Lavallette, New Jersey Explained

Lavallette, New Jersey
Settlement Type:Borough
Mapsize:250x200px
Image Map1:Census_Bureau_map_of_Lavallette,_New_Jersey.png
Mapsize1:250x200px
Map Caption1:Census Bureau map of Lavallette, New Jersey
Pushpin Map:USA New Jersey Ocean County#USA New Jersey#USA
Pushpin Label:Lavallette
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Ocean County##Location in New Jersey##Location in the United States
Pushpin Relief:yes
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: United States
Subdivision Type1:state
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2: Ocean
Government Type:Borough
Governing Body:Borough Council
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Walter G. LaCicero (R, term ends December 31, 2026)[1]
Leader Title1:Administrator
Leader Name1:John Bennett
Leader Title2:Municipal clerk
Leader Name2:Donnelly Amico[2]
Established Title:Incorporated
Established Date:December 21, 1887
Named For:Elie A. F. La Vallette
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Footnotes:[3]
Area Total Km2:2.50
Area Land Km2:2.11
Area Water Km2:0.38
Area Total Sq Mi:0.96
Area Land Sq Mi:0.82
Area Water Sq Mi:0.15
Area Water Percent:15.42
Area Rank:506th of 565 in state
26th of 33 in county[4]
Population As Of:2020
Population Total:1787
Population Rank:495th of 565 in state
23rd of 33 in county[5]
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Density Sq Mi:2190.2
Population Density Rank:281st of 565 in state
14th of 33 in county
Population Est:1843
Pop Est As Of:2023
Timezone:Eastern (EST)
Utc Offset:−05:00
Timezone Dst:Eastern (EDT)
Utc Offset Dst:−04:00
Elevation Footnotes:[6]
Elevation Ft:3
Coordinates Footnotes:[7]
Coordinates:39.9695°N -74.0719°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP Code
Postal Code:08735[8] [9]
Area Code:732 Exchanges: 793, 830, 854[10]
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:3402939390[11] [12]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:885273[13]

Lavallette is a borough situated on the Jersey Shore, in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,787, a decrease of 88 (−4.7%) from the 2010 census count of 1,875, which in turn had reflected a decline of 790 (−29.6%) from the 2,665 counted in the 2000 census.[14] Lavallette is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.

History

Lavallette was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on December 21, 1887, from portions of Dover Township (now Toms River Township), based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier.[15]

Lavallette was named for Elie A. F. La Vallette, one of the first rear admirals appointed in the United States Navy when President Abraham Lincoln created the rank in July 1862, and the father of Albert T. Lavallette, co-founder of the borough.[16] [17] [18] [19]

New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Lavallette as its 8th best place to live in its 2008 rankings of the "Best Places To Live" in New Jersey.[20]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.96 square miles (2.50 km2), including 0.82 square miles (2.11 km2) of land and 0.15 square miles (0.38 km2) of water (15.42%).[4]

The borough borders the Ocean County municipality of Toms River Township.[21] [22] [23]

Demographics

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 1,875 people, 945 households, and 557 families in the borough. The population density was 2319.2sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 3,207 housing units at an average density of 3966.8sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup was 97.87% (1,835) White, 0.11% (2) Black or African American, 0.00% (0) Native American, 0.53% (10) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 1.01% (19) from other races, and 0.48% (9) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% (56) of the population.

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

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

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $60,296 (with a margin of error of +/− $4,961) and the median family income was $76,797 (+/− $16,601). Males had a median income of $48,810 (+/− $40,510) versus $39,643 (+/− $14,630) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $39,293 (+/− $5,500). About 4.7% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.[24]

2000 census

As of the 2000 U.S. census, there were 2,665 people, 1,208 households, and 741 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3315.1sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 3,210 housing units at an average density of 3993.1sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup of the borough was 98.12% White, 0.26% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.64% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.61% of the population.[25] [26]

There were 1,208 households, out of which 14.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.66.[25] [26]

In the borough the population was spread out, with 13.1% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 18.3% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 36.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.[25] [26]

The median income for a household in the borough was $43,846, and the median income for a family was $57,778. Males had a median income of $44,583 versus $32,292 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $28,588. About 5.9% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.[25] [26]

Parks and recreation

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

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

Government

Local government

Lavallette is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[27] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council 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.[28] The borough form of government used by Lavallette is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[29] [30]

, the mayor of Lavallette is Republican Walter G. LaCicero, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Lavallette Borough Council are Council President Anita F. Zalom (R, 2026), James G. Borowski (R, 2024), Joanne Filippone (R, 2024), David Finter (R, 2026), Robert P. Lamb (R, 2025) and Michael Stogdill (R, 2025).[31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37]

