Wrightstown was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 4, 1918, from portions of New Hanover Township and North Hanover Township, based on the results of a referendum held on March 26, 1918.[21] The borough was named for John Wright, an early settler who contributed the land that became the settlement of Wrightstown.[22][23]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.85 square miles (4.79 km2), all of which was land.[1][2]
The borough is one of 56 South Jersey municipalities that are included within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, a protected natural area of unique ecology covering 1,100,000 acres (450,000 ha), that has been classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and established by Congress in 1978 as the nation's first National Reserve.[27] Part of the borough is included in the state-designated Pinelands Area, which includes portions of Burlington County, along with areas in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties.[28]
Jozsef A. Farago, a former mayor of Wrightstown, criticized the 2000 Census data that showed that the borough's population had dropped 80%, to 748 from 3,843 a decade earlier, noting that the 1990 population had been inflated and that the conversion of Fort Dix to a reserve base had caused a decrease but that the borough's master plan showed a population of 838.[36]
Of the 309 households, 34.3% had children under the age of 18; 28.8% were married couples living together; 21.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 38.8% were non-families. Of all households, 28.5% were made up of individuals and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.17.[18]
26.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 109.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 110.8 males.[18]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $40,096 (with a margin of error of +/− $4,881) and the median family income was $38,438 (+/− $7,242). Males had a median income of $37,917 (+/− $22,280) versus $34,167 (+/− $13,020) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $24,231 (+/− $4,722). About 15.2% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.[37]
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census[15] there were 748 people, 312 households, and 181 families residing in the borough. The population density was 425.1 inhabitants per square mile (164.1/km2). There were 339 housing units at an average density of 192.7 per square mile (74.4/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 49.87% White, 30.21% African American, 0.53% Native American, 7.22% Asian, 7.22% from other races, and 4.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.23% of the population.[34][35]
There were 312 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.2% were married couples living together, 25.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.09.[34][35]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.[34][35]
The median income for a household in the borough was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $28,889 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $14,489. About 22.8% of families and 24.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.8% of those under age 18 and 22.4% of those age 65 or over.[34][35]
Government
Local government
Wrightstown Borough Hall
Wrightstown 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 a mayor and a borough council, 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 includes 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.[6] The borough form of government used by Wrightstown 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][41][42]
As of 2023[update], the mayor of Wrightstown is Republican Donald Cottrell, who was elected to serve a term of office ending December 31, 2024. Members of the Wrightstown Borough Council are Council President William L. Bird Jr. (R, 2023), Jason Bushnell (D, 2024; elected to serve an unexpired term), Donna L. Carroll (R, 2025), Joseph Craig (R, 2023; elected to serve an unexpired term), Jeanie L. Knapp (R, 2025) and Laurance R. Lownds (D, 2024), with one seat vacant.[3][43][44][45][46]
After David Scott Timberman resigned from office in November 2021, the borough council selected Donald Cottrell from a list of three candidates to fill the seat expiring in December 2024.[47]
In September 2019, the New Jersey State Comptroller referred a case involving Mayor Thomas Harper to the New Jersey Attorney General for possible criminal charges; it was alleged that the mayor had allowed a private company to dump 565,000 US gallons (2,140,000 L; 470,000 imp gal) of untreated septic tank waste into facilities operated by the borough's municipal utilities authority without the company having paid any fees.[48] In September 2020, Mayor Harper was charged by the Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability with lying to investigators, after he allegedly knowingly made false statements during the course of the Office of the Comptroller's investigation. Harper resigned from office later that month, but his named remained as the only candidate for mayor listed on the ballot in the November 2020 general election.[49]
