Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement Mount Laurel is a township in Burlington County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The township, and all of Burlington County, is a part of the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley.<ref>New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 1, 2023.</ref> As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 44,633,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 2,769 (+6.6%) from the 2010 census count of 41,864,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected an increase of 1,643 (+4.1%) from the 40,221 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> It is the home of NFL Films.

In 2020, Mount Laurel was ranked 16th in Money magazine's list of the 50 best places to live in the United States, citing a kid-friendly environment, affordable housing, and easy access to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

History

File:Evesham Friends Meeting House (5).JPG

Evesham Friends Meeting House

Mount Laurel was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 7, 1872, from portions of Evesham Township.<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. 97. Accessed May 30, 2024.</ref> The township was named for a hill covered with laurel trees.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 8, 2015.</ref>

Several historical landmarks include General Clinton's headquarters, Paulsdale, Evesham Friends Meeting House, Jacob's Chapel, Hattie Britt School, and Farmer's Hall.<ref>New Jersey - Burlington County, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed July 17, 2012.</ref>

Mount Laurel Decision

The Mount Laurel Decision is a judicial interpretation of the New Jersey State Constitution that requires municipalities to use their zoning powers in an affirmative manner to provide a realistic opportunity for the production of housing affordable to low and moderate-income households. The decision was a result of a lawsuit brought against the town by the N.A.A.C.P. that was decided by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1975 and reaffirmed in a subsequent decision in 1983.<ref>History of Mount Laurel Decisions Template:Webarchive, Accessed August 22, 2009.</ref>

The history behind this, and the story leading to the decision was highlighted in Our Town, a book by David L. Kirp.<ref name="Kirp">Template:Cite book</ref>

Mount Laurel was a small, rural farming community until it was hit with massive suburban growth from Philadelphia in the later 1960s. In 1970, at a meeting about a proposal for taxpayer subsidized housing held at an all-black church in Mount Laurel, Mayor Bill Haines summed up the NIMBYist perspective by saying: "If you people can't afford to live in our town, then you'll just have to leave."<ref name="Kirp"/>Template:Page needed

Even though the black families in Mount Laurel were not from urban ghettos and were not involved in gang activity, the new suburban influx thought otherwise, and significantly delayed the creation of tax-payer subsidized housing areas, citing concerns of gang activity and an influx of inner-city criminals. Example comments from town meetings against forced construction of housing projects included "...we need this like Custer needed more Indians..."; "...it's reverse discrimination..."; "...we lived in this in South Philly and Newark...", and that the housing would be a "...breeding ground for violent crime and drug abuse..."<ref name="Kirp"/>Template:Page needed

As time went on, Mount Laurel did in fact experience high crime rates, and today is more dangerous than 83% of every other town and city of all sizes in the State of New Jersey, and more dangerous than 82% of all other U.S. cities. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Mount Laurel is 1 in 46. Based on FBI crime data, the chance that a person will become a victim of a violent crime in Mount Laurel - such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape or murder - is 1 in 540. This equates to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants. And Mount Laurel's rate for property crime is 20 per one thousand population.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Leading advocate in favor of taxpayer subsidized housing Ethel Lawrence, a black resident who lived her life in Mount Laurel, had her house repeatedly vandalized.<ref>Tribute to Ethel Robinson Lawrence Template:Webarchive "Ethel was the second of eight children born to Mary and Leslie Robinson. At the time, Mount Laurel, in Burlington County, was a rural enclave of farms. Most residents were white, but there was a small black population. Ethel Lawrence was among them. The family resided in Mount Laurel for over six generations." Accessed March 14, 2008.</ref><ref>Kirp, David L. (2000), Almost Home: America's love-hate relationship with community, Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, Template:ISBN, p. 79: "Ethel Lawrence and Mary Robinson were sure that the township council would go along. After all, Mount Laurel was their town too and had been for generations." Template:Page needed</ref> Although the court ruled in favor of creating taxpayer subsidized housing, residents did manage to delay the process for decades.<ref name="Kirp" />Template:Page needed

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 21.99 square miles (56.95 km²), including 21.72 square miles (56.26 km²) of land and 0.27 square miles (0.69 km²) of water (1.21%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 /> It is drained by the Delaware River and Parkers Creek (a tributary of Rancocas Creek) and the South Branch Pennsauken Creek flow through its eastern and western portions respectively. Mount Laurel has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and average monthly temperatures range from 33.0 °F in January to 76.9 °F in July.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The local hardiness zone is 7a.