The mayoral election held on November 7, 2006, was declared null and void after allegations of voter fraud were filed by the losing candidate Walter G. LaCicero, who had lost the election by four votes; As part of a settlement agreement, Joseph Ardito stepped down from office as mayor and a special election to fill the seat was scheduled for March 13, 2007.[38] In the rerun election, Republican LaCicero was elected Mayor was sworn into office on March 19, 2007, for a term of office ending on December 31, 2010.[39]

Federal, state, and county representation

Lavallette is located in the 4th Congressional District[40] and is part of New Jersey's 10th state legislative district.[41] [42] [43]

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 1,704 registered voters in Lavallette, of which 241 (14.1%) were registered as Democrats, 913 (53.6%) were registered as Republicans and 550 (32.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[44] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 90.9% (vs. 63.2% in Ocean County) were registered to vote, including 102.1% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 82.6% countywide).[44] [45]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 66.5% of the vote (646 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 33.3% (324 votes), and other candidates with 0.2% (2 votes), among the 980 ballots cast by the borough's 1,758 registered voters (8 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 55.7%.[46] [47] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 62.0% of the vote (862 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 35.0% (487 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (16 votes), among the 1,391 ballots cast by the borough's 1,843 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.5%.[48] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 64.6% of the vote (949 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 33.3% (489 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (11 votes), among the 1,469 ballots cast by the borough's 1,944 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 75.6.[49]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 84.1% of the vote (752 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 15.1% (135 votes), and other candidates with 0.8% (7 votes), among the 907 ballots cast by the borough's 1,646 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 55.1%.[50] [51] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.9% of the vote (784 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 24.2% (280 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 5.4% (62 votes) and other candidates with 0.3% (4 votes), among the 1,155 ballots cast by the borough's 1,757 registered voters, yielding a 65.7% turnout.[52]

Education

Lavallette School District serves public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade at Lavallette Elementary School.[53] [54] [55] As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 156 students and 16.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 9.6:1.[56] In the 2016–17 school year, Lavallette was tied as the 23rd-smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 146 students.[57]

Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Point Pleasant Beach High School in Point Pleasant Beach, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Point Pleasant Beach School District, together with students from Bay Head and Mantoloking.[58] As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 382 students and 36.9 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.4:1.[59]

Transportation

Roads and highways

, the borough had a total of of roadways, of which were maintained by the municipality, by Ocean County and by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[60]

New Jersey Route 35 traverses the borough, connecting the Dover Beaches South (Ortley Beach) section of Toms River Township to the south and the Toms River community of Dover Beaches North to the north.[61]

Public transportation

Ocean Ride local service is provided on the OC10 Toms River Connection route.[62] [63] [64]

Movie location

The 2007 coming-of-age romance movie Greetings from the Shore was set and shot in Lavallette.[65]

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Lavallette has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature above 32F, at least four months with an average mean temperature at or above 50F, at least one month with an average mean temperature at or above 71.6F and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Lavallette, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above 95F. On average, the wettest month of the year is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below 0F. The plant hardiness zone at Lavallette Beach is 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 3.5F.[66] The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is between 18inchesand24inchesin (andin) and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

Ecology

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Lavallette would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass (73) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).[67]

Notable people

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

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.state.nj.us/dca/home/2023mayors.pdf 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory
  2. https://www.lavallette.org/clerk.html Office of the Clerk
  3. Web site: ArcGIS REST Services Directory. United States Census Bureau. October 11, 2022.
  4. https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_cousubs_34.txt 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places
  5. https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/mcd/density.xlsx Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021
  6. , Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 7, 2013.
  7. https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990
  8. http://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=lavallette&state=NJ Look Up a ZIP Code for Lavallette, NJ
  9. http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/njzips.htm Zip Codes
  10. http://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCity=Lavallette Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Lavallette, NJ
  11. https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website
  12. https://mcdc.missouri.edu/applications/geocodes/?state=34 Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey
  13. http://geonames.usgs.gov US Board on Geographic Names
  14. https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010
  15. Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 203. Accessed May 29, 2024.
  16. http://www.lavalletteboro.com/historical_background.htm Historical Background
  17. http://www.lavallette.org/history.html Brief history on Lavallette
  18. Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 2, 2015.
  19. [Henry Gannett|Gannett, Henry]
  20. http://njmonthly.com/articles/best_of/placestolive/best-places-to-live---the-complete-top-towns-list-.html "Best Places To Live - The Complete Top Towns List 1-100"
  21. https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/552274/touches.html Areas touching Lavallette
  22. http://chnj.njpn.org/ocean-county/ Ocean County Map
  23. https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries
  24. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402939390 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Lavallette borough, Ocean County, New Jersey
  25. http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603439390.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Lavallette borough, New Jersey
  26. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402939390 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Lavallette borough, Ocean County, New Jersey
  27. https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey
  28. 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 53.
  29. Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask", New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Accessed November 30, 2014.
  30. https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=6 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"
  31. https://www.lavallette.org/government.html Government
  32. https://www.lavallette.org/forms/finance/Lavallette2024AdoptedBudget.pdf#page=14 2024 Municipal Data Sheet
  33. https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmGovDirPage.aspx?ID=220 Borough of Lavallette
  34. https://co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/70fc90f8-5e4e-4454-a3c1-8ca3d0911f87.pdf 2024 Ocean County & Municipal Elected Officials
  35. https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Ocean/119025/web.317647/#/summary General Election Results November 7, 2023 Official Results
  36. https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/9a46d949-75d5-448a-8190-dbcefcb2a739.pdf 2022 General Election Official Results November 8, 2022
  37. https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/07aecb2a-f6ce-4ef4-a6c3-7b7546fc9e3f.pdf 2021 General Election Official Results
  38. Vandiver, John. "Mayor agrees to special election: New race is part of settlement", Asbury Park Press, January 23, 2007.
  39. McGinn, Brian. "After swearing in new mayor, council discusses 2007 budget", The Ocean Star, March 23, 2007. Accessed January 24, 2015. "After being informed by Borough Administrator Christopher Parlow that the results of last Tuesday's special election had been certified at noon, Walter LaCicero decided to take his oath of office Monday, becoming Lavallette's 29th mayor."
  40. https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf 2022 Redistricting Plan
  41. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District
  42. https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government
  43. https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#10 Districts by Number for 2011-2020
  44. http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-ocean-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Ocean
  45. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTP7.ST16?slice=GEO~0400000US34 GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey
  46. Web site: Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Ocean County . March 15, 2013 . New Jersey Department of Elections . December 24, 2014.
  47. Web site: Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Ocean County. March 15, 2013 . New Jersey Department of Elections . December 24, 2014.
  48. http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-ocean.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Ocean County
  49. http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_ocean_co_2004_1.26.05.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Ocean County
  50. Web site: Governor - Ocean County . January 29, 2014 . New Jersey Department of Elections . December 24, 2014.
  51. Web site: Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Ocean County. January 29, 2014 . New Jersey Department of Elections . December 24, 2014.
  52. http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-ocean.pdf 2009 Governor: Ocean County
  53. https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/edccc918-3b07-4550-b248-edc5434cdafe.pdf#page=42 Living & Learning in Ocean County - Public Schools Directory 2021-2022
  54. https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&id=921639caec7340fbb0085be2ea13966a Lavallette Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification
  55. https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/selectreport/2022-2023/29/2550 School Performance Reports for the Lavallette Borough School District
  56. https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3408310&DistrictID=3408310 District information for Lavallette Borough School District
  57. Guion, Payton. "These 43 N.J. school districts have fewer than 200 students", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2017. Accessed January 30, 2020. "Based on data from the state Department of Education from the last school year and the Census Bureau, NJ Advance Media made a list of the smallest of the small school districts in the state, excluding charter schools and specialty institutions.... 23. Lavallette Borough (tie) - Enrollment: 146; Grades: K-8; County: Ocean"
  58. http://www.nj.gov/education/pr/1415/narrative/29/4220/000.html Point Pleasant Beach School District 2015 Report Card Narrative
  59. https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3413320&ID=341332004702 School data for Point Pleasant Beach High School
  60. http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Ocean.pdf Ocean County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction
  61. http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000035__-.pdf#page=3 New Jersey Route 35 Straight Line Diagram
  62. http://www.gmtma.org/pg-bus-ocean.php Ocean County Bus Service
  63. http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 Ocean Ride Rider's Guide
  64. http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/TransitMap.pdf Ocean County Transit Guide
  65. Hyman, Vicki. "'Greetings from the Shore' celebrates filmmaker's Jersey roots", The Star-Ledger, September 11, 2008. Accessed December 26, 2012. "Greetings from the Shore, an indie film set in Lavallette and produced by Hackettstown native Gabrielle Berberich, lingers on gilded sunsets, the twinkling promise of the boardwalk on a summer night, the uncomplicated glory of a tray of rainbow-colored golf balls. It's the rare film not only set in New Jersey but seen from the eye of someone not trying to escape it."
  66. Web site: USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map. United States Department of Agriculture. August 2, 2019.
  67. Web site: U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions). August 2, 2019.
  68. https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-obituary-for-william-s/150635269/ "William S. Fenn, 76; 1924 Olympic cyclist"
  69. Spoto, Maryann. "Songwriter finds harmony at Jersey Shore", The Star-Ledger, July 12, 2007. Accessed December 26, 2012. "Lavallette has Joe Pesci, Mantoloking lays claim to James Gandolfini, and now Asbury Park can list John Oates among its part-time residents."