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Freehold Borough, New Jersey

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This article is about Freehold Borough. For surrounding township, see Freehold Township, New Jersey.

Freehold is a borough in and the county seat of Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.[19][20] Known for its Victorian era homes and extensive colonial history, the borough is located in the Raritan Valley region within the New York Metropolitan Area, located about 33 miles (53 km) from Manhattan and 17 miles (27 km) from Staten Island.[21][22][23][24] The borough has grown to become a commuter town of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 12,538,[9][10] its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 486 (+4.0%) from the 12,052 recorded at the 2010 census,[25][26] which in turn reflected an increase of 1,076 (+9.8%) from the 10,976 counted in the 2000 census.[27]

Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Borough
Monmouth County Courthouse
George Taylor House
Downtown Freehold at the intersection of West Main Street and Throckmorton Street
Official seal of Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Seal
Location of Freehold Borough in Monmouth County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Location of Freehold Borough in Monmouth County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Census Bureau map of Freehold Borough, New Jersey Interactive map of Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Map
Interactive map of Freehold Borough, New Jersey
Freehold Borough is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Freehold Borough
Freehold Borough
Location in Monmouth County
Freehold Borough is located in New Jersey
Freehold Borough
Freehold Borough
Location in New Jersey
Freehold Borough is located in the United States
Freehold Borough
Freehold Borough
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 40°15′37″N 74°16′33″W / 40.260219°N 74.275884°W / 40.260219; -74.275884[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
CountyMonmouth
IncorporatedMarch 25, 1869 (as town)
ReincorporatedApril 15, 1919 (as borough)
Named forEnglish legal term of freehold
Government
[7]
 • TypeBorough
 • BodyBorough Council
 • MayorKevin A. Kane (D, term ends December 31, 2023)[3][4]
 • AdministratorStephen J. Gallo[5]
 • Municipal clerkTraci L. DiBenedetto[6]
Area
[1]
 • Total
1.93 sq mi (5.01 km2)
 • Land1.93 sq mi (5.00 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0.10%
 • Rank419th of 565 in state
32nd of 53 in county[1]
Elevation
[8]
171 ft (52 m)
Population
 (2020)[9][10]
 • Total
12,538
 • Estimate 
(2023)[9][11]
12,430
 • Rank206th of 565 in state
17th of 53 in county[12]
 • Density6,496.4/sq mi (2,508.3/km2)
  • Rank82nd of 565 in state
7th of 53 in county[12]
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code
07728[13][14]
Area code(s)732/848[15]
FIPS code34-25200[1][16][17]
GNIS feature ID0885226[1][18]
Websitewww.freeholdboroughnj.gov

The Freeholds region, which includes the borough and Freehold Township (which completely surrounds the borough), is a commercial hub for central New Jersey. The borough is located relatively close to the Raritan Bayshore communities to the north, including The Amboys, Old Bridge, Matawan, Keyport, Keansburg, and Middletown, along with being relatively close to the Tri-City region of Jersey Shore municipalities (and their vicinities) to the east, including Red Bank, Long Branch, and Asbury Park.[28]

What is now Freehold Borough was originally incorporated as a town by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 25, 1869, from portions within Freehold Township. The town became independent of the township in 1888. On April 15, 1919, Freehold was incorporated as a borough, including all of Freehold and additional portions of Freehold Township, based on the results of a referendum held on July 8, 1919. Additional portions of Freehold Township were annexed on September 7, 1926.[29]

The Hispanic and Latino population has been rapidly growing in Freehold Borough for the last 40 years. The Hispanic population making up 4.6% (0.2% Mexican) in the 1980 Census,[citation needed] 11.3% (2.8% Mexican) in the 1990 Census,[30] 28.0% (17.3% Mexican) in 2000,[31] 42.9% (29.6% Mexican) in 2010,[25] and recently in 2020, a majority at 53.0% Hispanic.[32] Meanwhile, the Black or African American population has decreased in recent decades: 17.1% in 1970, 19.8% in 1980, 18.2% in 1990, 15.8% in 2000, 12.6% in 2010 and 9.4% in 2020.

In 2021, Freehold Borough became one of few towns in the state (including, Bellmawr, Egg Harbor Township, Montclair and Woodbridge Township) that has authorized the sale of cannabis through authorized dispensaries and for the allowance of cultivators, distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers.[33][34][35]

History

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Early history

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The Lenni Lenape Native Americans were the earliest known people to live in the area that became Freehold.[36] The Lenape were a hunter-gatherer society. They were largely sedentary, changing campsites seasonally. They were prolific hunters of small game and birds. They were also skilled fisherman, and were known to harvest vast amounts of clams from the bays and inlets on the Jersey Shore. They also practiced some agriculture to augment their food supply. During this time, an important crossroad of two major Lenape trails was located in the area of Freehold.[37]

By the late 17th century, the English had begun to take over the area. In 1664, the Duke of York (later James II & VII) granted a patent to Sir George Carteret to develop the area. In 1685, Scottish Presbyterians from Scotland, along with English Baptists and Quakers from New England fleeing religious persecution at home, became the first to settle within the area.[36][38] In 1693, along with Middletown and Shrewsbury, Freehold was established by act of legislature as one of the three original townships in Monmouth County.[39] The name of the borough comes from the word Freehold, an English legal term describing fee simple property ownership.[40]

Colonial Freehold

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Monmouth County Courthouse was George Washington's headquarters during the Battle of Monmouth.[41]

In 1714, when the colonial government was deciding where to locate the county seat and courthouse, Freeholder John Reid, the first Surveyor General of East Jersey, wanted the county seat located in Freehold Township. Reid sold land suitable for use as a courthouse to the Board of Chosen Freeholders at a bargain price, and this may have been the deciding factor why Freehold was selected over Middletown and Shrewsbury. In return for the heavily discounted price, Reid placed a restrictive covenant in the deed that, should the property ever cease being used as a courthouse, ownership would revert to the Reid family. Direct descendants of John Reid still reside in Freehold Township.[42]

Freehold was officially designated as the seat of the Monmouth County government, and a court house was commissioned to be built on the land purchased from John Reid. The Monmouth Courthouse opened in 1715.[43] A small village quickly began to develop around the courthouse. At first, the village was called Monmouth Courthouse.[44] Over time, other government buildings opened near the courthouse, including a sheriff's office, a prison and a post office. A number of homes and commercial businesses also sprang up in the village, including a blacksmith, a general store, a bank, a hotel, and saloon.[45]

In the area surrounding Monmouth Courthouse, many successful farms began to appear. The farms in Freehold were particularly well known for the production of potatoes, beans, and rye, which were sold in the markets of nearby cities. Freehold also became known for its excellent horse farms.[37] The differences within Freehold between growing village around the courthouse and the surrounding farmland were the seeds for the eventual division of Freehold into two separate municipalities in the early 20th century.

