Colts Neck Township, New Jersey

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Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement Colts Neck Township is a township in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 9,957,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> a decrease of 185 (−1.8%) from the 2010 census count of 10,142,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected a decline of 2,189 (−17.8%) from the 12,331 counted in the 2000 census.<ref>Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref>

The municipality of Colts Neck Township was initially established by an act of the New Jersey Legislature as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, carved from portions of Freehold Township, Middletown Township, and Shrewsbury Township. The name was changed to "Colts Neck Township" as of November 6, 1962, based on the results of a referendum held that day.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 178. Accessed July 8, 2012.</ref>

The township has been ranked as one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from the American Community Survey for 2013–2017, Colts Neck residents had a median household income of $167,480, ranked fifth in the state among municipalities with more than 10,000 residents, more than double the statewide median of $76,475.<ref>Raychaudhuri, Disha. "The wealthiest towns in N.J., ranked", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, June 7, 2019. Accessed November 4, 2019. "The median household income in N.J. is $76,475, recent Census data shows.... A note about the data: The data comes from 2013-2017 American Community Survey conducted by U.S. Census Bureau. Smaller towns with less than 10,000 residents were excluded from the list.... 5. Colts Neck, Monmouth County Median income: $167,480"</ref><ref>B19013 - Median Household Income in The Past 12 Months (in 2017 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) Universe: Households from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for New Jersey municipalities Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 4, 2019.</ref>

History

Colts Neck Township was first settled in the 17th century and formally established as a township in 1847. Its history spans interactions with Native Americans, colonial settlement, wartime significance, and modern suburban development.

Early settlement

The area that became Colts Neck was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape, part of the Unami or Turtle Clan, who used the land for hunting and crafting wampum from shells gathered near present-day Obre Road. Dutch and English settlers arrived in the late 17th century, drawn by fertile soil, abundant wildlife (including wolves, bears, and panthers), and marl deposits used for fertilizer. Early records note a 1676 sale of 205 acres called 'ColtsNeek' by two Indians, Amesse and Landsand, to Henry Leonard. The Matthews and Van Mater families were among the earliest settlers, establishing farms and mills.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, Colts Neck was a site of conflict due to its proximity to the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. British troops retreating through the township plundered farms and refreshed at the Colts Neck Tavern. Local hero Captain Joshua Huddy, captured by Loyalist Refugees in 1782, was hanged near Sandy Hook, sparking outrage and a notable incident involving General Washington. Michael Field, a Revolutionary soldier, was killed and buried in Colts Neck during a skirmish with the retreating British.

19th century

Colts Neck was set off from Shrewsbury, Freehold, and Middletown as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, with its first town meeting held at Samuel Laird's hotel on March 9. Early officials included Moderator Thomas G. Haight and Town Clerk Tunis Statesir. The North American Phalanx, a utopian socialist community inspired by Charles Fourier, operated here from 1843 to 1856, marketing the first boxed cereal and leaving a lasting legacy. Churches, schools, and mills, like Bucks Mill, emerged as the township grew.<ref name=":0" />

20th century

The township retained its rural character into the 20th century, officially renaming itself Colts Neck Township in 1962. Suburbanization accelerated in the 1980s, transforming farmland into residential estates, though equestrian farms persisted. The Farmland Preservation Committee, established later, has protected nearly 1,000 acres, balancing growth with heritage.<ref name=":0" />

Community

Since the late 20th century, Colts Neck has been a wealthy bedroom community of New York City, located in Central New Jersey within the New York metropolitan area. Many people choose to move to Colts Neck due to its open space and proximity to the Jersey Shore, while still being within commuting distance of New York and North Jersey.<ref>Tarabour, Brooke. "New Jersey-Bound: The Staten Island Migration", The New York Times, January 10, 1993. Accessed June 10, 2022.</ref><ref>Scancarella, Doug "If You're Thinkingh of Living In: Colts Neck; 60 Miles From Broadway, A Rural Feel - At a Price", The New York Times, September 17, 1995. Accessed June 7, 2022.</ref><ref>Cheslow, Jerry "Living In/Colts Neck, N.J.: Wide Open Spaces, and a Place to Park Your Horse", The New York Times, September 12, 2004. Accessed June 7, 2022.</ref> The township's strict zoning ordinances have long kept out urban development and chain stores, allowing for locally owned businesses, while still being close to malls, movie theaters, and other amenities in neighboring communities.

