text:
Iselin, New Jersey

Iselin is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Woodbridge Township, in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States census, Iselin's population was 18,695.

Previously known as Perrytown and Unionville, Iselin received its current name after New York City investment banker and philanthropist Adrian Iselin, who established a finishing school in the 1870s for girls from wealthy New York families there. Iselin additionally subsidized the erection of a new train station which was replaced by a newer station to the south known as Metropark. The largest bordering town of Iselin is Edison.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Iselin had a total area of 3.190 mi2, including 3.189 mi2 of land and 0.001 mi2 of water (0.03%).

Downtown area
Iselin's downtown is centered on Little India (also known as "Oak Tree Road"), bound by the Garden State Parkway to the West, and Route 27 (Lincoln Highway) to the East. Once home to a wide array of shops, eateries, services, and complemented by a single-screen 1920s movie palace, the area was in obvious decline in the 1980s. An influx of Asian-Indian immigration beginning in the early 1990s led to the area's revitalization. Formerly vacant stores were tenanted, and additional retail spaces built as the area became known for its high quality Indian food, sweets, clothing (particularly saris), jewelry, music, and other goods.

Metropark
An area known as Metropark, consisting primarily of office parks and large office buildings, lies in the southwestern corner of Iselin and spills over into neighboring Edison. NJ Transit and Amtrak's Metropark station is named for this area.

In addition to a Hilton Hotel (now known as Hotel Woodbridge at Metropark) and the train station, Metropark also features the headquarters of Ansell Limited, Engelhard Corporation (acquired by BASF in 2006) and Eaton Corporation's Filtration Division. Other corporate residents in the area include Siemens, Tata Consultancy Services, Mott MacDonald, Ernst & Young, Mizuho, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, Level 3 Communications, BT Group, UBS, Anthem, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, Ansell, and EisnerAmper.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 18,695 people, 6,445 households, and 4,892 families in the CDP. The population density was 5861.5 /mi2. There were 6,718 housing units at an average density of 2106.3 /mi2. The racial makeup was 41.47% (7,753) White, 6.72% (1,257) Black or African American, 0.33% (62) Native American, 46.12% (8,623) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 2.26% (423) from other races, and 3.09% (577) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.12% (1,332) of the population.

Of the 6,445 households, 33.2% had children under the age of 18; 62.4% were married couples living together; 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present and 24.1% were non-families. Of all households, 20.7% were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.39.

21.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.8 males.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 16,698 people, 6,007 households, and 4,511 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,059.8 /km2. There were 6,137 housing units at an average density of 757.0 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 64.65% White, 6.02% African American, 0.12% Native American, 25.16% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races, and 2.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.47% of the population.

There were 6,007 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% 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 3.24.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,424, and the median income for a family was $71,913. Males had a median income of $50,145 versus $36,131 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,793. About 1.9% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

South Asian community
Iselin hosts one of the region's main centers of Indian American cultural diversity. The growing Little India is a South Asian-focused commercial strip in Middlesex County, the U.S. county with the highest concentration of Asian Indians. The Oak Tree Road strip runs for about one-and-a-half miles through Iselin and neighboring Edison Township, near the area's sprawling Chinatown and Koreatown, running along New Jersey Route 27. The zone is the largest and most diverse South Asian cultural hub in the United States. In Middlesex County, election ballots are printed in English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, and Punjabi. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, 42.6% of Iselin residents identified themselves as being Indian American, the highest percentage for any census-designated place in the United States.

Education
Iselin public school students attend the schools of the Woodbridge Township School District. Indiana Avenue School #18, Kennedy Park School #24, Robert Mascenik School #26, and Oak Tree Road School #29 are located in Iselin as well as Iselin Middle School and John F. Kennedy Memorial High School.

When it opened in 2018, Oak Tree Road School #29 was the first new public school in Woodbridge in nearly 50 years, although the building was formerly occupied by the St. Cecelia's Church parish school (affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen).

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Iselin include:
 * Tom DeSanto (born 1968), film producer and screenwriter best known for his work with long-time friend Bryan Singer, especially with his contributions to the first two X-Men movies
 * Robbie E (born 1983), professional wrestler with Impact Wrestling on POP TV
 * Chris Smith (born 1953), U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 4th congressional district since 1981
 * James Swann (born 1964), serial killer whose random drive-by shotgun shootings in Washington, D.C. in 1993 earned him the nickname "The Shotgun Stalker" in the press

title: Iselin, New Jersey


text:
Jamesburg, New Jersey

Jamesburg is a borough in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 5,783, a decrease of 132 (−2.2%) from the 2010 census count of 5,915,  which in turn reflected a decline of 110 (−1.8%) from the 6,025 counted in the 2000 census.

History
Jamesburg was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 19, 1887, when it was created from portions of Monroe Township, based on the results of a referendum held on March 15, 1887. Jamesburg's incorporation was confirmed on April 15, 1915.

The borough was named for James Buckelew, who established a mill that became the nucleus of what is now Jamesburg. After Monroe Township officials refused to admit an African-American student into one of its schools, Buckelew funded the construction of a school located at the corner of Church Street and Gatzmer Avenue that would be open to all children. The school was named in his honor and became the derivation of the borough's name.

On July 17, 2005, approximately 7 to 8 in of rain fell in Jamesburg, flooding areas on West Railroad Avenue, East Church Street, Pergola Avenue, Willow Street, Forsgate Drive, and Gatzmer Avenue. Roughly 75 to 100 families were evacuated from their homes and housed at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.89 square miles (2.31 km2), including 0.88 square miles (2.29 km2) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.02 km2) of water (0.90%).

The borough is the older and more urban core area located in the center of and completely surrounded by Monroe Township,  making it part of 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" in the state, where one municipality entirely surrounds another.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 5,915 people, 2,172 households, and 1,492 families in the borough. The population density was 6,741.8 per square mile (2,603.0/km2). There were 2,267 housing units at an average density of 2,583.9 per square mile (997.6/km2). The racial makeup was 73.90% (4,371) White, 8.84% (523) Black or African American, 0.85% (50) Native American, 4.53% (268) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 9.42% (557) from other races, and 2.47% (146) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.38% (1,324) of the population.

Of the 2,172 households, 36.0% had children under the age of 18; 51.0% were married couples living together; 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.3% were non-families. Of all households, 25.8% were made up of individuals and 7.1% 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 3.26.

25.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 102.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 100.7 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $52,169 (with a margin of error of +/− $10,781) and the median family income was $69,531 (+/− $13,862). Males had a median income of $49,615 (+/− $9,412) versus $50,164 (+/− $5,717) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $28,668 (+/− $3,584). About 4.9% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 6,025 people, 2,176 households, and 1,551 families residing in the borough. The population density was 7,148.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,240 housing units at an average density of 2,657.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the borough was 82.82% White, 8.83% African American, 0.20% Native American, 2.22% Asian, 3.80% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.06% of the population.

