Far Hills is a borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 919,[17][18][19] reflecting an increase of 60 (+7.0%) from the 859 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 202 (+30.7%) from the 657 counted in the 1990 Census.[20]
Borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States
Borough in New Jersey
Far Hills, New Jersey
Borough
Borough of Far Hills
Alexander and James Linn Homestead
Map of Far Hills in Somerset County. Inset: Location of Somerset County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Far Hills was incorporated as a borough based on an Act of the New Jersey Legislature passed on April 7, 1921, from portions of Bernards Township, subject to the results of a referendum held on May 12, 1921.[21] Far Hills is a dry town where alcohol is not permitted to be sold by law.[22][23] It is located within the Raritan Valley region.
History
Far Hills encompasses nearly 5 square miles (13km2) in Somerset County, encircled by the equally upscale communities of Bedminster Township, Peapack-Gladstone, Bernards Township, and Bernardsville.[24] It shares a community pool, athletic programs, civic organizations, and a school system with Bernardsville. It shares a public library, a fire department and a first aid squad with neighboring Bedminster Township.
The borough maintains its character through 10-acre (40,000m2) minimum zoning laws whereby large private properties and homes surround a small village which was the creation of a wealthy New York businessman in the late 1800s.[25] The beginning of rail service to nearby Bernardsville in 1870, opened the area to city people seeking a respite from the heat and hurry of urban life.
Evander H. Schley, a land developer and real estate broker from New York, purchased thousands of acres in Bedminster and Bernards townships in the 1880s. One day in 1887, Schley's brother, Grant, and his wife, Elizabeth, arrived by horse-drawn carriage to see Evander's farms. Elizabeth is said to have remarked on the beautiful vista of the "far hills," thus giving the name to the place before a village was built.[26]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 4.90 square miles (12.69km2), including 4.85 square miles (12.55km2) of land and 0.06 square miles (0.14km2) of water (1.12%).[1][2]
The climate in the area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cold winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Far Hills has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.[30]
The 2010 United States census counted 919 people, 376 households, and 259 families in the borough. The population density was 191.6 per square mile (74.0/km2). There were 418 housing units at an average density of 87.1 per square mile (33.6/km2). The racial makeup was 95.32% (876) White, 0.65% (6) Black or African American, 0.00% (0) Native American, 1.85% (17) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.54% (5) from other races, and 1.63% (15) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.58% (88) of the population.[17]
Of the 376 households, 29.5% had children under the age of 18; 58.2% were married couples living together; 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.1% were non-families. Of all households, 28.5% were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.02.[17]
24.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 35.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 96.6 males.[17]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $125,833 (with a margin of error of +/− $29,841) and the median family income was $202,083 (+/− $85,006). Males had a median income of $177,083 (+/− $60,611) versus $76,250 (+/− $38,263) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $93,495 (+/− $19,515). About 3.6% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.[35]
Census 2000
As of the 2000 United States Census[14] there were 859 people, 368 households, and 253 families. The population density was 176.8 people per square mile (68.2/km2). There were 386 housing units at an average density of 79.4 per square mile (30.7/km2). The racial makeup was 96.04% White, 0.81% African American, 0.12% Native American, 2.10% Asian, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.61% of the population.[33][34]
There were 368 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.76.[33][34]
The population was spread out, with 18.4% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.[33][34]
The median income for a household was $112,817, and the median income for a family was $149,095. Males had a median income of $90,000 versus $46,607 for females. The per capita income was $81,535. About 0.8% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 1.2% of those age 65 or over.[33][34]
Sports
The United States Golf Association has a Far Hills mailing address but is actually located in Bernards Township. The United States Golf Association Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History is located on the premises.[36]
From 2000 through 2005 the Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase returned to the Far Hills Races after a hiatus of six years. Known for the highest prize money of a steeplechase in America, the purse for the Breeders' Cup winner has been as large as $250,000 and has attracted up to 100,000 spectators. Several races are scheduled by Far Hills Race Meeting Association in late October of each year. Considered one of the premier social events of the year in the tri-state area, it is attended by as many as 75,000 people annually.[37]
