419 put into the 12th District. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D , Ewing Township ). For
6808-435: 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 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
6900-489: The town's newspaper of record at the time as well as on the township's website. The ancestors of many residents immigrated from the area of Montazzoli , Italy, as part of a wave of Italian immigrants who arrived in the area in the early 20th century. In recognition of this longstanding connection, the township established "Montazzoli Plaza" in October 2015 in front of the Italian American Club. According to
6992-467: 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) 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,
7084-485: The township include Alton, Goodmans, Graceland, Two Bridges and Willow Grove. The Robinson's Branch of the Rahway River additionally flows through Scotch Plains en route to the Robinson's Branch Reservoir . Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Scotch Plains as the most affordable suburb in New Jersey in its 2009 report. The 2010 United States census counted 23,510 people, 8,595 households, and 6,429 families in
7176-688: The township include: Scotch Plains is governed within the Faulkner Act , formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, under the Council-Manager form of New Jersey municipal government. The township is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the four-member Township Council. Council members are elected at-large in partisan elections to serve four-year terms of office on
7268-408: The township was $ 81,599, and the median income for a family was $ 96,238. Males had a median income of $ 63,648 versus $ 43,714 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 39,913. 3.0% of the population and 2.0% of families were below the poverty line . Out of the total population, 2.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Parks in
7360-405: The township's 2010 Census population, 68.0% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 91.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% countywide). In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 6,801 votes (54.8% vs. 66.0% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 5,394 votes (43.5% vs. 32.3%) and other candidates with 135 votes (1.1% vs. 0.8%), among
7452-471: The township. The population density was 2,606.9 per square mile (1,006.5/km). There were 8,896 housing units at an average density of 986.4 per square mile (380.9/km). The racial makeup was 77.43% (18,203) White , 11.08% (2,605) Black or African American , 0.12% (29) Native American , 7.65% (1,799) Asian , 0.01% (2) Pacific Islander , 1.39% (327) from other races , and 2.32% (545) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.73% (1,582) of
7544-460: The tracks (eastbound platform). The station provides service to Newark Penn Station , and from there to Hoboken Terminal or Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan . Currently riders can take one seat rides to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan during rush hour on weekdays, with transfer at Newark Penn Station required to reach to New York Penn Station at all other times, including weekends. The Raritan Valley Railroad Coalition has been promoting
7636-548: The vote (1,503 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 39.3% (1,003 votes), and other candidates with 1.9% (49 votes), among the 2,604 ballots cast by the borough's 5,151 registered voters (49 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 50.6%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 1,468 votes (50.2% vs. 41.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 1,140 votes (39.0% vs. 50.6%), Independent Chris Daggett with 276 votes (9.4% vs. 5.9%) and other candidates with 16 votes (0.5% vs. 0.8%), among
7728-425: Was $ 104,873 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 6,397) and the median family income was $ 126,138 (+/− $ 7,410). Males had a median income of $ 90,016 (+/− $ 11,033) versus $ 66,022 (+/− $ 5,055) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 52,488 (+/− $ 3,094). About 1.3% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over. As of
7820-426: Was $ 127,450 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 8,852) and the median family income was $ 135,833 (+/− $ 6,654). Males had a median income of $ 92,262 (+/− $ 13,007) versus $ 62,845 (+/− $ 6,933) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 43,194 (+/− $ 2,939). About 0.6% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including none of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over. As of
7912-410: Was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.16. In the township the population was distributed with 25.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males. The median income for a household in
8004-455: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.13. In the borough the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males. The median income for
8096-408: Was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that had been held by Russell Huegel until he resigned from office to accept the position as the borough's municipal attorney. The Fanwood Fire Department is a volunteer fire department with 30 members that operate out of one fire station. The department has two engines, one quint and a chief's vehicle. The Fanwood Volunteer Fire Company predates
8188-504: Was built in 1894 by Benjamin Urner, as a wedding gift for his daughter who had married William M. Gibbs. According to the United States Census Bureau , the borough had a total area of 1.34 square miles (3.47 km ), all of which was land. The borough is bordered by Plainfield in the southwest and by Scotch Plains in all other directions. The Robinsons Branch of the Rahway River additionally flows through Fanwood en route to
8280-617: Was elected to serve the balance of the term of office. The Chief of Police is Jeffrey Briel. The Deputy Police Chief is Al Sellinger. Scotch Plains is split between the 7th and 12th Congressional Districts and is part of New Jersey's 22nd state legislative district. Prior to the 2010 Census, all of Scotch Plains had been part of the 7th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on
8372-441: Was first settled by Europeans, including many Scottish Quakers , as early as 1684. The name is said to have come from George Scott, a leader of a group of Scottish settlers. It later served as a stop on the stage coach line between New York City and Philadelphia . The Lenni Lenape were significantly impacted by the establishment of colonies in the 17th century, with colonists taking up a large majority of land that had once been
8464-569: 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 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
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