In July 2012, following the death of Brian Sperling in the previous month, the borough council selected William Bird to fill Sperling's vacancy on the council and picked Costic Michael Borsavage to take over his role as council president.[50]
Jennifer Heisler, a councilmember who resigned in October 2010, was sentenced in November 2011 to five years of probation after pleading guilty to the theft of $20,000 from Wrightstown Volunteer Fire Company, of which she had been the treasurer.[51]
Federal, state and county representation
Wrightstown is located in the 3rd Congressional District[52] and is part of New Jersey's 8th state legislative district.[53]
Burlington County's Constitutional Officers are:
Clerk Joanne Schwartz (D, Southampton Township, 2028)[67][68]
Sheriff James H. Kostoplis (D, Bordentown, 2025)[69][70] and
Surrogate Brian J. Carlin (D, Burlington Township, 2026).[71][72]
Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 293 registered voters in Wrightstown, of which 75 (25.6% vs. 33.3% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 98 (33.4% vs. 23.9%) were registered as Republicans and 120 (41.0% vs. 42.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[73] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 36.5% (vs. 61.7% in Burlington County) were registered to vote, including 50.0% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.3% countywide).[73][74]
In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 143 votes (63.6% vs. 58.1% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 76 votes (33.8% vs. 40.2%) and other candidates with 3 votes (1.3% vs. 1.0%), among the 225 ballots cast by the borough's 337 registered voters, for a turnout of 66.8% (vs. 74.5% in Burlington County).[75][76] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 118 votes (54.6% vs. 58.4% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 92 votes (42.6% vs. 39.9%) and other candidates with 3 votes (1.4% vs. 1.0%), among the 216 ballots cast by the borough's 320 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.5% (vs. 80.0% in Burlington County).[77] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 99 votes (49.5% vs. 52.9% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 93 votes (46.5% vs. 46.0%) and other candidates with 3 votes (1.5% vs. 0.8%), among the 200 ballots cast by the borough's 306 registered voters, for a turnout of 65.4% (vs. 78.8% in the whole county).[78]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 63 votes (62.4% vs. 61.4% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 35 votes (34.7% vs. 35.8%) and other candidates with 1 votes (1.0% vs. 1.2%), among the 101 ballots cast by the borough's 312 registered voters, yielding a 32.4% turnout (vs. 44.5% in the county).[79][80] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 62 votes (50.4% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 47 votes (38.2% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 3 votes (2.4% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 4 votes (3.3% vs. 1.2%), among the 123 ballots cast by the borough's 322 registered voters, yielding a 38.2% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).[81]
National concrete products supplier EP Henry operates a plant in Wrightstown. In 2019, it became the first customer for a reduced CO2cement which reduces carbon emissions by 70%.[92]
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 4.35 miles (7.00 km) of roadways, of which 2.70 miles (4.35 km) were maintained by the municipality, 1.18 miles (1.90 km) by Burlington County and 0.47 miles (0.76 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[93]
Wrightstown and neighboring Cookstown were put in the national spotlight when six Islamic militants, dubbed "The Fort Dix Six", were arrested while trying to carry out an attack against Fort Dix on May 7, 2007. Heightened security around the bases affected the local economy based heavily in restaurants specializing in delivery to the base.[citation needed]
^Comegno, Carol. "Wrightstown: Town linked to bases", Courier-Post, October 19, 2006. Accessed November 8, 2015. "1732 to 1742: John Wright, an early settler, buys a large tract of land to farm. He donates land to establish a town and it later takes his name."
^Avril, Tom; and Fleming, Leonard N. "Camden Feeds Towns' Diversity The Census Shows Minorities Leaving For The Inner Suburbs.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 12, 2001. Accessed December 2, 2013. "Former Mayor Jozsef A. Farago said Wrightstown's population couldn't possibly have dropped from 3,843 in 1990 to 748 in 2000, as the census reported. He said census officials had overestimated the Burlington County borough's population in 1990.... The borough, which borders Fort Dix, did lose some people early in the decade when the base converted to a reservist facility, Farago said."
^Government, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Accessed October 26, 2019. "In a borough government, a mayor and six council members are elected at-large. A mayor serves a 4 year term, and council members serve staggering 3 year terms, where at the end of every year, 2 seats being contested each year."