Parks and recreation
The Leonard J. Buck Garden, 33 acres (130,000m2), is a public botanical garden operated by the Somerset County Park Commission, and located at 11 Layton Road. It is open daily; a small fee is requested.[38]
Moggy Hollow Natural Area is a National Natural Landmark adjacent to the Buck Garden.[39]
Natirar is an estate spanning 491 acres (1.99km2) in Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone and Bedminster that was sold in 2003 by Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, to the Somerset County Park Commission.[40]
Government
Local government
Far Hills 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.[41] 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. A 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 Far Hills 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.[42][43]
As of 2022[update], the Mayor of Far Hills is Republican Dr. Paul J. Vallone, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2022. Members of the Far Hills Borough Council are Council President David P. Karner (R, 2022), Joseph E. Carty (R, 2023), Mary Chimenti (R, 2024), Edward R. "Ted" McLean (R, 2022; elected to serve an unexpired term), Sheila J. Tweedie (R, 2023) and Kevin Welsh (R, 2024).[4][44][45][46][47][48][49]
In November 2019, the Borough Council selected Ted McLean to fill the weeks remaining in the seat expiring in December 2019 that had been held by David R. Surks until he resigned from office earlier that month. Surks was re-elected in the November 2019 general election[50] In January 2020, McLean was appointed to fill Surks' term expiring in December 2022 and will serve on an interim basis until the November 2020 general election.[51]
Emergency services
Emergency services in the borough are offered by the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department, Far Hills Police Department, and Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad. Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department roots back to the establishment of Union Hook & Ladder Company #1 in December 1900; The current name was adopted in 1998 to avoid confusion with other departments with similar names.[52]
Federal, state and county representation
Far Hills is located in the 7th Congressional District[53] and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.[18][54][55] Prior to the 2011 reapportionment following the 2010 Census, Far Hills had been in the 16th state legislative district.[56]
For the 2022–2023 session, the 21st Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Jon Bramnick (R, Westfield) and in the General Assembly by Michele Matsikoudis (R, New Providence) and Nancy Munoz (R, Summit).[61]
Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners, whose members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and Deputy Director from among its members.[62] As of 2022[update], Somerset County's County Commissioners are
Director Shanel Robinson (D, Franklin Township, term as commissioner ends December 31, 2024; term as director ends 2022),[63]
Deputy Director Melonie Marano (D, Green Brook Township, term as commissioner and as deputy director ends 2022),[64]
Paul Drake (D, Hillsborough Township, 2023),[65]
Douglas Singleterry (D, North Plainfield, 2023)[66] and
Sara Sooy (D, Basking Ridge in Bernards Township, 2024).[67][68][69][70][71][72][73]
Pursuant to Article VII Section II of the New Jersey State Constitution, each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as constitutional officers. These officers are the County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term).[74] Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis are
County Clerk Steve Peter (D, Somerville, 2022),[75][76]
Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2022)[77][78] and
Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[79][80][70]
Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 748 registered voters in Far Hills, of which 97 (13.0% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 382 (51.1% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 268 (35.8% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[81] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 81.4% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 107.2% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).[81][82]
In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 70.6% of the vote (348 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 27.8% (137 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (5 votes), among the 493 ballots cast by the borough's 793 registered voters (3 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 62.2%.[83][84] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 355 votes (63.1% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 196 votes (34.8% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 5 votes (0.9% vs. 1.1%), among the 563 ballots cast by the borough's 726 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.5% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County).[85] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 342 votes (67.7% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 160 votes (31.7% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 2 votes (0.4% vs. 0.9%), among the 505 ballots cast by the borough's 636 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.4% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).[86]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 84.9% of the vote (275 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 13.0% (42 votes), and other candidates with 2.2% (7 votes), among the 324 ballots cast by the borough's 799 registered voters, for a turnout of 40.6%.[87][88] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 282 votes (69.6% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 65 votes (16.0% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 52 votes (12.8% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 5 votes (1.2% vs. 0.7%), among the 405 ballots cast by the borough's 743 registered voters, yielding a 54.5% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).[89]
