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Watchung, New Jersey

Coordinates: 40°38′34″N 74°26′10″W / 40.642845°N 74.436233°W / 40.642845; -74.436233
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Watchung, New Jersey
Borough
Cascading dam holds in Watchung Lake
Cascading dam holds in Watchung Lake
Official seal of Watchung, New Jersey
Seal
Location of Watchung in Somerset County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Somerset County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left). Interactive map of Watchung, New Jersey
Location of Watchung in Somerset County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Somerset County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Map
Interactive map of Watchung, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Watchung, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Watchung, New Jersey
Watchung is located in Somerset County, New Jersey
Watchung
Watchung
Location in Somerset County
Watchung is located in New Jersey
Watchung
Watchung
Location in New Jersey
Watchung is located in the United States
Watchung
Watchung
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 40°38′34″N 74°26′10″W / 40.642845°N 74.436233°W / 40.642845; -74.436233[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Somerset
IncorporatedApril 20, 1926
Government
[7]
 • TypeBorough
 • BodyBorough Council
 • MayorRonald Jubin (R, term ends December 31, 2026)[3][4]
 • AdministratorJames J. Damato[5]
 • Municipal clerkEdith G. Gil[6]
Area
[8]
 • Total
6.04 sq mi (15.65 km2)
 • Land6.02 sq mi (15.58 km2)
 • Water0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2)  0.46%
 • Rank256th of 565 in state
10th of 21 in county[1]
Elevation
[9]
259 ft (79 m)
Population
 (2020)[10][11]
 • Total
6,449
 • Estimate 
(2023)[10][12]
6,434
 • Rank330th of 565 in state
16th of 21 in county[13]
 • Density1,072.0/sq mi (413.9/km2)
  • Rank374th of 565 in state
12th of 21 in county[13]
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code
07069[14][15]
Area code908[16]
FIPS code3403577600[1][17][18]
GNIS feature ID0885433[1][19]
Websitewww.watchungnj.gov

Watchung (/wɑːˈtʃʌŋ/) is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located approximately 29 miles (47 km) west of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 6,449,[10][11] an increase of 648 (+11.2%) from the 2010 census count of 5,801,[20][21] which in turn reflected an increase of 188 (+3.3%) from the 5,613 counted in the 2000 census.[22] It is located within the Raritan Valley region.

Watchung was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 23, 1926, from portions of North Plainfield Township (now Green Brook Township) based on the results of a referendum held on April 20, 1926.[23][24] The name "Watchung" comes from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, meaning "high hills"[25] or from "watschu," meaning "hill."[26]

In 2012, Forbes.com listed Watchung as 384th in its listing of "America's Most Expensive ZIP Codes", with a median home price of $767,507.[27]

The borough is one of the state's highest-income communities.[28] Based on data from the American Community Survey (ACS) for 2014–2018, Watchung residents had a median household income of $153,341, almost double the statewide median of $79,363.[29]

History

[edit]

George Washington surveyed the British troops in Perth Amboy, 20 miles away, from the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains. The eastern edge of these ridges reaches to the Oranges in the direction of Newark. The name "Washingtonville" was used in early times, but was rejected as the name for the area by the United States Postal Service, which felt that the state already had too many places named Washington.[30][31]

Watchung, in the 1900s was a semi-rural small community of about 3,200 people in comparison with the relatively larger and more urban communities of Plainfield and Somerville. The first mayor of the town was Henry Baldwin Macdonald, who served from 1926 to 1928. The 1967 Plainfield riots, caused an exodus of the large upper-middle class population from the nearby cities to the Watchung Hills area to communities such as Watchung, Warren Township and Bridgewater Township.[citation needed]

Watchung was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 23, 1926, from portions of North Plainfield Township (now Green Brook Township) based on the results of a referendum held on April 20, 1926.[23][24]

Fishing is allowed at Watchung Lake on a catch-and-release basis only.

