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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.

Long Branch was formed on April 11, 1867, as the Long Branch Commission, from portions of Ocean Township. Long Branch was incorporated as a city by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 8, 1903, based on the results of a referendum, replacing the Long Branch Commission.

Geography

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

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

Elberon is an unincorporated area, served as ZIP code 07740, located within Long Branch.

History

Long Branch was a beach resort town in the late 1700s. In the 1800s it was a "Hollywood" of the east, where some of the greatest theatrical and other performers of the day gathered and performed. It was visited by presidents Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson. Seven Presidents Park, a park near the beach, is named in honor of their visits. The Church of the Presidents, where all seven worshiped, is the only structure left in Long Branch associated with them.

President Garfield was brought to Long Branch in the hope that the fresh air and quiet might aid his recovery after being shot on July 2, 1881, an incident that left the assassin's bullet lodged in his spine. He died here on September 19, 1881, exactly two months before his 50th birthday. The Garfield Tea House, built from railroad ties that carried Garfield's train, is in Elberon.

The famous Long Branch Saloon of the American Old West, located in Dodge City, Kansas, was originally named that by its first owner, William Harris, who had moved west from Long Branch, New Jersey, his hometown.

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 1950s, 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 ascendancy of Hollywood in California as a film capital, Long Branch lost much of its activity as a theater 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 6,008.6 people per square mile (2,318.1/km²). There were 13,983 housing units at an average density of 2,680.9/sq mi (1,034.3/km²). 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, adjacent to the site of the former Long Branch Pier at the foot of Laird Street), 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 successes 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 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 defining 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 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 the architectural firms of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK).

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 David G. Brown, Dr. Mary Jane Celli, Michael DeStefano, Anthony Giordano and Brian Unger Councilman John "Fazz" Zambrano resigned from office following a July 20, 2006 federal court appearance at which he pleaded guilty to accepting a $1,000 bribe from an FBI informant. His seat was filled by Jackeline Biddle, a leader in the Puerto Rican community, who served until the November 2006 general election.

The Chief Administrative Officer of the city is Business Administrator and former Councilman Howard "Chubby" Woolley, who has served in the position since 1994.

Federal, state and county representation

Long Branch is in the Sixth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 11th Legislative District.

Education

Long Branch's public schools are operated by Long Branch Public Schools, serving children in pre-school through 12th grade. The district is one of 31 Abbott Districts statewide.

Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center (JMF) with 789 stundets, five elementary schools — Amerigo A. Anastasia School (PreK-5; 644), Audrey W. Clark School (3-5; 328), Gregory School (PreK-5; 312), Morris Avenue School (K-5; 355) and West End School (K-5; 329) — Long Branch Middle School for grades 6-8 (1,019) and Long Branch High School for grades 9-12 (1,204).

All Long Branch Public Schools are free, including the Long Branch Preschools which are full-day and accommodate children ages 3-5 years old. Long Branch Schools also have free breakfast each morning for the students. In addition, Long Branch Public Schools provide free summer programs for most of the summer. Long Branch Public Schools at JMF, Gregory Elementary, West End Elementary, and Anastasia Elementary are all brand new within the past few years.

In March of 2006, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation issued a report to Governor Jon Corzine specifically and to the public in general that addressed "Questionable and Hidden Compensation for Public School Administrators". The report disclosed that the Long Branch school district had reported to the New Jersey Department of Education that Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ferraina was receiving a base salary of $193,149 when, as the Commission of Investigation stated, he was actually receiving a total compensation of $305,099, some 58% higher than the amount reported to the State.

Also, there is a private K-8 school, named Seashore School as well as several Jewish and Catholic schools, most notably Holy Trinity and Ilan High School (Catholic and Jewish, respectively).

Commerce

Portions of Long Branch are part of an Urban Enterprise Zone. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3½% sales tax rate (versus the 7% rate charged statewide).

Transportation

Long Branch is connected to New York City and Northern New Jersey via New Jersey Transit trains running on the North Jersey Coast Line. The Long Branch marks the end of electrified trackage and passengers continuing south must change to diesel-powered trains. The main train station is only three blocks away from the beach, and a second station is located in the Elberon district just north of the borough of Deal. In the past there were stops in the West End neighborhood and on Broadway, but they were closed to reduce travel time to New York City.

Noted residents

Notable current and former residents of Long Branch include:

M. H. Abrams (born 1912), English professor at Cornell University and founding editor of the Norton Anthology of English Literature.
Jeff Anderson (born 1970), born here, star of the Clerks series and recurring roles in View Askewniverse.
Clint Black (born 1962), Country music performer.
TemperMental (born 1983), Hip-Hop Artist
Frank Budd (born 1939) was an American football wide receiver in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins. Also once held the World Record in the 100 yard dash.
John Cannon (born 1960), former defensive end who played nine seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Paul Cohen, (born 1934), born here, won the Fields Medal for developing forcing to show the independence of the continuum hypothesis and the axiom of choice in axiomatic set theory.
Bob Davis (born 1945), former NFL quarterback whose career included three seasons with the New York Jets.
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), lived in Long Branch for a short period of time until his home burnt down.
Judi Franco,Talk show host on New Jersey 101.5, Born in Brooklyn, but now resides in Long Branch
James Garfield (1831-1881), President of the United States of America, died in Long Branch.
David Garrison (born 1952), actor most noted for playing Steve Rhoades on Married… with Children.
Sonny Greer (1895-1982), jazz drummer, best known for his work with Duke Ellington.
Garret Hobart (1844-1899), the 24th Vice President of the United States, under William McKinley, was born in Long Branch.
Winslow Homer stayed in Long Branch in 1869, while he produced paintings of Victorian women strolling the boardwalks.
Jim Jeffcoat (born 1961) professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills from 1983 to 1997.

Norman Mailer (1923-2007), novelist.
Sam Mills (1959-2005), Hall of Fame NFL Football Player, attended Long Branch High School.
Frank Pallone (born 1951), has served in the United States House of Representatives since 1988, and served on the Long Branch city council from 1982 to 1988.
Dorothy Parker (1893-1967), writer and storied member of the Algonquin Round Table, was born on August 22, 1893, at 792 Ocean Avenue. The site is now a national literary landmark.
Robert Pinsky (born 1940), Poet Laureate of the United States from 1997-2000.
Brian Pulido (born 1961), creator of Chaos! Comics and writer of comics books such as Lady Death, Evil Ernie and Purgatori was born here.
Jason Ryan (1976-), pitcher who played two seasons for Minnesota Twins.
Scott Schoeneweis (born 1973), a relief pitcher for the New York Mets.
Bruce Springsteen, Born in Long Branch, but raised in Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Chase Untermeyer (born 1946), United States Ambassador to Qatar.
Phil Villapiano (born 1949), former NFL linebacker who played in four Pro Bowls and was a part of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI winning team.

In Pop Culture

In the HBO series, The Sopranos, Long Branch is the setting for Adriana La Cerva's nightclub, the Crazy Horse.
Also in The Sopranos, the house in which Tony Soprano hides out in towards the end of the series is a house near the beach in North Long Branch.