Students in public school attend the schools of the Somerset Hills Regional School District, a regional school district covering pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade serving students from Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone, along with students from Bedminster Township who attend the district's high school as part of a sending/receiving relationship.[99][100] As of the 2020–2021 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 1,797 students and 155.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.6:1.[101] Schools in the district (with 2020–2021 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[102]) are
Marion T. Bedwell Elementary School[103] with 471 students in grades Pre-K–4,
Bernardsville Middle School[104] with 474 students in grades 5–8 and
Bernards High School[105] with 819 students in grades 9–12.[106][107][108] The district's board of education is comprised of nine elected members (plus one appointed member representing Bedminster) who set policy and oversee the fiscal and educational operation of the district through its administration.[109] The nine elected seats on the board are allocated to the constituent municipalities based on population, with one seat allocated to Far Hills.[110]
Far Hills Country Day School is a private, nonsectarian coeducational day school located in Far Hills, serving 444 students in nursery through eighth grade on a 55-acre (220,000m2) campus.[111]
Transportation
I-287 southbound in Far Hills
Roads and highways
As of May2010[update], the borough had a total of 15.28 miles (24.59km) of roadways, of which 9.70 miles (15.61km) were maintained by the municipality, 2.59 miles (4.17km) by Somerset County and 2.99 miles (4.81km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[112]
The most prominent highway serving Far Hills is Interstate 287. U.S. Route 202 also passes through the borough.
Public transportation
NJ Transit provides service at the Far Hills train station[113] on the Gladstone Branch of the Morristown Line; the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located at U.S. Route 202, near the intersection of Far Hills Road, one half mile east of U.S. Route 206, offering service via Secaucus Junction and New York Penn Station or to Hoboken Terminal.[114]
P. J. Chesson (born 1978), IndyCar driver who raced in the 2006 Indianapolis 500[118]
Charles W. Engelhard Jr. (1917–1971), businessman who controlled an international mining and metals conglomerate and was a major owner of thoroughbred race horses[119]
2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 77.
Borough Council, Borough of Far Hills. Accessed April 26, 2022. "The Borough of Far Hills Council consists of the Mayor and 6 Council members. The Mayor is elected for a four year term and Council members are elected for a three year term."
Perry, Jacob W. "New council member takes oath in Far Hills after Surks resigns", The Bernardsville News, November 27, 2019. Accessed February 20, 2020. "Edward R. McLean of Mallet Lane filled a vacancy left by the resignation of Republican Councilman David Surks, who quit shortly before the Nov. 5 election but remained on the ballot and was re-elected."
Borough Council Reorganization Minutes for January 6, 2020, Borough of Far Hills. Accessed February 20, 2020. "Resolution 20-001: Appointment - Borough Council - Ted McLean.... Senator Thomas Kean Jr. administered the Oath of Office to Ted McLean as a member of the Borough Council for a term expiring at the next general election to be held November 2020."
About the Department, Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department. Accessed July 14, 2022.
Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.
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.."
2009 Governor: Somerset CountyArchived 2015-02-02 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed February 12, 2013.
Somerset Hills Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Somerset Hills School District. Accessed February 20, 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 twelve in The Somerset Hills School District. Composition The Somerset Hills School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone."
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the Somerset Hills School District, New Jersey Department of Education, for year ending June 30, 2018. Accessed February 20, 2020. "The School District is a Type II District located in Somerset County, New Jersey. The School District is an instrumentality of the State of New Jersey, established to function as an educational institution. The Somerset Hills School District is governed by a ten member board, including nine individuals elected to three year terms from the Boroughs of Bernardsville, Peapack & Gladstone and Far Hills, along with one appointed member from the Bedminster Board of Education."