There were 2,176 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $59,461, and the median income for a family was $67,887. Males had a median income of $45,019 versus $33,333 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $23,325. About 3.0% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation

Thompson Park, covering 675 acre, is located on the south western edge of Jamesburg and is also partially located in neighboring Monroe Township. The 30 acre Manalapan Lake is located on the eastern edge of the park. The park in total has four tennis courts, four basketball courts, two handball courts, three baseball fields, a softball field, many soccer fields, multiple picnic groves equipped with grills, three hiking/biking trails, fishing, animal haven, and a gazebo. The park has three entrances. Two are located on Perrineville Road, and one is located on Forsgate Drive. Monroe Township Soccer Club hosts a tournament every year on the soccer fields that are located in the park.

Local government
Jamesburg 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. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to 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 Jamesburg 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 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 mayor of the Borough of Jamesburg is Republican Thomas Gibbons, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Gibbons ousted Democratic Mayor Marlene Lowande, who had been mayor since 2012. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Thomas Emens (D, 2025), Tom Goletz (D, 2026), Bertin Lefkovic (D, 2026), Samantha Rampacek (D, 2025), Shannon Spillane (R, 2024) and Brian Taylor (R, 2024).

In December 2022, Thomas Goletz was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2023 that had been held by Daria Ludas until her death the previous month.

Federal, state and county representation
Jamesburg is located in the 12th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 14th state legislative district.

Politics
Election results: As of March 2011, there were a total of 2,996 registered voters in Jamesburg, of which 935 (31.2%) were registered as Democrats, 450 (15.0%) were registered as Republicans and 1,611 (53.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.

In the 2016 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump received 50.9% of the vote (1,022 cast), ahead of Democrat Hillary Clinton, who received 45.3% of the vote (909 cast).

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 58.4% of the vote (1,103 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 40.1% (757 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (29 votes), among the 1,906 ballots cast by the borough's 2,998 registered voters (17 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 63.6%.

In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 55.7% of the vote (1,172 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 42.0% (884 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (29 votes), among the 2,104 ballots cast by the borough's 3,075 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.4%.

In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Republican Kim Guadagno received 50.5% of the vote (548 votes), ahead of Democrat Phil Murphy, who received 47.0% of the vote (510 votes).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 63.9% of the vote (762 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 34.3% (409 votes), and other candidates with 1.8% (22 votes), among the 1,201 ballots cast by the borough's 3,010 registered voters (8 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 39.9%.

In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 54.7% of the vote (752 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 35.1% (482 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.9% (108 votes) and other candidates with 1.5% (20 votes), among the 1,374 ballots cast by the borough's 2,952 registered voters, yielding a 46.5% turnout.

Scandal
In 1993-1994 there was a major state investigation into allegations of corruption by borough officials conducted by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation: "The Commission launched an investigation into the governmental operations of the Borough of Jamesburg, Middlesex County, in February 1993 after receiving numerous citizen complaints of corruption at the hands of key municipal officials. In a November 1994 report, the Commission revealed a systemic pattern of official misconduct, nepotism and abuse of the public trust so pervasive as to cause local budgetary hardships and jeopardize the local police department. The probe prompted the departure of longtime Borough Tax Assessor Carmen Pirre, spurred a Treasury Department audit and paved the way for wholesale municipal reforms. Richard Gardiner, director of the state Division of Taxation, stated in a February 27, 1995 letter: "This case is a prime example of governmental agencies working in a cooperative and efficient manner to accomplish common goals and to achieve worthwhile objectives."

Education
The Jamesburg Public Schools serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 664 students and 64.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.2:1. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are John F. Kennedy Elementary School with 463 students in grades Pre-K–5 and Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School with 193 students in grades 6–8.

Jamesburg High School, founded in 1905, graduated its last class in June 1979. Since 1980, Jamesburg's high school students attend Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Monroe Township School District. As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 2,474 students and 184.1 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.4:1.

With annual tuition costs per student at Monroe Township High School rising past $16,000 as the Monroe district has added debt service costs into their tuition charges, the Jamesburg Public Schools looked for an alternate high school in the area to send students at lower cost, which would have started with the freshman class in 2012–2013, though students already enrolled at Monroe Township High School would continue their attendance there until they graduate. The Jamesburg district contacted 18 districts and received interest from high schools in the Freehold Regional High School District, Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District, Old Bridge Township Public Schools, South Amboy Public Schools and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, which had been sent demographic information in July 2011 about the Jamesburg high school population as part of their review process. By October 2011, the district decided to maintain sending students to Monroe Township, as had been done since 1979.

Eighth-grade students from all of Middlesex County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at Middlesex County Academy in Edison, the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge Township and at its East Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Piscataway technical high schools, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 16.53 mi of roadways, of which 11.67 mi were maintained by the municipality and 4.86 mi by Middlesex County.

No Interstate, U.S. or state highways serve Jamesburg directly. The only major roads that pass through are county routes, including County Route 522, County Route 612, County Route 615 and County Route 625 (Perrineville Road).

The closest limited access road is the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) at Exit 8A in surrounding Monroe Township. Route 612 provides a connection between the Turnpike/Route 32 and CR 520.

Public transportation
In the 19th & 20th centuries, Jamesburg Borough and Monroe Township had a major railway in the area, which was the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad. This railway was owned and operated by the Camden & Amboy Railroad Company (C&A), in which surveying for the line began on September 8, 1851, grading began on October 19, 1852, and the first track was laid on April 4, 1853. The first section of line was opened on July 18, 1853. The establishment of the Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad caused this region to become a transportation hub. The Freehold and Jamesburg Railroad was abandoned by the early 1930s. A 2.8 mi portion of the former railroad's right-of-way was later approved to be sold by the New Jersey Board of Public Utility Commissioners (PUC) to Jersey Central Power & Light Company in 1966, with occasional freight service still being utilized through the Freehold Industrial Track.

Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT) shuttles provide service to and from Jamesburg on routes operating across the county. The M1 route operates between Jamesburg and the New Brunswick train station and the M2 Route connects Jamesburg, Helmetta, and Spotswood with East Brunswick including the Brunswick Square Mall.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Jamesburg include:

 * Harrison Woodhull Crosby (1814–1892), in 1847 became the first to can tomatoes
 * Reed Gusciora (born 1960), politician who previously served in the General Assembly from 1996 to 2018 representing the 15th Legislative District. and is currently the mayor of Trenton
 * Frankie Hayes (1914–1955), catcher in Major League Baseball from 1933 to 1947 who played for the Philadelphia Athletics for most of his career
 * George Edward Pendray (1901–1987), space flight proponent

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Jamesburg, New Jersey


text:
Kendall Park, New Jersey

Kendall Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within South Brunswick Township, in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP's population was 9,339. Kendall Park has a post office with its own ZIP Code (08824) that encompasses the entire CDP, as well as some surrounding areas.

Kendall Park gets its name from its builder, Herbert Kendall, who developed a planned community of 1,500 houses between 1956 and 1961. Kendall's development was built in three stages: the initial development in 1956-7 (between New Road and Sand Hill Road), the Constable development in 1959 (south of New Road), followed by the Greenbrook development (north of Sand Hill Road) in 1961. The initial development offered two styles of 3-bedroom, 1½ bath ranch-style homes, mostly built on 1/3 acre lots, typically selling for around $16,000 in 1957. The subsequent sections offered a wider selection of styles, including 4-bedroom ranches and 4-bedroom colonial-style homes. The development of Kendall Park doubled the population of South Brunswick Township and marked the beginning of its transformation from a rural farming area to a suburban bedroom community. Several other nearby tracts developed after Kendall's original development are also part of the CDP.