As of 1745, the majority of families in Freehold were still Scottish immigrants.[46] In modern Freehold today, many important streets bear the name of early colonial families, including Barkalow, Applegate, Rhea, Throckmorton, and Schanck.[46]

Revolutionary War

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Further information: Battle of Monmouth
 
Molly Pitcher fighting at the Battle of Monmouth in Freehold

Freehold was deeply impacted by the American Revolution. By the early 1770s, the Sons of Liberty were actively recruiting local members in Freehold, and were agitating the relationship between the British government and the colonists.[47] In 1775, immediately after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Capt. Elias Longstreet recruited the first company of Freeholders to join the Continental Army.[48] Freehold was a known center of patriot activity. The Declaration of Independence was publicly proclaimed, read aloud, from the steps of the Freehold Courthouse just a few days after being signed in Philadelphia.[46]

However, after British success at the Battle of Long Island, Freehold and all of Monmouth County fell under the control of Loyalists.[49] The British government continued to operate the Freehold Courthouse, and several people involved in revolutionary activism were arrested and tried for treason at the courthouse.[49] The success of the Continental Army at the Battle of Trenton helped to weaken loyalist control of Freehold.[50]

In June 1778, the British Army began a major strategic evacuation of Philadelphia. They attempted to protect a long, slow moving column of loyalist families, equipment, and other supplies seized in Philadelphia, as they moved towards ships in New York Harbor. On June 28, 1778, the Continental Army intercepted the column in Freehold (the area is now part of Freehold & Manalapan Townships).[51] The Battle of Monmouth was one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War, involving over 25,000 soldiers combined in Continental, British, and Hessian forces. The initial engagement was in doubt until Washington arrived because Charles Lee was retreating from the battlefield. Washington rallied the Continentals and strongly engaged the British forces and they held their ground on the battlefield. However, the British forces were successful in completing their primary goal, the evacuation of Philadelphia. Both sides claimed victory in the battle.[51]

Several notable figures during the Revolutionary War fought at the Battle of Monmouth. British forces were commanded by Sir Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis. The Continental Army was commanded by George Washington and Charles Lee. Charles Lee was court martialed by the Continental Army for his behavior at the Battle of Monmouth. Nathaniel Greene, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette and Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben also fought for the Continental Army at the Battle of Monmouth.[52] Another famous figure at the Battle of Monmouth was Molly Pitcher, who manned a cannon during the battle after her husband was wounded.[52]

In the aftermath of the Battle of Monmouth, Loyalist control of Freehold faltered. The town ceased to have a functioning municipal government, and the courthouse was closed until the end of the war. Minor clashes between loyalists and continentals flared up in town, with the violence peaking around 1780.[53] Colonel Tye, an escaped slave and leader of a prominent loyalist guerilla force, conducted several raids in and around Freehold. One famous incident was the capture and hanging of Joshua Huddy by British Loyalists under the direction of Richard Lippincott. Colonel Tye was killed during the raid on Huddy's home.[54] Patriots later cut down Huddy's body hanging from the gallows and buried it in Freehold, at Old Tennent Church.[55] At the end of the war, the community was deeply divided, and nearly 120 loyalist families left Freehold, fearing persecution from their neighbors. Most of these families re-settled in Canada.[56]

19th century

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The Monmouth County Historical Association's headquarters Freehold

During the early 19th century, Freehold steadily grew in size. The village around the courthouse was now called Freehold, along with the surrounding farmland.[57] In 1852, when long distance railroad systems were first being developed, a railroad station, with trains making regular stops, running along what is now known as Throckmorton Street, about one block from the courthouse. Freehold soon had public sewers in the village and in some of the outlying farmland. By 1883, there was an electrical grid and a telephone switchboard, at a time when these inventions were still brand new.[57] These public advancements caused rapid economic growth in Freehold. The village of Freehold became an important commercial and industrial hub in central New Jersey. The farms in the rest of Freehold benefitted greatly by being able to sell their products more easily in New York and Philadelphia.[58] Both the village and the farms prospered together, however the public policies sought by the two different communities continued to grow further apart. The municipal government was increasingly divided between the villagers and farmers.

In 1824, the American Hotel opened on Main Street in Freehold; It is still standing today, and is one of the oldest buildings in Freehold. In 1853, the Freehold Raceway opened. Though the original grandstand burned down in a fire, the racetrack is still open today, and is one of the oldest harness racetracks in America. The Great Fire of Freehold happened on October 30, 1873. The fire reportedly began in a commercial building on Main Street. It soon spread to engulf a large section of the village, and many wooden buildings, including Monmouth Courthouse, were burned down.[59]

Freehold also has an important place in the history of the bicycle. Cycling champion Arthur Augustus Zimmerman resided in the borough during his racing career in the 1880s and 1890s, and from 1896 to 1899 operated the Zimmerman Bicycle Co.; the company's bicycles were known as the "Zimmy." Today, Freehold Borough is home to the Metz Bicycle Museum, where the only extant "Zimmy" can be seen.[60]

Freehold divided

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Freehold s home to one of many Carnegie libraries, such as Freehold Public Library, which was built in 1904 from a $10,000 Carnegie grant.[61]

At the beginning of the 20th century, Freehold was an increasingly divided community. The issue of local tax dollars, used as funding for public works and infrastructure projects, was the primary point of contention.[62] The Freeholders living in the downtown area, around the courthouse had very different ideas about how to spend public money compared to the Freeholders living in the surrounding farmland. Tension within the community increased greatly in 1916 when a severe polio epidemic swept through Freehold.[63]

After contentious public debate, a referendum was held to on the future of Freehold, and voters overwhelmingly decided to split the town into two separate municipalities.