The township has a Farmland Preservation Committee which to date has preserved nearly Template:Convert of land, providing one way in which Colts Neck has been able to prevent large-scale development. The township has strict zoning regulations, and because there is no public water or sewage service, most homes must be built on lots covering a minimum of 2, 5 and Template:Convert.<ref name=Thinking/>

Originally a farming community, Colts Neck has long been known for its large number of equestrian farms. From the 1950s into the 1970s many of Colts Neck's heavily wooded areas were developed with large colonial and ranch-style houses on acre-sized lots. In the 1980s and continuing into the 2000s much of the town's farm land has been replaced with large houses, mansions and sprawling estates, although a large number of equestrian farms remain. During this time period increasing home prices in northern New Jersey and New York City resulted in large numbers of people moving to central New Jersey, causing real estate prices in Colts Neck and surrounding towns to rise considerably over the course of the two decades. Colts Neck real estate prices remain high despite the economic downturn: as of November 2012, the average listing price of a house was $1,433,112 and the number of home sales is down 41.4% from the previous year.<ref name=Trulia>Colts Neck, 07722 Real Estate Overview, Trulia. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

Many of Colts Neck's residents are professional business people who commute into New York City's financial district, as could be seen in the unusual proportion of the small community who were lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. A memorial garden dedicated to the five members of the community who were lost was created at the municipal center by sculptor Jim Gary, a member of the community who was raised in Colts Neck. The central feature of the memorial garden is his sculpture of metal and stained glass.<ref>Via Associated Press. "Jim Gary; Created Art From Castoff Auto Parts", The Washington Post, January 19, 2006. Accessed September 15, 2011. "Mr. Gary's work also included more serious pieces, such as a bouquet of six roses he completed last year for a Jewish temple to commemorate the Holocaust, and a Sept. 11 memorial he created for the community of Colts Neck, N.J. "</ref><ref>Erminio, Vinessa. "Faces of the New Jersey victims of Sept. 11: A tribute in photos to 734 victims with ties to the Garden State", nj.com, September 11, 2021. Accessed July 2, 2023.</ref>

In 2018, Colts Neck made national headlines when a man set his brother's mansion on fire, killing his brother, sister in law and their two children.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Geography

Aerial view of the Colts Neck Business District

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 31.79 square miles (82.34 km2), including 31.72 square miles (79.55 km2) of land and 1.08 square miles (2.79 km2) of water (3.38%). Colts Neck's geography, with its fertile soil, abundant wildlife, and extensive marl beds along streams like Hop Brook, attracted early settlers. The township's rolling uplands and waterways, including the Yellow Brook and Mine Brook, supported farming and milling, shaping its early development. These natural resources remain evident today, preserved in part through efforts like the Farmland Preservation Committee.<ref name="CensusArea" /><ref name="GR1" />

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bucks Mill,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cooks Mills,Template:Citation needed Hominy Hill, Lippincott, Montrose, Phalanx, Scobeyville, Swimming River and Vanderburg.<ref>Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed April 20, 2015.</ref>

The township borders the Monmouth County communities of Freehold Township, Holmdel Township, Howell Township, Marlboro Township, Middletown Township, Tinton Falls and Wall Township.<ref>Areas touching Colts Neck Township, MapIt. Accessed March 26, 2020.</ref><ref>Regional Location Map, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed March 26, 2020.</ref><ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

Economy

The historic administrative office for Laird & Company. Located in the village of Scobeyville, it is one of the oldest producers of Applejack in the United States (having first received its U.S. distillery license in 1780)
Remains of the original Bucks Mill

Colts Neck's economy historically centered on agriculture, with farming and milling dominant in the 18th and 19th centuries. Bucks Mill, built in 1854, exemplifies this era's grist mills. Snyder's Mill (pre-1806), and Heyer's Mill (c. 1800) were also large milling sites in the township, the latter site of a 1902 flood that killed four workers. The North American Phalanx (1843–1856) introduced innovative industries, including the production of the first boxed cereal.<ref name=":0" />

Laird & Company produces Laird's Applejack at its facility in the Scobeyville section of the township. The only remaining producer of Applejack in the United States, the company received the first U.S. distillery license in 1780 after providing George Washington with its applejack recipe. The distillery operated in Colts Neck until 1850, then moved to Scobeyville after a fire. Since the end of distilling in Colts Neck in 1972, the company has had its apples picked and distilled in Virginia, and then brought north to be aged, blended and bottled at its facility in the township. the company received the first license granted by the United States Department of the Treasury, which was granted in 1780.<ref>Harrison, Karen Tina. "Jersey LightningThe Laird family of Scobeyville has been distilling applejack a long time. How long? They once gave George Washington the recipe.", New Jersey Monthly, July 13, 2009. Accessed October 16, 2013. "Robert incorporated Laird's Distillery in 1780 as the new nation's first licensed commercial distillery.... Today, Laird & Company is America's sole remaining applejack producer. Never mind that the family obtains all its apples from orchards in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where Laird & Company owns a distillery."</ref>

