East Brunswick, Nj: A Great Place To Be

East Brunswick is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. It is a suburb of New York City, located on the southern shore of the Raritan River, adjacent to the city of New Brunswick. As of the 2020 census, East Brunswick had a population of 49,715, its highest count ever. The township offers convenient access to major highways and cities like New York, Newark, and Philadelphia, making it a popular place for commuters. East Brunswick has a diverse population, with a racial makeup of White, Black or African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and individuals from other races. The township provides a range of recreational activities, educational institutions, and cultural offerings, making it a vibrant and attractive place to live and work.

East Brunswick's government and politics

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is led by a mayor and has a township council form of government. The township council comprises council members such as Kevin McEvoy (Council President), Dana Zimbicki (Council Vice President), Dana Winston (Councilwoman), Dinesh Behal (Councilman), and James Wendell (Councilman).

In 2020, Brad J Cohen (D) was the incumbent mayor of East Brunswick, seeking re-election. A physician by profession, Cohen had previously served on the East Brunswick Board of Education from 2010 to 2016. Cohen's platform focused on effective financial policy, community services, and opportunities for the township. He highlighted his commitment to attracting new businesses, civic engagement, and redevelopment projects.

The East Brunswick Board of Education is another important aspect of the township's government. Members of the board serve three-year terms, and these positions are unpaid and volunteer-based. Elections for the board have been held, with candidates such as Laurie Lachs, Laurie Herrick, and Tim Cummings vying for seats.

The township's website also mentions various other boards and commissions, such as the Arts Commission and the Planning Board, indicating a focus on cultural initiatives and community development.

East Brunswick's history

East Brunswick, New Jersey, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. Originally, the land was occupied by the Lenape Native Americans, who called the area Piscopeek. In 1677, Thomas Lawrence, a New York baker, purchased thousands of acres of land from the Lenape, and the area became known as Lawrence Brook.

During the late 17th century, settlers of Scotch, English, Dutch, and German origin began to arrive, seeking economic opportunities, religious freedom, or adventure. These early pioneers established themselves along the river routes, with the earliest settlement in the northern area being the vast plantation and home of Thomas Lawrence. Over time, this land was sold to smaller landowners.

In the 18th century, transportation and trade became key factors in the growth of East Brunswick. The South River, which runs along the eastern border of the township, was navigable, attracting settlers as early as 1685. The first bridge spanning the South River was built in the Historic District of Old Bridge, giving the area its name. Inns and stagecoaches became a common sight, and by the mid-19th century, Old Bridge had grown into a thriving village.

In the 19th century, East Brunswick experienced industrial growth due to an abundance of raw materials, proximity to large markets, and inexpensive transportation. The completion of the Camden-Amboy Railroad in 1833 further boosted the area's development, with the construction of docks and warehouses to accommodate the growing commerce.

The township of East Brunswick was officially incorporated in 1860, separating from North Brunswick and Monroe. However, between 1870 and 1908, several communities, including Washington, Helmetta, Milltown, and Spotswood, withdrew and formed independent governments. Despite these changes, East Brunswick continued to grow and evolve.

The 20th century saw a transformation in East Brunswick, particularly after World War II. The improvement of roads, including the extension of the New Jersey Turnpike to East Brunswick in 1952, led to a sharp increase in population and suburban development. The township became known for its pristine suburbs and convenient access to major highways, making it a popular choice for commuters to nearby cities.

Today, East Brunswick stands as a diverse and thriving community, with a population of over 49,000 residents, a variety of educational and cultural institutions, and a strong economic presence. The township continues to preserve its historical sites and structures, with organisations like the East Brunswick Historical Society dedicated to protecting its rich heritage.

East Brunswick's climate

East Brunswick, New Jersey, has a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. The weather varies throughout the year, with significant temperature differences. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 86°F (29°C-31°C) and a low of 67°F (20°C). The coldest month is January, with an average high of 37°F (2.8°C-5°C) and a low of 25°F (-3.9°C). The temperature in East Brunswick rarely falls below 11°F or rises above 95°F.

The hot season in East Brunswick lasts for 3.5 months, from the end of May to mid-September, with an average daily high above 77°F. The cold season lasts for 3.3 months, from December to early March, with an average daily high below 49°F.

The wettest month is December, with 128 mm of rainfall, while the driest month is November, with 74 mm of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 92.9 rainfall days and 7.32 inches (186 mm) of precipitation. July, the hottest month, also has the highest rainfall, with 0.94 inches (24 mm).

The climate in East Brunswick during spring is characterised by warming temperatures and increasing rainfall. From March to May, the average high temperatures increase from 47.8°F (8.8°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C). Rainfall levels are also on the rise during this season, with 0.59 inches (15 mm) registered in March, increasing to 0.75 inches (19 mm) in May.

Summer in East Brunswick offers the highest temperatures and rainfall. June sees an average high temperature of 77.9°F (25.5°C), while July and August have average highs of 84.2°F (29°C) and 82.4°F (28°C), respectively. Rainfall in summer ranges from 0.59 inches (15 mm) in June to a peak of 0.94 inches (24 mm) in July.

Autumn in East Brunswick presents a mix of climate conditions, with gradually dropping temperatures and variable rainfall. September sees an average high temperature of 75.7°F (24.3°C), which drops to 52°F (11.1°C) in November. Rainfall during the autumn months starts at a lower level of 0.28 inches (7 mm) in September, before increasing to 0.59 inches (15 mm) in October and November.

Winter brings the coldest temperatures of the year to East Brunswick, with average lows dropping below freezing from December to February. Snowfall is also characteristic of the winter season, with 0.35 inches (9 mm) recorded in December. February has the least sunshine, with an average of 4.7 hours, while June has the most, with 10.5 hours.

East Brunswick's demographics

East Brunswick is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 49,715, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 2,203 (+4.6%) from the 2010 census count of 47,512. East Brunswick is the 38th most populated city in the state of New Jersey.

The racial/ethnic makeup of East Brunswick is as follows: 51.9% White, 28.4% Asian, 11.8% Hispanic, 3.98% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.68% other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. 6.7% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino, of any race.

The median household income in East Brunswick is $138,003, with a per capita income of $58,162. Approximately 2.9% of East Brunswick families live below the poverty line.

The median age for East Brunswick residents is 42.8 years, with a nearly even gender balance: for every 100 females, the population has 93.6 males. 24.1% of the population are under the age of 18, while 13.5% are 65 years of age or older.

In terms of educational attainment, 94.2% of East Brunswick residents have a high school diploma or higher, and 58.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

East Brunswick's schools

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is served by the East Brunswick Public School District, which includes 11 schools and, as of the 2018-19 school year, had an enrolment of 8,260 students. The district is highly rated, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, and, according to state tests, 39% of students are proficient in math and 62% in reading. The schools in the district include:

• East Brunswick High School
• Churchill Junior High School
• Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School
• Bowne-Munro Elementary School
• Central Elementary School
• Murray A. Chittick Elementary School
• Robert Frost Elementary School
• Irwin Elementary School
• Lawrence Brook Elementary School
• Memorial Elementary School
• Warnsdorfer Elementary School

East Brunswick is also home to the Hatikvah International Academy Charter School, a Hebrew language charter school that offers an International Baccalaureate program. The Saint Bartholomew's School is a Catholic elementary school serving 372 students in Pre-K through to 8th grade.

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