On April 15, 1919, Freehold Borough formally separated from Freehold Township. Freehold residents generally refer to the different municipalities simply as the Borough and the Township. The borough, the downtown area around the courthouse, retained all the existing government buildings around Court Street and Main Street. The borough also kept the designation as county seat.[64] Freehold Township, the farming communities that surrounded the courthouse, set up a new city hall complex on Schanck Road. The township completely encircles the borough. On September 7, 1926, Freehold Borough annexed additional territory from the township.[64]

The Borough in the 20th century

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Freehold is known for its Victorian era homes like those pictured here in a quiet suburban neighborhood on Brinckerhoff Avenue.

Freehold Borough initially prospered in the early 20th century. However, by mid-century, the Borough began to decline as downtown areas across the country shrank, and suburban areas began growing. In 1961, the A & M Karagheusian rug factory closed.[65] This factory had long been the largest employer in the area, and its closure had a devastating effect on the economic stability of the borough. The borough managed to turn around its economic decline by establishing the downtown area as a center for restaurants and nightlife.[66] Several well-known local restaurants on Main Street are now crowded every night of the week.

Freehold Borough was an important center of African American civil rights activity in New Jersey during the years leading up to the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.[67] In 2007, Jaye Sims became the first African American official to be elected to office.[68]

Bruce Springsteen grew up in the borough. His family lived in various homes on Randolph St, Institute St and finally South St. In 1963, he graduated eighth grade from St. Rose of Lima School, and graduated from Freehold Borough High School in 1967.[69] In 1973, he released his first album, and rocketed to international fame. Springsteen has always remained loyal to Freehold and makes reference to it in several of his famous songs, including "My Hometown". In 1996, he conducted a small benefit concert in Freehold for St. Rose of Lima.[69]

Geography

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The view from Monmouth County Courthouse
 
Route 79 (South Street) in Freehold

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.93 square miles (5.01 km2), including 1.93 square miles (5.00 km2) of land and <0.01 square miles (<0.01 km2) of water (0.10%).[1][2] It is situated in the heart of Monmouth County and is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) south of New York City and 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Philadelphia.[70] Freehold is also about 16 miles (26 km) west of Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore.[71]

Freehold has an elevation of 174 feet (53 m) above sea level at its center.[8]

The borough is completely surrounded by Freehold Township,[72][73][74] making it part of 21 pairs of "doughnut towns" in the state, where one municipality entirely surrounds another.[75]

Climate

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According to the Köppen climate classification system, Freehold Borough sits on the northern border between the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) zone and the humid continental climate (Dfa) zone, with the borough being one of the most northern localities in North America that has a humid subtropical climate. Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average temperature above 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), at least four months with an average temperature at or above 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average temperature at or above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons.

Climate data for Freehold Borough, New Jersey, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 73
(23) 		79
(26) 		87
(31) 		95
(35) 		96
(36) 		100
(38) 		106
(41) 		102
(39) 		99
(37) 		95
(35) 		83
(28) 		76
(24) 		106
(41)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 41.7
(5.4) 		44.4
(6.9) 		51.4
(10.8) 		63.0
(17.2) 		72.0
(22.2) 		81.1
(27.3) 		86.5
(30.3) 		84.6
(29.2) 		78.1
(25.6) 		66.6
(19.2) 		56.2
(13.4) 		46.7
(8.2) 		64.4
(18.0)
Daily mean °F (°C) 32.3
(0.2) 		34.7
(1.5) 		41.4
(5.2) 		52.1
(11.2) 		61.3
(16.3) 		70.6
(21.4) 		76.0
(24.4) 		74.0
(23.3) 		67.1
(19.5) 		55.5
(13.1) 		45.9
(7.7) 		37.4
(3.0) 		54.0
(12.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 22.9
(−5.1) 		25.0
(−3.9) 		31.3
(−0.4) 		41.2
(5.1) 		50.6
(10.3) 		60.1
(15.6) 		65.5
(18.6) 		63.4
(17.4) 		56.1
(13.4) 		44.3
(6.8) 		35.7
(2.1) 		28.0
(−2.2) 		43.7
(6.5)
Record low °F (°C) −14
(−26) 		−20
(−29) 		−2
(−19) 		17
(−8) 		28
(−2) 		35
(2) 		42
(6) 		41
(5) 		32
(0) 		20
(−7) 		7
(−14) 		−5
(−21) 		−20
(−29)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.87
(98) 		3.10
(79) 		4.20
(107) 		3.83
(97) 		3.81
(97) 		4.44
(113) 		4.65
(118) 		4.13
(105) 		4.19
(106) 		4.13
(105) 		3.54
(90) 		4.68
(119) 		48.57
(1,234)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.7 9.2 9.9 11.6 12.5 11.8 9.8 10.7 9.1 10.2 9.4 10.1 125.0
Source: NOAA[76][77]

Ecology

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According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Freehold Borough would have an Appalachian Oak (104) vegetation type with an Eastern Hardwood Forest (25) vegetation form.[78]

Demographics

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The Freehold Jewish Center serves the rapidly growing Jewish population in the Freehold vicinity.

2010 census

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First Presbyterian Church on West Main Street (CR. 537)

The 2010 United States census counted 12,052 people, 4,006 households, and 2,660 families in the borough. The population density was 6,180.8 per square mile (2,386.4/km2). There were 4,249 housing units at an average density of 2,179.1 per square mile (841.4/km2). The racial makeup was 65.72% (7,920) White, 12.57% (1,515) Black or African American, 0.52% (63) Native American, 2.89% (348) Asian, 0.07% (8) Pacific Islander, 15.35% (1,850) from other races, and 2.89% (348) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 42.87% (5,167) of the population.[25]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18802,432—
18902,93220.6%
19002,9340.1%
19103,23310.2%
19204,76847.5%
19306,89444.6%
19406,9520.8%
19507,5508.6%
19609,14021.1%
197010,54515.4%
198010,020−5.0%
199010,7427.2%
200010,9762.2%
201012,0529.8%
202012,5384.0%
2023 (est.)12,430[9][11]−0.9%
Population sources:
1880–1920[79] 1880–1890[80]
1890–1910[81] 1910–1930[82]
1940–2000[83] 2000[31][84]
2010[25][26] 2020[9][10]