In the wake of public fear that ensued after the 1938 radio broadcast of Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds, National Guard troops were stationed around the hills in Watchung, as told on the vinyl record recording of news reports of the day.[citation needed]

Notable figures who have lived in Watchung include Bobby Thomson, Billy Ard and Carl Banks.

Historic places

[edit]

Eaton House is a Watchung historic site that was owned by congressman Charles Aubrey Eaton and has been the residence of other notables over the years. Known also as the Sunbright Farm farmhouse, the home was damaged in April 2014 when it was hit by trees that fell as a result of a likely microburst in a severe storm that rolled through the area.[32]

The borough is home to Watchung Valley Golf Club, which moved from its original nine-hole course in North Plainfield to its current location on Mountain Boulevard in 1927. The club was known as the Twin Brooks Country Club from 1933 to 2017, when it re-adopted its name as Watchung Valley Country Club, which was in use from 1928 to 1933.[33]

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 6.04 square miles (15.6 km2), including 6.02 square miles (15.6 km2) of land and 0.03 square miles (0.078 km2) of water (0.46%).[1][2]

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Washingtonville.[34]

The borough borders Green Brook Township, North Plainfield and Warren Township in Somerset County; and Berkeley Heights, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains in Union County.[35][36][37]

The Stony Brook flows through Watchung borough, making its way from Warren Township to the Watchung Lake, then through the gorge in the first Watchung mountain and over the Wetumpka Falls, on its way to the Green Brook.[38]

The borough is roughly a 40-minute drive from New York City and a 20-minute drive from Newark.[citation needed]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1930906—
19401,15827.8%
19501,81857.0%
19603,31282.2%
19704,75043.4%
19805,29011.4%
19905,110−3.4%
20005,6139.8%
20105,8013.3%
20206,44911.2%
2023 (est.)6,434[10][12]−0.2%
Population sources: 1930[39]
1940–2000[40] 2000[41][42]
2010[20][21] 2020[10][11]

2010 census

[edit]

The 2010 United States census counted 5,801 people, 2,114 households, and 1,613 families in the borough. The population density was 962.7 people per square mile (371.7 people/km2). There were 2,234 housing units at an average density of 370.7 units per square mile (143.1 units/km2). The racial makeup was 80.52% (4,671) White, 3.45% (200) Black or African American, 0.12% (7) Native American, 12.69% (736) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.81% (47) from other races, and 2.41% (140) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.29% (307) of the population.[20]

Of the 2,114 households, 32.3% had children under the age of 18; 66.2% were married couples living together; 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.7% were non-families. Of all households, 20.1% were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.12.[20]

23.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 18.8% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.3 males.[20]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $112,917 (with a margin of error of +/− $21,189) and the median family income was $144,883 (+/− $38,172). Males had a median income of $92,667 (+/− $15,969) versus $63,811 (+/− $15,306) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $59,177 (+/− $6,617). About 3.2% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.[43]

2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 United States census[17] there were 5,613 people, 2,098 households, and 1,617 families residing in the borough. The population density was 933.0 inhabitants per square mile (360.2/km2). There were 2,155 housing units at an average density of 358.2 units per square mile (138.3 units/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 84.30% White, 3.37% African American, 0.09% Native American, 9.85% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population.[41][42]

There were 2,098 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% 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 3.00.[41][42]

In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.[41][42]

The median income for a household in the borough was $101,944, and the median income for a family was $120,764. Males had a median income of $80,658 versus $54,167 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $58,653. About 0.5% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.[41][42]

Government

[edit]
Watchung Municipal Building.
WWI and WWII Memorial.
Texier House Museum.
Park below the dam.
Sign post.
View of Watchung Lake.

