Clinton Township Newsletter

T h e H i s t o r i c P r e s e r va t i o n C o m m i s s i o n "Town"... or "Township"? by Frank Curcio I recently wrote the line: "Formed from Lebanon Township, Clinton Township was recognized as an independent Township in 1841…." In a way it wasn't so recognized until the 1970s. Well, not recognized by some Federal agencies—as in: anyone else notice that our Township is served by 5 Zip Codes? Newark, in comparison, is served by 7 Zip Codes—6 if you ignore the Airport–Port Newark complex Zip. What gives? C l i n t o n R e a l E s tat e . c o m by Don Sherblom This spring home buyers were dealt the opportunity of a lifetime - low mortgage rates combined with low home prices. The result was a long seasonal climb in the number of home sales. While the pace of economic growth remained disappointing, the improving economy at least allowed buyers to take advantage of low rates and prices to make the move they'd been putting off so long. What homes sold? Every month I post listings with pictures and details of all recently sold Clinton Township homes on my ClintonRealEstate.com web site. Find the homes most like yours then call me. I enjoy talking about local real estate and sharing insights from my 16 years' experience in the local market. Let's open that conversation. Donald Sherblom, Coldwell Banker, Clinton (908) 735-8080 x132. Best to call my cell: (908) 797-9900 Thanks! H aw k P o i n t e is a Culinary Golf Club Splendor! Visit Hawk Pointe Golf Club's Tavern Restaurant and you will quickly get a feel for Chef's passion for local products and his diverse food philosophy. Chef Bill Van Pelt came to Hawk Pointe Golf Club in 2008 as a very accomplished professional working in top industry restaurants, clubs and hotels. While working in the hustle and bustle of the industry, Chef Bill felt he was missing the connection to the people he served and to the product he was serving. Chef Bill has developed relationships with the Members of Hawk Pointe and with the food being served. Sourcing local ingredients from surrounding farms keeps Chef Bill close to his Warren County roots and to his food philosophy of fine dining with the freshest local ingredients. Together with his culinary team, Chef Bill takes great pride in their food knowledge, production and efficiency of use. Through his plates, Chef Bill communicates with Hawk Pointe's Members on a daily basis. Hawk Pointe Golf Club is a private dining facility and offers an exclusive Dining Membership. To learn more, please contact Angela Wilson at 908-689-1445 or awilson@hawkpointegolf.com. The Northwest Ordinances (of 1784, 1785, 1787) that's what gives. Back before the US Constitution was adopted, some of Founding Fathers—led by Jefferson—got together to figure a way to organize the Northwest Territories—that wedge of land we won in the Revolutionary War bound by the Great Lakes, and the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Logical Jefferson recommended we use math stuff like degrees of longitude and latitude to parcel the land. So the Ordinances decreed that the Territory would be divided into units of 6 miles on each side—36 sq. miles—subdivided into 36 Sections (640 Acres each). Each Section could be further divided for sale, the smallest unit allowed would be the Quarter–Quarter Section of 40 Acres. On the up–side, the Ordinances made the shapes of the new states and counties rather regular unlike the mish–mash of us Originals. On the down–side, it caused a problem for New Jersey because the name of that 36 sq. mile unit is a Township. When the US Constitution was adopted, the Northwest Ordinances remained in place, much to the befuddlement of high school history students and those new to New Jersey since. Meanwhile, here in New Jersey, State legislators were making laws and things. Since the Northwest Ordinances didn't apply to New Jersey, New Jersey didn't consult them when making laws. We sort of missed that thingie about a township now being a Federal unit of measure, and in 1798 the Legislature passed the Township Act incorporating the first 104 townships which covered every speck of land in the state. The townships were empowered to apply and collect taxes, to pay bills and in general to act like a legal municipality. The township committee met once a year, and all the township's white male residents aged at least 21 (remember, this was still the 1700s) could attend, discuss matters and vote. This township format was well–suited for the sparsely populated, rural society of the time. However, as immigration began in the 1840s and peaked after 1880, difficulties increased. As had happened in the 1680s, travel time became a factor. To take care of business in the 1680s we formed counties as a sub–unit of the Colony, now settlements sprang–up as sub–units of the townships. At first, the most populous settlements were authorized to be a municipality within the township—treating the townships like a sub–county. And thus began our problems with the Feds. More next time (October) Frank Curcio S w e e t P r i va c y Lebanon Reformed Church In August If you crave privacy, this property is for you! A unique ranch that has been in the same family for over 50 years. This three bedroom/two bath find is located on four + scenic acres on a private road in Hunterdon's Readington Township and is surrounded by upscale homes on all sides. It's a perfect starter home where you can either update it to your tastes or live in it while you construct a newer house on this magnificent piece of property. It has a tree on the property that is breathtaking, plus several outbuildings. Includes a partial basement and central air. Possible horse property of Farmette. A truly rare find. Price: $375,000. Address: 137 Pine Bank Rd. in Readington Twp. Directions: Rt 202 or 523 to Pleasant Run (Rt 629) to Cole Road. Right on Pine Bank, at mail box enter private road. See photo on back cover of this issue of CTNL–Visit: www.jpeters.com for details. V BS : Wednesdays, July 3 through August 28: LRC is offering Vacation Bible School for the surrounding community on Wednesday evenings in July/August from 6:30- 8:00 pm. July's theme is "Times in the Bible." August's theme is "Bugs in the Bible" (students raise Monarch butterflies.) Children of all ages welcome! Ice Pops/ water served. Contact: 908.236.6176 • C o m m u n i t y V o l l e y b a l l : Wednesdays until August 28: Community Volleyball will be held every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:00 pm on the lawn at Lebanon Reformed Church, 100 Brunswick Ave, Lebanon Borough. All ages and abilities are welcome to play or watch! Supervised activity for children and ice pops and water for all! Contact Robin Giordano: 908.399.5016. A u g u s t www.LebanonReformedChurch.Org 2 0 1 3 13

• Cover