Of the 4,006 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18; 44.3% were married couples living together; 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 33.6% were non-families. Of all households, 26.2% were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.48.[25]

24.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 111.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 112.0 males.[25]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $52,000 (with a margin of error of +/− $3,634) and the median family income was $60,471 (+/− $3,989). Males had a median income of $29,752 (+/− $8,068) versus $34,976 (+/− $8,305) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $23,331 (+/− $1,602). About 13.1% of families and 16.01% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.5% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.[85]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 10,976 people, 3,695 households, and 2,571 families residing in the borough. The population density was 5,501.1 inhabitants per square mile (2,124.0/km2). There were 3,821 housing units at an average density of 1,915.1 per square mile (739.4/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 71.02% White, 15.83% Black, .55% Native American, 2.45% Asian, .02% Pacific Islander, 6.64% from other races, and 3.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.07% of the population.[31][84]

There were 3,695 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.39.[31][84]

In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 34.4% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.7 males.[31][84]

The median income for a household in the borough was $48,654, and the median income for a family was $53,374. Males had a median income of $35,855 versus $30,377 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $19,910. About 7.7% of families and 12% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.[31][84]

Economy

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Suburbanization within the vicinity of the Freeholds region has been due to its convenient location near the Jersey Shore, and proximity to cities such as New York, Newark, Trenton, and Philadelphia. The region has, thus, been a longtime premier shopping destination in Central New Jersey.

Commerce

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Main Street

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Freehold at dusk

The borough is home to Downtown Freehold, located on East and West Main Street (County Route 537). This downtown section has various eateries, bars, boutiques, historical sites, and other excursions. Within this section of town, there have been plans to revitalize the downtown area, as outlined in the Freehold Center Core Revitalization Plan (2008),[86][87] in which NJ Transit has sponsored a project in transforming the Freehold Center Bus Station into a Transit Village.[88] This new designation would foster in the creation of a transit-oriented development zoning district around the bus station.

Freehold Raceway

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Main article: Freehold Raceway
 
Freehold Raceway Mall is a super-regional high-end shopping mall in neighboring Freehold Township.

Established in 1853, making it the nation's oldest half-mile harness racing track, Freehold Raceway offers horse lovers and bettors an opportunity to see harness racing.[89] The raceway announced in September 2024 that they will close, with the final racing date being December 28.[90]

Freehold Raceway Mall

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Main article: Freehold Raceway Mall

Completed in August 1990, the Freehold Raceway Mall is a super-regional mall located in neighboring Freehold Township. The mall was constructed at a cost of $125 million on a site covering more than 175 acres (71 ha)[citation needed] across from the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9, and it has a gross leasable area of 1,600,000 square feet (150,000 m2).[91]

There are many other shopping destinations outside of the borough, including the Manalapan EpiCentre (formerly, the Manalapan Mall) in nearby Manalapan Township, the Jackson Premium Outlets in nearby Jackson Township, and The Shoppes in nearby Old Bridge Township.

Cannabis businesses

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In 2021, the Freehold Borough council approved an ordinance to opt-in for cannabis businesses to operate within the borough. In a 4–1 vote, the ordinance established the parameters and zoning regulations to where cannabis businesses could operate, including commercial manufacturing and limited professional office zoning categories.[34] This would make Freehold one of the few municipalities in the state (including, Bellmawr, Egg Harbor Township, Montclair, and Woodbridge Township) that has authorized the sale of cannabis in New Jersey, especially within the greater central New Jersey region.[33] NJ Leaf, a medical cannabis dispensary located on Park Avenue, opened in March 2023 and is expected to also expand to recreational sales in the near future.[92]

Manufacturing

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The Karagheusian Rug Mill as it stood, long abandoned, in Freehold in 1990. The property is now used for affordable housing.[93]

Freehold Borough and Township began to grow in commercial and industrial manufacturing of goods during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A and M Karagheusian Mill

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Main article: A & M Karagheusian

A & M Karagheusian, Inc. was a rug manufacturer headquartered at 295 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Manufacturing was located in Freehold Borough, New Jersey and operated for 60 years before closing in 1964. It employed 1,700 people at its peak operation in the 1930s. There was another factory in Roselle Park, New Jersey, that operated from May 19, 1923, to 1962.[94]

Bruce Springsteen wrote about the Karagheusian Rug Mill’s closing in his 1984 song "My Hometown".[95]

Brockway Glass

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Brockway Glass Company built a facility on Center Street in 1955. Brockway Glass then proceeded to build additional facilities in the region in 1956, 1967, 1969 and 1976. The company ceased operations in the township in 1991,[96][97] in which the site is now operated by the Freehold campus location for Iron Mountain, an enterprise information management services company.

Nestle

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Nestle opened a production plant in 1948, which closed in 2023.[98]

Parks and recreation

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The entrance to Monmouth Battlefield State Park
 
Lake Topanemus

The Freeholds region is home to a wide array of nature spaces, including Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Turkey Swamp Park, and Lake Topanemus, providing assorted recreational opportunities. Smaller parks in the borough are operated by the Borough Recreation Commission, and they include Liberty Park, Veterans Park, and Vinyard Park.[99]

The southernmost segment of the Henry Hudson Trail starts in the borough and runs northeast to the Raritan Bayshore area along an abandoned rail line to Matawan. There is a parking lot located at 119 Dutch Lane Road in Freehold Township. The trail is used by walkers, runners and bicyclists.[100]

Lake Topanemus is a 71-acre (29 ha) suburban park located in Freehold Township, but is owned and operated by the borough.[101] The pond's attractions, include freshwater fishing, paddle boating, and canoeing. The park is also known for its picturesque nature trails, playgrounds, outdoor calisthenics, and open fields.