The Hoagland-Clark House, which dates back to the late 18th century, is a remnant of the earlier era, and was identified by Preservation New Jersey as one of the most vulnerable landmarks in New Jersey.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 3.704 mi2, including 3.702 mi2 of land and 0.002 mi2 of water (0.06%).

U.S. Route 1 passes through the eastern edge of the town. New Jersey Route 27 passes through the western edge.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 9,339 people, 3,135 households, and 2,508 families in the CDP. The population density was 2522.6 /mi2. There were 3,198 housing units at an average density of 863.8 /mi2. The racial makeup was 65.48% (6,115) White, 5.21% (487) Black or African American, 0.18% (17) Native American, 25.08% (2,342) Asian, 0.02% (2) Pacific Islander, 1.73% (162) from other races, and 2.29% (214) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.78% (633) of the population.

Of the 3,135 households, 43.7% had children under the age of 18; 68.5% were married couples living together; 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 20.0% were non-families. Of all households, 17.2% were made up of individuals and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.39.

27.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.9 males.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 9,006 people, 3,013 households, and 2,431 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 934.7 /km2. There were 3,094 housing units at an average density of 321.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 79.31% White, 4.53% African American, 0.02% Native American, 13.19% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.97% from other races, and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.34% of the population.

There were 3,013 households, out of which 45.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.7% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $74,438, and the median income for a family was $82,324. Males had a median income of $59,955 versus $40,146 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,986. About 2.0% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Cambridge, Constable, Greenbrook, and Brunswick Acres are all elementary schools located within Kendall Park that are part of the South Brunswick Public Schools.

St. Augustine of Canterbury School is PreK-8 elementary school operating under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. In 2016, the school was one of ten schools in New Jersey, and one of private schools, recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education, a recognition celebrating excellence in academics.

title: Kendall Park, New Jersey


text:
Kingston, New Jersey

Kingston is an unincorporated community and census designated place (CDP) along the border of South Brunswick Township in Middlesex County and Franklin Township in Somerset County, and also located relatively near Princeton in Mercer County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The historic settlement is in the Raritan Valley region, located along the course of the Millstone River. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP's population was 1,493, of which 1,222 were in South Brunswick Township and 271 in Franklin Township.

The New Jersey State Planning Commission created the Kingston Village Advisory Committee in 2001 to address issues related to this distinct area. Both South Brunswick and Franklin appoint members to the committee, which holds an annual meeting to discuss issues pertinent to the Kingston area. Kingston is (so far) unique as the only village center that has been officially designated by the New Jersey State Planning Commission.

Kingston is located in five historic districts and is part of the Millstone River Valley Scenic Byway. The Delaware and Raritan Canal and Rockingham State Historic Site are a short distance away.

History
Jediah Higgins purchased 1000 acre from the Native Americans in the early 18th century and the town of Kingston was established. Kingston's location on the Lenape Assunpink Trail where it crossed the Millstone River and later becoming part of the King's Highway was the prime factor in its early prominence. Kingston was by far the most active and important village, being situated on both the heavily traveled King's Road and Millstone River, combining commercial activities of both mills and taverns.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 2.326 mi2, of which, 2.238 mi2 of it was land and 0.088 mi2 of it (3.80%) was water.

Middlesex County portion
The 2010 United States census counted 1,222 people, 533 households, and 303 families in the CDP. The population density was 1396.4 /mi2. There were 566 housing units at an average density of 646.8 /mi2. The racial makeup was 71.28% (871) White, 6.30% (77) Black or African American, 0.25% (3) Native American, 14.73% (180) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 5.32% (65) from other races, and 2.13% (26) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.64% (130) of the population.

Of the 533 households, 26.1% had children under the age of 18; 47.8% were married couples living together; 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 43.2% were non-families. Of all households, 37.5% were made up of individuals and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 3.10.

22.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.6 males.

Somerset County portion
The 2010 United States census counted 271 people, 124 households, and 81 families in the CDP. The population density was 198.9 /mi2. There were 126 housing units at an average density of 92.5 /mi2. The racial makeup was 94.10% (255) White, 2.58% (7) Black or African American, 0.00% (0) Native American, 2.21% (6) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.74% (2) from other races, and 0.37% (1) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.54% (15) of the population.

Of the 124 households, 23.4% had children under the age of 18; 52.4% were married couples living together; 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 34.7% were non-families. Of all households, 28.2% were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.68.

16.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 103.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.8 males.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 1,292 people, 561 households, and 315 families living in the CDP. The population density was 554.3 /km2. There were 576 housing units at an average density of 247.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 74.07% White, 8.05% African American, 0.62% Native American, 10.06% Asian, 4.33% from other races, and 2.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.69% of the population.

There were 561 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.7% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,962, and the median income for a family was $80,242. Males had a median income of $56,371 versus $46,250 for females. The per capita income for Kingston was $34,457. None of the families and 1.0% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Kingston Presbyterian Church
The Kingston Presbyterian Church was organized in 1723 and was initially located in a log building adjacent to the Millstone River. The old tombstones surround the site where the church once stood in the Kingston Cemetery. The Reverend Eleazer Wales was the first recorded minister of the church. The original church building in the cemetery burned down in 1791, and new building was erected in 1792 on the original foundation. The congregation used this building until 1852, when the larger building on Main Street in Kingston was constructed on land purchased from Elijah Stout. In 1853, the church building in the cemetery was sold and was later dismantled. Two additions were constructed on the 1852 site. Sunday school rooms were added to the back of the structure in the late 1940s. In the late 1980s another addition was added which added a new kitchen facility, additional space in the assembly room, pastors study and office.

The church suffered through some difficult times during the remainder of the 1700s. During this period, Princeton University was built and the village of Princeton expanded, while the population of Kingston declined. (At that time, Kingston extended as far as Snowden Lane.) Consequently, the church lost many members to the "new" Presbyterian Church down the road in Princeton.

It was also during this time that the Revolutionary War was fought in the area, and British officers were quartered in local homes. Gen. Washington became a recognizable figure in the Kingston area at the time. Not only did he lead his troops past the church to escape Cornwallis, but he also had his headquarters hardly a mile from the church while the Continental Congress sat in Nassau Hall.

In 1800, the Kingston Presbyterian Church began a period of prosperity and growth, which continues to this day. The church sent its first foreign missionaries to China in the early 1800s.

Kingston United Methodist Church
During the month of February 1878, the people of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Rocky Hill brought an evangelist, Miss Lizzie Sharp, to conduct revival meetings in their church. There were some twenty or more of Kingston people who attended these meetings, and who decided to form a Methodist church in Kingston. A site was purchased for $250 on what is now Church Street, across from the Kingston Cemetery. Building began September 20, 1878, and was completed and dedicated on January 30, 1879. A nursery was later added.

