Randolph, New Jersey

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For the former Randolph Township in Burlington County, see Randolph Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.
Randolph Township, New Jersey
Official seal of Randolph Township, New Jersey
Seal
Randolph Township highlighted in Morris County. Inset map: Morris County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Randolph Township highlighted in Morris County. Inset map: Morris County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Randolph, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Randolph, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°50′52″N 74°34′29″W / 40.84778, -74.57472
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Morris
Incorporated January 1, 1806
Government
 - Type Faulkner Act (Council-Manager)
 - Mayor Michael Obremski (2008)
Area
 - Total 21.1 sq mi (54.6 km²)
 - Land 21.0 sq mi (54.3 km²)
 - Water 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²)
Elevation [1] 1,010 ft (308 m)
Population (2006)[2]
 - Total 25,736
 - Density 1,185.2/sq mi (457.6/km²)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code 07869
Area code(s) 973
FIPS code 34-61890[3]
GNIS feature ID 0882201[4]
Website: http://www.randolphnj.org

Randolph is a Township in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 24,847.

Randolph was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 1, 1806, from portions of Mendham Township. Portions of the township were taken on April 1, 1869, to create Dover Town within the township, which became an independent municipality in 1896. Other portions of the township were taken to create Port Oram (June 26, 1895, now Wharton), Mine Hill Township (March 2, 1923) and Victory Gardens (June 20, 1951).[5]

Contents

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 21.1 square miles (54.6 km²) of which 21.0 square miles (54.3 km²) consists of land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) (0.57%) is made up of water.

New York City is approximately 56 km (35 mi) or a 45 minute commute from Randolph. Atlantic City is 209 km (130 mi) or 2 hours away (Source: Google Maps)

Randolph is located within the New Jersey Highlands, one of New Jersey's four major physiographic provinces. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the Highlands are characterized by alternating flat-topped ridges and deep-striking valleys.

Land in Randolph runs from 551 to 1,120 feet (340 m) above sea level. Route 10 bisects the town, and country roads wind through woods, along streams, and up and down hills. Open land is preserved by both municipal and county parkland within the town boundaries.

[edit] Demographics

Historical populations
Census Pop.  %±
1930 2,165
—
1940 2,160 -0.2%
1950 4,293 98.8%
1960 7,295 * 69.9%
1970 13,296 82.3%
1980 17,828 34.1%
1990 19,974 12.0%
2000 24,847 24.4%
Est. 2006 25,736 [2] 3.6%
* lost territory
Population 1930 - 1990.[6]
Sign on Patriots Path
Sign on Patriots Path

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 24,847 people, 8,679 households, and 6,804 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,185.2 people per square mile (457.7/km²). There were 8,903 housing units at an average density of 424.7/sq mi (164.0/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 85.70% White, 2.30% African American, 0.06% Native American, 9.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.31% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.86% of the population.

There were 8,679 households out of which 44.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the township the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $97,589, and the median income for a family was $115,722. Males had a median income of $80,120 versus $45,455 for females. The per capita income for the township was $43,072. About 1.0% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Background

Randolph's beginnings predate the creation of Morris County, New Jersey. Hartshorne Fitz-Randolph bought 1,000 acres (4 km²) of what would become the township in the Mine Hill area in 1753.

There are several sections of Randolph, including Mount Freedom, Center Grove, Fernbrook, Ironia, and Shongum. (Source: Daily Record)

Randolph Township's 22 square miles (57 km²) in western Morris County have been designated half rural, half suburban by the New Jersey State Planning Commission.

The town was inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, settled by Quakers, and served as a supply point for George Washington's army during their winter in nearby Jockey Hollow. Randolph Historical Society has preserved this heritage in the Museum of Old Randolph. One of Randolph's oldest streets, Gristmill Road, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is believed the area of Randolph known as Mount Freedom was so-named by George Washington who would ride from his headquarters down at Morristown up the mountain to contemplate the war. From the top a person can see almost to NYC on a clear day; prior to 9/11 it was possible to see the Twin Towers if conditions were right.

