Location of Milltown in Middlesex County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Middlesex County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Milltown was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 29, 1889, from portions of North Brunswick, based on the results of a referendum held three days earlier. The borough was reincorporated by resolution of the borough council on May 2, 1896. A portion of East Brunswick Township was annexed in 1902.[22] Originally known as Bergen's Mill, named for Jacob I. Bergen who owned the grist mill,[23] the name is believed to have become "Milltown" from residents "going to the mill in town".[24]
Long before the arrival of the first Europeans, the LenapeNative Americans had established settlements along the Lawrence Brook. The discovery of many artifacts in the area above today's municipal building (now a small county park) suggests the presence of a Native American settlement.[27] In 1678, Thomas Lawrence, a New York baker, acquired a large area around the Lawrence Brook, which likely included today's Milltown. The Lawrence Brook was then called Piscopeek (and on later maps, Lawrence's Brook). The names and marks of several Native Americans (Quemareck, Quesiacs, Isarick, Metapis, Peckawan and Turantaca) appear on the bill of sale.[28] In 1769, Fulcard Van Nordstrand advertised the sale of a large gristmill on the bank of Lawrence Brook. It would soon be called Lawrence Brook Mill.[29] The 1903 classic western filmThe Great Train Robbery was shot in Milltown.[27]
After the end of World War I, the Michelin Illustrated Guides to the Battlefields (1914-1918) of the Western Front were published in Milltown.[30]
In March 2010, the Milltown City Council voted against changing the name of Petain Avenue, citing the difficulties that the street's residents would endure if the name changed.[31][32] Petain Avenue is named for Philippe Pétain, a French World War I general who became the leader of the Vichy France government during World War II. The Vichy Regime willfully collaborated with Nazi Germany, taking state action against "undesirables", including Jews, Protestants, gays, gypsies, and left-wing activists. In total, the Vichy government participated in the deportation of 76,000 Jews to German extermination camps, although this number varies depending on the account; only 2,500 survived the war.[33] After the war, Petain was charged with perjury and sentenced to death, though this was commuted to life imprisonment due to his advanced age. By contrast, in France itself, the French government has since changed the name of every street formerly named after Petain.[34]
The groundbreaking anxiolytic and sedative drug Miltown (meprobamate) developed by Carter Products, which became available to the public in the mid-1950s, was named for the borough.[35]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.60 square miles (4.13 km2), including 1.55 square miles (4.02 km2) of land and 0.04 square miles (0.11 km2) of water (2.56%).[1][2]
Of the 2,599 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18; 60.9% were married couples living together; 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 26.3% were non-families. Of all households, 20.7% were made up of individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.[19]
21.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 93.5 males.[19]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $89,457 (with a margin of error of +/− $14,398) and the median family income was $103,750 (+/− $7,631). Males had a median income of $63,377 (+/− $5,321) versus $41,029 (+/− $3,358) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $33,472 (+/− $2,034). About 2.9% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[47]
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 7,000 people, 2,627 households, and 1,943 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,452.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,718.9/km2). There were 2,670 housing units at an average density of 1,698.1 per square mile (655.6/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 93.86% White, 0.76% African American, 0.16% Native American, 3.07% Asian, 1.16% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.73% of the population.[45][46]
There were 2,627 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.9% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.12.[45][46]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.[45][46]
The median income for a household in the borough was $68,429, and the median income for a family was $77,869. Males had a median income of $50,338 versus $38,220 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $29,996. About 1.3% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.[45][46]
Government
Local government
Milltown 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.[48] 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.[6] The borough form of government used by Milltown 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.[3][49][50]
As of 2024[update], the mayor of Milltown is longtime Milltown resident Republican George Murray, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Milltown Borough Council are Council President Richard Revolinsky (R, 2024), John Collins (R, 2025), Frank Manco (R, 2026), Gary Posnansky (R, 2026), David Potter (D, 2024), and Felipe "Phil" Zambrana (D, 2025).[3][51][52][53][54]
Federal, state and county representation
Milltown is located in the 12th Congressional District[55] and is part of New Jersey's 18th state legislative district.[56]
Middlesex County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners, whose seven members are elected at-large on a partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in January, the board selects from among its members a commissioner director and deputy director.[62] As of 2025[update], Middlesex County's Commissioners (with party affiliation, term-end year, and residence listed in parentheses) are:
As of March 2011, there were a total of 5,075 registered voters in Milltown, of which 1,609 (31.7%) were registered as Democrats, 823 (16.2%) were registered as Republicans and 2,643 (52.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[78]