National Register of Historic Places
The following sites and districts in Kingston are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * Rockingham Historic Site, George Washington's last war-time headquarters in 1783, added in 1970 it is #70000394.
 * Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District was added in 1973, it is district #73001105.
 * Kingston Mill Historic District was added in 1986, it is district #86000707.
 * Kingston Village Historic District was added in 1990, it is district #89002163.
 * King's Highway Historic District was added in 2000, it is district #00001493.
 * Princeton Nurseries Historic District, was added in August 2018, it is district #08000899.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Kingston include:
 * Cynthia Gooding (1924–1988), folk singer.
 * Andrew Zwicker (born 1964), physicist and member of the New Jersey General Assembly.

title: Kingston, New Jersey


text:
Laurence Harbor, New Jersey

Laurence Harbor is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located on the Raritan Bay within Old Bridge Township, in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP's population was 6,635, an increase of 99 (+1.5%) from the 6,536 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn reflected an increase of 309 (+5.0%) from the 6,227 counted in the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 2.953 mi2, including 2.897 mi2 of land and 0.056 mi2 of water (1.90%).

The CDP is located off Exit 120 of the Garden State Parkway. The main routes are Laurence Parkway and Route 35. The railroad, which no longer has a station in Laurence Harbor (It had a Morgan station during most of the 1st half of the 20th century, located right across Cheesequake Creek from Laurence Harbor), divides the community into eastern and western sections, the former being locally referred to as 'The Front'. Cliffwood Beach also borders Laurence Harbor when traveling south.

The shoreline looks directly upon Staten Island's southern shore; the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Lower Manhattan (including the Empire State Building, on a clear night) and Brooklyn can also be seen.

Morgan
Morgan is named after the 1703 family that had 645 acre here and were cousins of the infamous pirate captain Henry Morgan. Morgan is located one mile to the northwest, across the Cheesequake Creek and the Morgan Bridge on New Jersey Route 35. The Morgan Draw carries the North Jersey Coast Line.

History
The lands known today as Laurence Harbor were part of the southernmost region inhabited by the Lenni Lenape tribe (also known as the Delaware) in the 17th century. In 1664, they became part of greater East Jersey, and in 1684 became part of a South Amboy, which was much larger than it is today. In 1869, Madison Township split off from South Amboy; it was renamed Old Bridge Township in 1975.

European settlement of the area was linked to commerce passing through the Amboys along the Raritan River. From a military perspective, the area was useful for its high bayside cliffs, which allowed strategic observation of ships traveling between New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

Laurence Harbor is named after land developer Laurence Lamb, who bought property in (what was then known as) Madison Township at the turn of the 20th century and subdivided it into bungalow-sized lots. Lamb established a 400 acre shorefront golf and country club on the site. Among those who frequented Mr. Lamb's establishment were Clark Gable, Guy Lombardo, the Prince of Wales and the Vanderbilts, who came to party and eat chingarora oysters, for which Raritan Bay was then famous. In 1928, the golf club was sold to developers for the above-mentioned construction of bungalows. A boardwalk, complete with a dance hall, casino, band shell, concession stands and a merry-go-round that played only one song, Let's Remember Pearl Harbor, provided entertainment, hot dogs and ice cream during the 1940s.

For those traveling south from North Jersey or New York, it was the first stretch of Jersey Shore beachfront before reaching Keansburg or Asbury Park.

According to a local historian who grew up in Old Bridge Township, the area was also used during Prohibition by rum runners who would lower their cargo of bootleg liquor overboard into the bay to be hauled ashore by local fishermen.

The Ochwald Brickworks, a brickyard, operated in the area where the Bridgepointe townhouses now stand. The brick plant began operation in the early 1900s and continued to the early 1960s. Its 60 workers produced more than 84,000 bricks per day. Nothing remains of the plant as all was demolished for residential dwellings.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 6,536 people, 2,536 households, and 1,768 families in the CDP. The population density was 2256.2 /mi2. There were 2,650 housing units at an average density of 914.8 /mi2. The racial makeup was 80.17% (5,240) White, 5.94% (388) Black or African American, 0.26% (17) Native American, 8.12% (531) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 3.32% (217) from other races, and 2.19% (143) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.03% (721) of the population.

Of the 2,536 households, 28.4% had children under the age of 18; 51.6% were married couples living together; 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 30.3% were non-families. Of all households, 24.8% were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.09.

20.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 101.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 99.8 males.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 6,227 people, 2,286 households, and 1,634 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 852.6 /km2. There were 2,362 housing units at an average density of 323.4 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.65% White, 3.57% African American, 0.22% Native American, 2.20% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.86% of the population.

There were 2,286 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% 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 3.25.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $57,997, and the median income for a family was $61,470. Males had a median income of $46,439 versus $30,918 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,619. About 4.3% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Housing
As this area was considered a beach resort back in the 1920s to 1950s, some houses along the waterfront and off Route 35 are bungalow style. Many have been updated to year-round use and some lots have been combined to build much larger houses or additions. Built along the high waterfront cliffs, many of the houses have a waterfront view overlooking the Raritan Bay, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing and New York City (Lower Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn) in the distance. The higher elevation protects most of the homes from flooding and provides the benefit of a shore view without flood insurance.

Bridgepointe, an upscale condo/townhouse development, was completed in 2005 and is located off Matawan Road very close to the Garden State Parkway Exit 120. This development, along with Parkview at Madison Apartment complex, also nearby, serves the needs of many commuters who make the daily work trek to New York and North Jersey. A large cleared area of land located behind Bridgepointe and Parkview at Madison was slated for a high end hotel, convention center, business complex, a New Jersey Transit train station and housing. Construction never began; however, the plans still remain on hold and are occasionally brought up within the township.

Parks and recreation
Laurence Harbor is home to Old Bridge Waterfront Park, which consists of a new boardwalk (the old boardwalk was destroyed in the 1940–1950s) that was completed in 2002. The beachfront was redone through a joint venture by Old Bridge Township, New Jersey and Middlesex County Parks Department. It extends approximately one mile from the Old Bridge Police substation south, to the Aberdeen Township neighborhood of Cliffwood Beach, and runs parallel with New Jersey Route 35. This area is very popular for fishing as three jetties extend into Raritan Bay and are in excellent condition, also recently redone in the past ten years. The park's boardwalk is also popular for jogging and dog walking. At the northern parking lot of the park, there is bay beach swimming access along with a bathroom and showers.

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy slammed the greater Raritan Bayshore region. Its resulting storm surge, estimated to be in excess of 15 to 20 ft above sea level, destroyed portions of the Old Bridge Waterfront Park.

Following Sandy improvements to the boardwalk jetty and parks were performed in 2014 when the resources became available. There are now new parks and a new boardwalk and jetty railing, and improved erosion protection along the bay's edge.

Environment
Laurence Harbor is surrounded by diverse wetlands and bay front. The shallow bay front provides habitat for migratory birds to stop and feed. Except for a few cold winter months, great egrets can be seen frequently in the area. In late September and October before freezing temperatures, the egrets can be found in large numbers. Large Atlantic horseshoe crabs can be seen in the hundreds spawning along the shoreline in April. During fall and early spring, sea gulls can be seen foraging for food by picking mussels and clams out of the bay, flying up, and dropping them on the local jetties to break them open and feed.

