Wikipedia Article: Hightstown, New Jersey Return to Local Information
Hightstown, New Jersey
  Borough  
Hightstown highlighted in Mercer County. Inset map: Mercer County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Hightstown, New Jersey
Coordinates: 40°16′06″N 74°31′33″W / 40.268457°N 74.525804°W / 40.268457; -74.525804Coordinates: 40°16′06″N 74°31′33″W / 40.268457°N 74.525804°W / 40.268457; -74.525804[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Mercer
Incorporated March 5, 1853
Government[3]
   Type Borough
   Mayor Steven Kirson (D, term ends December 31, 2014)[4]
   Administrator http://www.hightstownborough.com[5]
   Clerk Debra Sopronyi[6]
Area[2]
   Total 1.242 sq mi (3.218 km2)
   Land 1.211 sq mi (3.137 km2)
   Water 0.031 sq mi (0.081 km2)  2.52%
Area rank 480th of 566 in state
11th of 13 in county[2]
Elevation[7] 92 ft (28 m)
Population (2010 Census)[8][9][10]
   Total 5,494
   Rank 365th of 566 in state
11th of 13 in county[11]
   Density 4,536.0/sq mi (1,751.4/km2)
   Density rank 125th of 566 in state
3rd of 13 in county[11]
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
   Summer (DST) Eastern (EDT) (UTC-4)
ZIP code 08520[12]
Area code(s) 609
FIPS code 3402131620[13][2][14]
GNIS feature ID 0885254[15][2]
Website http://www.hightstownborough.com

Hightstown is a borough in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 5,494,[8][9][10] reflecting an increase of 278 (+5.3%) from the 5,216 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 90 (+1.8%) from the 5,126 counted in the 1990 Census.[16]

Hightstown was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 5, 1853, within portions of East Windsor Township. The borough became fully independent c. 1894. Additional portions of East Windsor Township were annexed in 1913, 1915 and 1927.[17]

Contents

Geography [edit]

Hightstown is located at 40°16′06″N 74°31′33″W / 40.268457°N 74.525804°W / 40.268457; -74.525804 (40.268457,-74.525804). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.242 square miles (3.218 km2), of which, 1.211 square miles (3.137 km2) of it is land and 0.031 square miles (0.081 km2) of it (2.52%) is water.[1][2]

The borough is an independent municipality surrounded entirely by East Windsor Township. Hightstown is the central-most point of New Jersey and is roughly equidistant from Philadelphia and New York City.

Climate [edit]

The record low was 16 °F ( 27 °C) on January 28, 1935. The record high was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 9, 1936.[18]

Demographics [edit]

Historical populations
Census Pop. %
1880 1,355
1890 1,875 38.4%
1900 1,749 6.7%
1910 1,879 7.4%
1920 2,674 42.3%
1930 3,012 12.6%
1940 3,486 15.7%
1950 3,712 6.5%
1960 4,317 16.3%
1970 5,431 25.8%
1980 4,581 15.7%
1990 5,126 11.9%
2000 5,216 1.8%
2010 5,494 5.3%
Est. 2011 5,506 [20] 0.2%
Population sources:
1870[21] 1880-1890[22]
1890-1910[23] 1910-1930[24]
1930-1990[25] 2000[26][27] 2010[8][9][10]

2010 Census [edit]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 5,494 people, 1,976 households, and 1,352 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,536.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,751.4 /km2). There were 2,108 housing units at an average density of 1,740.4 per square mile (672.0 /km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 69.44% (3,815) White, 8.05% (442) Black or African American, 0.56% (31) Native American, 4.08% (224) Asian, 0.15% (8) Pacific Islander, 13.56% (745) from other races, and 4.17% (229) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 30.29% (1,664) of the population.[8]

There were 1,976 households out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.7% 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 3.23.[8]

In the borough the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.9 years. For every 100 females there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.1 males.[8]