In the 2020 presidential election, Republican Donald J. Trump received 50% of the vote (2,135 cast), ahead of Democrat Joseph Biden with 47.8% (2,043 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (53 votes), among the 4,344 ballots cast by the borough's 5,569 registered voters, for a turnout of 78%.[84][85] In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 49.9% of the vote (1,828 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 48.7% (1,784 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (53 votes), among the 3,706 ballots cast by the borough's 5,159 registered voters (41 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 71.8%.[86][87] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 52.0% of the vote (2,112 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 45.5% (1,848 votes) and other candidates with 1.6% (65 votes), among the 4,058 ballots cast by the borough's 5,250 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.3%.[88]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 64.6% of the vote (1,650 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 33.5% (855 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (51 votes), among the 2,586 ballots cast by the borough's 5,180 registered voters (30 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 49.9%.[91][94] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 55.9% of the vote (1,684 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 32.6% (982 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 8.7% (261 votes) and other candidates with 1.6% (47 votes), among the 3,011 ballots cast by the borough's 5,096 registered voters, yielding a 59.1% turnout.[95]
Our Lady of Lourdes School (PreK–8), which operated under the supervision of Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, closed in June 2013 due to dropping enrollment.[111]
Transportation
Roads and highways
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 27.37 miles (44.05 km) of roadways, of which 23.74 miles (38.21 km) were maintained by the municipality, 2.59 miles (4.17 km) by Middlesex County and 1.04 miles (1.67 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.[112]
Ryders Lane (County Route 617) is a major artery serving the borough along the eastern border.[113] The New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) passes through for about a mile, but the closest interchange is in neighboring East Brunswick. Also, US 1 is outside in neighboring North Brunswick.[114]
Public transportation
On weekdays, NJ Transit provides local bus service on the 811 route.[115]
Coach USA Suburban Transit provides NYC rush-hour commuter service on the 400 route.[116]
The Raritan River Railroad ran through Milltown, but is now defunct along this part of the line. The track and freight station still remain. Proposals have been made to use the line as a light rail route.[117]
^ abcBorough Council, Borough of Milltown. Accessed April 2, 2024. "Milltown operates under a Borough form of municipal government. The Borough Council, which is the Governing Body, consists of one Mayor, elected at large for a 4 year term and 6 members elected at large for 3-year overlapping terms. At the Annual Reorganization Meeting, the Borough Council will select a Council President."
^HistoryArchived 2011-05-14 at the Wayback Machine, Borough of Milltown. Accessed September 7, 2015. "Fire destroys the rubber factory and Meyer's home, leaving him penniless. John Ford advances Meyer the money to rebuild. It is in this period of time that the name Bergen's Mill begins to be replaced with Milltown, most likely stemming from people saying they are 'going to the mill in town.'"
^Stirling, Stephen. "U.S. Census shows East Brunswick as statistical center of N.J.", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, March 31, 2011, updated March 31, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2019. "For any of you who have ever lain awake at night asking: Where, oh where is the statistical center of New Jersey, there really is an answer. Nenninger Lane, East Brunswick.... Over the last several decades, New Jersey’s statistical center has gradually crept its way south and west along the New Jersey Turnpike as growth in the southern and western portions of the state has outpaced the north.... Ten years ago, it was at an intersection in Milltown, about a tenth of a mile from the Turnpike and a few paces south of a Home Depot."
^Applebome, Peter. "A Local Street and a Lesson in History", The New York Times, March 7, 2010. Accessed October 26, 2011. "Just ask local officials, aggrieved residents of a neighboring town and the folks on Petain Avenue, a tiny, two-house side street in this placid central New Jersey borough. All have suddenly had to confront the legacy of the French World War I war hero and World War II Nazi collaborator, for whom the street is named, and the balance between the burdens of the past and the demands of living in the present."
^Chang, Kathy. "Milltown officials debate Petain street name issue "Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, East Brunswick Sentinel, March 18, 2010. Accessed October 26, 2011. "No one disputes the facts surrounding the street's namesake, Philippe Pétain, and his link to the Nazis during World War II. However, Mayor Gloria Bradford and Borough Council members said they have been stymied because of the 'hardship' that residents who live on the street would have to endure if the street name is changed."
^Jean-Luc Einaudi and Maurice Rajsfus (2001), op.cit., p.17
^Tagliabue, John. "Both Hero and Traitor, but No Longer on the Map", The New York Times, January 2, 2011. Accessed June 27, 2011. "After World War I, virtually every town in France had its Rue or Avenue Pétain. So vast was his fame that a dozen or so towns and cities in the United States also named streets for him. But when the signs here change this month, the last street in France bearing his name will have disappeared."
^via Los Angeles Times. "Frank Berger, leader of mood-drug movement, dies", Newsday, March 23, 2008. Accessed April 2, 2008. "He and his colleagues made a short film about the effects of the drug on rhesus monkeys, which created enough interest that Wallace, a subsidiary of Carter Products, brought it to market in May 1955, naming it 'Miltown' after the nearby village of Milltown, N.J."