Ramblewood (with a 2010 Census population of 5,907) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Mount Laurel.<ref>DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Ramblewood CDP, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 6, 2013.</ref>

Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Birchfield,Template:Citation needed Bougher, Centerton, Colemantown, Coxs Corner, Fellowship, Hartford, Heulings Hill, Masonville, Petersburg, Pine Grove, and Rancocas Woods.<ref>Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed April 23, 2015.</ref>

The township borders the municipalities of Evesham Township, Hainesport, Lumberton, Maple Shade, Medford, Moorestown, Westampton and Willingboro in Burlington County; and Cherry Hill in Camden County.<ref>Areas touching Mount Laurel Township, MapIt. Accessed March 1, 2020.</ref><ref>Burlington County Map Template:Webarchive, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed March 1, 2020.</ref><ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

Demographics

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 41,864 people, 17,538 households, and 11,294 families in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 18,249 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup was 79.42% (33,249) White, 9.70% (4,061) Black or African American, 0.16% (67) Native American, 7.26% (3,040) Asian, 0.04% (17) Pacific Islander, 1.00% (418) from other races, and 2.42% (1,012) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.56% (1,907) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 17,538 households, 28.9% had children under the age of 18; 51.0% were married couples living together; 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 35.6% were non-families. Of all households, 30.4% were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.00.<ref name=Census2010/>

22.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 87.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 83.5 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $84,632 (with a margin of error of +/− $5,366) and the median family income was $100,189 (+/− $4,065). Males had a median income of $75,870 (+/− $3,130) versus $54,215 (+/− $2,830) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $41,573 (+/− $1,416). About 3.0% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Mount Laurel township, Burlington County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 23, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 40,221 people, 16,570 households, and 11,068 families residing in the township. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 17,163 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the township was 87.10% White, 6.92% African American, 0.09% Native American, 3.80% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.64% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.24% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Mount Laurel township, New JerseyTemplate:Dead link, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 6, 2013.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Mount Laurel township, Burlington County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 6, 2013.</ref>

There were 16,570 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.98.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $63,750, and the median income for a family was $76,288. Males had a median income of $55,597 versus $37,198 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,245. About 2.5% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Arts and culture

Man Overboard is a pop punk band with multiple members from Mount Laurel.<ref>Amorosi, A.D. "Featured pop show: Lost Tape Collective Holiday Show", The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 20, 2014. Accessed January 26, 2016. "Man Overboard got their start in Mount Laurel, when neighbors Eisenstein (lead singer), Collier (guitarist), and Wayne Wildrick (the other guitarist) reached across the city limits into the wilds of Williamstown to find hard-line bassist Nik Bruzzese."</ref>

Parks and recreation

Laurel Acres Park is known for its Veterans Memorial, fishing lake, playground, and grassy hill used for concerts and sledding in the winter when it snows. Laurel Acres Park is right between Church Street at Union Mill Road. The Mount Laurel Baseball League and the Mount Laurel United Soccer Club play in the park's sports fields, and since 2008, the Mount Laurel Premiership.<ref>Laurel Acres Park is true gem "The park welcomes athletes of all ages and sports from novice walkers to organized teams. The Mount Laurel Baseball League and the Mount Laurel United Soccer Club play here." Accessed July 30, 2008.</ref> Mount Laurel also includes two dog parks.

Government

Local government

Mount Laurel voted to change its form of government in 1970 from a Township Committee form to a Faulkner Act system using the Council-Manager (Plan E), enacted based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission as of January 1, 1972.<ref>"The Faulkner Act: New Jersey's Optional Municipal Charter Law" Template:Webarchive, New Jersey State League of Municipalities, July 2007. Accessed October 23, 2013.</ref> The township is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey Template:Webarchive, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> In this form of government, the Township Manager oversees the daily functions of the Township. The governing body is comprised of the Township Council, which is made up of five members elected at-large in partisan elections to serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election in even-numbered years as part of the November general election.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 43.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey" Template:Webarchive, p. 12. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting held in January, the council selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another to serve as deputy mayor, each for a one-year term.<ref name=Council/>

Template:As of members of the Mount Laurel Township Council are Mayor Nikitas Moustakas (D, term on council ends December 31, 2028), Deputy Mayor Stephen J. Steglik (D, 2026), Fozia Janjua (D, 2028), Kareem A. Pritchett Sr. (D, 2026) and Silvia Catalan-Culnan (D, 2028).<ref name=Council>Mayor and Council, Township of Mount Laurel. Accessed January 25, 2024.</ref><ref>2023 Municipal Data Sheet, Mount Laurel Township. Accessed April 24, 2023.</ref><ref name=Burlington2022>November 8, 2022 Summary Report Burlington County Official Results, Burlington County, New Jersey, updated November 29, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref><ref name=Burlington2021>November 2, 2021 Summary Report Burlington County Official Results, Burlington County, New Jersey, updated November 18, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.</ref><ref name=Burlington2020>November 3, 2020 Summary Report Burlington County Official Results Template:Webarchive, Burlington County, New Jersey, updated November 23, 2020. Accessed January 1, 2021.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Federal, state, and county representation

