71-505: Rahway ( / ˈ r ɔː w eɪ / ) is a city in southern Union County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . A bedroom community of New York City , it is centrally located in the Rahway Valley region , in the New York metropolitan area . The city is 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Manhattan and 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Staten Island . Built on the navigable Rahway River , it
142-514: A 17-story building, a lobby cocktail lounge and a rooftop terrace with a seasonal bar offering views of the city, river and outwards to the Watchung Mountains . Beginning in the early 1990s and continuing through the present day, the City of Rahway has rebounded as its downtown began to see the construction of new restaurants, art galleries, market-rate housing and the old Rahway Theatre reopening as
213-432: A confused history as a form of government and vary in size from large, densely populated areas to much smaller hamlets . The 1897 and 1899 city charter laws applied only to areas with a population under 12,000, and provided for a directly elected mayor, who served a two-year term and had strong executive powers. Both featured a council elected from wards to staggered three-year terms, plus one councilman elected at-large for
284-492: A countywide basis are: Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union Township, 2025), Sheriff Peter Corvelli (D, Kenilworth , 2026) and Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak (D, Clark , 2027). City (New Jersey) A city in the context of local government in New Jersey refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. Despite the widely held perception of a city as a large, urban area , cities in New Jersey have
355-755: A criminal who planned to move with his girlfriend/model to Rahway. The city is home to more than ten parks. The best-known is Rahway River Park , which is maintained by Union County, and is also partially located in Clark . The Robinson's Branch Reservoir abuts the city at the Madison Hill Bridge on the Clark-Rahway border. The Walter E. Ulrich swimming pool in Rahway River Park was extensively renovated and retiled in 2021. A beach-style splash feature for children, with an "ocean-like" sloping entry without stairs,
426-510: A dam and continue their migration. Other approaches include removing obstructions that are inoperative or no longer serve their purpose, or improving water quality and reducing debris that obstructs passage. The fish targeted for upstream passage at the Rahway River Water Supply Dam are alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), white perch (Morone Americana) and
497-525: A display of fireworks." Novelist Robert Ferro described these carnivals in his 1983 novel The Family of Max Desir , centered on a fictionalized version of the river. The Rahway was once host to a variety of sawmills and gristmills . Droeschers Mill is the last remaining mill on the Rahway. The Paper Mill Playhouse is an acclaimed theater in the area for live theatrical performances. In March 1795, Sam Campbell built The Thistle Paper Mill on land along
568-600: A form of recreation as depicted in photographs from the early 1910s. The American painter Hugh Bolton Jones (1848–1927) depicts the Rahway River in his 1880s work "Spring," part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art . Several landscape artists of the 19th century also painted the Rahway River's woodland scenes en plein air , including Frank Townsend Lent and Bruce Crane , who painted in Cranford , and
639-507: A fundraiser for the park. The Great Pumpkin Sail is held in Echo Lake on All Saints' Day. At this annual event, on the day after Halloween, families bring their Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns, light them, and set them afloat on Echo Lake Park's lower lake. The glowing firelit faces reflect in the water as families enjoy free hot chocolate, marshmallows, and entertainment around the campfire. Beginning in
710-580: A result of the April 2007 storm. As a result of Hurricane Irene, residents and business owners along the Rahway River have suffered extensive financial losses and personal hardship than in most severe prior storms. Organizations fighting for flood control and protection of the Rahway River watershed include: Watershed Ambassadors monitor the rivers of New Jersey through volunteer monitoring programs. The AmeriCorps leaders are used to train community volunteers to use these two monitoring techniques in order to assess
781-782: A staggered basis with three seats coming up for election each year, with an appointed County Manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. As of 2024, Union County's County Commissioners are: Rebecca Williams ( D , Plainfield , 2025), Joesph Bodek (D, Linden , 2026), James E. Baker Jr. (D, Rahway , 2024), Michele Delisfort (D, Union Township , 2026), Sergio Granados (D, Elizabeth , 2025), Bette Jane Kowalski (D, Cranford , 2025), Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon (D, Elizabeth, 2026), Alexander Mirabella (D, Fanwood , 2024) and Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded (D, Westfield , 2024). Constitutional officers elected on
