Cedar Grove, New Jersey

History

Cedar Grove was part of the Horseneck Tract, which was an area that consisted of what are now the municipalities of Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Fairfield, Verona, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Roseland, and portions of Livingston and West Orange.

In 1702, settlers purchased the 14,000 acres (57 km²) Horseneck Tract — so-called because of its irregular shape that suggested a horse's neck and head — from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans for goods equal to $325. This purchase encompassed much of western Essex County, from the First Mountain to the Passaic River.

Cedar Grove was originally a small farming community. In 1896, Essex County built the county mental institution in Cedar Grove known as Overbrook. In 1908, Cedar Grove was incorporated as a township. In the 1950s and 1960s, Cedar Grove became one of the destination suburbs in Essex County among those looking to escape urban living from Newark and New York City.

Cedar Grove was once home to Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook Ballroom, located on Route 23, which regularly hosted well-known bands and vocalists, including Buddy Rich, Glenn Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, and Jo Stafford. The ballroom, located on the old Pompton Turnpike, still stands, and is used by Sts. Kiril & Methodij Macedonian Orthodox Church.

The first Dinner Theatre was opened at The Meadowbrook on Route 23 in the fall of 1959 by Gary and Helga McHugh, it closed in 1973. An extensive web site about The Meadowbrook Dinner Theatre contains a listing of the productions done there, playbills from the productions, hundreds of photographs, and other information about the operation and its history.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 4.378 square miles (11.340 km²), including 4.252 square miles (11.014 km²) of land and 0.126 square miles (0.326 km²) of water (2.87%).

The township is located between the First and Second Watchung Mountains. The center of the township is in a valley that is about 280 feet (85 m) above sea level; however, many sections of Cedar Grove are well above 400 feet (120 m), including the Park Ridge Estates, the abandoned Essex County Hospital Center, and the eastern, southeastern and southern sections of Cedar Grove. Cedar Grove's highest point is on hilltop, where elevations reach 600 feet (180 m) and above. Cedar Grove is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Midtown Manhattan and 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Newark.

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Lindsley and Overbrook.

The sections of Cedar Grove are:

North End: The North End of Cedar Grove starts after the corner of Fairview Avenue and Pompton Avenue. It consists mostly of homes, but there are some businesses located on Pompton Avenue, and at the corner of E. Lindsley Road and Stevens Avenue. A notable part of the north end of town is the Park Ridge Estates, which contain million dollar homes.

Central Cedar Grove: This consists of the center of town and extends from the corner of Fairview Avenue and Pompton Avenue to the corner of Bradford Avenue and Pompton Avenue. The central portion of the town contains Cedar Grove's business district. Also, on the west central side of town is the former location of the Essex County Hospital Center, and on the east central side is the Cedar Grove Reservoir and Mills Reservation.

South End: The south end of Cedar Grove is the most urbanized part of the township, as it contains homes that are closer together. The south end extends from the corner of Bradford Avenue and Pompton Avenue to the Verona border. There are mostly homes here, but there are some businesses on Pompton Avenue, including Burger King, the Pilgrim Diner, and Staples. Like the north end of town, the south end contains a section of million dollar homes.

Cedar Grove's population density is less than the surrounding towns of Montclair, Verona, and Little Falls, mainly because significant portions of Cedar Grove are owned or previously owned by county or city governments. The Essex County Hospital Center took up a good amount of land and was owned by Essex County. Mills Reservation is a county owned park, and the Cedar Grove Reservoir property is owned by the City of Newark.

Cedar Grove is bordered by North Caldwell, Little Falls, Montclair, and Verona. Most of the eastern portion of the township is bordered by Upper Montclair (a neighborhood in Montclair).

Climate

Cedar Grove has a humid continental climate, with warm/hot humid summers and cool/cold winters. The climate is slightly colder overall during the summer and winter than in New York City because the urban heat island effect is not as prevalent.

January tends to be the coldest month, with average high temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s and lows in the lower to mid 20s. July is the warmest months with high temperatures in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 60s. From April to June and from September to early November, Cedar Grove enjoys temperatures from the lower 60s to upper 70s. Rainfall is plentiful, with around 44 inches (1,100 mm) a year. Snowfall is common from mid January to early March and noreasters can bring a lot of snow. In January 1996, Cedar Grove received about record snowfall 3 feet (0.91 m) from the Blizzard of 1996.