^What We Do, Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership. Accessed November 15, 2019. "The Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership, Inc. (LBWP) is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to protect the water in a 48-square-mile area, the Lawrence Brook watershed (USGSHUC code: 02030105130); this area extends over parts of 5 municipalities: New Brunswick, East Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, and Milltown; it also covers most of Rutgers University's Cook Campus."
^Biography, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Watson Coleman and her husband William reside in Ewing Township and are blessed to have three sons; William, Troy, and Jared and three grandchildren; William, Kamryn and Ashanee."
^Board of County Commissioners, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Accessed May 1, 2022. "The residents of Middlesex County's 25 municipalities elect seven persons to serve as members of the Board of County Commissioners. The Commissioners are elected at large to staggered three-year terms in the November general election. In January of each year, the Board reorganizes, selecting one Commissioner to be County Commissioner Director and another to be County Commissioner Deputy Director."
^Milltown Fact Sheet 2015-2016, Milltown Public Schools. Accessed July 11, 2016. "Through a formal send–receive contract, approved by the Department of Education, our high school students are sent on a tuition basis to Spotswood High School. Our 2015-2016 operating budget of $15.9 million supports Parkview School and Joyce Kilmer School, as well as the tuition for students attending Spotswood High School."
^Spotswood High School 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed July 11, 2016. "I want to welcome you to Spotswood High School, a comprehensive institution that focuses on excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and community service. Spotswood High School has served the residents in Spotswood, Helmetta, and Milltown since 1976."
^Principal's CornerArchived 2016-03-29 at the Wayback Machine, Spotswood High School. Accessed July 11, 2016. "I want to welcome you to Spotswood High School, a comprehensive institution that focuses on excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and community service. Spotswood High School has served the residents in Spotswood, Helmetta, and Milltown since 1976."
^About Us, Greater Brunswick Charter School. Accessed December 15, 2019. "The Greater Brunswick Regional Charter School is defined by the broad themes of child-directed learning in the vein of constructivism, Howard Gardner's 'unschooled mind,' and Montessori instruction; multi-age groupings of students; a unique degree of parental and community involvement; and a region of residence serving the entire and contiguous school districts of New Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, and Milltown."
^Heyboer, Kelly. "How to get your kid a seat in one of N.J.'s hardest-to-get-into high schools", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 2017. Accessed November 18, 2019. "Middlesex County has two stand-alone career academies for high-achieving students: the Academy for Science, Math and Engineering Technology, located on the campus of Middlesex County College in Edison, and the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge. How to apply: Students must attend a mandatory information session and submit an application by November of their 8th grade year."
^Chang, Kathy. "Our Lady of Lourdes School closes in Milltown", Centraljersey.com, June 20, 2013. Accessed January 15, 2024. "The dismissal bell at Our Lady of Lourdes School (OLOL) rang for the last time on June 14. The 11 a.m. sounding was met with hugs and tears, as many shared lasting memories of their time at the Catholic school on Cleveland Avenue. The Diocese of Metuchen announced recently that the school would close for good in June.... The community learned in May that the school would be closing for financial reasons associated with declining enrollment."
^Preserving Rail Rights of Way in Middlesex County, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Accessed December 3, 2019. "On this basis the following rail lines may merit future investigation on their feasibility for accommodating a light rail and/or busway type of passenger service. Raritan River Railroad. South Amboy, Sayreville, South River, East Brunswick, Milltown, North Brunswick, New Brunswick - This corridor could address some of the east-west travel needs in the central area of the County providing a transit way that would link the City of South Amboy and the City of New Brunswick. This could also provide a viable commuter travel alternative to the heavily used Route 18 Corridor."
^Pace, Eric. "J. Edward Crabiel, 75, Who Held Posts in New Jersey Government", The New York Times, June 20, 1992. Accessed September 7, 2015. "J. Edward Crabiel, a New Jersey Democrat who was the state's Secretary of State and the minority leader of the State Senate, died yesterday at St. Peter's Medical Center in New Brunswick, where he was admitted two weeks earlier. He was 75 years old and a lifelong resident of Milltown."
^BiographyArchived 2017-09-28 at the Wayback Machine, DavidKikosky.com. Accessed April 8, 2007. "David Kikoski was born on October 16, 1965 in Milltown, New Jersey."
^Leroy Lins, Peach Basket Society. Accessed June 28, 2019.
^Danny Pintauro profile, TV.com. Accessed April 8, 2007. "Daniel John Pintauro was born on January 6, 1976 in Milltown, New Jersey."