Government

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Monmouth County Courthouse

Local government

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Monmouth County Hall of Records
 
Freehold Borough Municipal Building

Freehold 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.[102] 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. 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.[7] The borough form of government used by Freehold 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.[103][104][105]

As of 2023, the mayor of Freehold Borough is Democrat Kevin A. Kane, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. Members of the Freehold Borough Council are Council President Michael DiBenedetto (D, 2023), Annette Jordan (D, 2024), Adam Reich (D, 2025), Margaret Rogers (D, 2025), George Schnurr (D, 2023) and Sharon C. Shutzer (D, 2024).[3][106][107][108][109][110]

Michael Wilson had been elected in 1985 and served in office until January 2012, making him the longest-serving mayor in Freehold Borough history, with 26 years of service.[111][112]

Federal, state, and county representation

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Freehold Borough is located in the 3rd Congressional District[113] and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district.[114][115][116]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 3rd congressional district is represented by Andy Kim (D, Moorestown).[117] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[118] and George Helmy (Mountain Lakes, term ends 2024).[119][120]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 11th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Vin Gopal (D, Long Branch) and in the General Assembly by Margie Donlon (D, Ocean Township) and Luanne Peterpaul (D, Long Branch).[121]

Monmouth County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as director and another as deputy director.[122] As of 2024, Monmouth County's Commissioners are Director Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City, 2025),[123] Susan M. Kiley (R, Hazlet Township, 2024),[124] Erik Anderson (R, Shrewsbury, 2026),[125] Nick DiRocco (R, Wall Township, 2025),[126] and Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra (R, Marlboro Township, 2026).[127][128][129]

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon (R, 2025; Ocean Township),[130][131] Sheriff Shaun Golden (R, 2025; Howell Township)[132][133] and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (R, 2026; Middletown Township).[134][135]

Politics

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United States presidential election results for Freehold Borough[136]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 1,585 38.07% 2,521 60.56% 57 1.37%
2016 1,501 41.78% 1,958 54.49% 134 3.73%
2012 1,326 37.29% 2,182 61.36% 48 1.35%
2008 1,500 39.74% 2,222 58.86% 53 1.40%
2004 1,705 45.96% 1,955 52.70% 50 1.35%
2000 1,435 39.55% 2,025 55.82% 168 4.63%
1996 1,133 30.70% 2,227 60.34% 331 8.97%
1992 1,413 37.11% 1,684 44.22% 711 18.67%

As of March 2011, there were a total of 5,108 registered voters in Freehold, of which 1,459 (28.6%) were registered as Democrats, 820 (16.1%) were registered as Republicans and 2,827 (55.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 2 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[137]

In the 2016 presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton received 54.5% of the vote (1,958 cast), ahead of Republican Donald Trump with 41.8% (1,501 votes), and other candidates with 3.7% (134 votes), among the 3,593 cast by the borough's voters. In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 61.4% of the vote (2,182 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 37.3% (1,326 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (48 votes), among the 3,591 ballots cast by the borough's 5,270 registered voters (35 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 68.1%.[138][139] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 57.7% of the vote (2,222 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 39.0% (1,500 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (53 votes), among the 3,849 ballots cast by the borough's 5,390 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.4%.[140] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 52.3% of the vote (1,955 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 45.6% (1,705 votes) and other candidates with 0.9% (50 votes), among the 3,737 ballots cast by the borough's 5,316 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.3.[141]

In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Democrat Phil Murphy received 50.7% of the vote (1,064 cast), ahead of Republican Kim Guadagno with 46.2% of the vote (969 votes), and other candidates with 3.1% (64 votes), among the 2,097 cast by the borough's voters. In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 61.7% of the vote (1,264 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 36.6% (750 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (33 votes), among the 2,093 ballots cast by the borough's 5,279 registered voters (46 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 39.6%.[142][143] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 55.0% of the vote (1,360 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 36.6% (906 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 6.9% (170 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (26 votes), among the 2,474 ballots cast by the borough's 5,178 registered voters, yielding a 47.8% turnout.[144]

Education

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Further information: Freehold Borough Schools
 
Freehold High School on the corner of Robertsville Road and Broadway

Freehold Borough's public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attend the Freehold Borough Schools. As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 1,698 students and 140.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.1:1.[145] Schools in the district (with 2018–19 school enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[146]) are Freehold Learning Center[147] with 619 students in grades Pre-K–2, Park Avenue Elementary School[148] with 532 students in grades 3–5, and Freehold Intermediate School[149] with 515 students in grades 6–8.[150]

Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Freehold High School, as part of the Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD).[151][152] The Freehold Regional High School District also serves students from Colts Neck Township, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Township (which also has some students at Freehold Borough High School), Howell Township, Manalapan Township and Marlboro Township.[153][154] As of the 2018–19 school year, Freehold Borough High School had an enrollment of 1,422 students and 103.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.7:1.[155] Students may apply to attend one of the district's six specialized learning centers, including the Medical Sciences Learning Center hosted at Freehold High School.[156] The FRHSD board of education has nine members, who are elected to three-year terms from each of the constituent districts.[157] Each member is allocated a fraction of a vote that totals to nine points, with Freehold Borough allocated one member, who has 1.0 votes.[158]

The independent Freehold Public Library is one of the remaining Carnegie-funded libraries in the state and is believed to be the only one with the name "Carnegie Library" engraved on its front.[159] It is not part of the Monmouth County Library system.

Infrastructure

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Transportation

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Roads and highways

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U.S. Route 9, the largest and busiest road in Freehold
 
Route 79 northbound at the split with CR 537 eastbound in Freehold

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 31.31 miles (50.39 km) of roadways, of which 26.60 miles (42.81 km) were maintained by the municipality, 1.30 miles (2.09 km) by Monmouth County and 3.41 miles (5.49 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[160]

U.S. Route 9,[161] Route 33 Business,[162] Route 79,[163] County Route 522[164] and County Route 537[165] all pass through Freehold Borough.[166]

Freehold Circle
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Further information: List of traffic circles in New Jersey

Freehold Circle was located near the western boundary of Freehold Borough near Freehold Raceway. The circle carried traffic between U.S. Route 9, Route 33 Business and Manalapan Avenue (CR 24); it was eliminated in the 1980s due to the increased traffic load caused by a boom in commercial and residential development. Most notable of the commercial development is the Freehold Raceway Mall, in Freehold Township just south of the old circle on US 9, whose development in the late 1980s was a major impetus to redesign the circle. The former circle now features several jughandles, and most Manalapan Avenue traffic must use a connector road to Business Route 33 to reach the main intersection, but it is still known by locals as Freehold Circle.[167][168] In the early 1940s, the Freehold Circle was the planned terminus of highway that would funnel traffic from South Amboy to the Jersey Shore by way of Matawan and Marlboro Township.[169]