Mount Laurel Township is located in the 3rd 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 7th 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>

Politics

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As of March 2011, there were a total of 28,317 registered voters in Mount Laurel Township, of which 9,089 (32.1% vs. 33.3% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 6,880 (24.3% vs. 23.9%) were registered as Republicans and 12,328 (43.5% vs. 42.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 20 voters registered to other parties.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Burlington, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref> Among the township's 2010 Census population, 67.6% (vs. 61.7% in Burlington County) were registered to vote, including 87.0% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.3% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref>

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 12,634 votes (55.5% vs. 58.1% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 9,797 votes (43.0% vs. 40.2%) and other candidates with 194 votes (0.9% vs. 1.0%), among the 22,762 ballots cast by the township's 29,792 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.4% (vs. 74.5% in Burlington County).<ref>Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Burlington County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Burlington County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 13,420 votes (57.2% vs. 58.4% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 9,657 votes (41.2% vs. 39.9%) and other candidates with 220 votes (0.9% vs. 1.0%), among the 23,443 ballots cast by the township's 28,847 registered voters, for a turnout of 81.3% (vs. 80.0% in Burlington County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Burlington County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 11,618 votes (52.3% vs. 52.9% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 10,382 votes (46.7% vs. 46.0%) and other candidates with 146 votes (0.7% vs. 0.8%), among the 22,231 ballots cast by the township's 27,385 registered voters, for a turnout of 81.2% (vs. 78.8% in the whole county).<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Burlington County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref>

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 8,696 votes (65.1% vs. 61.4% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 4,341 votes (32.5% vs. 35.8%) and other candidates with 148 votes (1.1% vs. 1.2%), among the 13,354 ballots cast by the township's 29,635 registered voters, yielding a 45.1% turnout (vs. 44.5% in the county).<ref>2013 Governor: Burlington County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 5, 2013 General Election Results : Burlington County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, January 29, 2014. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 7,082 votes (50.4% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 6,149 votes (43.8% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 617 votes (4.4% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 108 votes (0.8% vs. 1.2%), among the 14,047 ballots cast by the township's 29,086 registered voters, yielding a 48.3% turnout (vs. 44.9% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Burlington County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 25, 2014.</ref>

Education

The Mount Laurel Schools serve public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The grade configuration includes six schools serving pre-kindergarten / kindergarten through fourth-grade students. Students are assigned on a geographic basis to one of the six K–4 schools; Countryside serves the township's northwest; Fleetwood, the northeast; Hillside covers the north central portion of the township; Larchmont, a piece of the eastern side; Parkway, covers the western portion; and Springville the southern tip.<ref>Map of Boundaries, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> All students from the six K–4 schools feed into a single upper elementary school (for grades 5 and 6) and middle school (grades 7 and 8).<ref>About Your Schools Template:Webarchive, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020. "Our grade configuration includes six schools serving kindergarten through fourth-grade students. Students are assigned to our six kindergarten through fourth-grade schools based upon a geographic districting plan. All students move into the upper elementary level together for fifth and sixth-grade, and remain together for entrance to the middle school for grades 7 and 8. Mount Laurel is one of eight sending districts to the Lenape Regional High School District located in adjacent Medford for ninth through 12th-grade."</ref> As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 4,214 students and 350.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.0:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Mount Laurel Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics)<ref>School Data for the Mount Laurel Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.</ref> are Countryside Elementary School<ref>Countryside Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (with 309 students; in grades Pre-K–4), Fleetwood Elementary School<ref>Fleetwood Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (372; K–4), Hillside Elementary School<ref>Hillside Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (348; Pre-K–4), Larchmont Elementary School<ref>Larchmont Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (395; K–4), Parkway Elementary School<ref>Parkway Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (342; K–4), Springville Elementary School<ref>Springville Elementary School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (512; Pre-K–4), Mount Laurel Hartford School<ref>Mount Laurel Hartford School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (961; 5–6) and Thomas E. Harrington Middle School<ref>Thomas E. Harrington Middle School, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref> (963; 7–8).<ref>Schools Template:Webarchive, Mount Laurel Schools. Accessed June 8, 2020.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Mount Laurel Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> Parkway Elementary School was one of four schools in New Jersey recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, awarded by the United States Department of Education, for the 2005–2006 school year.<ref>Schools selected as No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools in 2005, National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Accessed July 17, 2012.</ref>