Local government

[edit]

Watchung 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.[44] 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.[45][7] The borough form of government used by Watchung 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.[46][47]

As of 2024, the mayor of Watchung Borough is Republican Ronald Jubin, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. Members of the Watchung Borough Council are Sonia Abi-Habib (R, 2026), Curt S. Dahl (R, 2024), Christine B. Ead (R, 2024), Paul Fischer (R, 2025), Robert L. Gibbs (R, 2026) and Paolo Marano (R, 2025).[3][48][49][50][51][52]

In December 2019, the borough council selected Ronald Jubin to complete the term expiring in December 2020 that had been held by Robert L. Gibbs until he resigned from office the previous month.[53]

Federal, state and county representation

[edit]

Watchung is located in the 7th Congressional District[54] and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.[55][56][57]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).[58] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[59] and George Helmy (Mountain Lakes, term ends 2024).[60][61]

For the 2024-2025 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).[62]

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.[63] As of 2025, Somerset County's County Commissioners are:

Director Shanel Robinson (D, Franklin Township, 2027),[64] Melonie Marano (D, Green Brook Township, 2025),[65] Paul Drake (D, Hillsborough Township, 2026),[66] Douglas Singleterry (D, North Plainfield, 2026)[67] and Deputy Director Sara Sooy (D, Bernards Township, 2027).[68][69][70][71][72]

Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Steve Peter (D, Somerville, 2027),[73][74] Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[75][76] and Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[77][78][71]

Politics

[edit]
Watchung vote by party
in presidential elections
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020 51.8% 2,044 46.2% 1,823 1.4% 53
2016 48.6% 1,551 47.7% 1,523 3.7% 117
2012 41.1% 1,198 57.9% 1,687 0.9% 27
2008 43.2% 1,415 55.0% 1,803 0.9% 29
2004 44.3% 1,516 54.5% 1,865 0.9% 30

As of March 2011, there were a total of 4,154 registered voters in Watchung, of which 845 (20.3% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,483 (35.7% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 1,823 (43.9% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[79] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 71.6% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 93.3% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).[79][80]

In the 2016 presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton received 48.6% of the vote (1,551 cast), ahead of Republican Donald Trump who received 47.7% of the vote (1,523 votes), and other candidates with 3.7% (117 votes). 3,191 votes were cast in total. In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 57.9% of the vote (1,687 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 41.1% (1,198 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (27 votes), among the 2,931 ballots cast by the borough's 4,396 registered voters (19 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 66.7%.[81][82] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 1,803 votes (55.0% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 1,415 votes (43.2% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 29 votes (0.9% vs. 1.1%), among the 3,277 ballots cast by the borough's 4,070 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.5% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County).[83] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 1,865 votes (54.5% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 1,516 votes (44.3% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 3,424 ballots cast by the borough's 3,795 registered voters, for a turnout of 90.2% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).[84]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 72.8% of the vote (1,335 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.4% (466 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (32 votes), among the 1,861 ballots cast by the borough's 4,396 registered voters (28 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 42.3%.[85][86] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,428 votes (60.6% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 720 votes (30.5% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 178 votes (7.6% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 15 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among the 2,357 ballots cast by the borough's 4,155 registered voters, yielding a 56.7% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).[87]

Education

[edit]

Students in public school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are educated in the Watchung Borough Schools.[88] As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 671 students and 62.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.7:1.[89] Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[90]) are Bayberry Elementary School[91] with 410 students in grades PreK – 4 and Valley View School[92] with 254 students in grades 5 – 8.[93][94][95][96]

Watchung's students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren Township together with students from the neighboring communities of Green Brook Township and Warren Township (in Somerset County) and Long Hill Township (in Morris County).[97][98] As of the 2022–23 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,741 students and 150.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.5:1.[99] The district's board of education is comprised of nine members, who are elected directly by the voters to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats up for each year. Of the nine elected seats, two are allocated to Watchung.[100][101]

Christian denomination Mount St. Mary Academy (9–12), which opened in 1908, is operated by the Sisters of Mercy under the supervision of Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen.[102][103]

Transportation

[edit]
Interstate 78 westbound in Watchung

Roads and highways

[edit]

