Lavallette,_New_Jersey

Lavallette, New Jersey

Lavallette, New Jersey

Borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, US


Lavallette is a borough situated on the Jersey Shore, in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,787,[9] a decrease of 88 (−4.7%) from the 2010 census count of 1,875,[18][19] which in turn had reflected a decline of 790 (−29.6%) from the 2,665 counted in the 2000 census.[20] Lavallette is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.

Quick Facts Country, state ...

History

Lavallette was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on December 21, 1887, from portions of Dover Township (now Toms River Township), based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier.[21]

Lavallette was named for Elie A. F. La Vallette, one of the first rear admirals appointed in the United States Navy when President Abraham Lincoln created the rank in July 1862, and the father of Albert T. Lavallette, co-founder of the borough.[22][23][24][25]

New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Lavallette as its 8th best place to live in its 2008 rankings of the "Best Places To Live" in New Jersey.[26]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.96 square miles (2.50 km2), including 0.82 square miles (2.11 km2) of land and 0.15 square miles (0.38 km2) of water (15.42%).[1][2]

The borough borders the Ocean County municipality of Toms River Township.[27][28][29]

Demographics

More information Census, Pop. ...

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 1,875 people, 945 households, and 557 families in the borough. The population density was 2,319.2 inhabitants per square mile (895.4/km2). There were 3,207 housing units at an average density of 3,966.8 per square mile (1,531.6/km2). The racial makeup was 97.87% (1,835) White, 0.11% (2) Black or African American, 0.00% (0) Native American, 0.53% (10) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 1.01% (19) from other races, and 0.48% (9) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% (56) of the population.[18]

Of the 945 households, 11.4% had children under the age of 18; 47.8% were married couples living together; 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 41.1% were non-families. Of all households, 36.7% were made up of individuals and 21.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.57.[18]

11.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 13.1% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 40.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 60.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 86.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 85.9 males.[18]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $60,296 (with a margin of error of +/− $4,961) and the median family income was $76,797 (+/− $16,601). Males had a median income of $48,810 (+/− $40,510) versus $39,643 (+/− $14,630) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $39,293 (+/− $5,500). About 4.7% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.[37]

2000 census

As of the 2000 U.S. census,[15] there were 2,665 people, 1,208 households, and 741 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,315.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,280.0/km2). There were 3,210 housing units at an average density of 3,993.1 per square mile (1,541.7/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 98.12% White, 0.26% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.64% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.61% of the population.[35][36]

There were 1,208 households, out of which 14.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.66.[35][36]

In the borough the population was spread out, with 13.1% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 18.3% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 36.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.[35][36]

The median income for a household in the borough was $43,846, and the median income for a family was $57,778. Males had a median income of $44,583 versus $32,292 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $28,588. About 5.9% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.[35][36]

Parks and recreation

There are nine protected ocean beaches designated for swimming as well as two on the Barnegat Bay. Four of the ocean beaches have specifically designated areas for surfing and surf-fishing. The borough offers tennis, bocce, shuffleboard, basketball and roller blading opportunities on land while Barnegat Bay provides fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports.

There are also band concerts, fireworks, and Movies on the Bay, held at the Centennial Gazebo and Gardens located at Philadelphia Avenue and the bayfront.

Government

Local government

Lavallette is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[38] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council is comprised 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.[3] The borough form of government used by Lavallette 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.[39][40]

As of 2022, the mayor of Lavallette is Republican Walter G. LaCicero, whose term of office ends December 31, 2018. Members of the Lavallette Borough Council are Council President Anita F. Zalom (R, 2023), James G. Borowski (R, 2024), Joanne Filippone (R, 2024), David Finter (R, 2023), Robert P. Lamb (R, 2022) and Michael Stogdill (R, 2022).[4][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]

The mayoral election held on November 7, 2006, was declared null and void after allegations of voter fraud were filed by the losing candidate Walter G. LaCicero, who had lost the election by four votes; As part of a settlement agreement, Joseph Ardito stepped down from office as mayor and a special election to fill the seat was scheduled for March 13, 2007.[48] In the rerun election, Republican LaCicero was elected Mayor was sworn into office on March 19, 2007, for a term of office ending on December 31, 2010.[49]

Federal, state, and county representation

Lavallette is located in the 4th Congressional District[50] and is part of New Jersey's 10th state legislative district.[51][52][53]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 4th congressional district is represented by Chris Smith (R, Manchester Township).[54][55] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[56] and Bob Menendez (Englewood Cliffs, term ends 2025).[57][58]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 10th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by James W. Holzapfel (R, Toms River) and in the General Assembly by Paul Kanitra (R, Point Pleasant Beach) and Gregory P. McGuckin (R, Toms River).[59]