Public school students from Mount Laurel in ninth through twelfth grades attend Lenape High School, located in Medford.<ref>Lenape High School 2016 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed May 28, 2016. "Attendance Area: Mount Laurel. Lenape High School opened in 1958 on a 53-acre plot of land in Medford and, since that time, has undergone multiple renovations to accommodate the educational needs of the sprawling community of Mount Laurel."</ref><ref>High School Sending Districts, Burlington County Library System, backed up by the Internet Archive as of September 27, 2006. Accessed December 10, 2014.</ref> As of the 2018–2019 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,895 students and 156.6 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.1:1.<ref>School data for Lenape High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.</ref> Lenape High School is part of the Lenape Regional High School District, a regional secondary school district in Burlington County that also serves the eight municipalities of Evesham Township, Medford Lakes, Medford, Shamong Township, Southampton, Tabernacle and Woodland Township at its four high schools.<ref>Lenape Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed November 30, 2017. "The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) serves the eight municipalities of Evesham, Medford, Mount Laurel, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle and Woodland Townships and Medford Lakes Borough. Encompassing an area of 350 square miles the Lenape District is the largest school district in Burlington County."</ref><ref>Staff. "Regional School Districts", Burlington County Times, April 26, 2015. Accessed November 30, 2017. "Lenape Regional Serves: Evesham, Medford, Medford Lakes, Mount Laurel, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Woodland"</ref>

Students from Mount Laurel, and from all of Burlington County, are eligible to attend the Burlington County Institute of Technology, a countywide public school district that serves the vocational and technical education needs of students at the high school and post-secondary level at its campuses in Medford and Westampton.<ref>Why Choose BCIT? Template:Webarchive, Burlington County Institute of Technology. Accessed November 27, 2013.</ref>

Transportation

File:2021-05-21 17 20 56 View north along New Jersey State Route 700 (New Jersey Turnpike) from the overpass for the ramps to New Jersey State Route 73 in Mount Laurel Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.jpg

New Jersey Turnpike northbound in Mount Laurel

Roads and highways

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 Burlington County and Template:Convert by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Template:Convert by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.<ref>Burlington County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed November 28, 2013.</ref>

Several major roadways traverse through Mount Laurel.<ref>Burlington County Highway Map, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref> The New Jersey Turnpike is the most prominent highway, entering from Cherry Hill in the township's southwest corner and continuing for about Template:Convert to Westampton at Mount Laurel's northern edge.<ref>New Jersey Turnpike Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated August 2014. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref> The Turnpike's James Fenimore Cooper rest area is located within the township on the northbound side at milepost 39.4.<ref>New Jersey Turnpike: James Fenimore Cooper Service Area, New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Accessed May 31, 2006 Template:Webarchive</ref> The only exit within Mount Laurel is Exit 4, which provides access to Route 73.<ref>Travel Resources: Interchanges, Service Areas & Commuter Lots, New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Accessed October 23, 2013.</ref>

I-295 passes through the township, with three exits: (Exit 36: Berlin/Tacony Bridge/Route 73, Exit 40: Moorestown/Mount Holly/Route 38, and Exit 43: Delran/Rancocas Woods).<ref>Interstate 295 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated May 2017. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref> Other major thoroughfares through Mount Laurel are Route 38,<ref>Route 38 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated March 2016. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref> Route 73<ref>Route 73 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated April 2016. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref> and CR 537.<ref>County Route 537 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated July 2012. Accessed March 12, 2023.</ref>

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides bus service to and from Philadelphia on routes 317 (from Asbury Park), the 413 route between Camden and Burlington and the 457 route between Moorestown Mall and Camden.<ref>Burlington County Bus/Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of January 28, 2010. Accessed November 28, 2013.</ref><ref>South Jersey Transit Guide Template:Webarchive, Cross County Connection, as of April 1, 2010. Accessed November 28, 2013.</ref>

Notable people

File:AlicePaul 1901.jpg

Alice Paul

File:ScottSchoeneweis.jpg

Scott Schoeneweis

Template:Category see also People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Mount Laurel include: Template:Div col