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 44.63 miles (71.83 km) of roadways, of which 33.24 miles (53.49 km) were maintained by the municipality, 9.07 miles (14.60 km) by Somerset County and 2.32 miles (3.73 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 1.09 miles (1.75 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.[104]

Interstate 78 runs through the northwestern portion of the borough, including interchange 41, entering in the east from Warren Township and continuing for 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to Berkeley Heights Township in Union County.[105] U.S. Route 22 passes briefly through the borough's southeast corner, entering from North Plainfield in the west and continuing into Scotch Plains Township in Union County.[106]

County Route 527 (Mountain Boulevard / Valley Road) stretches 5.2 miles (8.4 km) across the length of the borough from Warren Township in the southwest to Berkeley Heights in the northeast.[107] County Route 531 (Somerset Road / Hillcrest Road) runs for 1.4 miles (2.3 km) across the borough from North Plainfield in the south to the Interstate 78 interchange in Warren Township in the north.[108]

Notable people

[edit]
See also: Category:People from Watchung, New Jersey

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

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 1, 2020.
  2. ^ a b US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Mayor and Council, Borough of Watchung. Accessed February 29, 2024.
  4. ^ 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, updated February 8, 2023. Accessed February 10, 2023.
  5. ^ Administrator, Borough of Watchung. Accessed February 29, 2024.
  6. ^ Clerk, Borough of Watchung. Accessed February 29, 2024.
  7. ^ a b 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 94.
  8. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  9. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Borough of Watchung, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 14, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c d e QuickFacts Watchung borough, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 28, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  12. ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023, United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  14. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Watchung, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed February 14, 2013.
  15. ^ Zip Codes, State of New Jersey. Accessed September 1, 2013.
  16. ^ Area Code Lookup – NPA NXX for Watchung, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed September 1, 2013.
  17. ^ a b U.S. Census website, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  18. ^ Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  19. ^ US Board on Geographic Names, United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  20. ^ a b c d e DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Watchung borough, Somerset County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed April 30, 2012.
  21. ^ a b Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Watchung borough Archived August 11, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed April 30, 2012.
  22. ^ Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.
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  25. ^ South Mountain Reservation, Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Accessed February 3, 2015. "The presence of the early Lenape Indians lingers in the name given to the Watchung—the 'high hills.'"
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  27. ^ Brennan, Morgan. "America's Most Expensive ZIP Codes 2012", Forbes, October 16, 2012. Accessed February 18, 2020.
  28. ^ "New Jersey Towns With Highest, Lowest Incomes: How Does Each Town Compare?". Caldwells, NJ Patch. September 14, 2017.
  29. ^ https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/watchungboroughnewjersey,somersetcountynewjersey,NJ/PST045219 [dead link‍]
  30. ^ Cheslow, Jerry. "If You're Thinking of Living In/Watchung, N.J.; Stunning Vistas, but Entry Is Not Cheap", The New York Times, March 11, 2001. Accessed April 30, 2012.
  31. ^ Wilk, Tom. "Awash in Washingtons: New Jersey has six towns named for the father of our country.", New Jersey Monthly, January 17, 2011. Accessed November 6, 2015. "In New Jersey, Washington can lay claim to another first. He's number one in names selected for the state's 566 municipalities. Bergen, Burlington, Gloucester, Morris and Warren counties all have a Washington Township. Warren also has a Washington Borough which, incidentally, is surrounded by Washington Township. The largest is Gloucester County's Washington, with 52,096 people; the smallest is the Washington in Burlington, with a population of 649. New Jersey had a sixth Washington Township in Mercer County until 2008, when voters there approved a name change to Robbinsville."
