Sussex, New Jersey

Sussex, New Jersey
Borough
Borough of Sussex
Intersection of Route 23 and Route 284
Map of Sussex County highlighting Sussex Borough. Inset: Location of Sussex County in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Sussex, New Jersey
Coordinates: 41°12′35″N 74°36′24″W / 41.209859°N 74.606535°W / 41.209859; -74.606535Coordinates: 41°12′35″N 74°36′24″W / 41.209859°N 74.606535°W / 41.209859; -74.606535[1][2]
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Sussex
Incorporated	October 14, 1891 as Deckertown
Renamed	March 2, 1902 as Sussex
Named for	Sussex, England
Government[3]
• Type	Borough
• Body	Borough Council
• Mayor	Katherine Little (D, term ends December 31, 2019)[4][5]
• Administrator / Clerk	Mark Zschack[6]
Area[1]
• Total	0.619 sq mi (1.604 km2)
• Land	0.589 sq mi (1.526 km2)
• Water	0.030 sq mi (0.078 km2)  4.86%
Area rank	538th of 566 in state 23rd of 24 in county[1]
Elevation[7]	449 ft (137 m)
Population (2010 Census)[8][9][10]
• Total	2,130
• Estimate (2015)[11]	2,043
• Rank	481st of 566 in state 20th of 24 in county[12]
• Density	3,615.9/sq mi (1,396.1/km2)
• Density rank	176th of 566 in state 1st of 24 in county[12]
Time zone	Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
• Summer (DST)	Eastern (EDT) (UTC-4)
ZIP code	07461[13][14]
Area code(s)	973 exchanges: 702, 875[15]
FIPS code	3403771670[1][16][17]
GNIS feature ID	0885414[1][18]
Website	www.sussexboro.com

Sussex is a borough in Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 2,130,^[8][9][10] reflecting a decline of 15 (-0.7%) from the 2,145 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 56 (-2.5%) from the 2,201 counted in the 1990 Census.^[19]

Sussex was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on October 14, 1891, as Deckertown, from portions of Wantage Township.^[20] The borough's original name was for settler Peter Decker.^[21] The borough was renamed Sussex on March 2, 1902.^[20] The county and borough are named for the historic county of Sussex in England.^[22][23]

A joint commission of residents of both Sussex and Wantage had recommended that the two communities should be consolidated to form what would be called the Township of Sussex-Wantage, which would operate within the Faulkner Act under the Council-Manager form of government, with a mayor and a six-member township council, and that voters in both municipalities should approve a referendum to be held on November 3, 2009. The committee noted that the two municipalities share common issues, schools, library and community services and that the artificial nature of the octagonal Sussex border often made it hard to distinguish between the two.^[24] The efforts at consolidation with surrounding Wantage Township ended in November 2009 after Wantage voters rejected the merger despite support from Sussex borough residents.^[25]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.619 square miles (1.604 km²), including 0.589 square miles (1.526 km²) of land and 0.030 square miles (0.078 km²) of water (4.86%).^[1][2] It is approximately 400 to 450 feet (120 to 140 m) above sea level.

The borough is in the watershed of the Wallkill River (which flows north, and empties into the Rondout Creek, which flows into the Hudson River near Kingston, New York) and its tributary Glen Brook, which near Sussex forms a small body of water called Clove Lake, part of which is within the borough.

Climate

Due to its inland location and elevation, Sussex has a climate much cooler than most of the state, classified as humid continental (Köppen Dfb), with cold, moderately snowy winters, and very warm, humid summers. It is part of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6.^[26] The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 25.0 °F (−3.9 °C) in January to 71.1 °F (21.7 °C) in July. Temperatures reach 90 °F (32 °C) on 12.6 days and fall to 0 °F (−18 °C) on 6 nights annually. Snowfall averages 42 inches (107 cm) per season, although this usually varies widely from year to year. Extremes in temperature range from −29 °F (−34 °C) on January 21, 1994 up to 106 °F (41 °C) on July 10, 1936.

Demographics

2010 Census

The 2010 United States Census counted 2,130 people, 899 households, and 525 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,615.9 per square mile (1,396.1/km²). The borough contained 1,005 housing units at an average density of 1,706.1 per square mile (658.7/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 91.03% (1,939) White, 1.92% (41) Black or African American, 0.33% (7) Native American, 2.30% (49) Asian, 0.42% (9) Pacific Islander, 1.36% (29) from other races, and 2.63% (56) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 7.93% (169) of the population.^[8]

Out of a total of 899 households, 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.8% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.6% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 3.04.^[8]

In the borough, 22.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.7 years. For every 100 females the census counted 100.9 males, but for 100 females at least 18 years old, it was 98.2 males.^[8]

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $40,978 (with a margin of error of +/- $13,975) and the median family income was $53,125 (+/- $10,034). Males had a median income of $40,234 (+/- $9,777) versus $30,777 (+/- $3,942) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $20,887 (+/- $2,314). About 13.0% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.^[36]

2000 Census

As of the 2000 United States Census^[16] there were 2,145 people, 903 households, and 512 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,598 people per square mile (1,380/km²). There were 961 housing units at an average density of 1,612/sq mi (618/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.32% White, 1.12% African American, 0.09% Native American, 1.21% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.56% of the population.^[34][35]

There were 903 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.12.^[34][35]

In the borough the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.^[34][35]

The median income for a household in the borough was $36,172, and the median income for a family was $45,250. Males had a median income of $37,009 versus $22,475 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $18,866. About 6.9% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.^[34][35]

Government

Local government

Sussex is governed under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and a Borough Council comprising six council members, 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 consists 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 Sussex, the most common system used in the state, 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.^[37][38]

As of 2016, the Mayor of Sussex Borough is Democrat Katherine A. Little, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2019. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Robert Holowach (R, 2017), Albert Decker (D, 2017; appointed to serve an unexpired term until November 2016), Franklin Dykstra (R, 2016; elected to serve an unexpired term), Linda A. Masson (R, 2018), Edward J. Meyer (R, 2018) and Georgeanna R. Stoll (R, 2016).^{[4][39][40][41][42]}

In January 2016, the council appointed Albert Decker from a list three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the council seat vacated by Katherine Little expiring in December 2017 that became open when she took office as mayor; Decker will serve on an interim basis until the November 2016 general election, when voters will select a candidate to serve the one year remaining on the term of office.^[43]

In January 2015, the Borough Council selected Mario Poggi from three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the vacant seat of Bruce D. LaBar, who resigned from office earlier that month.^[44] In the November 2015 general election, Frank Dykstra was chosen to fill the balance of the seat expiring in December 2016.^[40]

Federal, state and county representation

Sussex Borough is located in the 5th Congressional District^[45] and is part of New Jersey's 24th state legislative district.^[9][46][47]

New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District is represented by Scott Garrett (R, Wantage Township).^[48] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Cory Booker (D, Newark, term ends 2021)^[49] and Bob Menendez (D, Paramus, 2019).^[50][51]

For the 2016–2017 session (Senate, General Assembly), the 24th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Steve Oroho (R, Franklin) and in the General Assembly by Parker Space (R, Wantage Township) and Gail Phoebus (R, Andover Township).^[52] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township).^[53] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).^[54]

Sussex County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders whose five members are elected at-large in partisan elections on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Freeholder Director and Deputy Director from among its members, with day-to-day supervision of the operation of the county delegated to a County Administrator.^[55] As of 2014, Sussex County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Richard Vohden (R, Green Township, 2016),^[56] Deputy Director Dennis J. Mudrick (R, Sparta Township, 2015),^[57] Phillip R. Crabb (R, Franklin, 2014),^[58] George Graham (R, Stanhope, 2016)^[59] and Gail Phoebus (R, Andover Township, 2015).^[60][55] Graham was chosen in April 2013 to fill the seat vacated by Parker Space, who had been chosen to fill a vacancy in the New Jersey General Assembly.^[61] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are County Clerk Jeff Parrott (R, 2016),^[62] Sheriff Michael F. Strada (R, 2016)^[63] and Surrogate Gary R. Chiusano (R, filling the vacancy after the resignation of Nancy Fitzgibbons).^[64][61] The County Administrator is John Eskilson.^[65][66]

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 1,143 registered voters in Sussex, of which 193 (16.9% vs. 16.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 428 (37.4% vs. 39.3%) were registered as Republicans and 521 (45.6% vs. 44.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.^[67] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 53.7% (vs. 65.8% in Sussex County) were registered to vote, including 69.5% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 86.5% countywide).^[67][68]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 391 votes (57.8% vs. 59.4% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 270 votes (39.9% vs. 38.2%) and other candidates with 16 votes (2.4% vs. 2.1%), among the 677 ballots cast by the borough's 1,146 registered voters, for a turnout of 59.1% (vs. 68.3% in Sussex County).^[69] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 427 votes (57.1% vs. 59.2% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 299 votes (40.0% vs. 38.7%) and other candidates with 18 votes (2.4% vs. 1.5%), among the 748 ballots cast by the borough's 1,109 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.4% (vs. 76.9% in Sussex County).^[70] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 456 votes (62.0% vs. 63.9% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 263 votes (35.7% vs. 34.4%) and other candidates with 16 votes (2.2% vs. 1.3%), among the 736 ballots cast by the borough's 1,091 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.5% (vs. 77.7% in the whole county).^[71]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 70.8% of the vote (276 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.4% (99 votes), and other candidates with 3.8% (15 votes), among the 397 ballots cast by the borough's 1,148 registered voters (7 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 34.6%.^[72][73] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 291 votes (56.8% vs. 63.3% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 140 votes (27.3% vs. 25.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 59 votes (11.5% vs. 9.1%) and other candidates with 16 votes (3.1% vs. 1.3%), among the 512 ballots cast by the borough's 1,109 registered voters, yielding a 46.2% turnout (vs. 52.3% in the county).^[74]

Education

Students in public school for Kindergarten through eighth grade attend the Sussex-Wantage Regional School District, together with students from Wantage Township. As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's three schools had an enrollment of 1,362 students and 116.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.66:1.^[75] The three schools in the district (with 2011-12 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics^[76]) are Clifton E. Lawrence School^[77] in Wantage (375 students; grades Kindergarten to 2), Wantage Elementary School^[78] in Sussex (484; 3 - 5) and Sussex Middle School^[79] in Sussex (503; 6 - 8).^[80][81]

For ninth through twelfth grades, public school students attend High Point Regional High School, together with students from Branchville, Frankford Township, Lafayette Township, Montague Township and Wantage Township (where the school is located).^[82][83] As of the 2013-14 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 999 students and 89.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.1:1.^[84]

Sussex Christian School is an inter-denominational Christian private day school that was founded in 1958 by members of the Sussex Christian Reformed Church, and which serves students from Northern New Jersey and the surrounding communities in New York and Pennsylvania.^[85]

Transportation

Roads and highways

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 9.21 miles (14.82 km) of roadways, of which 6.67 miles (10.73 km) were maintained by the municipality, 0.87 miles (1.40 km) by Sussex County and 1.67 miles (2.69 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.^[86]

Sussex is located at the intersection of Route 23 and Route 284.

Public transportation

Local bus service is provided by the Skylands Connect bus, which provides service to Hamburg, Sparta, and Newton.^[87]

Sussex Airport is located 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of Sussex.^[88]

Notable people

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

• D. C. Fontana (born 1939), television script writer and story editor, best known for her work on the original Star Trek franchise and several western television series.^[89]
• Bill Glynn (1925-2013), Major League Baseball first baseman who played four seasons of professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians and the Philadelphia Phillies.^[90]

References

External links

• Sussex Borough official website
• Sussex County webpage for Sussex Borough
• Sussex-Wantage Regional School District
• Sussex-Wantage Regional School District's 2014–15 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
• School Data for the Sussex-Wantage Regional School District, National Center for Education Statistics
• High Point Regional High School
• The Advertiser-News, community newspaper

Municipalities and communities of Sussex County, New Jersey, United States
County seat: Newton
Boroughs	Andover Branchville Franklin Hamburg Hopatcong Ogdensburg Stanhope Sussex
Town	Newton
Townships	Andover Byram Frankford Fredon Green Hampton Hardyston Lafayette Montague Sandyston Sparta Stillwater Vernon Walpack Wantage
CDPs	Byram Center Crandon Lakes Highland Lakes Lake Mohawk Ross Corner Vernon Center Vernon Valley
Other unincorporated communities	Abertown Ackerson Augusta Beemerville Brighton Flatbrookville Glenwood Greendell Hainesville Hopewell Layton McAfee Middleville Pinkneyville Quarryville Shaytown Springdale Stockholm Swartswood Tranquility Wallpack Center Whitehall