The town has been noted for horse breeding since the 1700s; an ad for the stallion "Liberty" appeared in 1780 newspapers. By 1877, township real estate was valued at $1,112,900.<ref name=":0" />

Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards is a winery based in the township, named for the shared initials of the owners and their two children.<ref>Polanin, Nicholas. "Wines winning over the Garden State", Courier News, September 23, 2013. Accessed October 16, 2013. "Last week, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher visited 4 JG's Orchards and Vineyards in Colts Neck to announce the beginning of Wine Week in New Jersey, celebrating the Garden State's grape harvest.... 4 JG's Orchards & Vineyards, www.4jgswinery.com/, is a 60-acre farm named after its four owners, John and Janet Giunco and their two children, John and Jill."</ref>

Demographics

Template:US Census population A 2007 study of New Jersey's highest-income communities shows Colts Neck had a median household income of $166,495, up from $109,190 in 2000, and the average household income was $232,520, which ranked it 16th in the state.<ref name=Esri/> The per capita income for the township as of 2007 was $70,781 up from $46,795 in 2000.<ref name=Census2000/> The average household net worth, not including equity in homes, is $1,088,351 and the average disposable income for a household is $140,507.<ref name=Esri>http://www.esri.com/news/pressroom/NJ_26_mar08.pdf, Esri, backed up by the Internet Archive as of April 19, 2009. Accessed July 8, 2012.</ref>

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 10,142 people, 3,277 households, and 2,848 families in the township. The population density was 330.0 per square mile (127.4/km2). There were 3,735 housing units at an average density of 121.5 per square mile (46.9/km2). The racial makeup was 92.17% (9,348) White, 1.67% (169) Black or African American, 0.01% (1) Native American, 4.58% (464) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.36% (37) from other races, and 1.21% (123) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.54% (359) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 3,277 households, 43.1% had children under the age of 18; 77.4% were married couples living together; 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 13.1% were non-families. Of all households, 11.0% were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.33.<ref name=Census2010/>

28.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.5 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $154,491 (with a margin of error of +/− $16,020) and the median family income was $166,909 (+/− $14,315). Males had a median income of $117,917 (+/− $16,897) versus $67,188 (+/− $14,434) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $65,919 (+/− $6,519). About 2.0% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Colts Neck township, Monmouth County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 8, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 12,331 people, 3,513 households, and 3,193 families residing in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 3,614 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the township was 85.51% White, 7.89% African American, 0.23% Native American, 3.63% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.45% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.22% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Colts Neck township, Monmouth County, New JerseyTemplate:Dead link, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 8, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Colts Neck township, Monmouth County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 8, 2012.</ref>

There were 3,513 households, out of which 50.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.1% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 9.1% were non-families. 7.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.17 and the average family size was 3.33.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.4 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $109,190, and the median income for a family was $117,980. Males had a median income of $55,609 versus $38,457 for females. The per capita income for the township was $46,795. 2.8% of the population and 2.2% of families were living below the poverty line, including 2.2% of under eighteens and 2.8% of those over 64.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Government

Local government

Colts Neck Town Hall

Colts Neck is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 63.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref><ref>Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask", New Jersey State League of Municipalities, March 2007. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting, the township committee selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor, each serving one-year terms.<ref name=Committee/>

Template:As of, the members of the Colts Neck Township Committee are Mayor Tara Torchia Buss (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2026; term as mayor ends 2025), Deputy Mayor Michael S. Viola (R, term on committee ends 2026; term as deputy mayor ends 2025), Dan Buzzetta (R, 2027), Sue Fitzpatrick (R, 2025) and Frank Rizzuto (R, 2027).<ref name=Committee>Township Committee, Colts Neck Township. Accessed January 27, 2025. "Colts Neck Township is governed by a five-member Township Committee. The Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a one-year term. The term for each Committee member is three years."</ref><ref>2024 Municipal Data Sheet, Colts Neck Township. Accessed January 27, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2024>November 5, 2024 General Election Official Results, Monmouth County, New Jersey, updated December 16, 2024. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2023>November 8, 2023 General Election Official Results, Monmouth County, New Jersey, updated January 18, 2024. Accessed January 22, 2024.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2022>General Election November 8, 2022 Official Results, Monmouth County, New Jersey Clerk, updated December 27, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref>