Public transportation

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Rail
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In the 19th and 20th centuries, Freehold Borough and Freehold Township had two major railways. One major railway in the area was the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad, which was owned and operated by the Camden & Amboy Railroad Company (C&A). Surveying for the line began on September 8, 1851, grading began on October 19, 1852, and the first track was laid on April 4, 1853.[170] The first section of line was opened on July 18, 1853.[171] The establishment of the Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad caused the Freeholds region to become a transportation hub.[172] The other major railway in the area was the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which had a branch that connected the still-active former Penn Central line from Jamesburg to CNJ's Seashore Branch and the New York and Long Branch line (now owned by NJ Transit) at Matawan.

The Freehold and Jamesburg Railroad was abandoned by the early 1930s. A 2.8-mile long (4.5 km) portion of the former railroad's right-of-way was later approved to be sold by the New Jersey Board of Public Utility Commissioners (PUC) to Jersey Central Power & Light Company in 1966, with occasional freight service still being used through the Freehold Industrial Track. Meanwhile, The Central Railroad of New Jersey went into bankruptcy in the early 1970s and entered into Conrail on April 1, 1976, with its freight service on the rails from Freehold to Matawan being terminated in 1979 (the rails were removed in 1980). Today, it is mostly a rail-trail, converting into the Henry Hudson Trail. Freehold's former train station for both of these important railway routes now serves as the central bus station for town.

The Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line is a proposal by New Jersey Transit to restore passenger railway service to the region, by using the same tracks as the Freehold Industrial Track. The borough and its neighboring township would be potential stops for the 'MOM' Line.[173][174][175][176]

As of now, the nearest train stations to the borough are located in Aberdeen-Matawan, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and South Amboy on the North Jersey Coast Line, and Metropark in Iselin, Metuchen, New Brunswick, and Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor Line.

Proposed NJ Transit Village
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With the Borough of Freehold's determination to revitalize its downtown area, as outlined in the Freehold Center Core Revitalization Plan (2008),[86][87] NJ Transit has sponsored a project in transforming the Freehold Center Bus Station into a "Transit Village".[88] This new designation would foster in the creation of a Transit-oriented development (TOD) zoning district around by the Freehold Center Bus Station between West Main Street (County Route 537) and Throckmorton Street (County Route 522).

In 2019, Freehold Borough Council members began to authorize Planning Board members "to investigate if properties in the downtown district constitute an area in need of redevelopment. If board members determine redevelopment is warranted, they will prepare a redevelopment plan for the designated area."[177] On April 20, 2020, borough council members had reached an agreement in adopting an ordinance that would purchase a new building to house as the municipal complex.[178] The hopes of relocating the current municipal complex on West Main Street to this new location on Mechanic street would be in opening up more space for potential developers that could bid for the NJ 'Transit Village'.

Buses
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CentraState Medical Center in neighboring Freehold Township

NJ Transit bus service connects Freehold with communities along U.S. Route 9, to Newark Liberty International Airport, to New York City, and to Six Flags Great Adventure located in Jackson Township. The 131, 135 and 139 provide service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, on the 67 to Newark, on the 64 and 67 to Jersey City and local service on the 836 and 838 routes.[179] Bus service is available from Route 9 to Wall Street in New York's Financial District via the Academy Bus Line.[180]

There are also several bus stops to the points listed above located along Route 9 in the borough and in neighboring Freehold Township.

Aviation
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Following the closure of the Marlboro Airport, Old Bridge Airport in Old Bridge supply short-distance flights to surrounding areas and is the closest air transportation services. The nearest major commercial airports are Trenton-Mercer Airport, which serves several domestic destinations via Frontier Airlines and located 25 miles (40 km) west (about 38 minutes drive); and Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves as a major hub for United Airlines and located 32 miles (51 km) north (about 44 minutes drive) from Freehold Borough.[181][182]

Healthcare

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Freehold Borough is served by CentraState Healthcare System, which is affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, located in neighboring Freehold Township. The regional hospital is a 287-bed medical facility. CentraState Healthcare system also provides healthcare through its various family practices in communities across western Monmouth and southern Middlesex counties in central New Jersey. CentraState Family Medicine Residency Program is one of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School's residency halls, which is located in Freehold Borough on Park Avenue.[183] CentraState Healthcare System is the county's fourth-largest employer.[184]

The next closest hospitals to the borough are Bayshore Community Hospital, located in nearby Holmdel Township, and the Old Bridge Division of Raritan Bay Medical Center, located in nearby Old Bridge Township. The closest major university hospitals to the borough are Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro Township, Saint Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Points of interest

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Freehold Diner on Main Street

Bruce Springsteen often incorporated Freehold into his music, including the entire song "My Hometown". His connection to Freehold was documented by the Monmouth County Historical Association in a 2019 exhibition titled "Bruce Springsteen: His Hometown".[193] In the film Blinded by the Light, Javed, the protagonist of the film who falls in love with Springsteen's music, visits Freehold. Many local sights such as Randolph Street (one of the streets on which Springsteen lived), Springsteen's childhood home, and a Downtown Freehold sign (which Javed is photographed next to) are briefly featured.[194]

Notable people

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See also: Category:People from Freehold Borough, New Jersey