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $66,250 (with a margin of error of $8,281) and the median family income was $72,583 ( $13,355). Males had a median income of $49,861 ( $9,561) versus $42,361 ( $14,837) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $32,976 ( $3,402). About 8.2% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.2% of those under age 18 and 1.1% of those age 65 or over.[28]

2000 Census [edit]

As of the 2000 United States Census[13] there were 5,216 people, 2,001 households, and 1,300 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,251.9 people per square mile (1,637.3/km2). There were 2,081 housing units at an average density of 1,696.4 per square mile (653.2/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 76.53% White, 8.51% African American, 0.36% Native American, 2.28% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 9.64% from other races, and 2.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.05% of the population.[26][27]

There were 2,001 households out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 27.9% 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 2.60 and the average family size was 3.15.[26][27]

In the borough the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 36.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% 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 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.[26][27]

The median income for a household in the borough was $64,299, and the median income for a family was $72,092. Males had a median income of $46,375 versus $35,428 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $28,605. About 4.3% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.[26][27]

As of the 2000 Census, 6.31% of Hightstown's residents identified themselves as being of Ecuadorian ancestry, which was the second highest of any municipality in New Jersey and the sixth highest percentage of Ecuadorian people in any place in the United States with 1,000 or more residents identifying their ancestry.[29]

Government [edit]

Local government [edit]

Hightstown is governed under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The government consists of a Mayor and a Borough Council comprising six council members, with all positions elected at large. A Mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The Borough Council consists of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year.[3]

As of 2012, the Mayor of the Borough of Hightstown is Steven Kirson (D), whose term of office ends on December 31, 2014.[30] Borough Council members are Council President Lawrence D. Quattrone (D, 2012), Selena Bibens (R, 2013), Susan Bluth (D, 2014), Gail Doran (D, 2012), Robert Thibault (D, 2014) and Lynne Woods (2013).[31][32][33]

Federal, state and county representation [edit]

Hightstown is located in the 12th Congressional District[34] and is part of New Jersey's 14th state legislative district.[9][35][36] Prior to the 2011 reapportionment following the 2010 Census, Hightstown had been in the 12th state legislative district.[37] Prior to the 2010 Census, Hightstown had been part of the 4th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections.[37]

New Jersey's Twelfth Congressional District is represented by Rush D. Holt, Jr. (D, Hopewell Township).[38] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).

The 14th district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Linda R. Greenstein (D, Plainsboro Township and in the General Assembly by Daniel R. Benson (D, Hamilton Township, Mercer County) and Wayne DeAngelo (D, Hamilton Township, Mercer County).[39] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township).[40] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).[41]

Mercer County is governed by a County Executive who oversees the day-to-day operations of the county and by a seven-member Board of Chosen Freeholders that acts in a legislative capacity, setting policy.[42] As of 2013, the County Executive is Brian M. Hughes (D; term ends December 31, 2013, Princeton).[43] Members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held each January, the board selects a Freeholder Chair and Vice-Chair from among its members.[44] Mercer County's freeholders are Freeholder Chair John Cimino (D; 2014, Hamilton Township)[45], Freeholder Vice Chair Andrew Koontz (D; 2013, Princeton),[46] Ann M. Cannon (D; 2015, East Windsor Township),[47] Anthony P. Carabelli (D; 2013, Trenton),[48] Pasqual "Pat" Colavita, Jr. (D; 2015, Lawrence Township),[49] Samuel T. Frisby (D; 2015; Trenton)[50] and Lucylle R. S. Walter (D; 2014, Ewing Township)[51][52] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello (D, 2015).[53] Sheriff John A. "Jack" Kemler (D, 2014)[54] and Surrogate Dianne Gerofsky (D, 2016).[55][33]

Politics [edit]

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 2,891 registered voters in Hightstown, of which 1,105 (38.2%) were registered as Democrats, 542 (18.7%) were registered as Republicans and 1,241 (42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered to other parties.[56]

In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 66.8% of the vote here (1,504 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 30.4% (685 votes) and other candidates with 1.6% (36 votes), among the 2,253 ballots cast by the borough's 2,962 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.1%.[57] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 59.3% of the vote here (1,254 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 36.4% (771 votes) and other candidates with 0.9% (25 votes), among the 2,116 ballots cast by the borough's 2,776 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 76.2.[58]

