Long Branch, New Jersey

Long Branch is a City in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 31,340.

Geography

Long Branch is located at (40.297932, -73.990971).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.0 km² (6.2 mi²). 13.5 km² (5.2 mi²) of it is land and 2.5 km² (1.0 mi²) of it (15.67%) is water.

History

Long Branch was a beach resort town in the late 1700's. In the 1800's it was a "Hollywood" of the east, where some of the greatest theatrical and other performers of the day gathered and performed. By the first half of the 20th century, seven presidents had used Long Branch as a vacation place. Seven Presidents Park, a park near the beach, is named in honor of their visits.

Originally a resort town with a few hotels and large estates and many farms in the early 20th century Long Branch grew in population. Italian, Irish and Jewish immigrants settled in during this period. By the 1950's, Long Branch like many other towns had developed new residential spots and housing to make room for the growing population. Many of the former farms of Long Branch were transformed into residential "suburbs". Many of the estates and a few old historic resorts (with the addition of many new ones) still remain.

With the ascendency of Hollywood in California as a film capital, Long Branch lost much of its activity as a theatre spot. Parts of traditional living areas with old houses were altered to support private projects by eminent domain legislation.

Long Branch still continues however to be a popular resort area. Many people from New York City travel or settle in to the area to escape the crowded city and enjoy the benefits of Long Branch's beaches.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 31,340 people, 12,594 households, and 7,254 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,318.1/km² (6,008.6/mi²). There were 13,983 housing units at an average density of 1,034.3/km² (2,680.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.03% White, 18.66% African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 7.08% from other races, and 4.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.67% of the population. There were 12,594 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 34.1% of all households 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 2.47 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,651, and the median income for a family was $42,825. Males had a median income of $37,383 versus $27,026 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,532. About 13.9% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

Neighborhoods

There are several distinct neighborhoods and areas in the City of Long Branch, each with its own character, strengths and challenges. Among these are North End (once known as "Atlanticville"), Branchport, Beachfront North and South (including the tony "Pier Village," formerly the Long Branch Pier), Downtown, Uptown, West End and Elberon. As the city's now famous redevelopment initiatives continue to grow in scope and renown, the lower Broadway area (a portion of the city's Downtown) will become an Arts District. One of the first sucesses of the art district has been the Shore Institute for Contemporary Art on Broadway and Third Avenue.

In years past, Long Branch was a major destination for beachgoers, along with the more famous Asbury Park, and enjoyed an upscale connotation with tourists. Long Branch is home to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, named for the United States presidents who visited the fashionable resort town, including Ulysses S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Garfield.

Long Branch's previous fame as the Nation's First Seaside Resort was waning in the years following World War II. The definining moment marking the end of this era occurred on June 8, 1987 when the largest fire in the history of the city destroyed the landmark amusement pier and adjoining Haunted Mansion, "Kid's World" Amusement Park and other businesses.

Over the course of the twenty years since the fire, several municipal administrations have tackled the issues relative to the city's rebirth. Only recently has any of these efforts resulted in tangible evidence of a rebirth.

Planned development

Broadway Center is a planned entertainment and commercial hub of Long Branch, as envisioned by the City Government and Thompson Design Group, who created the Master Plan for the city.

This complex brings together the best in retail shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and two performing arts theaters as well as 500 new residences sitting atop a 1,500 car parking garage. It will be designed by one of the world's leading architectural firms: Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK).

Transportation

Long Branch has a good train connection via New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line at the Bay Head station, which offers service to the Newark Liberty International Airport station, to Hoboken Terminal and to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Long Branch marks the end of electrical traction and passengers must to change to diesel-powered trains. The train station is only three blocks away from the beach. In the past there were stops at West End and north from Broadway Street, which were closed to reduce travel time to New York City.

Government

Local government

The City of Long Branch is governed under the Mayor-Council form of municipal government under the Faulkner Act.

The Mayor of Long Branch is Adam Schneider. Members of the City Council are Council President Anthony Giordano, Council Vice-President Michael DeStefano, David G. Brown, Dr. Mary Jane Celli and John ZambranoCity of Long Branch Directory: Mayor and Council, accessed July 4, 2006.

The Chief Administrative Officer of the city is Business Administrator and former Councilman Howard "Chubby" Woolley. The Assistant Director of Administration is Aide to the Mayor Michael Muscillo.