Ocean County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected on an at-large basis in partisan elections and serving staggered three-year terms of office, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization held in the beginning of January, the board chooses a director and a deputy director from among its members.[60] As of 2024, Ocean County's Commissioners (with party affiliation, term-end year and residence) are:

John P. Kelly (R, 2025, Eagleswood Township),[61] Virginia E. Haines (R, 2025, Toms River),[62] Director Barbara Jo Crea (R, 2024, Little Egg Harbor Township)[63] Deputy Director Gary Quinn (R, 2024, Lacey Township)[64] and Frank Sadeghi (R, 2026, Toms River).[65][66][67]

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Scott M. Colabella (R, 2025, Barnegat Light),[68][69] Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy (R, 2025; Toms River)[70][71] and Surrogate Jeffrey Moran (R, 2028, Beachwood).[72][73][74]

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 1,704 registered voters in Lavallette, of which 241 (14.1%) were registered as Democrats, 913 (53.6%) were registered as Republicans and 550 (32.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[75] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 90.9% (vs. 63.2% in Ocean County) were registered to vote, including 102.1% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 82.6% countywide).[75][76]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 66.5% of the vote (646 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 33.3% (324 votes), and other candidates with 0.2% (2 votes), among the 980 ballots cast by the borough's 1,758 registered voters (8 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 55.7%.[77][78] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 62.0% of the vote (862 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 35.0% (487 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (16 votes), among the 1,391 ballots cast by the borough's 1,843 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.5%.[79] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 64.6% of the vote (949 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 33.3% (489 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (11 votes), among the 1,469 ballots cast by the borough's 1,944 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 75.6.[80]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 84.1% of the vote (752 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 15.1% (135 votes), and other candidates with 0.8% (7 votes), among the 907 ballots cast by the borough's 1,646 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 55.1%.[81][82] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.9% of the vote (784 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 24.2% (280 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 5.4% (62 votes) and other candidates with 0.3% (4 votes), among the 1,155 ballots cast by the borough's 1,757 registered voters, yielding a 65.7% turnout.[83]

Education

Lavallette School District serves public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade at Lavallette Elementary School.[84][85][86] As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 156 students and 16.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 9.6:1.[87] In the 2016–17 school year, Lavallette was tied as the 23rd-smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 146 students.[88]

Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Point Pleasant Beach High School in Point Pleasant Beach, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Point Pleasant Beach School District, together with students from Bay Head and Mantoloking.[89] As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 382 students and 36.9 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.4:1.[90]

Transportation

Route 35 southbound in Lavallette

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 16.55 miles (26.63 km) of roadways, of which 10.77 miles (17.33 km) were maintained by the municipality, 3.30 miles (5.31 km) by Ocean County and 2.48 miles (3.99 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[91]

New Jersey Route 35 traverses the borough, connecting the Dover Beaches South (Ortley Beach) section of Toms River Township to the south and the Toms River community of Dover Beaches North to the north.[92]

Public transportation

Ocean Ride local service is provided on the OC10 Toms River Connection route.[93][94][95]

Movie location

The 2007 coming-of-age romance movie Greetings from the Shore was set and shot in Lavallette.[96]

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Lavallette has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature above 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), at least four months with an average mean temperature at or above 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature at or above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Lavallette, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above 95.0 °F (35.0 °C). On average, the wettest month of the year is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below 0.0 °F (−17.8 °C). The plant hardiness zone at Lavallette Beach is 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 3.5 °F (−15.8 °C).[97] The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is between 18 and 24 inches (46 and 61 cm) and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

More information Climate data for Lavallette Beach, NJ (1981–2010 Averages), Month ...
More information Climate data for Sandy Hook, NJ Ocean Water Temperature (34 N Lavallette), Month ...

Ecology

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Lavallette would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass (73) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).[100]