In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 46.2% of the vote here (700 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 44.8% (679 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.1% (107 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (16 votes), among the 1,514 ballots cast by the borough's 2,908 registered voters, yielding a 52.1% turnout.[59]

Education [edit]

Students in public school for kindergarten through 12th grade attend the East Windsor Regional School District, a comprehensive public school district serving students from East Windsor Township and Hightstown Borough. Public school students in grades 7 - 12 from Roosevelt Borough (a community in Monmouth County that had a 2010 Census population of 882) are sent to the district's schools as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Roosevelt Public School District.[60]

Schools in the district (with 2010-11 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics.[61]) are four K-5 elementary schools Walter C. Black Elementary School with 536 students, Perry L. Drew Elementary School with 673 students, Ethel McKnight Elementary School with 603 students and Grace N. Rogers Elementary School with 605 students Melvin H. Kreps School for grades 6 - 8 with 1,210 students and Hightstown High School with 1,346 students in grades 9 - 12.

Hightstown is also home to the Peddie School, a coeducational, independent high school founded in 1864.[62]

Transportation [edit]

Hightstown is located at the cross-roads of several major roads. The main highway through the borough is Route 33 (which is also multiplexed with County Route 539 and County Route 571). U.S. Route 130 just barely passes through the northwest corner, but is usually accessible by Route 33, CR 571 and CR 539. The Hightstown Bypass is north of the borough. Hightstown is also immediately adjacent to Exit 8 of the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) in East Windsor.

Hightstown Bypass [edit]

The history of the bypass dates back to when it was originally planned as Route 92. Running from Route 33, it would have crossed U.S. Route 130 and traveled northwest to a proposed interchange with the then-proposed Somerset Freeway. Decades of lengthy battles resulted in both plans being canceled, and the only surviving section was the bypass of Hightstown itself. This freeway was given another designation, Route 133 and runs from CR 571 to Route 33. It only has two interchanges and has traffic signals at both ends. Without a proper connection to the New Jersey Turnpike, the bypass has not lived up to its original expectations and congestion through Hightstown still largely remains. However with the recent expansion project of the NJ Turnpike well underway. Exit 8 will shift from its current location at the border of Hightstown and move into East Windsor near Twin Rivers and connect directly to the end point of Route 133 at Route 33. This connection will better encourage exiting Turnpike traffic to use the bypass by giving a more direct route to other parts of the region such as Princeton. Discussions have been made of potentially extending the bypass further south to provide a connection with U.S. Route 130 south of Hightstown, however this section would more than likely carry the Route 33 designation. Some have also suggested that a direct connection to the New Jersey Turnpike from the freeway bypass may also eliminate much congestion from downtown traffic.

Notable people [edit]

Notable current and former residents of Hightstown include:

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f Gazetteer of New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 16, 2012.
  3. ^ a b 2005 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, April 2005, p. 63.
  4. ^ 2013 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed May 12, 2013.
  5. ^ Borough Administrator, Borough of Hightstown. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  6. ^ Clerk's Office, Borough of Hightstown. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  7. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Borough of Hightstown, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 5, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d e f DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Hightstown borough, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d Municipalities Grouped by 2011-2020 Legislative Districts, New Jersey Department of State, p. 7. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Hightstown borough, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  11. ^ a b GCT-PH1 Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  12. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Hightstown, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008. 
  14. ^ A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed September 24, 2012.
  15. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008. 
  16. ^ Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  17. ^ Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 162. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  18. ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2012-03-04. 
  19. ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2012-03-04. 
  20. ^ Census Estimates for New Jersey April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 26, 2012.
  21. ^ Staff. A compendium of the ninth census, 1870, p. 260. United States Census Bureau, 1872. Accessed November 19, 2012.
  22. ^ Porter, Robert Percival. Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75, p. 98. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  23. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 337. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  24. ^ Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 716. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  25. ^ New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 2, 2009. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  26. ^ a b c d e Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Hightstown borough, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  27. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Hightstown borough, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  28. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Hightstown borough, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  29. ^ Ecuadorian Communities, EPodunk. Accessed June 28, 2006.
  30. ^ Mayor Steven Kirson, Borough of Hightstown. Accessed March 12, 2012.
  31. ^ Borough Council, Borough of Hightstown. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  32. ^ Mercer County Municipal Officials: Hightstown Borough, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  33. ^ a b Elected Officials, p. 8. Mercer County, New Jersey, Revised January 26, 2012. Accessed November 19, 2012.
  34. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  35. ^ 2012 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 59, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  36. ^ Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  37. ^ a b 2011 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, p. 59, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  38. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 5, 2012.
  39. ^ Legislative Roster 2012-2013 Session, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 11, 2012.
  40. ^ "About the Governor". State of New Jersey. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
  41. ^ "About the Lieutenant Governor". State of New Jersey. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 
  42. ^ Elected Officials, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  43. ^ County Executive, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  44. ^ What is a Freeholder?, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  45. ^ John Cimino, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  46. ^ Andrew Koontz, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  47. ^ Ann M. Cannon, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  48. ^ Anthony P. Carabelli, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  49. ^ Pasquale "Pat" Colavita, Jr., Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  50. ^ Samuel T. Frisby, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed August 1, 2011.
  51. ^ Lucylle R. S. Walter, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  52. ^ Meet the Freeholders, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  53. ^ County Clerk, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  54. ^ Meet the Sheriff, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  55. ^ Meet Surrogate Diane Gerofsky, Mercer County, New Jersey. Accessed January 9, 2013.
  56. ^ Voter Registration Summary - Mercer, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed November 21, 2012.
  57. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Mercer County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed November 21, 2012.
  58. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Mercer County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed November 21, 2012.
  59. ^ 2009 Governor: Mercer County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed November 21, 2012.
  60. ^ East Windsor Regional School District 2011 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed September 23, 2012. "The East Windsor Regional School District, located in central New Jersey at New Jersey Turnpike Exit 8, is a stable K-12 public school district serving the communities of the East Windsor Township and the Borough of Hightstown as well as Roosevelt Borough students' grades 7 through 12."
  61. ^ Data for the East Windsor Regional School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed September 23, 2012.
  62. ^ History, Peddie School. Accessed March 14, 2012.
  63. ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence. "Kay B. Barrett, Talent Scout And Entertainment Agent, 93", The New York Times, January 19, 1995. Accessed December 3, 2012. "Kay Brown Barrett, who bought Gone With the Wind for the movie producer David O. Selznick after discovering the novel as his New York representative, died yesterday at the Meadow Lakes retirement community in Hightstown, N.J., where she had lived for the last 14 years. She was 93."
  64. ^ Staff. "MARTIN O. WALDRON IS DEAD AT 56; REPORTING LED TO A PULITZER PRIZE", The New York Times, May 28, 1981. Accessed May 12, 2011. "Martin O. Waldron, chief of the Trenton bureau of The New York Times, whose investigative reporting for The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times led to a Pulitzer Prize for public service for the newspaper, died of heart disease yesterday at his home in Hightstown, N.J."
  65. ^ MacPherson, Kitta. "Leading physicist John Wheeler dies at age 96", News at Princeton, April 14, 2008. Accessed March 14, 2012. "Wheeler, the Joseph Henry Professor of Physics Emeritus at Princeton University, was 96. He succumbed to pneumonia on Sunday, April 13, at his home in Hightstown, N.J."
  66. ^ Litsky, Frank. "A Victory That's Still Memorable 70 Years Later", The New York Times, August 1, 2006. Accessed November 10, 2012. "He spoke from Fountain Hills, Ariz., near Phoenix, where he and Rose have lived in a two-bedroom apartment in a senior housing complex for five years since moving from Hightstown, N.J."

External links [edit]

Municipalities and communities of Mercer County, New Jersey, United States
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