Quint, Michael. "The Financier 'Who Knows What Is Going On'", The New York Times, August 6, 1988. Accessed August 25, 2012. "The great grandson of Anthony N. Brady, an Irish emigrant who was a friend and business associate of Thomas A. Edison, Nicholas Brady grew up on a large estate in Far Hills, N.J., that borders on the Dillon family estate."
James Chesson, Racing-reference.info. Accessed February 1, 2015.
Caldwell, Dave. "A Hard-to-Match Personality, With Potential to Boot", The New York Times, May 27, 2006. Accessed August 25, 2012. "P. J. Chesson, who will drive in his first Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, has already had a wild week.... He grew up on a horse farm in Far Hills, N.J., and had little experience racing on ovals, let alone pavement, until two years ago."
"Belmont Loses Nijinsky to Newmarket", The New York Times, October 13, 1970. Accessed December 9, 2007. "Charles W. Engelhard of Far Hills, N.J., millionaire racehorse owner, gave approval today for his colt, Nijinsky, to race in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday."
James, George. "Malcolm Forbes, Publisher, Dies at 70", The New York Times, February 26, 1990. Accessed August 25, 2012. "Malcolm Forbes, chairman and editor in chief of Forbes Magazine and a flamboyant multimillionaire whose enthusiastic pursuits included yachting, motorcycling and ballooning, died Saturday of a heart attack in his sleep at his home in Far Hills, N.J. He was 70 years old."
Peterson, Iver. "On Politics; It's Not Too Late or Irrational For Mr. Forbes to Aim Lower", The New York Times, January 16, 2000. Accessed August 25, 2012. "Even Governor Whitman, his Far Hills neighbor and longtime acquaintance, was a county freeholder before she tried for the Senate and then went on to win the governor's race."
Bayot, Jennifer. "Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, Memoirist of Wartime Escape, Dies at 92", The New York Times, January 13, 2005. Accessed February 1, 2015. "Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, whose memoir, "Passages to Freedom," chronicled his escape from a prison camp in Italy during World War II, died on Saturday in Morristown, N.J. He was 92 and lived in Far Hills, N.J."
Staff. "Lance Honors Colonel Jack H. Jacobs of Far Hills", The Messenger-Gazette, September 20, 2013. Accessed February 1, 2015. "Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ 07) this week recognized Colonel Jack H. Jacobs of Far Hills, during a special period in the House of Representatives devoted to honoring Medal of Honor winners: 'Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the military service record of Colonel Jack H. Jacobs of Far Hills, New Jersey.'"
Plumeri Park, William & Mary Tribe baseball, January 1, 1999. Accessed August 25, 2012. "Baseball proved to be a lifelong love, and he and his family own two minor league baseball teams. Plumeri and his wife, Nancy, reside in Far Hills, N.J."
"Students Get Oak Knoll Honors", Bernardsville News, April 25, 1985. Accessed January 26, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Aileen Quinn of Far Hills has been named to the first honor roll at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit for having achieved not less than an 'A' in all subjects."
Ackermann, Peggy. "Andrew Schlafly", The Record, May 25, 2010. Accessed August 25, 2012. "Appearing before the high court for the recall group, Far Hills attorney Andrew Schlafly, son of conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, cited a letter George Washington wrote to his nephew, Bushrod Washington, on Nov. 10, 1787."
Froonjian, John. "Whitman Prepares To Challenge Florio In Bid For Governor", The Press of Atlantic City, January 17, 1993. Accessed August 25, 2012. "Whitman, 46, of Far Hills has only recently officially confirmed that she will seek to challenge Democratic incumbent Jim Florio."
Другой контент может иметь иную лицензию. Перед использованием материалов сайта WikiSort.org внимательно изучите правила лицензирования конкретных элементов наполнения сайта.
2019-2025 WikiSort.org - проект по пересортировке и дополнению контента Википедии