• Brian Aitken (born 1983), convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing handguns legally purchased in Colorado and transported in New Jersey from one residence to another; subsequently granted executive clemency from Governor Chris Christie<ref>Flynn, Greg. "Family says judge made horrible mistake in giving Mount Laurel's Brian Aitken 7 years for having locked guns", The Trentonian, November 22, 2010. Accessed December 20, 2011.</ref>
• James Berardinelli (born 1967), film critic<ref>Boatman, Gail T. "When the lights go down, his work begins", Burlington County Times, February 18, 2015. Accessed July 14, 2016. "Mount Laurel — Like movie fans everywhere, James Berardinelli will be in front of his television set, Sunday, watching the Oscars."</ref><ref>Schneider, Dan. "The Dan Schneider Interview 16: James Berardinelli", Cosmoetica.com, December 12, 2008. Accessed July 14, 2016. "I was born in New Brunswick, lived in Old Bridge for a year, then spent my childhood in Morristown and my teenage years in Cherry Hill. I went to college at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, then returned to New Jersey to live in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, and Mount Laurel, where I currently reside."</ref>
• Frank Budd (1939–2014), wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins<ref>Litsky, Frank. "Frank Budd, Once Known as World's Fastest Human, Dies at 74", The New York Times, May 1, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. "He lived in Mount Laurel, N.J."</ref>
• Larry Chatzidakis (born 1949), represented the 8th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1997 to 2008 and served on the Mount Laurel Township Council from 1985 to 2000, serving as mayor in 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000<ref>Assemblyman Chatzidakis's Legislative Website, New Jersey Legislature, backed up by the Internet Archive as of January 27, 2008. Accessed March 25, 2011.</ref>
• Harold L. Colburn Jr. (1925–2012), physician and politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 8th Legislative District from 1984 to 1995<ref>"Dr. Harold L. Colburn Jr." Template:Webarchive, Burlington County Times, May 4, 2012. Accessed June 8, 2020. "Dr. Harold L. Colburn of Mount Laurel died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the Brandywine Senior Living Center in Moorestown. He was 86."</ref>
• Chris DeStefano, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, record producer and multi instrumentalist<ref>Pensiero, Nicole. "Mr. Write", South Jersey Magazine, February 2014. Accessed June 8, 2020. "Chris DeStefano's career has had more twists and turns than, say, one of the chart-topping songs he's co-written for the likes of Carrie Underwood or Luke Bryan. The Grammy Award-winning Mount Laurel native—who now divides his time between Nashville and Los Angeles—is riding high on a wave of acclaim for his songwriting and production talents in the world of country music."</ref>
• Matt Duke (born 1985), singer-songwriter/musician<ref>Amos, Evan.Evan Amos interview with Matt Duke, Wikimedia Commons, April 28, 2011. Accessed May 4, 2011.</ref><ref>Staff. "SJ Faces: Matt Duke" Template:Webarchive, Courier-Post, January 8, 2006. Accessed June 19, 2011. "Musician Matt Duke is a 20-year-old native of Mount Laurel who is recording his first acoustic album for release in March."</ref>
• Ken Dunek (born 1957), former professional American football tight end who played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and in the USFL for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars<ref>DiStefano, Joseph N. "'Forgotten' Philadelphia Stars in football-movie project", The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 22, 2010. Accessed November 30, 2017. "We were the last true champion in Philadelphia football. We call it "the Team that Time Forgot",' says ex-Stars tight end Ken Dunek.... Dunek retired to Mount Laurel, whe he runs KRD Marketing LLC; the long-ago Memphis State U journalism student self-published a book of real-life stories last Spring."</ref>
• Todd Fedoruk (born 1979), former NHL winger who played for the Philadelphia Flyers<ref>Solotaroff, Paul. "Derek Boogaard Wants to Break Your Face" Template:Webarchive, Men's Journal, December 2010. Accessed December 10, 2014. "'My cheekbone crumpled like chalk,' says Fedoruk. Now living in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, with his wife and three kids, he has healed but is out of hockey at 31, having lost the will and strength to fight."</ref>
• Christina Foggie (born 1992), professional basketball player, who was drafted in 2014 by the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA<ref>Christina Foggie Template:Webarchive, Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball. Accessed December 5, 2017. "Hometown: Mount Laurel, N.J. High School: Lenape Regional"</ref>
• C. William Haines (1928–1996), politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from the 8th Legislative District from 1982 to 1985 and in the New Jersey Senate from 1985 until his death<ref>via Associated Press. "C. William Haines, Farmer And Trenton Legislator, 68", The New York Times, December 20, 1996. Accessed November 30, 2017. "C. William Haines, the Republican legislator who announced his retirement from the New Jersey State Senate last month because of illness, ending 15 years of advocacy for farmers and transportation projects in the southern part of the state, died on Wednesday at his home in Mount Laurel."</ref>