Census 2010

The 2010 United States Census counted 12,411 people, 4,523 households, and 3,216 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,918.6 per square mile (1,126.9/km²). The township contained 4,661 housing units at an average density of 1,096.1 per square mile (423.2/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 89.01% (11,047) White, 2.47% (306) Black or African American, 0.05% (6) Native American, 6.53% (811) Asian, 0.01% (1) Pacific Islander, 0.85% (106) from other races, and 1.08% (134) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.86% (727) of the population.

Out of a total of 4,523 households, 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the township, 20.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.8 years. For every 100 females the census counted 87.0 males, but for 100 females at least 18 years old, it was 82.9 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $95,152 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,156) and the median family income was $117,935 (+/- $15,917). Males had a median income of $81,330 (+/- $13,013) versus $51,525 (+/- $6,616) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $46,514 (+/- $3,662). About 0.0% of families and 0.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 12,300 people, 4,403 households, and 3,240 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,913.1 people per square mile (1,125.4/km²). There were 4,470 housing units at an average density of 1,058.7/sq mi (409.0/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 90.05% White, 2.99% African American, 0.05% Native American, 5.42% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.20% of the population.

As of the 2000 Census, 29.7% of Cedar Grove's residents identified themselves as being of Italian ancestry (adjusted from the 34.8% reported to reflect the fact that residents reported multiple ancestries), the 18th highest of all municipalities in New Jersey. There was also a large Irish population, accounting for 21.7% of the population in the 2000 census, with another 12.1% of German ancestry.

There were 4,403 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out with 19.2% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $78,863, and the median income for a family was $94,475. Males had a median income of $66,197 versus $40,582 for females. The per capita income for the township was $36,558. About 1.1% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Most of the commercial zone in Cedar Grove is located on Route 23. The central business district starts at about Sweetwood Drive and extends to Little Falls Road just after the railroad bridge.

The township has an industrial district located along Commerce Road, which is off Route 23. In this district, there are light industrial factories and different types of commercial businesses.

Parks and recreation

Cedar Grove has several parks and recreational areas within the township. These include county parks, town parks, and recreational areas.

County parks

There are two county parks located in Cedar Grove.

Parks

Recreational areas

Local government

Cedar Grove operates within the Faulkner Act, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, under Council-Manager plan B form of municipal government, as implemented as of July 1, 1955, based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission. Cedar Grove is governed by a five-member Township Council. Council members are elected at-large for four-year terms, by the voters of the municipality through nonpartisan municipal elections held the 2nd Tuesday in May, in odd-numbered years.

As of 2016, members of the Township Council are Mayor Peter H. Tanella (term on committee ends June 30, 2019; term as mayor ends 2017), Deputy Mayor Michael Maffucci (term on committee and as deputy mayor ends 2017; appointed to serve an unexpired term), Harry Kumburis (2019) and E. Romeo Longo (2017); the seat formerly held by Joseph Chiusolo expiring in June 2017 remaining vacant.

Mayor Joseph Chiusolo resigned in June 2016 after serving 19 years in office in the wake of charges that he and his business had benefited from contracts with the township in which Chiusolo had a conflict of interest. As of July 2016, Peter Tanella was chosen as mayor to succeed Chiusolo, and Michael Mafucci as Deputy Mayor.

In August 2015, the Township Council selected Michael Maffucci to fill the vacant seat of John Zunic expiring in December 2017, who left office to serve as a New Jersey Superior Court judge.

In the May 2015 municipal election, incumbent Peter Tanella and challenger Harry Kumburis won election to four-year terms on the township council.

Federal, state and county representation

Cedar Grove is located in the 11th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 40th state legislative district. Prior to the 2010 Census, Cedar Grove had been part of the 8th 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.

New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District is represented by Rodney Frelinghuysen (R, Harding Township). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Cory Booker (D, Newark, term ends 2021) and Bob Menendez (D, Paramus, 2019).

For the 2016–2017 session (Senate, General Assembly), the 40th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Kevin J. O'Toole (R, Cedar Grove) and in the General Assembly by David C. Russo (R, Ridgewood) and Kevin J. Rooney (R, Wyckoff). Rooney was sworn into office on December 12, 2016, to fill the seat of Scott Rumana, who had resigned from office on October 20, 2016, to become a judge of the New Jersey Superior Court. The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township). The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).