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#1732847761113852-489: A term of two years. The mayor had a veto power, which could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the council. The two acts differed in a number of ways, including the process for selection of a board of education (1897: elected; 1899: appointed by the council). By 1987, there were only eleven cities under these City Acts (including East Orange , which effectively operated under a special City charter). As in other forms, many amendments, revisions and changes had been made over
923-520: Is a great place. It is a place that emphasizes livability, walkability, shopping, food, art, diversity and a destination. Centered in the heart of the bustling City of Rahway, next to the NJ Transit Station, Rahway's downtown is the building block for this diverse city." In 2019, the Watt Hotel opened across from the train station , with 100 rooms managed by Hilton on the third and fourth floors of
994-749: Is a part of the RWJBarnabas Health System . It is affiliated with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . It also has an emergency department for area residents. In 2021, Merck & Co. announced that it would be returning its global headquarters to its Rahway research campus (currently the largest private employer in Rahway) and former headquarters. By 2024, Merck plans to complete the move of headquarters to Rahway. In September 1999, remnants of Hurricane Floyd swept across New Jersey and caused severe damage. The Rahway Public Library
1065-747: Is a private boating club docked on the river in Rahway, New Jersey. Echo Lake, off Nomahegan Brook (a Rahway tributary) in Westfield and Orange Reservoir in South Mountain in Maplewood offer paddle boating. Fishing is popular along the Rahway. Many local fishing enthusiasts are among the biggest local champions of keeping the Rahway River and its parkland clean and vibrant for wildlife. Fishermen who enjoy Rahway River fishing are encouraged to take home all fishing line to avoid injuring osprey and other large wildlife via entanglement which has caused deaths along
1136-509: Is at the Arthur Kill between Carteret (on the south) and Linden (on the north), opposite Port Mobil on Staten Island . South Mountain Reservation is home to Orange Reservoir and Campbell's Pond. A dramatic feature is Hemlock Falls: a 25-foot-high cascade of Rahway water over rock cliffs. The reservoir located in the reservation's northern tract. Within the borders of West Orange, it
1207-563: Is bordered by the municipalities of Clark to the northwest and Linden to the northeast in Union County; and by Woodbridge Township to the south in Middlesex County . The Rahway River travels through Rahway, entering from Clark at Rahway River Parkway . The river receives the waters of Robinsons Branch at Elizabeth Avenue between West Grand Avenue and West Main Street, and then receives
1278-530: Is located in the 7th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 22nd state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For
1349-461: Is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The city's governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the nine-member City Council. The Mayor is elected directly by the voters. The City Council includes nine members, all elected to four-year terms of office. Six members of the council are elected from each of six wards . The other three members are elected to represent
1420-476: Is owned by the City of Orange and operated and maintained under contract with United Water . It was originally developed during the intense urbanization of northeastern New Jersey in the late 19th century, drawing from the Rahway River. The man-made lake is no longer part of the water-supply system and since the late 2000s (decade) various proposals have been made to allow its use as a recreational resource as part of
1491-519: Is the chief executive and votes only to break a tie. The Mayor has veto power over all or portions of any ordinance, subject to override by a two-thirds vote of the Council. The Act also provides for the delegation of executive responsibilities to a municipal administrator. Those cities operating under pre-1987 charters could retain the characteristics of their structure of government regarding terms of office, number of positions and other powers. Provisions of
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#17328477611131562-549: The 2000 United States census there were 26,500 people, 10,028 households, and 6,728 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,642.7 inhabitants per square mile (2,564.8/km). There were 10,381 housing units at an average density of 2,602.2 per square mile (1,004.7/km). The racial makeup of the city was 60.19% White , 27.07% African American , 0.16% Native American , 3.58% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 5.62% from other races , and 3.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.87% of
1633-679: The 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 846 (+3.2%) from the 26,500 counted in the 2000 census . Rahway and the surrounding area were once the home of the Lenape Native Americans , and tradition states that the city was named after Rahwack (or Ra-wa-rah), a local tribal chief. Formal European colonization began in 1664 with the purchase by the English from the Lenape of the Elizabethtown Tract , which encompassed lands from
