Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Glassboro, New Jersey

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Country
  
United States

County
  
Gloucester

Incorporated
  
March 11, 1878

Zip code
  
08028

State
  
New Jersey

Established
  
1779

Named for
  
Glass industry

University
  
Rowan University


Weather
  
-1°C, Wind N at 39 km/h, 94% Humidity

Points of interest
  
Heritage Glass Museum, South Jersey Museum, Park & Recreation, Glassboro Historical Train Stat

Glassboro is a borough in Gloucester County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 18,579, reflecting a decline of 489 (−2.6%) from the 19,068 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 3,454 (+22.1%) over the 15,614 counted in the 1990 Census.

Contents

Map of Glassboro, NJ, USA

What is now Glassboro was originally formed as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 11, 1878, from portions of Clayton Township. Portions of the township were taken to form Elk Township (April 17, 1891) and Pitman (May 24, 1905). Glassboro was incorporated as a borough on March 18, 1920, replacing Glassboro Township. The borough was named for its glass industry.

Glassboro is home to Rowan University, founded in 1923 and formerly known as Glassboro State College, which was the site of the Glassboro Summit Conference in 1967 between U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.

History

Glassboro's early history was built on the manufacturing of glass. The town was first established in 1779 by Solomon Stanger as "Glass Works in the Woods"; glass manufacturers over the years since include Heston-Carpenter Glass Works, Olive Glass Works, Harmony Glass Works, Temperanceville Glass Works, Whitney Brothers Glass Works, Owens Bottle Company, Owens Illinois Glass Company, and Anchor Hocking.

The Glassboro Summit Conference between U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin took place in Glassboro. Johnson and Kosygin met for three days from June 23 to June 25, 1967, at Glassboro State College (later renamed Rowan University). The location was chosen as a compromise. Kosygin, having agreed to address the United Nations in New York City, wanted to meet in New York. Johnson, wary of encountering protests against the Vietnam War, preferred to meet in Washington, D.C. They agreed on Glassboro because it was equidistant between the two cities. The generally amicable atmosphere of the summit was referred to as the "Spirit of Glassboro," although the leaders failed to reach agreement on limiting anti-ballistic missile systems.

On June 19, 1986, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting president to speak at a high school graduation when he spoke at the Glassboro High School commencement ceremonies.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 9.221 square miles (23.882 km2), including 9.184 square miles (23.787 km2) of land and 0.037 square miles (0.095 km2) of water (0.40%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Elsemere.

Glassboro borders Elk Township, Clayton Borough, Monroe Township, Washington Township, Pitman Borough, Mantua Township, and Harrison Township.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Glassboro has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Census 2010

The 2010 United States Census counted 18,579 people, 6,158 households, and 3,972 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,022.9 per square mile (781.0/km2). The borough contained 6,590 housing units at an average density of 717.5 per square mile (277.0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 72.25% (13,423) White, 18.67% (3,469) Black or African American, 0.11% (21) Native American, 2.87% (534) Asian, 0.05% (10) Pacific Islander, 3.12% (580) from other races, and 2.92% (542) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 7.42% (1,378) of the population.

Out of a total of 6,158 households, 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the borough, 19.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 26.4% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.4 years. For every 100 females the census counted 97.1 males, but for 100 females at least 18 years old, it was 95.0 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $54,795 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,793) and the median family income was $67,171 (+/- $9,496). Males had a median income of $49,695 (+/- $4,361) versus $43,489 (+/- $2,608) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $23,108 (+/- $1,421). About 9.3% of families and 14.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 19,068 people, 6,225 households, and 4,046 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,071.3 people per square mile (799.4/km²). There were 6,555 housing units at an average density of 712.0 per square mile (274.8/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 74.5% White, 19.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8% of the population.

There were 6,225 households out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the borough the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 25.6% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $44,992, and the median income for a family was $55,246. Males had a median income of $40,139 versus $30,358 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $18,113. About 8.5% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Local government

Glassboro is governed under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and a Borough Council comprising six council members, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A Mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The Borough Council consists of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The Borough form of government used by Glassboro, the most common system used in the state, is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.

As of 2016, the Mayor of Glassboro is Democrat Leo J. McCabe, whose term of office ends December 31, 2018. Members of the Borough Council are Council President George P. Cossabone Sr. (D, 2016), Hector Cabezas (D, 2017), Joe D'Alessandro (D, 2017), Edward A. Malandro (D, 2016), Anna Miller (D, 2018) and John Wallace (D, 2018).

Anna Miller was appointed by the borough council in March 2013 from among three candidates offered by the municipal Democratic committee to fill the vacant seat of George Cossabone.

Federal, state and county representation

Glassboro is located in the 1st Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 3rd state legislative district. Prior to the 2011 reapportionment following the 2010 Census, Glassboro had been in the 4th state legislative district.