A diverse range of fish frequent and spawn in the local waters. Striped bass feed along the coastline in the early spring when the water temperature reaches approximately 45 degrees, begin to leave when the water gets warm enough for the bluefish, and return when the water cools in the fall. With birds at times following their feeding frenzies, bluefish feed heavily when they first arrive in spring. Various size bluefish remain in the water throughout the summer and into fall. Other fish that are known to be along the bay are black drum, fluke, winter flounder, eels, cow nose rays, skate, and weakfish.

Along the boardwalk amongst the sand dunes, there are honeysuckle trees that blossom in the spring. There have been sightings of wildlife such as the common box turtle along the boardwalk.

Pollution and lead contamination
Pollution issues are being addressed on the southern half of the Old Bridge Waterfront Park. The main beach has been contaminated with toxic levels of lead. The Environmental Protection Agency has closed the beach to the public. There is information on the site at their web site under the National Priorities List for the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site. It is believed that slag from the National Lead factory in Sayreville was placed along the retaining wall in the 1960s and the 1970s to prevent erosion. Additionally, the same slag was used to build an entire jetty on the northern end of Morgan Bridge in Morgan. The slag comes in the form of about 20" diameter discs similar in shape to tire hubs and some are disc halves. The slag was a byproduct from the lead refining process that contains mostly steel with small percentages of lead and other heavy metals. The slag does not significantly affect the water quality due to dilution from ocean water that continuously comes in and out of the bay. Testing showed that the sand under the slag has lead particulates that have separated over time and there are traces of lead particulates in the sand below the tidal line. Once the slag is removed or contained the beach will be reopened.

title: Laurence Harbor, New Jersey


text:
Madison Park, New Jersey

Madison Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Old Bridge Township, in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP's population was 7,144. The name "Madison Park" reflects Old Bridge's original name of "Madison Township" which it had when it was formed on March 2, 1869, from portions of South Amboy Township, until November 5, 1975, when voters approved a referendum changing the township's name to Old Bridge Township.

Madison Park is the name of a residential development constructed in 1955–1956 by Herbert J. Kendall. It is located west of U.S. Route 9 bounded by Bordentown Avenue, Cheesequake Road, and Ernston Road. Portions of Madison Park are served by ZIP Code 08859 for Parlin, New Jersey. Madison Park has a fire department (District 4 Old Bridge Township), a volunteer first aid squad, and a school all located within the development. All of the streets in the development are named after prominent universities, with Princeton Road as an oval interior road connecting to the entire development.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 1.687 mi2, including 1.659 mi2 of land and 0.028 mi2 of water (1.64%).

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 7,144 people, 730 households, and 1,858 families in the CDP. The population density was 4306.9 /mi2. There were 730 housing units at an average density of 1648.3 /mi2. The racial makeup was 52.14% (3,725) White, 13.26% (947) Black or African American, 0.24% (17) Native American, 25.74% (1,839) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 4.23% (302) from other races, and 4.40% (314) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.91% (994) of the population.

Of the 730 households, 33.3% had children under the age of 18; 51.1% were married couples living together; 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.1% were non-families. Of all households, 23.0% were made up of individuals and 4.6% 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 3.28.

23.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 95.8 males.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 6,929 people, 730 households, and 730 families living in the CDP. The population density was 1,631.3 /km2. There were 730 housing units at an average density of 596.3 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 56.36% White, 13.75% African American, 0.10% Native American, 19.97% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 4.17% from other races, and 5.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.05% of the population.

There were 730 households, out of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $52,263, and the median income for a family was $56,025. Males had a median income of $40,766 versus $31,890 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,622. About 6.0% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Madison Park, New Jersey


text:
Metuchen, New Jersey

Metuchen is a suburban borough in Middlesex County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The borough is a commuter town of New York City, located in the heart of the Raritan Valley region within the New York Metropolitan area. The borough, along with Edison (which completely surrounds Metuchen), is a regional commercial hub for Central New Jersey. The borough is 6 mi northeast of New Brunswick, 17 mi southwest of Newark, 20 mi southwest of Jersey City, and 22 mi southwest of Manhattan. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 15,049, an increase of 1,475 (+10.9%) from the 2010 census count of 13,574,  which in turn reflected an increase of 734 (+5.7%) from the 12,840 counted in the 2000 census.

Metuchen was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 20, 1900, from portions of Raritan Township (now known as Edison). Metuchen's Main Street won Great American Main Street of the Year in 2023.

History
The earliest residents of the area were the Raritan people of the Lenape Native Americans, who lived in the area and travelled through it to the shore. In 1646, Chief Matouchin was part of a group that included 1,200 warriors.

Until 1870, what is now Metuchen was part of Woodbridge Township. The settlers in the western part of the township developed their own separate identity, because they were so far removed from the main settlement of Woodbridge. The name "Metuchen" first appeared in 1688/1689, and its name was derived from the name of a Native American chief, whose name was variously spelled as Matouchin or Matochshegan. In 1701, an overseer of roads was appointed for "Metuchen district". In 1705, Main Street was laid out at the same time as the road from Metuchen to Woodbridge, which one source calls a "reworking of the original road".

Sometime between 1717 and 1730, a meeting house was constructed for weekday meetings conducted by the pastor of the Woodbridge Presbyterian Church. In 1756, Metuchen Presbyterians succeeded in forming their own congregation, attesting to their growing numbers. In 1770, the congregations merged, with Metuchen getting 2/5 of the pastor's services and Woodbridge 3/5; by 1772, Metuchen had grown sufficiently to warrant half of his time. In 1793, the two churches again separated.

Metuchen was little changed from the late 18th to the early 19th century. A map from 1799 shows ten buildings in the center of the community along Main Street. By 1834, a Presbyterian church, a store, two taverns and about a dozen dwellings could be found. The opening of the Middlesex and Essex Turnpike (now Middlesex Avenue, portions in concurrency with Route 27) in 1806, and the Perth Amboy and Bound Brook Turnpike in 1808 did not spur growth. Not until the beginning of the railroad era did commercial and residential development surge.

In 1836, the New Jersey Railroad was completed to New Brunswick. The construction of a station at Main Street made it inevitable that this would develop as the principal street. A business section soon began to appear between Middlesex Avenue and the railroad tracks, and commercial and service establishments gradually began to assume a more modern aspect (the typical 18th century tavern, for example, was replaced by the equally typical 19th century hotel).

The second half of the 19th century was a period of social, cultural and religious diversification in Metuchen. Between 1859 and 1866 the Reformed Church was organized, the first Catholic mass was celebrated and St. Luke's Episcopal Church was founded. In 1870 both the Building and Loan Association and the library opened, the same year that Raritan Township was incorporated. As the largest village in the new township, Metuchen naturally became its commercial and cultural center and acquired substantial political control. In 1873, the town hosted Howard Newton Fuller and the Rutgers College Glee Club in the first-ever performance of their alma mater. In 1879, the literary and debating society was formed, and in 1883 the Village Improvement Society. By 1882, Metuchen School #15 had an enrollment of 256 pupils, and by 1885 the New Jersey Gazette listed 37 businesses.