1704-590: The 2024-2025 session , the 22nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nicholas Scutari ( D , Linden ) and in the General Assembly by Linda S. Carter (D, Plainfield ) and James J. Kennedy (D, Rahway ). Union County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners , whose nine members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on
1775-656: The American Revolutionary War because of its proximity to Staten Island , Elizabethtown and Perth Amboy . In January 1777, rebels were victorious against the British in the Battle of Spanktown , which resulted in the death of some 100 British troops. The battle was named this after Rahway's original name given to it by the first settlers, Spanktown, which is said to have been chosen "because an early settler publicly took his spouse across his knee and chastised her". Spanktown
1846-543: The Arthur Kill . Part of the extended area of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary , draining part of the suburban and urbanized area of New Jersey west of Staten Island , New York , the river is approximately 24 miles (39 km) long. The upper reaches are lined with several parks while the mouth serves as an industrial access channel on the Chemical Coast . The river was once on the lands of
1917-776: The Lenape Native Americans , and tradition states that the name is after Rahwack, a local tribal chief. The river is the source of drinking water for the City of Rahway. Each spring, the river is stocked with approximately 6,000 trout . The river is also the source of the name of the Rahway Valley Railroad , which has a bridge over it at the Springfield-Union border. The Rahway River rises in Essex County as two separate branches. The West Branch begins at spring-fed Crystal Lake in West Orange and flows south through
1988-468: The Regina Music Box Company , Wheatena , Mershon Bros. and, most importantly, Merck & Co. , which was established in Rahway in 1903, when George W. Merck moved his small chemical company to Rahway from New York City. The national decline in industry after World War II led to the closure of most of Rahway's major manufacturing facilities (except for Merck) and a general deterioration of
2059-550: The South Mountain Reservation in the valley between first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains . It runs directly through downtown Millburn . The East Branch rises as a surface stream in West Orange and forms part of the boundary between West Orange and Orange , then travels through the towns of South Orange and Maplewood . The two branches meet at Hobart Gap near Interstate 78 , continuing south through
2130-574: The Union County Performing Arts Center . The theater underwent a $ 6.2-million renovation and expansion project, completed in 2007. As part of the expansion, the facility was purchased by the County of Union for $ 1.3 million and leased back for $ 1 a year. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahway, formerly Rahway Hospital, is a 122-bed non-profit , public, research and academic teaching hospital located in Rahway. The medical center
2201-753: The Water Resources Development Act . The study is now a full-go after Congressman Leonard Lance and the Mayors Council on Rahway River Watershed Flood Control pushed for years for its completion. Its goal is to devise a plan to protect New Jersey communities from Rahway River flooding. “The Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study will create a lasting solution for the protection of New Jersey municipalities that include Cranford , Kenilworth , Maplewood , Millburn , Rahway , Springfield and Union and
Rahway, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
2272-509: The 1880s, the Cranford River Improvement Association and other Cranford organizations held various water carnivals and regattas on the river. According to an 1886 New York Times article, the carnival's decorations illuminated the night: "nearly a hundred boats will be gaily decorated with sky lanterns , the river banks will be illuminated with colored lights, the bridges will be lit up, there will be bands of music and
2343-607: The 1920s, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, who were the sons of the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted . The "Friends of Rahway River Parkway," a nonprofit group, has been formed exclusively to encourage and advocate for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the Rahway River Parkway, in accord with the Olmsted design principles inherent in its origins, and to promote appropriate public enjoyment of
2414-734: The 1987 Act can then be adopted through a petition and referendum process by the electorate. There are 52 cities in New Jersey: Rahway River The Rahway River is a river in Essex , Middlesex , and Union Counties , New Jersey , United States , The Rahway, along with the Elizabeth River , Piles Creek , Passaic River , Morses Creek , and the Fresh Kills River (in Staten Island), has its river mouth at
2485-508: The Blue House) is located on the river at Lower Essex Street Park in Rahway. The RRWA organizes an annual event in celebration of the river, RiverFest, featuring live music, art, food and other vendors, dance and environmental educational events. The Cranford Canoe Club , built in 1908, rents canoes and kayaks for trips on the Rahway River in Cranford. The Rahway Yacht Club, founded in 1904,
