Deptford Township, New Jersey

Deptford Township, New Jersey
Township of Deptford
Benjamin Clark House, built 1769
Nickname(s): 
"First Flight in America"
Deptford Township highlighted in Gloucester County. Inset map: Gloucester County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Deptford Township highlighted in Gloucester County. Inset map: Gloucester County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Deptford Township, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Deptford Township, New Jersey
Deptford Township is located in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Deptford Township
Deptford Township
Location in Gloucester County
Deptford Township is located in New Jersey
Deptford Township
Deptford Township
Location in New Jersey
Deptford Township is located in the United States
Deptford Township
Deptford Township
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 39°48′50″N 75°07′07″W / 39.813794°N 75.118693°W / 39.813794; -75.118693Coordinates: 39°48′50″N 75°07′07″W / 39.813794°N 75.118693°W / 39.813794; -75.118693
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Gloucester
FormedJune 1, 1695 as Bethlehem
IncorporatedFebruary 21, 1798
Named forDeptford, England
Government
 • TypeFaulkner Act Council-Manager
 • BodyTownship Council
 • MayorPaul Medany (D, term ends December 31, 2022)
 • ManagerThomas Newman Jr.
 • Municipal clerkDina L. Zawadski
Area
 • Total17.57 sq mi (45.50 km2)
 • Land17.33 sq mi (44.89 km2)
 • Water0.24 sq mi (0.61 km2)  1.35%
 • Rank163rd of 565 in state
9th of 24 in county
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Population
 • Total30,561
 • Estimate 
(2019)
30,349
 • Rank72nd of 566 in state
3rd of 24 in county
 • Density1,760.3/sq mi (679.7/km2)
  • Rank306th of 566 in state
11th of 24 in county
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Codes
08096
Area code856
FIPS code3401517710
GNIS feature ID0882149
Websitewww.deptford-nj.org

Deptford Township (pronounced DEP-ford) is a township in Gloucester County, New Jersey, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 30,561, reflecting an increase of 3,798 (+14.2%) from the 26,763 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 2,626 (+10.9%) from the 24,137 counted in the 1990 Census.

Deptford was first formed on June 1, 1695, at which time it was known as Bethlehem. It was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of the state's initial group of 104 townships formed under its new Township Act. Over the centuries, portions of the township were taken to create Washington Township (February 17, 1836), Woodbury Borough (March 27, 1854; now Woodbury City), West Deptford Township (March 1, 1871), Wenonah (March 10, 1883), Westville (April 7, 1914) and Woodbury Heights (April 6, 1915).

Deptford is a suburb of Philadelphia, located on the eastern side of the Walt Whitman Bridge, one conduit of which joins southern New Jersey with Philadelphia. It is located 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Philadelphia and 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Atlantic City.

History

Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen May led some of the earliest European settlement in the area, and was followed by settlers from Sweden and Finland before coming under British colonial rule. When it was first formed in 1695, the township covered an area of 106 square miles (270 km2) that included today's Deptford Township along with present-day Monroe Township, Washington Township, West Deptford Township, Westville, Woodbury and Woodbury Heights.

Deptford Township is named after the English port of Deptford.

The Clement Oak in Deptford was the site of the first hot air balloon landing in North America, gathering that distinction when Jean-Pierre Blanchard completed his flight to Deptford from Philadelphia in 1793. During his flight, Blanchard carried a personal letter from George Washington to be delivered to the owner of whatever property Blanchard happened to land on, making the flight the first delivery of air mail in the United States as well.

The area was hit by a strong EF3 tornado on September 1, 2021, with winds of up to 150 miles per hour (240 km/h), produced by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. More than 100 homes in the township were damaged in the tornado outbreak.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 17.57 square miles (45.50 km2), including 17.33 square miles (44.89 km2) of land and 0.24 square miles (0.61 km2) of water (1.35%).

The township borders the municipalities of Mantua Township, Washington Township, Wenonah, West Deptford Township, Westville, Woodbury and Woodbury Heights in Gloucester County; and Bellmawr, Gloucester Township and Runnemede in Camden County.

Oak Valley (with a 2010 Census population of 3,483) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Deptford Township.

Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Almonesson, Blackwood Terrace, Clements Bridge, Cooper Village, Country Club Estates, Good Intent, Hammond Heights, Jericho, Lake Tract, New Sharon, Oak Valley, Salina, Westcottville, Westville Grove, Woodbury Gardens, Woodbury Park and Woodbury Terrace.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
18002,510
18102,97818.6%
18203,28110.2%
18303,5999.7%
18402,570*−28.6%
18503,35530.5%
18604,213*25.6%
18702,698−36.0%
18801,520*−43.7%
18901,681*10.6%
19002,11425.8%
19102,52419.4%
19202,224*−11.9%
19304,507102.7%
19404,7385.1%
19507,30454.2%
196017,878144.8%
197024,23235.5%
198023,473−3.1%
199024,1372.8%
200026,76310.9%
201030,56114.2%
2019 (est.)30,349−0.7%
Population sources: 1800–2000
1800–1920 1840 1850–1870
1850 1870 1880–1890
1890–1910 1910–1930
1930–1990 2000 2010
* = Lost territory in previous decade.

2010 Census

The 2010 United States census counted 30,561 people, 11,689 households, and 7,995 families in the township. The population density was 1,760.3 per square mile (679.7/km2). There were 12,361 housing units at an average density of 712.0 per square mile (274.9/km2). The racial makeup was 78.80% (24,082) White, 12.16% (3,717) Black or African American, 0.24% (73) Native American, 4.45% (1,361) Asian, 0.04% (12) Pacific Islander, 2.04% (622) from other races, and 2.27% (694) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.99% (1,830) of the population.

Of the 11,689 households, 27.8% had children under the age of 18; 50.1% were married couples living together; 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.6% were non-families. Of all households, 25.3% were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.

21.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.0 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $66,833 (with a margin of error of +/- $2,897) and the median family income was $76,303 (+/- $2,216). Males had a median income of $52,310 (+/- $2,247) versus $46,532 (+/- $4,525) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $30,476 (+/- $1,269). About 6.9% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

2000 Census

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 26,763 people, 10,013 households, and 7,079 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,529.7 people per square mile (590.5/km2). There were 10,647 housing units at an average density of 608.6 per square mile (234.9/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 83.44% White, 12.38% Black, 0.21% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.86% of the population.

There were 10,013 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the township the age distribution of the population showed 23.8% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,147, and the median income for a family was $56,642. Males had a median income of $40,641 versus $28,986 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,477. 5.9% of the population and 4.3% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Economy

The Deptford Mall is the seventh-largest shopping mall in New Jersey and the largest in the South Jersey region of the state, with a Gross leasable area of 1,069,657 square feet (99,374.4 m2). Macerich purchased the mall in 2007 for $241 million.

The Deptford Mall is surrounded by an eight-screen movie theater (the other six-screen theater is now demolished for a new strip mall, though another twelve-screen theater is planned nearby), 12 strip malls, bars and numerous restaurants and individual stores. This business district is a major contributor to Deptford having one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Gloucester County.[citation needed]

Arts and culture

Deptford is featured briefly in the film Patti Smith: Dream of Life, a 2008 documentary about rock musician Patti Smith.

Parks and recreation

Tall Pines State Preserve is a 111-acre (45 ha) nature preserve that opened in November 2015 as Gloucester County's first state park and is located along the border of Deptford Township and Mantua Township. Originally a forest that was turned into an asparagus field and then a golf course, the land was preserved through the efforts of the South Jersey Land and Water Trust, the Friends of Tall Pines, Gloucester County Nature Club, and the New Jersey Green Acres Program.

Government

Local government

Deptford Township operates within the Faulkner Act, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, under the Council-Manager form of municipal government. The township is one of 42 municipalities (of the 565) statewide that use this form of government. The governed body is comprised of the seven-member Township Council, whose members are elected on an at-large basis in partisan elections to serve four-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either three or four seats coming up for election in odd-numbered years. The council then selects a mayor and a deputy mayor to serve two-year terms from among its members during the reorganization meeting in January. There are no term limits for council, mayor or deputy mayor, and elected officials can remain in those offices as long as they continue to be nominated by the council every two years and as long as they win their council elections every four years. The council hires an independent manager to serve as the chief administrative official of the township. The Township Manager is Rob Hatalovsky.

As of 2022, the members of the Deptford Township Council are Mayor Paul Medany (D, term on committee and ends December 31, 2023; term as mayor ends 2022), Deputy Mayor Tom Hufnell (D, term on committee ends 2023; term as deputy mayor ends 2022), Kenneth Barnshaw (D, 2025), MacKenzie Belling (D, 2023), Bill Lamb (D, 2025), Wayne Love (D, 2025) and Phillip Schocklin (D, 2025).

Federal, state and county representation

Deptford Township is located in the 1st Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 5th state legislative district.

For the 117th United States Congress, New Jersey's First Congressional District is represented by Donald Norcross (D, Camden). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) and Bob Menendez (Harrison, term ends 2025).