Frank Rizzuto was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2018 that had been vacated by Michael Fitzgerald.<ref>Wall, Jeanne. "Colts Neck Reorganizes with Bartolomeo as Mayor and Orgo as Deputy Mayor for 2018", TAP into Holmdel & Colts Neck, January 8, 2018. Accessed July 25, 2018. "Next, it was time for the swearing in of newly elected Committeeman Frank Rizzuto.... He noted the leadership of former Committeeman and Mayor Michael Fitzgerald, whose unexpired term he filled."</ref>

Federal, state and county representation

Colts Neck Township is located in the 4th Congressional District<ref name=PCR2012>Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref><ref name=LWV2019>2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.</ref><ref>Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref>

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Politics

Template:PresHead Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRowTemplate:PresRowTemplate:PresRow |} As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 7,303 registered voters in Colts Neck Township, of which 952 (13.0%) were registered as Democrats, 2,805 (38.4%) were registered as Republicans and 3,539 (48.5%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 7 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.<ref>Voter Registration Summary - Monmouth, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 72.6% of the vote (3,912 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 26.4% (1,420 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (55 votes), among the 5,423 ballots cast by the township's 7,634 registered voters (36 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 71.0%.<ref name=2012Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2012VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 67.8% of the vote (3,970 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 30.4% (1,781 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (46 votes), among the 5,856 ballots cast by the township's 7,581 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.2%.<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Monmouth County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 68.8% of the vote (3,929 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 28.5% (1,629 votes) and other candidates with 0.5% (37 votes), among the 5,708 ballots cast by the township's 7,200 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 79.3.<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Monmouth County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

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In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 83.5% of the vote (2,630 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 15.2% (478 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (40 votes), among the 3,189 ballots cast by the township's 7,624 registered voters (41 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 41.8%.<ref name=2013Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 76.7% of the vote (3,174 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 17.9% (741 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 4.7% (193 votes) and other candidates with 0.4% (16 votes), among the 4,139 ballots cast by the township's 7,433 registered voters, yielding a 55.7% turnout.<ref>2009 Governor: Monmouth County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

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Education

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Colts Neck High School on the corner Five Points Road and Colts Neck Road

The first schools emerged between 1813 and 1820 in Colts Neck village, Vanderburg (then Edinburgh), and Scobeyville. By 1873, six one-room schoolhouses served the township, including Montrose School (Civil War-era, now abandoned) and Phalanx School (1844, later converted to a farm kitchen). Atlantic Elementary (1922) consolidated all districts by 1960.<ref name=":0" />

Students in public school attend the Colts Neck School District for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.<ref>Colts Neck Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Colts Neck Township Public Schools. Accessed December 19, 2022. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight in the Colts Neck Township School District. Composition: The Colts Neck Township School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Colts Neck Township."</ref> As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 955 students and 116.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.2:1.<ref name="NCES">District information for Colts Neck Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics<ref>School Data for the Colts Neck School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref>) are Conover Road Primary School<ref>Conover Road Primary School, Colts Neck School District. Accessed December 19, 2022.</ref> with 374 students in grades PreK-2, Conover Road Elementary School<ref>Conover Road Elementary School, Colts Neck School District. Accessed December 19, 2022.</ref> with 310 students in grades 3-5 and Cedar Drive Middle School<ref>Cedar Drive Middle School, Colts Neck School District. Accessed December 19, 2022.</ref> with 324 students in grades 6–8.<ref name="Abour">About Our Schools, Colts Neck School District. Accessed December 19, 2022. "School Configuration The district operates three schools that are configured for our students' optimal academic, social, and emotional growth.... Conover Road Primary School (Preschool - Grade 2)... Conover Road Elementary School (Grades 3-5)... Cedar Drive Middle School (Grades 6-8)"</ref><ref>Our District, Colts Neck School District. Accessed December 19, 2022.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Colts Neck School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>

Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Colts Neck High School, along with students from portions of Howell Township.<ref>FRHSD Attendance Boundaries; Which High School Will My Child Attend? Template:Webarchive, 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."</ref> The Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD) also serves students from Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell Township, Manalapan Township and Marlboro Township.<ref>Freehold Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative Template:Webarchive, 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."</ref><ref>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."</ref> As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,316 students and 91.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 14.4:1.<ref>School data for Colts Neck High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref> Students may apply to attend one of the district's six specialized learning centers, including the Humanities Learning Center hosted at Howell High School.<ref>Specialized Learning Centers Template:Webarchive, Freehold Regional High School District, updated August 31, 2016. Accessed January 19, 2020.</ref> The FRHSD board of education has nine members, who are elected to three-year terms from each of the constituent districts.<ref>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."</ref> Each member is allocated a fraction of a vote that totals to nine points, with Colts Neck Township allocated one member, who has 1.0 votes.<ref>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."</ref>