2556-491: The NYC/NJ harbor estuary. However, poor stream conditions and an increased number of obstacles to upstream migration, like tide gates, culverts, and dams, have reduced these species’ migration opportunities. Restoring fish passage on major tributaries like the Rahway can be accomplished through the construction of fish ladders . Birdwatching is a frequent activity along the Rahway. The Friends of Lenape Park often birdwatch along
2627-859: The Parkway. The Robinson's Branch Reservoir , also known as the Clark Reservoir, is the largest body of water in Union County, and sits on that tributary in Clark. The salt marshes and mudflats along the lower Rahway are high priority habitats and are the most extensive in the watershed and span four communities: Carteret , Linden , Woodbridge Township and Rahway . Encompassing over 1,000 acres (400 ha), this priority habitat contains 434 acres of salt marsh and 238 acres of brush and shrub lands. Over 1,500 gulls , many species of shorebirds , breeding clapper rail , egrets , ducks , plovers , hawks , pheasants , wintering northern harrier and marsh wrens utilize
2698-643: The Rahway River Basin resulted from the storms of July 1938, May 1968, August 1971, August 1973, July 1975, June 1992, October 1996, July 1997, Tropical Storm Floyd in September 1999, April 2007 Nor’easter, and Hurricane Irene in August 2011. During the April 2007 storm, 70 to 100 homes suffered major damage to first floor and foundations. Union County and the Township of Cranford were declared federal disaster areas as
2769-438: The Rahway River in the town of Millville, later renamed Millburn. Campbell ran his business for about 20 years until he was forced to close down due to a fire. The building remained vacant for several years and ownership changed several times. In the late 1870s, Diamond Mill Paper Company took over the property and used it for their paper making business until 1928. The Rahway River was also the site of freshwater pearl-fishing as
2840-473: The Rahway River. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass , some quite large, are found when fishing the Rahway, as are channel catfish and bullhead catfish . Striped bass and eels also surge up the river from Raritan Bay and encountered during Rahway River fishing. Large and very powerful carp appear as well. Mark Modoski, angler and contributor for Field & Stream magazine, has written about fishing for catfish and carp on Nomahegan Lake off
2911-594: The Recreational Complex. The complex abutting the reservoir includes a miniature golf course, and a boathouse -restaurant, McLoone's, opened in 2011. Just below South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, New Jersey , the river runs through Taylor Park . The Rahway River Parkway is a greenway of parkland that hugs the Rahway River and its tributaries. Formed by the Union County Parks Commission in
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2982-684: The Union County communities of Springfield , Union , Cranford and Clark . In Rahway the river receives the Robinson's Branch and South Branch , which are approximately 10 miles (16 km) long. Before the creation of Union County, Robinson's Branch was the area's border between Essex and Middlesex Counties. The South Branch starts in Roosevelt Park in Edison behind the Menlo Park Mall, and flows through Edison, Iselin, and Rahway. The river's mouth
3053-481: The aforementioned Hugh Bolton Jones . The highly urbanized Rahway River watershed in New Jersey suffers from frequent flooding due to extensive development and destruction of riparian wetlands and floodplains. Floods have caused damage to houses, businesses, municipal facilities and public infrastructure. Portions of the Rahway River Basin have also suffered environmental degradation and opportunities exist for restoration. The most damaging floods of record within
3124-402: The average family size was 3.24. In the city the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males. The median income for a household in the city
3195-607: The banks of its streams such as Nomahegan Brook. Cranford's The Riverside Inn and the River and Rail Cantina sit aside the river with outdoor seating near parkland. McLoone's Boathouse is located on Orange Reservoir in South Mountain Reservation. The famous Paper Mill Playhouse sits aside the river. The Hanson Park Conservancy hosts an annual "rubber ducky race" in the river, over the Hansel Dam falls next to Sperry Park, as
3266-416: The city's Black-owned bookstore, Bridges Book Center Afro-American Research Library & Museum, located at 1480 Main Street, in 1970. As of the early 2020s, downtown Rahway has become a regional hub in the performing and visual arts. The landmarked Rahway Theatre building is home to the Union County Performing Arts Center . The Season 2 Episode 5 of NYPD Blue (Simone Says, starring Jimmy Smits) features
3337-554: The city's central business district. Beginning in the late 1990s, the city launched a plan to revitalize the downtown area and authorized the construction of hundreds of new market-rate housing units, a hotel, art galleries and additional retail space. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 4.04 square miles (10.47 km), including 3.90 square miles (10.09 km) of land and 0.15 square miles (0.38 km) of water (3.59%). Rahway