• Marielle Hall (born 1992), long-distance runner who represented the United States in the Women's 10,000 meters final at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<ref>Skoufalos, Matt. "Of Rio and Running: Haddonfield Alum Marielle Hall in Her First Olympic Games; The 24-year-old Mount Laurel resident qualified for the world's biggest track-and-field stage just a month ago, and in only her second year as a professional athlete. Hall will run the 10,000 meters.", NJPEN, August 4, 2016. Accessed November 30, 2017. "The Nike-sponsored athlete lives in Mount Laurel, but often runs in Cheltenham, PA with her coach, Derek Thompson of Juventus Track Club.... 'I'm proud to be a [Texas] Longhorn, I'm proud to have competed for Haddonfield, I'm proud to be from Mount Laurel and to be with the rest of the New Jersey athletes,' she said."</ref>
• Neil Hartman, Comcast SportsNet sports anchor<ref>Neil Hartman Template:Webarchive, Alternative Energy Development Group. Accessed December 10, 2014. "He resides in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey with his wife and two children."</ref>
• Darling Hill (born 1989), artistic gymnast<ref>Macur, Juliet. "Dealing With More Than Just Olympic Trials", The New York Times, June 21, 2008. Accessed September 8, 2015. "Hill said her biological parents 'weren't doing the right things to take care of a kid,' so 18 years ago — three days after Hill was born — Dixon drove to a Newark hospital and took her home to Mount Laurel, N.J."</ref>
• Victor Hobson (born 1980), former linebacker for the New York Jets<ref>Victor Hobson Template:Webarchive "Hometown: Mt. Laurel, NJ" "Drafted in 2nd Round of 2003 NFL Draft (New York Jets)"</ref>
• Jirair Hovnanian (1927–2007), home builder whose business developed and built over 6,000 houses throughout South Jersey<ref>Sims, Gayle Ronan. "An entrepreneur's final act of generosity", The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 16, 2007. Accessed March 25, 2011. "A funeral service will be held Friday for Mr. Hovnanian, 80, who never stopped striving to make the world a better place for his family, the Armenian people and the underdog. The Iraqi-born Armenian American died after collapsing at his Mount Laurel residence that day."</ref>
• Sara Keane (born 1991), soccer goalkeeper who played for FC Kansas City of the National Women's Soccer League<ref>2013 West Virginia University Women's Soccer Guide, West Virginia Mountaineers women's soccer. Accessed November 30, 2017. "Sara Keane 5-9 Senior Goalkeeper Mt. Laurel, N.J.... Posted 43 shutouts in three seasons for Bishop Eustace Prep"</ref>
• John Kruk (born 1961), former Major League Baseball player, notably with the Philadelphia Phillies<ref>Rys, Richard. "John Kruk" Template:Webarchive, Philadelphia, June 2007. Accessed March 25, 2011. "Another surprise, at least to us, is that he lives in Mount Laurel, keeping such a low profile that Exit Interview didn't even know he was still here."</ref>
• Ethel Lawrence (1926–1984), civil rights activist who was the lead plaintiff in the litigation for affordable housing in Mount Laurel, which led to the New Jersey Fair Housing Act, the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and the Mount Laurel doctrine<ref>Barricklow, Denise. "Celebrate Black History Month with an unsung hero", Bucks County Courier Times, February 18, 2021. Accessed March 22, 2022. "Celebrate this Black History Month by learning about the heroic and inspiring struggle of Ethel Lawrence, who is often called the 'Rosa Parks of affordable housing.' Ethel's epic battle began in the late 1960s when she joined forces with a brilliant team of lawyers — Carl S. Bisgaier, Kenneth E. Meiser and Peter J. O’Connor — to resist exclusionary zoning in Mount Laurel, which had shut out the development of affordable homes for the poor. "</ref>
• Francis Leo Lawrence (1937–2013), educator, scholar specializing in French literature and university administrator, who served from 1990 to 2002 as the 18th president of Rutgers University<ref>via Associated Press. "Francis Lawrence, Former Rutgers President, Dies at 75", The New York Times, April 17, 2013. Accessed November 30, 2017. "Mount Laurel, N.J. — Francis L. Lawrence, who was president of Rutgers University for 12 years and worked to raise its national profile, died on Tuesday at his home here. He was 75."</ref>
• Carli Lloyd (born 1982), member of United States women's national soccer team who played professionally for NJ/NY Gotham FC<ref>Narducci, Marc. "No end in sight for Carli Lloyd", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 25, 2014. Accessed July 6, 2015. "Lloyd has a residence in Mount Laurel, but because of her time with the U.S. team, she often goes long periods of time without being home."</ref>
• John Mazur (1930–2013), American football player and coach, who was quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and served as head coach for the New England Patriots from 1970 to 1972<ref>Grossfield, Stan. "For Mazur, the scars remain; Illness, financial woes weighing heavily on former Patriot coach", The Boston Globe, December 1, 2005. Accessed November 30, 2017. "Mount Laurel, N.J. -- Long before his body was ravaged by Parkinson's disease, John Mazur was the first head coach of the New England Patriots and the last coach of the Boston Patriots."</ref>
