Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township is a Township in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 50,649.

NOTE: Although this is the official name, most local residents and internet references just use Parsippany. Parsippany is however a local place name within the township as is Troy Hills.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 65.8 km² (25.4 mi²). 62.0 km² (23.9 mi²) of it is land and 3.8 km² (1.5 mi²) of it (5.82%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 50,649 people, 19,624 households, and 13,167 families residing in the township. The population density was 816.9/km² (2,115.5/mi²). There were 20,066 housing units at an average density of 323.6/km² (838.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 74.28% White, 3.11% African American, 0.12% Native American, 18.06% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.90% from other races, and 2.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.98% of the population.

There were 19,624 households out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 27.1% 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 2.53 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the township the population was spread out with 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 35.2% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $68,133, and the median income for a family was $81,041. Males had a median income of $51,175 versus $38,641 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,220. About 2.6% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local government

Parsippany-Troy Hill Township is governed under a Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government under the Faulkner Act (also known as The Optional Municipal Charter Law). This Mayor-Council form of government is similar to that of the federal and state governments. One can liken this form of government to a presidential system.

Under the Faulkner Act Mayor-Council form of government, the Mayor and Council are separately elected, with the Mayor, serving as the chief executive officer, and the Council serving in the capacity of a legislative body.

Some responsibilities of the Mayor include preparation of the budget, enforcement of the ordinances, supervision of municipal departments and property, execution of Council decisions, and oversight of other functions of the municipality. Some of the responsibilities of the Council include adopting ordinances, approval of contracts presented by the Mayor, scheduling times and places for council meetings and designation of the official newspapers of the municipality.

The Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills is Michael Luther. Mayor Luther, while officially a Democrat, won a narrow election, with support from certain pro-development Republicans, over Township Council member Rosemarie Agostini, who favored a moratorium on development in the township. Green Party candidate Michael Spector and independent Roy Messmer also ran in the 2005 election.

Parsippany-Troy Hills's Township Council consists of Council President Rosemarie C. Agostini, John Cesaro, Ann Grossi, James J. Vigilante, and Michael J. dePierro.