3408-775: The city, manages the city's departments and oversees its employees. This form of government gives citizens a centralized line of authority for the efficient management of the city's business. As of 2024, the mayor of Rahway is Democrat Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr., whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. The members of the Municipal Council are Jeffrey Brooks (At Large; D, 2026), David Brown (Fourth Ward; D, 2024), Joseph D. Gibilisco (Sixth Ward; D, 2024), Joanna Miles (At Large; D, 2026), Jeremy E. Mojica (At Large; D, 2026), Danielle "Danni" Newbury (Fifth Ward; D, 2024), Al Parker (First Ward; D, 2024), Vannie Deloris Parson (Third Ward; D, 2024), and Karla Timmons (Second Ward; D, 2024). Rahway
3479-477: The city. The population density was 7,016.8 per square mile (2,709.2/km). There were 11,300 housing units at an average density of 2,899.5 per square mile (1,119.5/km). The racial makeup was 52.30% (14,301) White , 30.93% (8,457) Black or African American , 0.31% (84) Native American , 4.30% (1,175) Asian , 0.02% (5) Pacific Islander , 8.37% (2,288) from other races , and 3.79% (1,036) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.52% (6,433) of
3550-606: The endangered American eel (Anguilla rostrate). Alewife and blueback herring are collectively referred to as river herring due to their similarity in appearance, range, and life histories. River herring , gizzard shad , and white perch are all anadromous (adults spawn in freshwater; juveniles migrate to saltwater); whereas American eel are catadromous (adults spawn in the ocean; the young migrate to freshwater habitats). Historically, anadromous spawning runs of alewife , blueback herring , striped bass , and American shad and catadromous runs of American eel were common in
3621-505: The entire city on an at-large basis. Elections are in even-numbered years, with the six ward seats up together, followed two years later by the three at-large seats and the mayoral seat. Under the City of Rahway's form of government, all executive and administrative authority is vested in the office of the mayor, who appoints the Business Administrator and department directors. The Business Administrator develops an annual budget for
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#17328477611133692-585: The health of waterways within their communities. Watershed Ambassadors make presentations to schools and community organizations along the Rahway River and other rivers for free. These interactive presentations explore water quality and watershed related topics in New Jersey. In September 2016, the United States House of Representatives authorized the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study under
3763-615: The major stagecoach and railroad lines between New York City and Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . The navigable Rahway River , which flows through the city, also aided the city's commercial growth. As immigrants from Britain , Ireland and Germany streamed into what was then Rahway Township in the 1850s, Rahway became incorporated as a city by an act of the State Legislature on April 19, 1858, from portions of Rahway Township in Union and Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County . In 1860,
3834-588: The mouth of the Raritan River and included all of present-day Union County as well as parts of Somerset , Middlesex , Morris and Essex counties. The early settlers of Elizabethtown and Woodbridge were the founders of Rahway which began as outlying acreage and plantations. The Seventeenth Century Clark House is one of the oldest buildings in the state . By the 18th century, Rahway consisted of four distinct communities: Upper Rahway, Bridge Town (or Lower Rahway), Leesville, and Milton. Rahway saw action during
3905-431: The population were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.1 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
3976-418: The population. Of the 10,533 households, 28.1% had children under the age of 18; 42.4% were married couples living together; 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 35.3% were non-families. Of all households, 29.5% were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.23. 21.8% of
4047-410: The population. There were 10,028 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and
4118-567: The portion of Rahway that had been part of Middlesex County was transferred to Union. On March 13, 1861, the remainder of Rahway Township became part of Rahway City. Clark Township was formed from portions of the city on March 23, 1864. The first municipal elections for the mayor and council were conducted on April 19, 1858, and the council held its first meeting on May 3, 1858. The city's police department and its initial group of four constables were created at that first council meeting. The city became home to dozens of major manufacturers, including
4189-540: The river. The Rahway River is home to four anadromous fish species (fish that spawn in freshwater and live in saltwater) and one species of catadromous fish species (fish that spawn in salt water and live in freshwater). There are long-discussed plans to install a fish ladder at the Rahway City Water Works to aid these fish during their spawning migrations. Fish ladders are inundated structures with small underwater steps that allow fish to navigate around