• Carol A. Murphy (born 1962 or 1963), politician who has represented the 7th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2018<ref>Bellano, Anthony. "New District Assemblywoman Carol Murphy Sworn In Carol Murphy, who will represent the 7th Legislative District, was sworn in to her first term on Tuesday.", Cinnaminson, NJ, Patch, January 10, 2018. Accessed June 8, 2020. "The first Democrat from Mount Laurel to ever serve in the state legislature and the first Assemblywoman to represent the district in 20 years was sworn into her first term in the New Jersey State Assembly on Tuesday. Carol Murphy will represent the 7th Legislative District, which includes Cinnaminson, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Beverly, Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Delanco, Delran, Edgewater Park, Fieldsboro, Florence, Palmyra, Riverside, Riverton, and Willingboro."</ref>
• Gregg Murphy, sports journalist who has been a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies<ref>Phillies Broadcasters, Philadelphia Phillies. Accessed August 8, 2019. "Born in Meadowbrook, Pa., Gregg was raised in Mt. Laurel, N.J. and played baseball at Holy Cross High School in Delran, N.J."</ref>
• John A. Nagy (1946–2016), author of books about espionage and mutinies of the American Revolution<ref>Home page Template:Webarchive, John A. Nagy. Accessed February 5, 2014. "John was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and he now resides in Mount Laurel, New Jersey."</ref>
• Alice Paul (1885–1977), leader of a campaign for women's suffrage resulting in passage of the 19th Amendment<ref>Kahn, Eve M. "Group Seeks to Buy a Suffragist's Home", The New York Times, July 13, 1989. Accessed October 18, 2019. "The Alice Paul Centennial Foundation plans to buy the house in Mount Laurel, but first the organization must raise $500,000 by Sept. 8.... The 2Template:Frac-story, stucco-clad brick farmhouse was built in 1840 and once overlooked the Paul family's Template:Convert Burlington County farm, east of Camden. Miss Paul was born in an upstairs bedroom in 1885 and lived in the house until she left for Swarthmore College in 1901."</ref>
• Fabiana Pierre-Louis (born 1980), attorney and jurist serving as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of New Jersey<ref>Staff. "Union Catholic Graduate Fabiana Pierre-Louis Nominated To Become First Black Woman To Serve on NJ Supreme Court", TAP into Elizabeth, June 5, 2020. Accessed June 5, 2020. "The 39-year-old Pierre-Louis, who resides in Mount Laurel, is currently a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP in Cherry Hill where she works in Montgomery McCracken's White Collar and Government Investigations practice group."</ref>
• Joe Pisarcik (born 1952), former professional football quarterback who played in the NFL for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles<ref>Gehman, Jim. "Where Are They Now? QB Joe Pisarcik", Philadelphia Eagles, August 13, 2015, backed up by the Internet Archive as of April 19, 2018. Accessed June 8, 2020. "Making his home in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Pisarcik is the father of five adult children: Kristin, Lindsey, Joseph, Katelyn and Jake."</ref>
• John Reid (born 1996), American football cornerback for the Houston Texans of the NFL<ref>Wogenrich, Mark. "Penn State's John Reid might be the future of football", The Morning Call, October 20, 2016.Accessed June 8, 2020. "Reid, a sophomore from Mount Laurel, N.J., has developed into a standout of the Lions' defense, which runs into second-ranked Ohio State on Saturday night."</ref>
• Dave Robinson (born 1941), Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee who played for Moorestown High School, Penn State University, the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins<ref>Picken, Barbara and Gail Greenberg (1972), Mount Laurel: a centennial history, p.36: "Dave Robinson at the Hula Bowl which honored him as a Penn State senior in the late 1950s. Robinson was an All-American at Penn State and became a defensive end [sic, linebacker] for the Green Bay Packers. He is the son of Mrs. Mary Robinson."</ref><ref>Carison, Chuck (2004). Game of my life: 25 stories of Packers football. Sports Publishing Template:ISBN, p.122: "Hometown: Mount Laurel, New Jersey"</ref>
• Sav Rocca (born 1973), former Australian rules footballer and NFL punterTemplate:Citation needed
• Anne Rosenberg, surgical oncologist.<ref>Morgan, Kate. "Room at the Inn (House); SJ homeowners open their doors on Airbnb", SJMag, December 2016. Accessed October 2, 2019. "When Anne Rosenberg saw a for-sale sign in the front yard of a charming fixer-upper in Moorestown two years ago, she knew she needed to buy it, despite having no plans to move off her Mount Laurel farm."</ref>
• Jon Runyan (born 1973), U.S. Congressman who played offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles<ref>Brookover, Bob. "Free agent Runyan to visit Jets today: The right tackle is also talking to the Birds. His goal is to stay near home and also get a good deal.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 21, 2006. Accessed March 25, 2011. "Runyan, 32, said this is likely to be his last NFL contract, and it is clear that he would like to remain with the Eagles if the price is right. Barring that, he wants to remain as close to his Mount Laurel home as possible."</ref>