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

See also

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References

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  5. ^ Business Administrator, Freehold Borough. Accessed April 9, 2023.
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  90. ^ "Historic N.J. racetrack is shutting down", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 19, 2024. Accessed September 27, 2024. "Freehold Raceway — the oldest operating racetrack in the country — is ceasing all live racing and simulcast operations at the end of the year, racetrack officials announced Thursday. The last day at the horse-racing track in Monmouth County will be Dec. 28. "Freehold Raceway — the oldest operating racetrack in the country — is ceasing all live racing and simulcast operations at the end of the year, racetrack officials announced Thursday. The last day at the horse-racing track in Monmouth County will be Dec. 28."
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  112. ^ Celano, Claire Marie. "Friends salute retiring mayor: Michael Wilson has been Freehold Borough's mayor since 1985", News Transcript, November 16, 2011. Accessed March 15, 2012. "The end of an era is fast approaching in Freehold Borough. Michael Wilson, 61, who has been the mayor of his hometown since May 9, 1985, will leave office on Dec. 31 after 26 years.... On May 10, 2005, Wilson became the longest running mayor in Freehold Borough's history, eclipsing the previous mark set by Dr. Peter F. Runyon, who was mayor from Jan. 1, 1926, to Dec. 31, 1945."
  113. ^ 2022 Redistricting Plan, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 8, 2022.
  114. ^ Municipalities Sorted by 2011–2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.
  115. ^ 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.
  116. ^ Districts by Number for 2011–2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
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  118. ^ 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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  127. ^ Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed July 19, 2022.
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  145. ^ District information for Freehold Borough School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.
  146. ^ School Data for the Freehold Borough Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.
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  148. ^ Park Avenue Elementary School, Freehold Borough Schools. Accessed May 15, 2020.
  149. ^ Freehold Intermediate School, Freehold Borough Schools. Accessed May 15, 2020.
  150. ^ New Jersey School Directory for the Freehold Borough Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.
  151. ^ Freehold Borough Public School District 2016 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 9, 2017. "The Freehold Borough Public School District serves a growing and diverse population of PK-8 students in historic Freehold Borough, the county seat of Monmouth County. The Borough covers 1.9 square miles allowing nearly all children to walk to school. Upon graduation from 8th grade, the students enter the Freehold Regional High School District for grades 9–12, which is under a separate governing board of education."
  152. ^ FRHSD Attendance Boundaries; Which High School Will My Child Attend? Archived September 28, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Freehold Regional High School District. Accessed January 15, 2020. "The following is a list of streets, by municipality, that are assigned to a Freehold Regional District high school outside of their hometown."
  153. ^ Freehold Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative Archived December 10, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 9, 2017. "The Freehold Regional High School District, the largest regional high school District in New Jersey, has six high schools with over 11,000 students and over 1,500 employees and spans 200 square miles. District members include the townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, and Marlboro, and the boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale, and Freehold."
  154. ^ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Freehold Regional High School District, New Jersey Department of Education, June 30, 2018. Accessed January 15, 2020. "Geographically, the District is comprised of the Townships of Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro and the Boroughs of Englishtown, Farmingdale and Freehold. Established in 1953, the District's total area is 198 square miles."
  155. ^ School data for Freehold Borough High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.
  156. ^ Specialized Learning Centers Archived November 30, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, Freehold Regional High School District, updated August 31, 2016. Accessed January 19, 2020.
  157. ^ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Freehold Regional School District, New Jersey Department of Education, June 30, 2018. Accessed January 19, 2020. "The Freehold Regional High School District is a Type II District located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The School District is an instrumentality of the State of New Jersey, established to function as an educational institution. The Board of Education of the Freehold Regional High School District, comprised of nine elected individuals, is the primary governing authority of the District."
  158. ^ Vilacoba, Karl. "Marlboro files challenge to FRHSD voting system", Central Jersey Archives, September 26, 2002. Accessed January 19, 2020. "Under the current weighted FRHSD vote apportionment, a nine-point voting system is in place. Howell has two board members for a combined 2 voting points; Marlboro, Manalapan and Freehold Township each have one vote worth 1.4 points; Colts Neck and Freehold Borough each have one vote worth 0.9 points; and Englishtown and Farmingdale each have one vote worth 0.5 voting points."
  159. ^ Metzgar, Dick. " Library celebrates century of service to Freehold; Andrew Carnegie gave town $11,000 to fund construction of building" Archived January 24, 2013, at archive.today, News Transcript, August 13, 2003. Accessed August 13, 2014.
  160. ^ Monmouth County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.
  161. ^ U.S. Route 9 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated July 2013. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  162. ^ Route 33 Business Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated May 2018. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  163. ^ Route 79 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated April 2016. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  164. ^ County Route 522 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated November 2013. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  165. ^ County Route 537 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated July 2012. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  166. ^ Monmouth County Highway Map, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed February 3, 2023.
  167. ^ Carney, Leo H. "Monmouth Seeks to Channel Growth", The New York Times, May 1, 1988. Accessed April 10, 2013.
  168. ^ Staff. Transportation Research Record, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, 1991. Accessed April 10, 2013.
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  170. ^ "History of Steam Railroads of Monmouth County; Paper Read by George V. Sneden at Meeting of Monmouth County Historical Society". The Daily Standard. Red Bank, NJ. May 31, 1907. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.  
  171. ^ "The Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad". Monmouth Democrat. Freehold, NJ. July 15, 1858. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.  
  172. ^ "History of South Brunswick". The Central New Jersey Home News. New Brunswick, NJ. June 15, 2000. p. 137 – via Newspapers.com.  
  173. ^ M-O-M DEIS Rail Alternatives and Candidate Stations (PDF) (Map). NJTranist. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 5, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