Randolph became a vacation haven in the early part of the 20th century, known for its woods, ponds, lakes and invigorating air. Through the 1950s, farms, large hotels and bungalow colonies dotted the community. Performers like Phil Silvers, Frank Sinatra and Jan Pierce appeared at the hotels. Boxers Max Baer, Floyd Patterson, James J. Braddock and Rocky Marciano trained or fought at Salz's Hotel on the corner of Sussex Turnpike and West Hanover Avenue. The Salz's Hotel later turned into a vacant building used by drug addicts, and burned down in the late eighties.

Randolph's 24 township historical landmarks range from the 276-year old Liberty Tree through the 1869 Bryant Distillery (famed for its apple jack) to the 1924 Millbrook School, now rehabilitated and in use as offices.

Temperatures range, in an average year, from the low 20s in February to the mid-90s fahrenheit in August.

[edit] Government

[edit] Local government

The Township Council is the legislative body of Randolph. Randolph's Council-Manager form of government under the Faulkner Act calls for the partisan, at-large election of seven Township Council members, elected to four-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either three or four seats up for election every other year. The council selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor, at a reorganization meeting conducted each year.[7]

The council represents the public and develops and adopts policies, resolves public issues, formulates township policy through motions, resolutions and ordinances which reflect the needs of the public, and maintains a working knowledge of intergovernmental issues and how they will affect the Township of Randolph. Thirteen separate advisory boards and committees assist policy formulation of the council.

The Township Council is similar to a corporate board of directors and is assisted by the Township Attorney, who prepares ordinances and advises on legal issues, the Township Clerk, who prepares resolutions, and the Township Manager, who functions much like the CEO of a corporation.

Members of the Randolph Township Council for 2008 are Mayor Allen Napoliello (term ends December 31, 2010), Deputy Mayor Edward A. Metz (2010), Gary Algeier (2008), Jay Alpert (2010), Trina Ruane Mitsch (2008), Michael Obremski (2008) and Arlene Price (2010).[8]

[edit] Federal, state and county representation

Randolph Township is in the Eleventh Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 25th Legislative District.[9]

New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District, covering western portions of Essex County, all of Morris County, and sections of Passaic County, Somerset County and Sussex County, is represented by Rodney Frelinghuysen (R, Harding Township). New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).

For the 2008-2009 Legislative Session, the 25th District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Anthony Bucco (R, Boonton) and in the Assembly by Michael Patrick Carroll (R, Morris Plains) and Richard A. Merkt (R, Brookside).[10] The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).[11]

Morris County is governed by a seven-member Board of Chosen Freeholders, who are elected to three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two or three seats up for election each year.[12] As of 2008, Morris County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Margaret Nordstrom, Deputy Freeholder Director Gene F. Feyl, Douglas R. Cabana, William J. Chegwidden, John J. Murphy, James W. Murray and Jack J. Schrier.[13]

[edit] Education

The Randolph Township Schools educate children in public school for kindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as special-needs preschoolers. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[14]) are the four K-5 elementary schools: Center Grove Elementary School (626 students), Fernbrook Elementary School (610 students), Ironia Elementary School (632 students), and Shongum Elementary School (661 students)). Randolph Middle School educates children in grades 6-8 (1,354 students)) and Randolph High School for grades 9-12 (1,663 students).

The main campus of the County College of Morris is located in Randolph Township.

The Hebrew Academy of Morris County is a coeducational Jewish day school serving approximately 225 children in nursery school through grade eight.


[edit] Transportation

With Route 10, Dover-Chester Road County Route 513, and Sussex Turnpike County Route 617 passing through township lines, and Route 24, Interstate 287, Interstate 80, and Interstate 280 nearby, the average commute to work is 27 minutes. (Source: Randolph Township Website)

Parts of the town are served by the Morris County Metro #2 which provides service from the college to the Dover, Morris Plains and Morristown train stations as well as shopping and employment destinations.

[edit] Community

The community of Randolph Township is largely based around organized events, including high school sports, senior citizen gatherings, and various group activities. These events are necessary, as there is no real "town" area of Randolph for people to convene at. There is a public library, with regularly scheduled reading groups and other programs. Many citizens are involved in Randolph's Senior Citizen Center, where games, get-togethers and other exciting activities are hosted. The Brundage Park Playhouse shows plays, and musicals with youth and adult performers alike.