New Jersey's First Congressional District is represented by Donald Norcross (D, Camden). 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 3rd Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Stephen M. Sweeney (D, West Deptford Township) and in the General Assembly by John J. Burzichelli (D, Paulsboro) and Adam Taliaferro (D, Woolwich Township). The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township). The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).

Gloucester County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders, whose seven members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis in partisan elections, with two or three seats coming up for election each year. At a reorganization meeting held each January, the Board selects a Freeholder Director and a Deputy Freeholder Director from among its members. As of 2016, Gloucester County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger (D, West Deptford Township; term ends December 31, 2018), Deputy Freeholder Director Giuseppe "Joe" Chila (D, Woolwich Township; 2018), Lyman J. Barnes (D, Logan Township; 2017), Daniel Christy (D, Washington Township; 2016), Frank J. DiMarco (D, Deptford Township; 2016), Heather Simmons (D, Glassboro; 2017) and Jim Jefferson (D, Woodbury; 2017). Constitutional officers elected countywide are County Clerk James N. Hogan, Surrogate Helene M. Reed (Monroe Township) and Sheriff Carmel Morina (Greenwich Township).

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 9,772 registered voters in Glassboro, of which 3,733 (38.2%) were registered as Democrats, 1,408 (14.4%) were registered as Republicans and 4,617 (47.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 14 voters registered to other parties.

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 63.7% of the vote (4,578 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 34.6% (2,485 votes), and other candidates with 1.8% (128 votes), among the 7,252 ballots cast by the borough's 10,804 registered voters (61 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 67.1%. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 62.8% of the vote (4,516 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 35.4% (2,547 votes) and other candidates with 0.9% (62 votes), among the 7,195 ballots cast by the borough's 10,312 registered voters, for a turnout of 69.8%. In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 58.5% of the vote (3,930 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 40.1% (2,699 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (60 votes), among the 6,723 ballots cast by the borough's 9,801 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 68.6.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 53.0% of the vote (2,106 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 45.0% (1,786 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (80 votes), among the 4,074 ballots cast by the borough's 10,838 registered voters (102 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 37.6%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 51.7% of the vote (2,198 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 39.0% (1,659 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 6.7% (287 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (29 votes), among the 4,255 ballots cast by the borough's 9,958 registered voters, yielding a 42.7% turnout.

Education

The Glassboro Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2014-15 school year, the district and its five schools had an enrollment of 2,231 students and 161.2 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.8:1. Schools in the district (with 2014-15 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are J. Harvey Rodgers School (grades PreK and kindergarten; 305 students), Dorothy L. Bullock School (1-3; 515), Thomas E. Bowe Elementary School (4-6; 450), Glassboro Intermediate School (7-8; 249) and Glassboro High School (9-12; 611).

Rowan University is a public university with an enrollment of 12,000 students in 2015. The university was founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School on a 25-acre (10 ha) site donated by the borough. The school became New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro in 1937 and Glassboro State College in 1958. Starting in the 1970s, it expanded into a multi-purpose institution, adding programs in business, communications, and engineering. Rowan Boulevard is a mixed-use development intended to provide a vibrant downtown district for Glassboro, incorporating university student life into its design, as part of an effort to accommodate a student body that is projected to grow to about 25,000 in 2023.

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 78.43 miles (126.22 km) of roadways, of which 57.61 miles (92.71 km) were maintained by the municipality, 13.29 miles (21.39 km) by Gloucester County and 7.53 miles (12.12 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Glassboro is crisscrossed by a number of major roads. CR 553, Route 47 and Route 55 (limited access) travel north-south, while US 322 passes through east-west.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides bus service to and from Philadelphia on the 313, 408 and 412 routes.

Passenger train service to Glassboro existed from 1860 to 1971. The station used by the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines is being renovated as a visitor center. The station is a planned terminal on the Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system projected for completion in 2019.

Notable people

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

  • John Aveni (1935–2002), kicker for the Chicago Bears.
  • Gary Brackett (born 1980), linebacker on the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts.
  • Mark Lambert Bristol (1868–1939), Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.
  • King Kong Bundy (born 1957) retired American professional wrestler, stand-up comedian and actor.
  • Betty Castor (born 1941), Florida Senate Candidate and former President of The University of South Florida.
  • Joe Crispin (born 1979), former NBA player for the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Daniel Dalton (born 1949), politician who served as New Jersey Senate Majority Leader and as Secretary of State of New Jersey.
  • Thomas M. Ferrell (1844–1916) represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1883 to 1885.
  • Kerry Getz (born 1975), professional skateboarder.
  • Jaden (born 1977), an American professional wrestling manager and commentator.
  • Jarvis Lynch (born 1933), retired Major General in the United States Marine Corps.
  • Brian Oliver (born 1990), professional basketball player.
  • References

    Glassboro, New Jersey Wikipedia