^Government, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Accessed April 25, 2023. "Our Borough government is one of 5 types of governments in NJ. In a borough government, a mayor and six council members are elected at-large. A mayor serves a 4 year term, and council members serve staggering 3 year terms, where at the end of every year, 2 seats being contested each year."
^Borough Council Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2021, Wrightstown Borough. Accessed July 25, 2022. "Acceptance Of Mayor David Scott Timberman’s Letter Of Resignation Dated November 1, 2021... Acting Mayor Cottrell read a letter from the Municipal Republican Committee putting forth three candidates’ names to fill the vacant seat of former Mayor Timberman: Donald Cottrell, William Bird, and Keith Conticelli.... A motion to appoint Mr. Cottrell as Mayor effective November 23, 2021 was made by Mr. Craig. Second by Mr. Lownds.... Motion Carried"
^"State refers case to AG: Wrightstown mayor had secret MUA deal", Burlington County Times, September 19, 2019. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Over the course of three years, Mayor Thomas Harper allowed a private septage company to bypass thousands of dollars of disposal fees and dump 565,000 gallons of untested, unfiltered waste directly into a municipal utilities authority manhole, according to an investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller."
^Woolston, George. "Ex-Wrightstown mayor barred from public office only candidate on ballot. Can he win?", Burlington County Times, October 29, 2020. Accessed July 25, 2022. "Former Borough Mayor Thomas Harper was running unopposed for re-election when he was charged with lying to investigators in early September. As a result of the charges, Harper is permanently banned from holding public office. He resigned as mayor and chair of the Wrightstown Municipal Utilities Authority on Sept. 23, the same day he was handed down the order banning him from a public position."
^Zimmaro, Mark. 'Wrightstown council fills vacancies", Burlington County Times, July 13, 2012. Accessed December 2, 2013. "The Borough Council filled a vacant seat and appointed a new president after the recent death of Brian Sperling.Sperling, who was council president at the time of his death, was one of the longest-serving elected officials in Burlington County history.... On Wednesday, the five remaining council members unanimously appointed William Bird to fill Sperling's seat.... Costic Michael Borsavage was sworn in as council president Wednesday night after a unanimous vote."
^Camilli, Danielle. "Former Wrightstown councilwoman sentenced for theft from fire company", Burlington County Times, November 20, 2011. Accessed December 2, 2013. "A former Wrightstown councilwoman was ordered to serve five years on probation and pay more than $20,000 in restitution for stealing money from the borough's volunteer fire company.... Heisler, formerly Jennifer Schwager, served on the Borough Council from January 2006 until her resignation in October 2010. Council members at the time said she left office after giving birth and no longer had time to devote to the community."
^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.... 40. New Hanover Township (tie) - Enrollment: 190; Grades: Pre-K-8; County: Burlington"
^Zimmaro, Mark. "New Hanover School to decide on middle school proposal"Archived March 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Burlington County Times, March 11, 2011. Accessed August 20, 2011. "The township's school district will decide on Wednesday whether to enter an agreement with the Bordentown Regional School District for a send-receive agreement for middle school children. The district which serves New Hanover and Wrightstown, already sends its high school students to Bordentown Regional High School and district officials are trying to determine whether sending sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders to Bordentown Regional Middle School would be a feasible idea."
^District Information, Bordentown Regional School District. Accessed August 18, 2020. "Our district is comprised of the Township of Bordentown, the City of Bordentown and the Borough of Fieldsboro. New Hanover Township sends students on a tuition basis grades 9-12."
^Bordentown Regional School District 2016 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed March 10, 2020. "Bordentown Regional School District is a vibrant learning community, proudly serving the communities of Fieldsboro, Bordentown City and Bordentown Township.... In addition to the three aforementioned communities, Bordentown Regional High School also welcomes students from New Hanover into its ninth-twelfth grade population."
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