  32. ^ a b c O'Brien, Walter. "Photos: 'Bizarre' winds flatten trees, damage historical Watchung farmhouse", NJ.com, April 19, 2004. Accessed August 7, 2014. "She said the home has also had a number of other famous residents through the years, including comedian Katt Williams and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Chaka Khan."
  33. ^ "Watchung Valley G.C. Proves To Be Stern Test In Amateur Qualifying", New Jersey State Golf Association, June 12, 2018. Accessed October 22, 2019. "The club was originally founded in 1898 in North Plainfield as The Park Club. It moved to its current site in 1927 as the Hydewood Country Club. It was renamed Watchung Valley Country Club in 1928 when the Plainfield Courier newspaper compared it to Baltusrol Golf Club for its beauty and championship layout."
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  38. ^ Paglia, Bernice. "From pond to park: Evolution of Watchung Lake", Courier News, November 27, 2001. Accessed April 30, 2012.
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  42. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 – Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Watchung borough, Somerset County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 14, 2013.
  43. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Watchung borough, Somerset County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed April 30, 2012.
  44. ^ Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  45. ^ Form of Government, Borough of Watchung. Accessed May 4, 2022. "Mayor and 6 Council. Elected at-large. Mayor has a 4 year term. Council has staggered 3 year terms. Partisan"
  46. ^ Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask" Archived September 24, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Accessed November 30, 2014.
  47. ^ "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 6. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  48. ^ 2023 Municipal Data Sheet, Borough of Watchung. Accessed February 29, 2024.
  49. ^ 2023 Directory of County & Municipal Offices, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed February 29, 2024.
  50. ^ 2023 General Election November 7, 2023 Certified Official Results RESULTS, Somerset County, New Jersey, November 29, 2023. Accessed January 1, 2024.
  51. ^ General Election November 8, 2022 Final Certified Results, Somerset County, New Jersey, updated November 23, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.
  52. ^ 2021 General Election Winning Candidates, Somerset County, New Jersey. Accessed January 1, 2022.
  53. ^ Parker-Magyar, Alex. "Watchung appoints Jubin to fill Borough Council vacancy", Echoes-Sentinel, December 11, 2019. Accessed March 8, 2020. "The Borough Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Dec. 10, to appoint Ronald 'Ron' Jubin as its newest member. Jubin, 54, of Birchwood Lane, was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of former Borough Council President Robert Gibbs, who resigned effective Tuesday, Nov. 26. The term expires Dec. 31, 2020."
  54. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.
  55. ^ Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.
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  57. ^ Districts by Number for 2011–2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
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  59. ^ 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."
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  88. ^ Watchung Borough Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Watchung Borough Schools. Accessed July 30, 2024. "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 Watchung Borough School District. Composition: The Watchung Borough School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of the Borough of Watchung."
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  97. ^ Watchung Hills Regional High School 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed March 8, 2020. "Close to 2150 students from Green Brook, Long Hill, Warren, and Watchung meet high academic standards and broaden their worldviews as they explore and take risks, discover their passions, and find individual pathways to success."
  98. ^ Somerset County School Districts-Sending/Receiving/Regional, Somerset County Superintendent of Schools. Accessed March 8, 2020. "Watchung Hills ** 9-12 Receives 9-12 From Green Brook, Warren, Watchung, Longhill"