4260-863: The river. On the third Monday of each month the Rahway River Trout Unlimited Chapter holds its monthly general meeting at the Cranford Community Center at 7:30pm to discuss Rahway River fishing. Fly fishermen may be seen casting lines in the Rahway along the dams in Cranford. Brown trout , brook trout and rainbow trout 9 to 11 inches long are stocked for Rahway River fishing from late March to mid-May (only rainbow has been stocked since 2015). Along with these good-sized trout, much bigger breeders are also stocked to excite those anglers skilled or lucky enough to catch one (5-pound trophies are caught by these fishermen each spring). Large numbers of sunfish and catfish are present in
4331-399: The site. The Rahway River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the river. RRWA works in cooperation with local river communities to provide opportunities for river education, curriculum support activities, community awareness of the river, and environmental stewardship of the watershed. The RRWA Watershed Learning Center (known as
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#17328477611134402-453: The street from the tavern reads: Following the Revolution, Rahway became the home of the first national mint to create a coin bearing the inscription E pluribus unum . A United States Post Office established in Rahway was one of only six in the entire state in 1791. Various historical place markers in town document Rahway Revolutionary War history. Rahway grew due to its location along
4473-466: The surrounding areas from severe flooding,” said Lance. “For years these municipalities have pursued this project." Local politicians, including Ann Dooley, have urged Senator Cory Booker to work on Rahway River flooding relief as well. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to carry out the Feasibility Study to identify various flood risk management alternatives for communities along
4544-433: The waters of the South Branch at East Hazlewood Avenue and Leesville Avenue. The river leaves Rahway at the city limits of Linden and Woodbridge before flowing into the Arthur Kill . Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Inman Heights and North Rahway. The 2010 United States census counted 27,346 people, 10,533 households, and 6,815 families in
4615-426: The years, leading to confusing and often conflicting legislation. The City Act of 1987 provides for a directly elected mayor who serves a four-year term and for a council that consists of seven members; six elected from two wards for staggered three-year terms and one elected at large for a four-year term. There are three councilmen in each ward with one councilmember from each ward up for election every year. The mayor
4686-453: Was $ 50,729, and the median income for a family was $ 61,931. Males had a median income of $ 41,047 versus $ 32,091 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 22,481. About 5.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over. In 2020, downtown Rahway received accolades as a Great Downtown by the American Planning Association : "Downtown Rahway
4757-420: Was $ 58,551 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 3,355) and the median family income was $ 77,268 (+/− $ 9,506). Males had a median income of $ 56,572 (+/− $ 3,375) versus $ 47,832 (+/− $ 3,542) for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 28,855 (+/− $ 1,981). About 5.4% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. As of
4828-437: Was added to the pool that year. The pool is available to Union County residents and their guests for a daily fee. Built in 1929, it was documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in 1985. The City of Rahway is governed under the Faulkner Act system of municipal government under the Mayor-Council (Plan F), implemented as of January 1, 1955, based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission . The township
4899-419: Was an industrial and artisanal craft city for much of its history. The city has increasingly reinvented itself in recent years as a diverse regional hub for the arts and biological sciences , with a new global headquarters for Merck & Co . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's population was 29,556, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 2,210 (+8.1%) from the 27,346 recorded at
4970-462: Was mentioned in Revolutionary War military dispatches from January 5, 1777, through March 14, 1782. The Merchants and Drovers Tavern is located at the corner of St. Georges and Westfield Avenues. The earliest buildings at the site date to 1795 and the property remains one of Rahway's most prominent historical landmarks. George Washington visited Rahway during his travel to New York City prior to his presidential inauguration in 1789. A marker across
5041-443: Was on a flood plain and suffered over US$ 1 million in flood damage. The building was demolished in October 2001 and a new library was constructed and opened on March 22, 2004, behind the city's municipal building along a less flood-prone area of the Rahway River. The site of the former Rahway Public Library now contains tennis courts and a small playground. The new library opened in 2004. Historian and Rahway native Eva Bridges opened
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