In the schools, there are pre-high school track, football and soccer teams, Wrestling, and other sports. Randolph is represented in regional athletic conferences, such as the Iron Hills Conference. The Randolph High School varsity ice hockey team won the public school state championships in 2003, 2006, and 2007. In 2006 they beat Morris Knolls for the championship and in 2007 they beat Morris Knolls in the semi-finals and beat Bridgewater-Raritan in the finals. In terms of recreation, there are many programs available for children, teenagers and adults.

Randolph is also well known for its scholastic forensics program, wrestling, cross country and track & field, and music programs, as well as its Little League baseball teams. Randolph's 2007 12-year old Little League team are state champions that went to Bristol, Connecticut and were one win away from being on ESPN and two from participating in the Little League World Series.

Randolph's 2010 High school class was back-to-back Babe Ruth Northern New Jersey State Champions (2005-2006). Also, the Randolph 14U travel softball team came in second place for the state championships in Hoboken.

[edit] Incidents

A 2005 Morris County drug sweep targeted numerous Randolph residents, including students of the High School. The $1-million-a-year ring was run out of a restaurant kitchen in Randolph, with four people arrested and "several kilos" of cocaine seized.[15]

In 2005, 16 year old Jennifer Parks was murdered in her 18 year old next door neighbor, Jonathan Zarate's home. Zarate was later charged for the murdering and dismemberment of Parks.[16]

On May 30th 2008 West Dover Vermont police raided an unsupervised party attended by 110 teenagers from Randolph. 62 of the teens are facing underage drinking charges (possession of malt beverages). 18 kegs and five cases of beer were also confiscated by police. -As reported by www.boston.com

[edit] Notable residents

[edit] References

  1. ^ USGS GNIS: Township of Randolph, Geographic Names Information System, accessed January 4, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Census data for Randolph township, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2007.
  3. ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  4. ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  5. ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 196.
  6. ^ Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.
  7. ^ 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 116.
  8. ^ 2008 Township Council Roster, Randolph Township. Accessed February 3, 2008.
  9. ^ 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 63. Accessed August 30, 2006.
  10. ^ Legislative Roster: 2008-2009 Session, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  11. ^ About the Governor, New Jersey. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  12. ^ What is a Freeholder?, Morris County, New Jersey. Accessed February 6, 2008.
  13. ^ Meet the Freeholders, Morris County, New Jersey. Accessed February 6, 2008.
  14. ^ Data for the Randolph Township Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed March 3, 2008.
  15. ^ Hampton couple among 120 people in four counties arrested on cocaine charges, New Jersey Herald, November 22, 2005.
  16. ^ [1], CBS News, August 2, 2005.
  17. ^ AsianAthlete Profile
  18. ^ "Kwan may go for gold in '06", The Record (Bergen County), January 7, 2004. Accessed August 9, 2007. "Kendra Goodwin of Randolph and her partner Brent Bommentre of Hatboro Horsham, Pa., placed sixth in the first dance event, and moved up to fourth place in the overall standings after finishing fourth in the original dance event."
  19. ^ Chessari, Joe. "WHERE'S WHAT'S-HIS-NAME", The Record (Bergen County), December 21, 1991. "Howatt, who has lived in Randolph since 1984..."
  20. ^ a b Cahillane, Kevin. "Homegrown: A Stoner Comedy Straight Out of Randolph", The New York Times, August 15, 2004. Accessed May 2, 2007. "ABSTRACT - Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who grew up in Randolph, discuss their movie Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, about two young Jerseyans in search of White Castle nirvana..."
  21. ^ Parros '03 relishes job as an NHL enforcer, Daily Princetonian, April 26, 2006. "His family, which lives in Randolph, N.J., thought it would be nice if he were nearby, though the decision to attend Princeton was ultimately his."
  22. ^ Manochio, Matt. "Oscar night 'Incredible' for Randolph grad: Work on animated film nominated for sound award", Daily Record (Morristown), March 3, 2005. Accessed May 2, 2007. "The 1991 Randolph High School graduate was nominated, along with two colleagues, for an Academy Award for his sound mixing work on the animated movie "The Incredibles." ...Rizzo stayed in Randolph and Paragano moved to Bernardsville, but the two remained close in high school and each found a path to the sound studio."

[edit] External links

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Municipalities and communities of
Morris County, New Jersey
County seat: Morristown
Boroughs
Map of New Jersey highlighting Morris County
Towns
Townships
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Communities