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  109. ^ Considine, Bob. "At memorial service, Bobby Thomson remembered for much more than just his 'Shot heard 'round the world'", The Star-Ledger, August 31, 2010. Accessed April 30, 2012. "Former New York Giants guard Billy Ard grew up in Watchung and said he was thrilled that the star hitter was so approachable."
  110. ^ Sturken, Barbara. "Off the Field, Giants Call New Jersey Home", The New York Times, March 31, 1991. Accessed September 9, 2015. "And Carl Banks, linebacker, who lives in Watchung, has taken graduate courses in real estate and finance."
  111. ^ "Anne Lovi Casale, 72, noted gourmet cook and author; former Watchung resident", New Jersey Hills Media Group, December 19, 2002. Accessed January 18, 2020. "Anne Lovi Casale, 72, of Glendale, Ariz., and formerly of Watchung, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 at her home. Born in Perth Amboy, Mrs. Casale resided there before moving to North Plainfield in 1945. She lived in Watchung for more than 45 years and then moved to Glendale, Ariz."
  112. ^ Staff. "James M. DuPont, Manufacturer, 79", The New York Times, July 4, 1991. Accessed September 9, 2015. "James Maxime DuPont, founder and chairman of Thermoplastics Inc., a producer of plastic materials for automotive, textile and other products, died on Monday at his home in Watchung, N.J. He was 79 years old."
  113. ^ Charles Aubrey Eaton, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed September 9, 2007.
  114. ^ Tarrazi, Alexis. "NJ Fencing Coach Accused Of Sex Assault On 2 Girls Dies In Jail Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Watchung owned Kaprica United Fencing Academy in Bridgewater and formerly served as a coach in Ridge High School.", Bridgewater, NJ Patch, January 19, 2022. Accessed January 23, 2022. "A New Jersey fencing coach who was charged in connection with sexual assaults of two girls in Bridgewater has died in jail, his attorney confirmed. Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Ridge Road in Watchung, died over the weekend at Somerset County Jail, said James Wronko, who has a firm in Somerville."
  115. ^ Archives and Manuscript Collections: Harold N. Moldenke Papers (1927–1990), New York Botanical Garden. Accessed November 11, 2013. "Harold Norman Moldenke (1909–1996) was born in Watchung, New Jersey."
  116. ^ DiCorcia, Bob. "David Palmer: Q & A", The Steely Dan Reader, January 1, 1997. Accessed October 14, 2015. "Bob DiCorcia: Where were you born and raised? David Palmer: Born and raised in Warren township, Watchung, New Jersey which, despite being 45 minutes-an hour outside of Manhattan, was rural territory back then."
  117. ^ Dransfeldt, Jeffrey. "On the 'Road' again", Oregon Daily Emerald, January 31, 2008. Accessed February 5, 2008. "Prepon grew up in a small town herself in Watchung, N.J. She finds enthusiasm with low-key activities in horseback riding and fly fishing. She also has an understanding of the intimate nature of small-town life."
  118. ^ Tolliver, Judy, ed. "A conversation with Bjarne Stroustrup, Gillies lecturer and inventor of C++", Stroustrup.com. Accessed August 30, 2016. "Stroustrup currently heads AT&T Bell Labs Large-scale Programming Research department and is a Bell Laboratories Fellow. In 1993, he received the ACM Grace Hopper award and is a Fellow of ACM as well. He lives in Watchung, New Jersey, with his wife and two children."
  119. ^ "Baseball; 40 Years Later, Here's the Pitch", The New York Times, October 3, 1991. Accessed February 14, 2013. "Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their historic showdown at the Polo Grounds by spending today together and earning more money than if they had won the World Series. They will have an early wake-up call, Thomson at his home in Watchung, N.J...."
  120. ^ Hoch, Bryan. "Yankees sign first-round Draft pick Volpe", Major League Baseball, June 10, 2019. Accessed August 9, 2019. "A native of Watchung, N.J., Volpe led the USA Baseball 18U National Team to a gold medal at the Pan-American Championships this past December, earning all-tournament honors by hitting .459 (17-for-37) with 17 runs, 14 RBIs and six stolen bases in nine games."
  121. ^ Roberts, Sam. "H. Boyd Woodruff, Microbiologist Who Paved Way for Antibiotics, Dies at 99", The New York Times, February 3, 2017. Accessed February 4, 2017. "H. Boyd Woodruff, a farmer's son whose groundbreaking research enabled fellow scientists to harvest an arsenal of lifesaving antibiotics from ordinary dirt, died on Jan. 19 at his home in Watchung, N.J."
  122. ^ Martin, Douglas. "Adella Wotherspoon, Last Survivor of General Slocum Disaster, Is Dead at 100", The New York Times, February 4, 2004. Accessed April 30, 2012. "After his death, Mrs. Liebenow and her daughter moved to Watchung, N.J., where Mrs. Wotherspoon made her home for the rest of her life."
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