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  175. ^ "Rail Right-of-Way Inventory and Assessment". North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. October 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017. In 1996, routes in the Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex (MOM) corridor were evaluated for potential feasibility for passenger service. The feasibility study considered eleven possible future alternatives. Nine of the alternatives were build alternatives for commuter rail service to New York Pennsylvania Station, on three different alignments utilizing either the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) or Northeast Corridor (NEC), and routing to New York Pennsylvania Station26.In 2001, NJ TRANSIT initiated a DEIS for the development of a rail option using State and Federal funds. The DEIS is examining three alignments: Lakehurst to Monmouth Junction, Lakehurst to Red Bank and Lakehurst to Matawan. In 2006, the alternatives were refined to incorporate direct, one-seat ride, service to New York Penn Station. Ridership, cost and environmental work were adjusted accordingly. Updating demographics and ridership analyses continued during calendar 2009. Lower-cost versions of the three main build alternatives were analyzed and a draft alternatives analysis report was completed in 2010.
  176. ^ "Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex Rail; Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties, NJ". Federal Register. October 16, 2002.
  177. ^ Sockol, Matthew. "Prospect of downtown development to be examined in Freehold Borough", CentralJersey.com, February 26, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2020.
  178. ^ Sockol, Matthew. "Freehold Borough moves forward with plan for new municipal building", CentralJersey.com, April 24, 2020. Accessed September 30, 2020.
  179. ^ Bus Routes, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed April 30, 2023.
  180. ^ Academy Bus Park & Ride Archived March 9, 2023, at the Wayback Machine, Accessed April 22, 2023.
  181. ^ Freehold NJ to Trenton NJ, Distance between cities. Accessed July 28, 2022.
  182. ^ Freehold NJ to Newark NJ, Distance between cities. Accessed July 28, 2022.
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  186. ^ Fitzgerald, Alison. "Track Financier Buys Historic Freehold Raceway He Paid $23 Million For The Oldest Harness-racing Track In The U.S.; He Has His Eye On Other Sites, Too.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 15, 1994. Accessed October 13, 2013. "Robert E. Brennan, the controversial financier and self-anointed savior of the casino and racetrack industries in the state, has bought Freehold Raceway, the nation's oldest harness-racing track, for $23 million dollars.... Freehold Raceway, which first opened in 1853, is unique in the United States because it is the only harness track that runs a daytime schedule, and therefore provides the only daytime harness races for the national simulcasting market."
  187. ^ "Covenhoven House".
  188. ^ Historic Houses Archived July 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The Monmouth County Historical Society. Accessed October 13, 2013. "Built 1752-3, it served as headquarters for British General Sir Henry Clinton before the Battle of Monmouth in 1778."
  189. ^ St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Freehold, New Jersey Historic Trust. Accessed October 13, 2013. "St. Peter's Church was built between 1771 and 1806 by Robert Smith, a leading colonial architect and builder. This Georgian-style structure is one of the only five eighteenth-century church structures still standing in New Jersey."
  190. ^ Garbi, Jill. "Shul celebrates century of 'tradition and caring'", New Jersey Jewish News, December 6, 2010. Accessed October 13, 2013. "In 1911 residents drew up a charter for the formation of an Orthodox synagogue and purchased a lot at First and Center streets. The land and the construction of the small wooden structure cost about $1,000, which was collected in pennies, dimes, and quarters from members of the struggling congregation."
  191. ^ History, Metz Bicycle Museum and Treasures of Years Gone By. Accessed October 13, 2013.
  192. ^ Lodge History Archived October 14, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Olive Branch Lodge No 16 Free and Accepted Masons. Accessed October 13, 2013.
  193. ^ Luongo, Michael T. "Bruce Springsteen Exhibit Is a Town’s Claim to His Legacy Much of the raw material for Springsteen songs originated in Freehold, N.J., the town where the singer grew up", The Wall Street Journal, October 26, 2019. Accessed November 26, 2020. "Big things often come from small towns. That's certainly the case for Freehold, N.J., the hometown of Bruce Springsteen. 'Bruce Springsteen: His Hometown,' an exhibit at the Monmouth County Historical Association in Freehold, about an hour south of New York City, explores how a town best known for its role in colonial history gave rise to one of the most authentically American voices in rock and roll."
  194. ^ Kuperinsky, Amy. "Springsteen-inspired film ‘Blinded by the Light’ brings N.J. audience to tears with story of teen who was born to run", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 15, 2019. Accessed November 26, 2020. "The prize: a trip to a conference at Monmouth College (now Monmouth University). Watching the scene in the film, the Montclair audience erupted with glee at the Jersey connection. Javed is ecstatic to travel to Springsteen’s haunts in Asbury Park, including the Stone Pony, along with his childhood home in Freehold."
  195. ^ Russell, Suzanne C. "Lion's heart beat disability Scott Conover: I went from a nerd to the NFL", Home News Tribune, February 28, 2004. Accessed July 30, 2007. "Conover, a native of Freehold who now works as the in-school suspension teacher, head football coach and assistant track coach at Perth Amboy High School, told the students that school is where it starts."
  196. ^ Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds. Accessed May 11, 2015.
  197. ^ Carino, Jerry. "Robert Griswold, a swimmer from Freehold, wins bronze at Paralympic worlds competition", Asbury Park Press, August 6, 2015, via Newspapers.com. Accessed November 19, 2022. "Robert Griswold traveled to Scotland last month to test himself against the best Paralympic swimmers on earth.... The 18-year-old from Freehold earned a bronze medal in the International Paralympic Committee’s world championship."
  198. ^ "New Concert Arrangement Of John Peel By Lewis Lane, To Be Heard Via Radio.", Monmouth Democrat, February 4, 1937. Accessed November 28, 2023. "Lewis Lane is a native of Freehold and graduated from the local public schools, after which he entered the New York College of Music in 1922."
  199. ^ Danny Lewis, December 25, 2007.
  200. ^ Morris, Tim. "Pats' win over CBA is historic" Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, News Transcript, January 28, 2004. Accessed May 8, 2007. "If the great area teams that had featured all-state forward Zucker, who went on to a fine career at Rutgers, or that had future NBA player Tim Perry of Freehold Borough couldn't beat CBA, who could?"
  201. ^ Celano, Clare Marie. "Colts' Reid returns home with plan to help youths", News Transcript, June 21, 2006. Accessed May 15, 2007. "Reid, a former Freehold High School football player, is currently a member of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts but a piece of his heart remains in the town in which he grew up – Freehold Borough."
  202. ^ Berman, Marc. "J.R. Smith knows he would make the absolute worst Army cadet", New York Post, September 30, 2014. Accessed November 26, 2020. "J.R. Smith grew up not so far away, in Freehold, NJ, but had never stepped foot on the post of West Point."
  203. ^ Rebecca Soni, WNBC-TV. Accessed August 2, 2012. "Known as 'Reb,' Soni was born in Freehold Borough, N.J."
  204. ^ Sapia, Joseph. "A day in the life of Freehold Borough", Asbury Park Press, December 16, 1999. Accessed May 8, 2007. "Maybe it's a case of Springsteen's lyrics having been influenced by his environment. Just as the borough is Coyne's hometown, it is Springsteen's as well."
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Sources

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