Essex County is governed by a directly-elected County Executive, with legislative functions performed by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. As of 2016, the County Executive is Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. The county's Board of Chosen Freeholders consists of nine members, four elected on an at-large basis and one from each of five wards, who serve three-year terms of office on a concurrent basis, all of which end December 31, 2018. Essex County's Freeholders are Freeholder President Britnee N. Timberlake (District 3 - East Orange, Newark's West and Central Wards, Orange and South Orange; East Orange) Freeholder Vice President Brendan W. Gill (at large; Montclair), Rufus I. Johnson (at large; Newark), Lebby C. Jones (at large; Irvington), Patricia Sebold (at large; Livingston), Rolando Bobadilla (District 1 - Newark's North and East Wards, parts of Central and West Wards; Newark), Wayne L. Richardson (District 2 - Irvington, Maplewood and Newark's South Ward and parts of West Ward; Newark), Leonard M. Luciano (District 4 - Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell and West Orange; West Caldwell), and Cynthia D. Toro (District 5 - Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Nutley; Bloomfield). Constitutional elected countywide are County Clerk Christopher J. Durkin (West Caldwell, 2020), Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura (Fairfield, 2018) and Surrogate Theodore N. Stephens II (2016).

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 8,672 registered voters in Cedar Grove, of which 2,269 (26.2%) were registered as Democrats, 2,215 (25.5%) were registered as Republicans and 4,184 (48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 4 voters registered to other parties.

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 56.9% of the vote (3,541 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 42.1% (2,621 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (58 votes), among the 6,271 ballots cast by the township's 8,965 registered voters (51 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 69.9%. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 59.2% of the vote (4,013 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 39.5% (2,680 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (43 votes), among the 6,780 ballots cast by the township's 8,695 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.0%. In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 59.8% of the vote (3,817 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 38.9% (2,479 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (66 votes), among the 6,378 ballots cast by the township's 8,215 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 77.6.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.1% of the vote (2,589 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 32.1% (1,238 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (33 votes), among the 3,914 ballots cast by the township's 8,963 registered voters (54 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 43.7%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 58.3% of the vote (2,699 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 32.9% (1,524 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.0% (323 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (45 votes), among the 4,628 ballots cast by the township's 8,644 registered voters, yielding a 53.5% turnout.

Public schools

The Cedar Grove Schools serve public school students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's four schools had an enrollment of 1,628 students and 120.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.52:1. Schools in the district (with 2011-12 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are North End Elementary School (315 students; grades K-4), South End Elementary School (352; K-4), Cedar Grove Memorial Middle School (519; 5-8) and Cedar Grove High School (442; 9-12).

Private schools

Washington Academy is an approved private school for special education. Founded in 1982, the Academy provides specialized academic and behavioral services to students whose disabilities disrupt their academic and behavioral growth and progress. It serves students ages 3–21 (pre-K - 12th Grade). Washington Academy is a member of the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of private special education schools. The school is located in the former Leonard R. Parks Elementary School on Route 23.

St. Catherine of Siena School is located on Bradford Avenue and operates under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the township had a total of 47.09 miles (75.78 km) of roadways, of which 34.59 miles (55.67 km) were maintained by the municipality, 9.22 miles (14.84 km) by Essex County and 3.28 miles (5.28 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Route 23 bisects Cedar Grove, making the township conveniently located to major highways including Interstate 80, Interstate 280, U.S. Route 46, Route 3, and the Garden State Parkway. Cedar Grove is also centrally located to New York City, Newark, Paterson, and Morristown.

Public transportation

Cedar Grove is served by NJ Transit bus service. The 11 bus line provide service to Newark. The 195 bus line provides transportation to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. In September 2012, as part of budget cuts, NJ Transit suspended service to Newark on the 75 line.

Commuter train stations are located in the neighboring communities of Little Falls and Montclair. The Erie Railroad's Caldwell Branch ran between Little Falls and West Caldwell, but trains were sparsely scheduled and the line was destroyed in the 1970s.

Newspapers

The Verona-Cedar Grove Times, a weekly newspaper that publishes every Thursday, serves Cedar Grove and Verona.

The Cedar Grove Observer, which publishes 50 weeks a year, serves Cedar Grove.

Internet

Local news is covered by the Cedar Grove Observer and the Verona-Cedar Grove Times.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Cedar Grove include: