Brigantine is an island city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 9,450, reflecting a decline of 3,144 (-25.0%) from the 12,594 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 1,240 (+10.9%) from the 11,354 counted in the 1990 Census.
What is now the City of Brigantine has passed through a series of names and re-incorporations since it was first created. The area was originally incorporated as Brigantine Beach Borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on June 14, 1890, from portions of Galloway Township, based on the results of a referendum held on June 3, 1890. On April 23, 1897, the area was reincorporated as the City of Brigantine City. This name lasted until April 9, 1914, when it was renamed the City of East Atlantic City. On March 16, 1924, Brigantine was incorporated as a city, replacing East Atlantic City and incorporating further portions of Galloway Township.
New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Brigantine as its 36th best place to live in its 2008 rankings of the "Best Places To Live" in New Jersey.
Geography
Brigantine is located at 39°25?38?N 74°23?23?W (39.427291,-74.389617). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 10.364 square miles (26.844 km2), of which, 6.387 square miles (16.543 km2) of it was land and 3.977 square miles (10.301 km2) of it (38.37%) was water. Brigantine is located on Brigantine Island.
The only road to and from Brigantine is New Jersey Route 87, locally known as Brigantine Boulevard. The Justice Vincent S. Haneman Memorial Bridge is the only way on and off the island. The original bridge to the island that was constructed in 1924 was destroyed in the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944. The current bridge was constructed in 1972.
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Brigantine has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
Demographics
2010 Census
At the 2010 United States Census, there were 9,450 people, 4,294 households, and 2,521 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,479.5 per square mile (571.2/km2). There were 9,222 housing units at an average density of 1,443.8 per square mile (557.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.33% (8,253) White, 2.91% (275) Black or African American, 0.17% (16) Native American, 4.72% (446) Asian, 0.03% (3) Pacific Islander, 2.51% (237) from other races, and 2.33% (220) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 6.88% (650) of the population.
There were 4,294 households, of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.79.
In the city, 16.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 33.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.4 years. For every 100 females there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.
The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $62,212 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,472) and the median family income was $79,318 (+/- $7,962). Males had a median income of $55,595 (+/- $5,655) versus $42,622 (+/- $5,179) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $36,571 (+/- $3,305). About 5.9% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.
2000 Census
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 12,594 people, 5,473 households, and 3,338 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,959.0 people per square mile (756.2/km2). There were 9,304 housing units at an average density of 1,447.2 per square mile (558.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.15% White, 3.94% African American, 0.18% Native American, 5.72% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.67% from other races, and 2.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.41% of the population.
There were 5,473 households out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $44,639, and the median income for a family was $51,679. Males had a median income of $40,523 versus $29,779 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,950. About 7.6% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Local government
Since 1989, the City of Brigantine has been governed within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under the Council-Manager form (Plan 5), implemented by direct petition effective as of January 1, 1991. The city is governed by a City Council consisting of a Mayor (elected at large), two at-large Council members and four ward council members, all of whom serve terms of office of four years. The mayor and the two at-large council seats come up for vote as part of the November general election in leap years, with the four ward seats up for vote simultaneously two years later. The Mayor presides over the meetings of City Council. The Council adopts the municipal budget and enacts ordinances to promote and ensure the security, health, government and protection of the City and its residents.
As of 2015, the Mayor of Brigantine City is Republican Philip J. Guenther, whose term of office ends December 31, 2018. Members of the City Council are Karen Bew (Ward 1; R, 2016, serving an unexpired term), Rick DeLucry (Ward 4; D, 2016), Lisa McClay (Ward 2; D, 2016), Joseph M. Picardi (Ward 3; D, 2016), Andrew Sera (at-large; R, 2018) and Andrew C. Simpson (at-large; R, 2018).
Karen Bew was selected in January 2015 from among three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the Ward 1 seat that was vacated by Andrew Simpson when he took office in an at-large seat.
Federal, state and county representation
Brigantine is located in the 2nd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district.
New Jersey's Second Congressional District is represented by Frank LoBiondo (R, Ventnor City). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Cory Booker (D, Newark, term ends 2021) and Bob Menendez (D, Paramus, 2019).
The 2nd Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Jim Whelan (D, Atlantic City) and in the General Assembly by Chris A. Brown (R, Ventnor City) and John F. Amodeo (D, Northfield). The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham Township). The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).
Atlantic County is governed by a directly elected executive and a nine-member Board of Chosen Freeholders, responsible for legislation. The executive serves a four-year term and the freeholders are elected to staggered three-year terms, of which four are elected from the county on an at-large basis and five of the freeholders represent equally populated districts. As of 2015, Atlantic County's Executive is Republican Dennis Levinson, whose term of office ends December 31, 2015. Members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders are Chairman Frank D. Formica, Freeholder District 2, including Atlantic City (part), Egg Harbor Township (part), Linwood, Longport, Margate, Northfield, Somers Point and Ventnor (R, 2015), Vice Chairman James A. Bertino, Freeholder District 5, including Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Estell Manor, Folsom, Hamilton Township (part), Hammonton, Mullica Township and Weymouth (R, 2015), Colin G. Bell, Freeholder At-Large (R, 2015), John Carman, Freeholder District 3, including Egg Harbor Township (part) and Hamilton Township (part) (R, 2017), Ernest D. Coursey, Freeholder District 1, including Atlantic City (part), Egg Harbor Township (part) and Pleasantville (R, 2016), Richard Dase, Freeholder District 4, including Absecon, Brigantine, Galloway Township and Port Republic (D, 2016), Alexander C. Marino, Freeholder At-Large (R, 2017), Will Pauls, Freeholder At-Large (R, 2016) and John W. Risley, Freeholder At-Large (R, 2017). Constitutional officers are County Clerk Edward P. McGettigan (2016), Sheriff Frank X. Balles (R, 2017) and Surrogate James Curcio (2015).
Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 6,430 registered voters in Brigantine City, of which 1,219 (19.0% vs. 30.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 2,679 (41.7% vs. 25.2%) were registered as Republicans and 2,524 (39.3% vs. 44.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 8 voters registered to other parties. Among the city's 2010 Census population, 68.0% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 81.4% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide).
In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 2,462 votes (53.5% vs. 41.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 2,068 votes (44.9% vs. 57.9%) and other candidates with 49 votes (1.1% vs. 0.9%), among the 4,605 ballots cast by the city's 6,944 registered voters, for a turnout of 66.3% (vs. 65.8% in Atlantic County). In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 2,652 votes (53.2% vs. 41.6% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 2,218 votes (44.5% vs. 56.5%) and other candidates with 67 votes (1.3% vs. 1.1%), among the 4,984 ballots cast by the city's 7,214 registered voters, for a turnout of 69.1% (vs. 68.1% in Atlantic County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 2,627 votes (53.7% vs. 46.2% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 2,181 votes (44.6% vs. 52.0%) and other candidates with 36 votes (0.7% vs. 0.8%), among the 4,888 ballots cast by the city's 6,847 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.4% (vs. 69.8% in the whole county).
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 2,270 votes (73.2% vs. 60.0% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 715 votes (23.1% vs. 34.9%) and other candidates with 35 votes (1.1% vs. 1.3%), among the 3,099 ballots cast by the city's 6,977 registered voters, yielding a 44.4% turnout (vs. 41.5% in the county). In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,877 votes (57.7% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 1,147 votes (35.2% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 173 votes (5.3% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 26 votes (0.8% vs. 1.2%), among the 3,255 ballots cast by the city's 6,632 registered voters, yielding a 49.1% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).
Education
The Brigantine Public Schools serves students in pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. The district is governed by the Brigantine Board of Education and operates as a Type I school district. The school board consists of seven members who are appointed to three-year terms by the Mayor, the Council and the City Manager on a staggered basis.
As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's two schools had an enrollment of 768 students and 68.9 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student-teacher ratio of 11.15:1. Schools in the district (with 2011-12 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are Brigantine Elementary School serves grades PreK-4 (473 students) and Brigantine North Middle School serves grades 5-8 (295 students).
Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades, along with those from Margate City and Ventnor City, attend Atlantic City High School in neighboring Atlantic City, as part of sending/receiving relationships with the Atlantic City School District.
City public school students are also eligible to attend the Atlantic County Institute of Technology or the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts, located in Somers Point.
Transportation
Roads and highways
As of May 2010, the city had a total of 64.45 miles (103.72 km) of roadways, of which 60.54 miles (97.43 km) were maintained by the municipality, 3.74 miles (6.02 km) by Atlantic County, 0.06 miles (0.097 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 0.11 miles (0.18 km) by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
Public transportation
New Jersey Transit provide bus service to and from Atlantic City on the 501 route.
Points of interest
- Brigantine Lighthouse - Constructed by the Island Development Real Estate Company in 1926 as part of an effort to attract residents to the island, the structure was too far from shore and too low to be used as a functioning lighthouse and has been used over the years as headquarters for the Brigantine Police Department, as a museum and as a gift shop, in addition to be a central identifying symbol of the city.
- Marine Mammal Stranding Center - Established in 1978 as the state's only marine stranding center, the center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, rescuing more than 3,900 whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles since it was formed.
- Part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of Brigantine Island. The Refuge provides crucial habitat for many different types of endangered or threatened birds, including the American bald eagle, peregrine falcon, American black duck, and the piping plover.
- The Brigantine Hotel, still standing on the Atlantic coast side of the island, was an early integrated hotel starting in the 1940s, and was owned for a period by Father Divine's International Peace Mission movement.
Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Brigantine include:
- Dan Borislow (born 1961), entrepreneur, sports team owner, inventor and thoroughbred horse breeder.
- Mark A. Brown (born 1961), gaming industry executive who has been CEO of Trump Hotels and Casinos Inc. and President of The Venetian Macao, Sands Macao and The Four Seasons Macau.
- Mary Raith Holst (born 1910), moved to Brigantine in 1939 with her husband Wallace and was the first group of three female cheerleader at Atlantic City High School.
- Patrick J. Kennedy (born 1967), former member of the United States House of Representatives.
- Carol Plum-Ucci (born 1957), young adult novelist and essayist.
- John Rosenbaum, (born 1934), California artist and educator.
- Katherine Shindle (born 1977), actress, singer, dancer and AIDS activist who was chosen as Miss America 1998 and Miss Illinois 1997.
References
External links
- Brigantine City website
- [2013 Website designed by Lieutenant Timothy Reed /Brigantine Police Department]
- Brigantine Public Schools
- Brigantine Public Schools's 2012-13 School Report Card from the New Jersey Department of Education
- School Data for the Brigantine Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics
- The Brigantine Beachcomber Newspaper
- History of Brigantine Castle (defunct amusement pier)
- Brigantine Excursion House from the Sea, October 17, 1891 by D.J. Kennedy, Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- End View of Brigantine Beach, Excursion House, New Jersey, October 17, 1891 by D.J. Kennedy, Historical Society of Pennsylvania
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