The decade of the 1890s was a period of expansion for public utilities. In 1894, telegraph service was begun and in 1897 telephone service begun by the N.Y. and N.J. Telephone Company. In the same year the Midland Water Company began operation and supplied hydrants for "newly formed" volunteer fire companies. In 1899, a new street lighting system was installed. At about the same time a bicycling organization was formed, the Metuchen Wheelmen, which lobbied for improved roads. Trolley service began in 1900. In addition, commerce had grown to such an extent that the New Brunswick Directory listed 91 businesses in 1899.

Metuchen attracted an influx of artists, literary figures and noted intellectuals during this time, acquiring the nickname "the Brainy Boro". One of the Borough's two post offices is named Brainy Boro Station.

The new century began with the borough's incorporation, in 1900.

On November 19, 1981, Metuchen became the Seat of the newly established Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. The diocese includes Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren counties and more than 500,000 Catholics.

Metuchen Borough Hall, dedicated in 2005, replaced a structure built in 1924 during the City Beautiful movement.

From 1948 until 2004, the Ford Motor Company manufactured seven million Ford and Mercury vehicles, including the Ford Mustang, at Edison Assembly, which was named for Metuchen until 1980.

In 2022, Metuchen was nominated as one of the eight semifinalists for the 2023 Great American Main Street Award. They later won the award.

American Girl's 2023 "Girl of the Year" Kavika Sharma "hails" from Metuchen. She is the first "Girl of the Year" doll of South Asian ancestry.

In April 2024, Metuchen was named by Money Magazine as the best place to live in New Jersey and one of the best to live in the country.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 2.85 square miles (7.39 km2), including 2.85 square miles (7.38 km2) of land and <0.01 square miles (0.01 km2) of water (0.07%).

The Borough of Metuchen is completely surrounded by Edison,  making it part of 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" in the state, where one municipality entirely surrounds another.

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Jefferson Park and Robinvale.

Metuchen has been a state-designated "town center" since 1996 and "transit village" in 2001. The borough has been recognized for its smart growth development. Plans to build a residential and commercial center with 700 parking spaces on a parking lot adjacent to the train station were announced in July 2014.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 15,049 people and 5,255 households in the borough. There were 6,053 housing units. The racial makeup was 63.71% (9,588) White, 4.66% (702) Black or African American, 0.24% (36) Native American, 18.88% (2,841) Asian, 0.02% (3) Pacific Islander, 0.02% (458) from other races, and 9.44% (1,421) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.03% (1510) of the population.

Of the 5,255 households, 26.1% had children under the age of 18; 65.6% were married couples living together and 22.2% had a female householder with no husband present. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.35.

The Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5 Year Data (2009-2021) showed that median household income was $141,915 (with a margin of error of +/− $8,343) and the median family income was $163,438 (+/− $8,003). The per capita income for the borough was $61,344 (+/− $3,711). About 1.7% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 13,574 people, 5,243 households, and 3,744 families in the borough. The population density was 4,910.4 per square mile (1,895.9/km2). There were 5,440 housing units at an average density of 1,967.9 per square mile (759.8/km2). The racial makeup was 77.92% (10,577) White, 4.88% (662) Black or African American, 0.07% (10) Native American, 12.96% (1,759) Asian, 0.02% (3) Pacific Islander, 1.39% (189) from other races, and 2.76% (374) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.89% (935) of the population.

Of the 5,243 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18; 58.3% were married couples living together; 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.6% were non-families. Of all households, 23.9% were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.10.

24.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.2 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $94,410 (with a margin of error of +/− $10,474) and the median family income was $126,123 (+/− $7,549). Males had a median income of $78,974 (+/− $8,613) versus $57,271 (+/− $5,731) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $46,949 (+/− $3,227). About 1.9% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 12,840 people, 4,992 households, and 3,584 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,684.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,104 housing units at an average density of 1,862.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the borough was 93.30% White, 3.38% African American, 0.10% Native American, 7.23% Asian, 1.12% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.96% of the population.

There were 4,992 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $75,546, and the median income for a family was $85,022. Males had a median income of $58,125 versus $43,097 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $36,749. About 3.4% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
Metuchen includes a variety of public spaces, historical sites, a war memorial, and a greenway.

The Middlesex Greenway is a 3.5 mi mixed-use bicycle and pedestrian paved trail between Metuchen and Woodbridge Township. It is part of the East Coast Greenway.

Covering 13 acres, Centennial Park is Metuchen's largest park and is accessible from Grove Avenue. The park includes Beacon Hill, which at 169 ft is the highest point in the borough.

Woodwild Park is a 3.5 acres park consisting of undeveloped land that is managed by the Woodwild Park Association and accessible from Middlesex Avenue. It is part of the Middlesex Avenue–Woodwild Park Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 2017.

Metuchen Memorial Park is a war memorial that was created starting in 1925 to honor those who served during World War I and has been updated since then to honor those Metuchen residents who served in other of the nation's wars. For 90 years, the park has been the planned destination of the borough's annual Memorial Day Parade.

Tommy's Pond, on a 1.8 acres site donated to the borough in 1929, includes a 0.4 acres pond that is used for an annual fishing derby.

The Dismal Swamp is a nearby natural area known as the "Everglades of Central New Jersey."

Local government
Metuchen 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. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to 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 Metuchen 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 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 mayor of Metuchen is Democrat Jonathan Busch, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027; Busch took office as mayor when he was appointed in December 2017 to fill the balance of the four-year term that had been held by Peter Cammarano ending December 31, 2019, and was elected in November 2018 to serve the balance of the term of office. Members of the borough council are Council President Jason Delia (D, 2024), Joel Branch (D, 2024), Dorothy Giamboi (D, 2025), Lisa Hyman (D, 2025), Vinita Jethwani (D, 2026) and Tyler Kandel (D, 2026).

In January 2019, the borough council unanimously selected Daniel Hirsch from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that became vacant following the resignation of Reed Leibfried. Hirsch served on an interim basis until the November 2019 general election, when he was elected to serve the balance of the term of office.

In December 2017, Jonathan Busch was selected from three names submitted by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2019 that had been held by Peter Cammarano until he resigned from office to become the chief of staff for Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy.

Federal, state and county representation
Metuchen is located in the 6th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 18th state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 9,520 registered voters in Metuchen, of which 4,120 (43.3%) were registered as Democrats, 1,528 (16.1%) were registered as Republicans and 3,858 (40.5%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 14 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 61.3% of the vote (4,286 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 37.4% (2,618 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (90 votes), among the 7,049 ballots cast by the borough's 9,779 registered voters (55 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 72.1%. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 60.1% of the vote (4,554 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 38.3% (2,900 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (74 votes), among the 7,579 ballots cast by the borough's 9,809 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.3%. In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 57.9% of the vote (4,152 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 40.6% (2,914 votes) and other candidates with 0.9% (80 votes), among the 7,170 ballots cast by the borough's 9,348 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 76.7.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 50.1% of the vote (2,397 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 48.5% (2,319 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (69 votes), among the 4,844 ballots cast by the borough's 9,822 registered voters (59 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 49.3%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 47.0% of the vote (2,440 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 43.4% (2,256 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 8.2% (425 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (43 votes), among the 5,197 ballots cast by the borough's 9,479 registered voters, yielding a 54.8% turnout.