• Scott Schoeneweis (born 1973), a relief pitcher who played in MLB for the New York Mets<ref>Wagman, Jake. "He is Mount Laurel's Angel", The Philadelphia Inquirer, October 21, 2002. Accessed March 25, 2011. "The parents of World Series pitcher Scott Schoeneweis want to set the record straight. Yes, he was born at a hospital in Long Branch, Monmouth County. And he did attend Lenape High School in Medford. But their little angel is a Mount Laurel native, through and through."</ref>
• Jill Scott (born 1972), soul and R&B singer-songwriter, poet, and actress<ref>Venutolo, Anthony. "Jill Scott performs 'chapters' of life in NJPAC concert", The Star-Ledger, March 7, 2008. Accessed January 30, 2011. "A 35-year-old Philadelphia native who lives in Mount Laurel, Scott has one of the strongest, most commanding voices in R&B, and an open-minded approach to music."</ref>
• Vai Sikahema (born 1962), former punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles, currently a morning news anchor for NBC 10 in Philadelphia<ref>Kravitz, Gary. "Where Are They Now: KR/PR Vai Sikahema" Template:Webarchive, Philadelphia Eagles, April 2, 2004. Accessed March 25, 2011. "Sikahema currently resides in Mount Laurel, N.J., with his wife Keala and four children: Landon, L.J., Trey, and Lana."</ref>
• Slushii (born 1997), stage name of disc jockey and electronic music producer, Julian Scanlan<ref>Riordan, Kevin. "He's Got the Beat; Mt. Laurel teen emerges on dance music scene.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 2014. Accessed May 22, 2024. "Julian Scanlan, a.k.a. DJ Swoon, is too young to go clubbing - unless he brings his party tunes. The Mount Laurel resident, 17, is a rising Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artist."</ref><ref>Marcus, Ezra. "The Sweet and Sour Life of Slushii; We talked to the EDM underdog about his love for Skrillex, his struggle with Asperger's Syndrome, and his escape from surburbia.", Vice.com, January 10, 2017. Accessed December 5, 2017. "LA-based producer Julian Scanlan might still be working at a Best Buy in New Jersey were it not for a SoundCloud violation.... He was 18 years old, living at his mom's house in suburban Mount Laurel while taking classes he wasn't excited about at a local community college."</ref>
• Inge Sørensen (1924–2011), swimmer from Denmark, who became the youngest known female Olympic Games medalist in an individual event when she won the bronze medal in the 200 m breaststroke at the 1936 Summer Olympics at the age of 12 years and 24 days<ref>"‘Little Lovely Inge’ Sørensen", Danish Teak Classics, March 21, 2011. Accessed November 30, 2017. "On March 9th, 2011, Denmark's sweetheart 'Little Lovely Inge' Sørensen died in her home in New Jersey at the age of 86.... A self-built wooden house set in the small forest of Mount Laurel, they lived a Danish lifestyle in America with homemade sausages and homemade bread."</ref>
• Jason Thompson (born 1986), former professional basketball player who played in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings<ref>Staff. "Evans has a less-than-stellar homecoming", The Philadelphia Inquirer, January 16, 2010. Accessed January 30, 2011. "That honor went to one of Evans' teammates, 6–11 Jason Thompson of Mount Laurel and Lenape High."</ref>
• Ryan Thompson (born 1988), professional basketball player<ref>Benkin, Ed. "Ryan Thompson follows in his brother's footsteps to NBA", The Central Record, November 2, 2010. Accessed December 10, 2014. "Ryan Thompson went undrafted this past summer and went looking for a team to sign him as a free agent. The Mount Laurel native got his wish in September when he was signed by the Utah Jazz."</ref>
• Bryan Warrick (born 1959), former professional basketball player who played five seasons in the NBA<ref>Friedman, Josh. "Then and now: Burlington Township star Bryan Warrick", Courier-Post, February 8, 2018. Accessed February 5, 2020. "Bryan Warrick - Burlington Township - Year graduated: 1978.... Resides: Mount Laurel"</ref>
• Stephen M. Wolownik (1946–2000), pioneer in the Russian and Eastern European music community in the United StatesTemplate:Citation needed
• Kenie Wright (born 1997), soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL<ref>Ralph, Matthew. "Two players with ties to the Philadelphia area selected in NWSL draft; Mount Laurel, N.J. native Kenie Wright and Penn Fusion WPSL alum Kaylan Marckese were both fourth round picks by Sky Blue FC", Brotherly Game, January 11, 2019. Accessed August 15, 2019. "Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese out of the University of Florida with their first pick in the fourth round (28th overall) and one pick later chose Mount Laurel, N.J. native Kenie Wright, a defender from Rutgers University."</ref>

External links

• Mount Laurel Township website
• Mount Laurel Schools
• Template:NJReportCard
• School Data for the Mount Laurel Schools, National Center for Education Statistics
• Lenape High School
• Mount Laurel Public Library
• Our Town: Mount Laurel
• Our neighbor, Mount Laurel by George Decou, an early history of Mount Laurel Township
• Revolutionary War sites in Mount Laurel, with photographs