Blairstown, New Jersey

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Blairstown, New Jersey
Township
Map of Blairstown Township in Warren County
Map of Blairstown Township in Warren County
CountryUnited States
StateNew Jersey
CountyWarren
Area
 • Total31.8 sq mi (82.3 km2)
 • Land31.0 sq mi (80.3 km2)
 • Water0.8 sq mi (1.9 km2)
Elevation
502 ft (153 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total5,747
 • Density185.3/sq mi (71.5/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
07825
Area code908
FIPS code34-06160Template:GR
GNIS feature ID0882317Template:GR

Blairstown is a Township in Warren County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 5,747. The township is located in the far eastern region of the Lehigh Valley.

Blairstown Township was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 14, 1845, from portions of Knowlton Township, based on the results of a referendum held that day.[1]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.8 square miles (82.3 km²), of which, 31.0 square miles (80.3 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (1.9 km²) of it (2.36%) is water.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19301,416—
19401,4492.3%
19501,5718.4%
19601,79714.4%
19702,18921.8%
19804,36099.2%
19905,33122.3%
20005,7477.8%
2006 (est.)5,982[2]
Population 1930 - 1990.[3]

As of the census2 of 2000, there were 5,747 people, 2,040 households, and 1,638 families residing in the township. The population density was 185.3 people per square mile (71.5/km²). There were 2,136 housing units at an average density of 68.9/sq mi (26.6/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 98.17% White, 0.26% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.

There were 2,040 households out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 15.3% of all households 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 2.81 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $64,809, and the median income for a family was $71,214. Males had a median income of $51,931 versus $33,646 for females. The per capita income for the township was $27,775. About 3.0% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local government

Blairstown has a traditional Township form of government, comprised of a five-member committee. Committee members serve staggered three-year terms. Each year, the Committee members select one of their fellow members to serve as Mayor and one to serve as Deputy Mayor.[4]

The Blairstown Township Committee consists of Mayor Stephen Lance (R, term ends December 31, 2008), Deputy Mayor Sal Lascari (R, 2008), Frank Anderson (R, 2009), Richard Mach (R, 2007), and Bill Seal (R, 2009).[5][6]

Federal, state and county representation

Blairstown Township is in the Fifth Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 23rd Legislative District.[7]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 5th congressional district is represented by Josh Gottheimer (D, Wyckoff).[8][9] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[10] and Bob Menendez (Englewood Cliffs, term ends 2025).[11][12]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 23rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Doug Steinhardt (R, Lopatcong Township) and in the General Assembly by John DiMaio (R, Hackettstown) and Erik Peterson (R, Franklin Township).[13] Template:NJ Governor

Warren County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, who are chosen at-large on a staggered basis in partisan elections with one seat coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as Commissioner Director and other as Deputy Director.[14] As of 2024, Warren County's Commissioners are:

Deputy Director Jason J. Sarnoski (R, Lopatcong Township; 2025),[15] Lori Ciesla (R, Lopatcong Township; 2026),[16] and Director James R. Kern III (R, Pohatcong Township; 2025).[17][18]

Constitutional officers of Warren County are: Clerk Holly Mackey (R, Alpha; 2027),[19][20] Sheriff James McDonald Sr. (R, Phillipsburg; 2025)[21][22] and Surrogate Michael J. Doherty (R, Washington; 2025).[23][24][25]

Education

File:October 2006 003.jpg
Blair Walk, built as part of Blair Academy, crosses over the 17 foot high dam just off Main Street in Blairstown, perhaps Blairstown's most recognizable point of interest.

Public school students in grades K through 6 attend the Blairstown Elementary School, as part of the Blairstown Township School District. The district serves 750 students. Students from Hardwick Township, a non-operating school district, attend Blairstown Elementary School as part of a sending/receiving relationship.

Students in grades 7 through 12 for public school attend the North Warren Regional High School (1,044 students) in Blairstown, a public secondary high school, serving students from the townships of Blairstown, Frelinghuysen, Hardwick, and Knowlton.

Children also have the choice of going to the Blair Academy, a private school, for grades 9-12 or Ridge and Valley Charter School, a K-8 charter school focused on Earth literacy and sustainable living.

Transportation

Interstate 80 and Route 94 pass through the township. Blairstown airport is located southwest of the central business district.

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Blairstown include:

Popular culture

Now painted a bright blue, historic Roy's Hall is a highlight of Blairstown's Main Street.

References

  1. ^ "The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968", John P. Snyder, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 245.
  2. ^ Census data for Blairstown township, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 21, 2007.
  3. ^ Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network. Accessed March 1, 2007.
  4. ^ Township of Blairstown, accessed September 20, 2006.
  5. ^ Blairstown Township Committee: Our Elected Officials, accessed July 13, 2007.
  6. ^ Township of Blairstown, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed July 13, 2007.
  7. ^ 2006 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters, p. 55. Accessed August 30, 2006.
  8. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
  9. ^ Biography, Congressman Josh Gottheimer. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Josh now lives in Wyckoff, New Jersey with Marla, his wife who was a federal prosecutor, and their two young children, Ellie and Ben."
  10. ^ U.S. Sen. Cory Booker cruises past Republican challenger Rik Mehta in New Jersey, PhillyVoice. Accessed April 30, 2021. "He now owns a home and lives in Newark's Central Ward community."
  11. ^ Biography of Bob Menendez, United States Senate, January 26, 2015. "Menendez, who started his political career in Union City, moved in September from Paramus to one of Harrison's new apartment buildings near the town's PATH station.."
  12. ^ Home, sweet home: Bob Menendez back in Hudson County. nj.com. Accessed April 30, 2021. "Booker, Cory A. - (D - NJ) Class II; Menendez, Robert - (D - NJ) Class I"
  13. ^ Legislative Roster for District 23, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 18, 2024.
  14. ^ Governmental Structure, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022. "Warren County operates under the County Commissioner form of county government. The Board of County Commissioners consists of three Commissioners each elected at large for staggered terms of three years. The Commissioner Director is chosen by the full board at the board's annual reorganization meeting in January. The Commissioners supervise, direct and administer all county services and functions through the various departments, autonomous boards, agencies, and commissions. Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners is an appointed County Administrator."
  15. ^ Jason J. Sarnoski, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  16. ^ Lori Ciesla, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  17. ^ James R. Kern III, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  18. ^ Board of County Commissioners, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  19. ^ County Clerk: Contact Us, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  20. ^ Members List: Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  21. ^ About, Warren County Sheriff's Office. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  22. ^ Members List: Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  23. ^ Surrogate's Court, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  24. ^ Members List: Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  25. ^ Constitutional Officers, Warren County, New Jersey. Accessed February 22, 2022.
  26. ^ Blairstown, Past and Present, Township of Blairstown. Accessed July 13, 2007. "The name of the village was officially changed to Blairstown by a vote of the citizens at a public meeting held Jan. 24, 1939. John I. Blair was only 36 years of age at the time."
  27. ^ Isaac Wildrick, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed September 1, 2007.
  28. ^ Friday the 13th Filming Locations, accessed November 14, 2006.

External links

40°58′58″N 74°57′38″W / 40.98278°N 74.96056°W / 40.98278; -74.96056

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