Public schools
The Metuchen School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2019–20 school year, the district, comprised of four schools, had an enrollment of 2,300 students and 182.2 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.6:1. Schools in the district (with 2019–20 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Mildred B. Moss Elementary School with 122 students in Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, Campbell Elementary School with 702 students in grades 1–4, Edgar Middle School with 722 students in grades 5–8, and Metuchen High School with 729 students in grades 9–12.

Eighth grade students from all of Middlesex County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at Middlesex County Academy in Edison, the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge Township and at its East Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Piscataway technical high schools, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.

There have been two historical schools named for Benjamin Franklin. The Old Franklin Schoolhouse is a one-room school on Route 27 (Middlesex Avenue) near Main Street built in 1807 and used until 1870. In 1906, it was acquired and restored by the Borough Improvement League and is currently used as a community music venue. A larger Franklin School, built in 1906, once stood at the intersection of Middlesex and Lake Avenues but fell into disrepair in the mid-1980s. It has since been demolished to make way for a residential development called Franklin Square.

Private schools
The borough is home to St. Joseph High School, a private all-boys Catholic prep school, notable for its academics and sports awards, that is conducted by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and operated under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. Saint Francis Cathedral School, a Pre-K–8 school that is also part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, was one of eight private schools recognized in 2017 as an Exemplary High Performing School by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program of the United States Department of Education.

Historic district
The Middlesex Avenue–Woodwild Park Historic District is a historic district located in Metuchen. It was added onto the National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 2017. It includes 197 contributing buildings, five contributing objects, and one contributing site.

Transportation
Commuting had become a way of life for Metuchen residents by the start of the 20th century. Daily commuters numbered 400 out of a population of 1,786 by the year 1900. Accessibility to New York City and New Brunswick enhanced the borough's reputation as a place to live, and the modern suburban ideal of small-town life where tired businessmen could escape the pace of the city grew in popularity.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 47.06 mi of roadways, of which 38.91 mi were maintained by the municipality, 5.73 mi by Middlesex County and 2.42 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

The biggest change to affect Metuchen between the World Wars was the rise of the automobile. In the 1920s, service stations were built, and the construction of U.S. Route 1 just south of Metuchen in 1930 diverted traffic away from Middlesex Avenue, helping the borough retain its residential character.

Both Route 27 and CR 531 pass through and intersect at the heart of the borough, while Interstate 287 runs along the southern border. Metuchen also includes portions of CR 501, CR 660 and CR 669.

Other limited access roads are nearby, such as the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) in surrounding Edison Township and the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge Township.

Public transportation
The Metuchen station provides service to many destinations along NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line between the Trenton Transit Center and New York Penn Station.

NJ Transit local bus service is available on the 810, 813 and 819 routes.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Metuchen include:

 * Joy M. Bergelson (born 1962), professor of genomics at New York University
 * Marqus Blakely (born 1988), two-time America East Men's Basketball Player of the Year, winner of 2010 slam dunk contest
 * Charles Brown (1946–2004), actor
 * Henry T. Brown (1932–2020), chemical engineer who was the first African American in borough government
 * Edward T. Buckingham (1874–1942), politician who served as Mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, from 1909 to 1911 and from 1929 to 1933
 * Barbara Buono (born 1953), New Jersey State Senator
 * John Ciardi (1916–1986), poet
 * David Copperfield (born 1956), magician and illusionist
 * Scott Cowen (born 1946), president of Tulane University
 * Paula Danziger (1944–2004), children's author who wrote more than 30 books, including her 1974 debut young adult novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit
 * Betsy Dunn, politician who served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019
 * Bernard J. Dwyer (1921–1998), politician, who served in the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey from 1981 to 1993
 * Gail Fisher (1935–2000), first black actress to win an Emmy
 * James Florio (1937-2022), Governor of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994
 * Lucinda Florio (1947–2022), teacher and advocate for education and literacy, First Lady of New Jersey (1990–1994)
 * Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930), author and novelist
 * James Freis (born 1970), global fraud expert and former director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
 * Samuel L. Greitzer (1905–1988), mathematician who was founding chairman of the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad
 * Robert Hegyes (1951–2012), actor who played the character "Epstein" in the 1970s TV series Welcome Back, Kotter
 * Cecelia Holland (born 1943), historical novelist
 * Elie Honig (born 1977), attorney and CNN senior legal analyst
 * Ed Kalegi (born 1967), voice actor, radio personality, host and actor
 * Robert Kaplow (born c. 1954), teacher and novelist whose coming-of-age novel was made into a film titled Me and Orson Welles
 * Jerome H. Lemelson (1923–1997), inventor and holder of more than 550 patents
 * Lonny Price (born 1959), actor, writer and director
 * Thomas Mundy Peterson (1824–1904), first African-American to vote in an election under the just-enacted provisions of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution
 * Hester Martha Poole (1833–1932), American writer, poet, art critic, artist, and an advocate for women's rights
 * Matt Popino (born c. 1991), college football coach, who has been the head football coach for Carthage College since 2024
 * Brian Ralph (born 1973), alternative cartoonist, whose graphic novel, Daybreak, was adapted for the Netflix series Daybreak
 * Nancy A. Roseman, 28th president of Dickinson College
 * Tom Ruegger (born 1955/1956), animator, screenwriter, storyboard artist and lyricist, who created Animaniacs and Histeria!
 * Quinn Shephard (born 1995), actress, writer, director and producer, whose directorial debut film Blame was shot in Metuchen
 * Robert Taub (born 1955), concert pianist, recording artist, scholar, author and entrepreneur
 * Jack Waldman (1952–1986), jazz and rock musician, composer, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist
 * Marvin Webster (1952–2009), former professional basketball player who spent half his NBA career with the New York Knicks
 * Richard Wenk (born 1956), screenwriter and director best known for his work on The Expendables 2 (2012), The Equalizer (2014), and The Magnificent Seven (2016)
 * Julian E. Zelizer (born 1969), author and professor of political history at Princeton University

title: Metuchen, New Jersey


text:
Middlesex, New Jersey

Middlesex is a borough in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 14,636, its highest decennial count and an increase of 1,001 (+7.3%) from the 2010 census count of 13,635,  which in turn reflected a decline of 82 (−0.6%) from the 13,717 counted in the 2000 census.

Middlesex was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 9, 1913, from portions of Piscataway, based on the results of a referendum held on May 6, 1913. The borough was named after Middlesex, England.

History
The Harris Lane School was a one-room schoolhouse that was the oldest school in Middlesex County, dating back to its construction in the 1790s. The original Pierce School was known as the East Bound Brook School House and The Parker House was also used for education until it was converted into a two-family house. As the Borough grew new schools were constructed to accommodate many more students. Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School was the first parochial school built in 1954.

In 1905, the Lincoln section of Middlesex organized a volunteer fire company and that set the organization of four other fire companies in the borough.