Notable people

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


References

  1. 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 53.
  2. Government, Borough of Lavallette. Accessed July 11, 2022. As of date accessed, old term-end years are listed for Borowski, Fillipone, Finter and Zalom.
  3. 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, updated February 8, 2023. Accessed February 10, 2023.
  4. Office of the Clerk, Borough of Lavallette. Accessed April 23, 2023.
  5. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  6. Zip Codes, State of New Jersey. Accessed August 28, 2013.
  7. Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Lavallette, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed August 28, 2013.
  8. Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  9. Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 203. Accessed October 26, 2012.
  10. Historical Background Archived 2007-07-07 at the Wayback Machine, Borough of Lavallette. Accessed July 19, 2007. "In February of 1878, the directors of the Barnegat Land Improvement Company filed a plot plan with Ocean County, designating the tract they purchased from Michael W. Ortley as 'Lavallette City by the Sea.' The name honored U. S. Navy Admiral Elie A. F. LaVallette, who distinguished himself as a young lieutenant aboard Commodore Thomas McDonough's flagship in the battle of Lake Champlain and later commanded the U.S.S. Constitution. Of French descent, the Admiral legally anglicized his name to Lavallette in 1830. His son, A. T. Lavallette, was secretary of the Land Improvement Company."
  11. Brief history on Lavallette, Borough of Lavallette. Accessed February 25, 2020. "Lavallette was co-founded in 1888 by Albert T. Lavallette and named after his father, the famous Admiral Elie A.F. Lavallette."
  12. Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 2, 2015.
  13. "Best Places To Live - The Complete Top Towns List 1-100" Archived 2008-02-28 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Monthly, February 21, 2008. Accessed February 24, 2008.
  14. Areas touching Lavallette, MapIt. Accessed February 25, 2020.
  15. Ocean County Map, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed February 25, 2020.
  16. Barnett, Bob. Population Data for Ocean County Municipalities, 1850 - 2000, WestJersey.org, January 6, 2011. Accessed December 26, 2012.
  17. Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  18. Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  19. "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 6. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  20. 2022 Municipal Data Sheet, Borough of Lavallette. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  21. 2022 Ocean County & Municipal Elected Officials, Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated April 1, 2022. Accessed May 1, 2022.
  22. 2019 General Election Official Results November 5, 2019, Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 15, 2019. Accessed January 1, 2020.
  23. 2018 General Election Official Results November 6, 2018, Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 19, 2018. Accessed January 1, 2019.
  24. McGinn, Brian. "After swearing in new mayor, council discusses 2007 budget" Archived 2016-01-12 at the Wayback Machine, The Ocean Star, March 23, 2007. Accessed January 24, 2015. "After being informed by Borough Administrator Christopher Parlow that the results of last Tuesday's special election had been certified at noon, Walter LaCicero decided to take his oath of office Monday, becoming Lavallette's 29th mayor."
  25. Fox, Joey. "Who is N.J.’s most bipartisan member of Congress, really?", New Jersey Globe, July 28, 2022. Accessed March 21, 2023. "As for Republicans, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) voted with Biden 37% of the time, "
  26. 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."
  27. 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.."
  28. 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"
  29. Commissioner John P. Kelly, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  30. Commissioner Director Virginia E. Haines, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  31. Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  32. Commissioner Gary Quinn, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  33. Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  34. Meet our Commissioners, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  35. County Directory, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  36. County Clerk, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  37. Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  38. County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  39. Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  40. County Surrogate Jeffrey W. Moran, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  41. Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  42. 2022 Ocean County and Municipal Elected Officials, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022.
  43. Voter Registration Summary - Ocean, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 26, 2012.
  44. GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Archived 2020-02-12 at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 26, 2012. Note that percentages in excess of 100% can occur where new residents have been added to the voter rolls while former residents have not been removed.
  45. "Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Ocean County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  46. "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Ocean County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  47. 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Ocean County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 26, 2012.
  48. 2004 Presidential Election: Ocean County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 26, 2012.
  49. "Governor - Ocean County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  50. "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Ocean County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  51. 2009 Governor: Ocean County Archived 2012-10-17 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 26, 2012.
  52. Lavallette Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Lavallette School District. Accessed February 25, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight in the Lavallette School District. Composition: The Lavallette School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Lavallette."
  53. Guion, Payton. "These 43 N.J. school districts have fewer than 200 students", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2017. Accessed January 30, 2020. "Based on data from the state Department of Education from the last school year and the Census Bureau, NJ Advance Media made a list of the smallest of the small school districts in the state, excluding charter schools and specialty institutions.... 23. Lavallette Borough (tie) - Enrollment: 146; Grades: K-8; County: Ocean"
  54. Point Pleasant Beach School District 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 1, 2016. "The Point Pleasant Beach School District is one of the oldest and finest at the Shore. Our school is rich in history and tradition. In addition to serving the students of Point Pleasant Beach and Mantoloking the district serves the high school age students of Bay Head and Lavallette."
  55. Ocean County Bus Service Archived 2015-08-14 at the Wayback Machine, Greater Mercer TMA. Accessed August 10, 2015.
  56. Hyman, Vicki. "'Greetings from the Shore' celebrates filmmaker's Jersey roots", The Star-Ledger, September 11, 2008. Accessed December 26, 2012. "Greetings from the Shore, an indie film set in Lavallette and produced by Hackettstown native Gabrielle Berberich, lingers on gilded sunsets, the twinkling promise of the boardwalk on a summer night, the uncomplicated glory of a tray of rainbow-colored golf balls. It's the rare film not only set in New Jersey but seen from the eye of someone not trying to escape it."
  57. Spoto, Maryann. "Songwriter finds harmony at Jersey Shore", The Star-Ledger, July 12, 2007. Accessed December 26, 2012. "Lavallette has Joe Pesci, Mantoloking lays claim to James Gandolfini, and now Asbury Park can list John Oates among its part-time residents."
Preceded by Beaches of New Jersey Succeeded by

Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Lavallette,_New_Jersey, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.