For the 2022–2023 session, the 5th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D, Barrington) and in the General Assembly by Bill Moen (D, Camden) and William Spearman (D, Camden).

Gloucester County is governed by a board of county commissioners, whose seven members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis in partisan elections, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At a reorganization meeting held each January, the Board selects a Director and a Deputy Director from among its members. As of 2022, Gloucester County's Commissioners are Director Frank J. DiMarco (D, Deptford Township; term as commissioner and as director ends December 31, 2022), Deputy Director Heather Simmons (D, Glassboro; term as commissioner ends 2023, term as deputy director ends 2022). Lyman J. Barnes (D, Logan Township; 2023), Nicholas DeSilvio (R, Franklin Township, 2024) Denice DiCarlo (D, West Deptford Township; 2022, appointed to serve an unexpired term) Jim Jefferson (D, Woodbury; 2023), and Christopher Konawel Jr. (R, Glassboro; 2024).

Constitutional officers elected countywide are County Clerk James N. Hogan (D, Franklin Township; five-year term ends 2022), Sheriff Jonathan M. Sammons (R, Elk Township; three-year term ends 2024) and Surrogate Giuseppe "Joe" Chila (D, Woolwich Township; five-year term ends 2022).

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there was a total of 19,449 registered voters in Deptford, of whom 8,169 (42.0%) were registered as Democrats, 2,740 (14.1%) were registered as Republicans and 8,523 (43.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 17 voters registered to other parties.

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 62.3% of the vote (8,427 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 36.5% (4,938 votes), and other candidates with 1.2% (168 votes), among the 13,639 ballots cast by the township's 20,488 registered voters (106 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 66.6%. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 60.4% of the vote (8,655 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 37.1% (5,311 votes) and other candidates with 1.5% (215 votes), among the 14,332 ballots cast by the township's 20,166 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.1%. In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 58.0% of the vote (7,426 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 40.8% (5,220 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (104 votes), among the 12,806 ballots cast by the township's 17,725 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 72.2.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 60.9% of the vote (4,794 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 37.7% (2,969 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (111 votes), among the 8,093 ballots cast by the township's 20,145 registered voters (219 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 40.2%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 48.9% of the vote (4,158 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 41.0% (3,487 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 7.3% (622 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (65 votes), among the 8,500 ballots cast by the township's 19,678 registered voters, yielding a 43.2% turnout.

Education

The Deptford Township Schools is a public school district, comprising eight school facilities, that serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2017–18 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 4,419 students and 329.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.4:1. Schools in the district (with 2017-18 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are Central Early Childhood Center (639 students; in grades PreK-1), Pine Acres Early Childhood Center (240; PreK-1), Good Intent School (353; 2-6), Lake Tract School (488; 2-6), Oak Valley School (369; 2-6), Shady Lane School (419; 2-6), Monongahela Middle School (643; 7&8), Deptford Township High School (1,092; 9-12) and New Sharon School which serves students ages 3–21 with developmental or cognitive disabilities.

Students from across the county are eligible to apply to attend Gloucester County Institute of Technology, a four-year high school in Deptford Township that provides technical and vocational education. As a public school, students do not pay tuition to attend the school.

As of 2020 Guardian Angels Regional School (Pre-K-Grade 3 campus in Gibbstown CDP and 4-8 campus in Paulsboro) takes students from Deptford. It is under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.

Rowan College at Gloucester County is located in Deptford, and opened there in 1968 as Gloucester County College with classes held at Monongahela Junior High School and Deptford High School.

Transportation

The New Jersey Turnpike in Deptford Township

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the township had a total of 150.03 miles (241.45 km) of roadways, of which 99.01 miles (159.34 km) were maintained by the municipality, 28.87 miles (46.46 km) by Gloucester County and 18.75 miles (30.18 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 3.40 miles (5.47 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Deptford Township is crisscrossed by several major transportation routes, including Route 41, Route 42, Route 45, Route 47, and Route 55. County roads include County Route 534, County Route 544, County Route 551 and County Route 553. The New Jersey Turnpike passes through, but the nearest interchange is Exit 3 in neighboring Bellmawr/Runnemede. A very short section of Interstate 295 also passes through Deptford Township.

Public transportation

NJ Transit bus service is available to Philadelphia on the 400, 401, 402, 408, 410 and 412 routes, and local service is provided on the 455 and 463 routes.

Notable people

Rock musician Patti Smith hails from Deptford.

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


This page was last updated at 2022-04-28 05:04 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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