Middlesex was a portion of Piscataway Township, until May 6, 1913, when it was incorporated as a separate entity through the action of the state legislature and local referendum. George Harris was elected as the first mayor and the first borough council was elected at the same time. Two constables were the law enforcement officers and were soon assisted by five appointed marshals.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 3.51 square miles (9.09 km2), including 3.49 square miles (9.03 km2) of land and 0.02 square miles (0.06 km2) of water (0.63%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include East Bound Brook and Lincoln.

The borough borders the Middlesex County municipalities of Dunellen and Piscataway Township in Middlesex County; and Bound Brook, Bridgewater Township, Green Brook Township and South Bound Brook in Somerset County.

Middlesex is in the central division of the Raritan Valley (a line of cities in central New Jersey), along with Dunellen, Bound Brook, and South Bound Brook.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 13,635 people, 4,984 households, and 3,633 families in the borough. The population density was 3,876.2 per square mile (1,496.6/km2). There were 5,148 housing units at an average density of 1,463.5 per square mile (565.1/km2). The racial makeup was 81.24% (11,077) White, 5.13% (699) Black or African American, 0.18% (24) Native American, 6.00% (818) Asian, 0.07% (10) Pacific Islander, 5.37% (732) from other races, and 2.02% (275) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.47% (2,246) of the population.

Of the 4,984 households, 32.0% had children under the age of 18; 56.0% were married couples living together; 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 27.1% were non-families. Of all households, 22.2% were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.22.

22.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.7 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.8 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $80,338 (with a margin of error of +/− $7,790) and the median family income was $93,817 (+/− $13,746). Males had a median income of $55,248 (+/− $7,439) versus $46,447 (+/− $5,086) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $34,607 (+/− $3,321). About 0.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 13,717 people, 5,048 households, and 3,740 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,921.1 PD/sqmi. There were 5,130 housing units at an average density of 1,466.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the borough was 87.26% White, 3.36% African American, 0.13% Native American, 4.16% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.21% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.00% of the population.

There were 5,048 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $60,723, and the median income for a family was $70,343. Males had a median income of $47,446 versus $34,232 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $27,834. About 2.4% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Local government
Middlesex 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 a mayor and a borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to 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 Middlesex 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 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 seven-member governing body is empowered to enact local ordinances, to levy municipal taxes and conduct the affairs of the community. In almost all cases, it can review and approve the actions of other Middlesex Borough committees and agencies. The mayor and Borough Council conduct all of their business during monthly meetings open to the public. All legislative powers of the borough are exercised by the mayor and council. These powers can take the form of a resolution, ordinance or proclamation.

, the mayor of Middlesex is Republican John "Jack" Mikolajczyk, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. Members of the Middlesex Borough Council are Council President Michael Conahan (R, 2026), Jeremiah A. Carnes (R, 2025), Robert Dessino (R, 2025), Kevin Dotey (R, 2026), Martin Quinn (R, 2024) and Douglas Rex (R, 2024).

In July 2022, the borough council appointed Michael Conahan to fill the seat expiring in December 2023 that had been held by Amy Flood. Conahan served on an interim basis until the November 2022 election when he was elected to serve the balance of the term.

In January 2020, the borough council appointed Amy Flood to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that was vacated by John L. Madden when he took office as mayor.

Until his selection in early 2006 to serve as borough administrator, Ron Dobies had been one of the longest-tenured mayors in New Jersey, with 26 years of service to Middlesex. Dobies left his position as mayor in 2006 and took a position as the borough's administrator. After being fired in 2008, he was successful in his suit against the borough and was restored to his position. In 2011 he ran for mayor again and won a four-year term that ended in 2015.

Federal, state and county representation
Middlesex is located in the 12th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 8,366 registered voters in Middlesex, of which 2,094 (25.0%) were registered as Democrats, 1,605 (19.2%) were registered as Republicans and 4,662 (55.7%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 50.8% of the vote (2,819 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 47.7% (2,645 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (80 votes), among the 5,587 ballots cast by the borough's 8,481 registered voters (43 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 65.9%. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 51.6% of the vote (3,185 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 45.9% (2,837 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (84 votes), among the 6,177 ballots cast by the borough's 8,612 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.7%. In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 53.0% of the vote (3,202 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 45.6% (2,755 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (58 votes), among the 6,040 ballots cast by the borough's 8,376 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 72.1.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 69.4% of the vote (2,478 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 29.3% (1,045 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (46 votes), among the 3,617 ballots cast by the borough's 8,552 registered voters (48 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 42.3%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 58.2% of the vote (2,410 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 31.6% (1,307 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 8.1% (336 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (46 votes), among the 4,142 ballots cast by the borough's 8,374 registered voters, yielding a 49.5% turnout.

Education
The Middlesex Board of Education serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of five schools, had an enrollment of 2,018 students and 182.2 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.1:1. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Hazelwood Elementary School with 189 students in grades Pre-K–3, Parker Elementary School with 178 students in grades K–3, Watchung Elementary School with 256 students in grades K–3, Woodland Intermediate School was split off of the middle school starting in 2020–2021, Von E. Mauger Middle School with 759 students in grades 4–8 and Middlesex High School with 619 students in grades 9–12. The district's superintendent is Roberta Freeman. Eighth grade students from all of Middlesex County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at Middlesex County Academy in Edison, the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge Township and at its East Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Piscataway technical high schools, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.

Parks
There are many parks scattered throughout Middlesex Borough.

Victor Crowell Park, commonly known as Duck Pond, is a park in the borough that offers park equipment for kids, a walking trail, and small docks with benches to view the water. In August 2023, there was an alligator that was reported to be in the pond, with police discharging their weapon and failing to stop the alligator. By August 2023, the alligator had yet to be caught.

Mountain View Park is a large open space in the center of the borough. It has many amenities and offers a view of the first range of the Watchung Mountains.

Lincoln Park is located at the site of the Central Railroad of New Jersey train station that served the community, originally known as Lincoln, for many years. The statue of Abraham Lincoln by Alfonso Pelzer, his original work which was copied after his death, was installed in the park in 1898.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 54.86 mi of roadways, of which 48.23 mi were maintained by the municipality, 3.49 mi by Middlesex County and 3.14 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation

New Jersey Route 28 is the main highway passing through Middlesex. Route 28 provides access to Interstate 287; U.S. Route 22 lies just north of the borough.

Public transportation
NJ Transit provides service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on the 114 route and to Newark on the 65 and 66 routes. Historically there was a railroad station in the Lincoln neighborhood, whose is marked by a public park with a statue of Abraham Lincoln at its center.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Middlesex include:

 * Tige Andrews (1920–2007), actor who appeared in The Mod Squad
 * Margaret Bourke-White (1904–1971), photo-journalist whose childhood home, the Joseph and Minnie White House at 243 Hazelwood Avenue in the Beechwood Heights section of the town, is listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places
 * Mary Mohler (born 1984), former competition swimmer and former world record-holder in the Women's 200-meter butterfly (long course)
 * Rocco Rock (1953–2002), professional wrestler, half of The Public Enemy with Johnny Grunge
 * Tom Scharpling (born 1969), host of internet radio show and podcast The Best Show with Tom Scharpling
 * Charlie Weis (born 1956), former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and MHS graduate

title: Middlesex, New Jersey