About 20% of the township's K–8 population attend private schools. These include Ranney School, Rumson Country Day School and St. Leo the Great School. At the high school level about half of all students attend private schools, including Christian Brothers Academy, Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, Ranney School, Red Bank Catholic High School, Mater Dei High School and St. John Vianney High School.<ref name=Thinking>Scancarella, Doug. "If You're Thinking of Living In: Colts Neck; 60 Miles From Broadway, A Rural Feel - At a Price", The New York Times, September 17, 1995. Accessed July 8, 2012. "About half of the high school students attend Marlboro High School, one of five secondary schools in the Freehold Regional High School District. The other half of the town's high-school students attend such private schools as Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank and the Roman Catholic St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel."</ref>

Infrastructure

Transportation

Colts Neck's transportation history traces back to Indian trails like the Burlington and Minisink Paths, later adapted by settlers. By the 18th century, roads connected the township to Shrewsbury and Freehold, with the Colts Neck Tavern serving as a stop for stagecoaches and dispatch riders. These early routes evolved into modern highways like Routes 18 and 34.<ref name=":0" />

Roads and highways

Route 18 southbound in Colts Neck Township

Template:As of, the township had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality, Template:Convert by Monmouth County and Template:Convert by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.<ref>Monmouth County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.</ref>

Two major state roads pass through the township: Route 18 (the freeway portion) and Route 34. Major county roads that traverse the township are County Route 520 (along the border) and County Route 537.

The Garden State Parkway is accessible in neighboring Holmdel Township, Middletown Township, Tinton Falls and Wall Township. Interstate 195 is also outside the township, in neighboring Wall and Howell Township.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides local bus service between Freehold Township and Sea Bright on the 838 route.<ref>Route 838 Bus Schedule, NJ Transit, issued April 8, 2017. Accessed December 26, 2017.</ref><ref>Bus Routes, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed April 30, 2023.</ref>

Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in Highlands, a trip that involves about a 25-30 minute drive from Colts Neck Township (depending on the section of town) to reach the departing terminal. SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City with trips to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street in Manhattan.<ref>Caldwell, Dave. "A Clam Town, Coming Out of Its Shell - Living In Highlands, N.J.", The New York Times, August 24, 2008. Accessed July 27, 2021. "Three SeaStreak (seastreak.com) ferries depart on weekday mornings from the Conner's Ferry Landing. The trip to Pier 11 in Manhattan, near Wall Street, takes 40 minutes."</ref> The ferry service also offers seasonal travel, such as to the public beaches on Sandy Hook, baseball games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, trips to Broadway matinees, Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, college football games at West Point, fall foliage in the Hudson Valley, and to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, among other excursions.<ref>[1] SeaStreek Ferries. "The Most Civilized Way To Get There". NYC/NJ Commute. Accessed July 27, 2021.</ref><ref>[2] SeaStreek Ferries. "The Most Civilized Way To Get There". Day Trips and Getaways. Accessed July 27, 2021.</ref><ref>[3] SeaStreek Ferries. "The Most Civilized Way To Get There". Tours and Event Cruises. Accessed July 27, 2021.</ref>

Monmouth Executive Airport in Wall Township supplies short-distance flights to surrounding areas and is the closest air transportation service.<ref>Airline and Location Code Search for BLM, International Air Transport Association. Accessed March 19, 2023.</ref> The nearest major commercial airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves as a major hub for United Airlines and located Template:Convert north (about 47 minutes drive) from the center of Colts Neck Township.<ref>Colts Neck NJ to Newark NJ, Distance between cities. Accessed March 19, 2023.</ref>

Colts Neck was also home to Colts Neck Airport, a small general aviation facility located centrally in the town that operated from 1938 until its closure in 2002. The site is now occupied by the Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck and residential developments.

Healthcare

Colts Neck Township is served by CentraState Healthcare System. Located in neighboring Freehold Township, the 287-bed hospital is a partner of Atlantic Health System and is affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.<ref>Who We Are, CentraState Medical Center. Accessed July 9, 2023.</ref> CentraState Healthcare system also provides healthcare through its various family practices in communities across the central New Jersey region. One of those six family practices has an office located in the township.<ref>Family Practice: Colts Neck, CentraState Medical Center. Accessed July 9, 2023.</ref>

The next closest regional hospitals to the township 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 hospital to the township is Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, along with Saint Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Notable people

Template:Category see also People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Colts Neck Township include:

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References

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