Roselle, New Jersey

Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement Roselle (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell) is a borough located in Union County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 22,695,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> an increase of 1,610 (+7.6%) from the 2010 census count of 21,085,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected a decline of 189 (−0.9%) from the 21,274 counted in the 2000 census.<ref>Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> The Population Estimates Program calculated a population of 22,342 in 2023, a decrease of 353 (−1.6%).<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=PopEst/>

History

On January 19, 1883, the world's first electric lighting system employing overhead wires began service in Roselle. It had been built by Thomas Edison to demonstrate that an entire community could be illuminated by electricity. This success encouraged the installation of electric lighting in numerous other villages and cities.<ref>Good, Philip. "Historic Chandelier Restored", The New York Times, June 16, 1991. Accessed July 29, 2012. "In 1947, during a tribute to the inventor on the centennial of his birth, his son Charles Edison said: 'Here in Roselle for the first time electric lines were strung overhead. This was just one of the many experiments, revolutionary and bold for the time, which were tried out in Roselle. The success of the Roselle venture encouraged immediate and widespread installation of electric lighting in villages, towns and small cities throughout the nation.' The successful experiment began in 1882, and by 1883 the hanging light fixture was installed in the church's sanctuary."</ref> The First Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of West 5th Avenue and Chestnut Street, was the first church in the United States to be lit by electricity, and the second in the world after the City Temple church in London.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Roselle was incorporated on December 20, 1894, at the height of the Boroughitis phenomenon sweeping through New Jersey at the time, based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier, from portions of Linden.<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. 240. Accessed May 30, 2024.</ref> Roselle's name is derived from the Roselle Land Improvement Company, which was created in 1866 to lay out a community around the Mulford Station on the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The name "Roselle" is said to have been based on the company's founder, John Conklin Rose<ref>A Brief History of Roselle, Borough of Roselle. Accessed September 25, 2015. "By 1866, a Mr. John Conklin Rose took advantage of his connections with the railroad, (which was by then known as the Central Railroad of New Jersey) and with the cooperation of several landowners in this area established the Roselle Land Improvement Company. They laid out 'The Village of Roselle' on an area that the railroad had called Mulford Station, a stop on the road named for the many Mulford families who lived here."</ref> or from John Pierre Roselle, a friend of the railroad's president.<ref>The History of Roselle Park, New Jersey, Borough of Roselle Park. Accessed September 25, 2015. "In 1839, the first railroad began regular routes from Elizabethtown to Plainfield, and soon a stop at Mulford Station, named in honor of a prominent family, was scheduled, where Union Road crossed the tracks to Roselle. The stop was moved to Chestnut street about 30 years later and named Roselle in honor of the railroad president's good friend, John Pierre Roselle."</ref>

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 2.65 square miles (6.86 km²), including 2.64 square miles (6.82 km²) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) of water (0.49%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Aldene.<ref>Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref>

The borough is bordered by the Union County municipalities of Roselle Park to the north, Linden to the south and Cranford to the west and Elizabeth, along the edges of Warinanco Park, to the east.<ref>Areas touching Roselle, MapIt. Accessed March 4, 2020.</ref><ref>Union County Municipal Profiles, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed March 4, 2020.</ref><ref>New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref> Morses Creek runs through the borough.

Demographics

2020 census

Roselle borough, New Jersey – Racial and ethnic composition
Template:Nobold

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>Template:Cite web</ref>	Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>Template:Cite web</ref>	Template:Partial<ref name=2020CensusP2>Template:Cite web</ref>	% 2000	% 2010	Template:Partial
White alone (NH)	5,674	3,389	2,474	26.67%	16.07%	10.90%
Black or African American alone (NH)	10,669	11,148	10,800	50.15%	52.87%	47.59%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	46	25	37	0.22%	0.12%	0.16%
Asian alone (NH)	573	464	580	2.69%	2.20%	2.56%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	12	0	7	0.06%	0.00%	0.03%
Some Other Race alone (NH)	95	112	222	0.45%	0.53%	0.98%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)	564	303	675	2.65%	1.44%	2.97%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	3,641	5,644	7,900	17.11%	26.77%	34.81%
Total	21,274	21,085	22,695	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 21,085 people, 7,407 households, and 5,096 families in the borough. The population density was 7,953.5 per square mile (3,070.9/km²). There were 7,939 housing units at an average density of 2,994.7 per square mile (1,156.3/km²). The racial makeup was 29.59% (6,240) White, 55.06% (11,610) Black or African American, 0.31% (65) Native American, 2.23% (471) Asian, 0.02% (5) Pacific Islander, 9.63% (2,030) from other races, and 3.15% (664) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26.77% (5,644) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 7,407 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18; 42.0% were married couples living together; 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.2% were non-families. Of all households, 26.7% were made up of individuals and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.44.<ref name=Census2010/>

23.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 90.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 85.6 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $58,041 (with a margin of error of +/− $3,948) and the median family income was $64,038 (+/− $4,495). Males had a median income of $40,163 (+/− $3,874) versus $36,210 (+/− $1,612) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,678 (+/− $1,130). About 7.5% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Roselle borough, Union County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 21,274 people, 7,520 households, and 5,226 families residing in the borough. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 7,870 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the borough was 51.32% African American, 35.58% White, 0.31% Native American, 2.71% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 6.07% from other races, and 3.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.11% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Roselle borough, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Roselle borough, Union County, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref>

8.0% of the population of Roselle (Creole: Wozel) was of Haitian ancestry. This was the third-highest such percentage in New Jersey and the 16th-highest of any municipality in the nation.<ref>Haitian Communities Template:Webarchive, Epodunk. Accessed December 3, 2015.</ref>

There were 7,520 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 18.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.41.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the borough the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.8 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the borough was $51,254, and the median income for a family was $58,841. Males had a median income of $37,604 versus $32,535 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $21,269. About 5.8% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Economy

Portions of the borough are part of an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), one of 32 zones covering 37 municipalities statewide. Roselle was selected in 2002 as one of a group of three zones added to participate in the program.<ref>Urban Enterprise Zone Tax Questions and Answers, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, May 2009. Accessed October 28, 2019. "The legislation was amended again in 2002 to include 3 more zones. They include Bayonne City, Roselle Borough, and a joint zone consisting of North Wildwood City, Wildwood City, Wildwood Crest Borough, and West Wildwood Borough."</ref> In addition to other benefits to encourage employment and investment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% sales tax rate (half of the Template:Frac% rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants.<ref>Urban Enterprise Zone Program, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge half the standard sales tax rate on certain purchases, currently 3.3125% effective 1/1/2018"</ref> Established in July 2002, the borough's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in December 2023.<ref>Urban Enterprise Zone Effective and Expiration Dates, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed January 8, 2018.</ref>

Arts and culture

The Roselle House Music Festival is held each July in Warinanco Park, sponsored by the borough council, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and commercial brand sponsors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Parks and recreation

Warinanco Park is a Union County park created in 1920 that covers Template:Convert in Roselle and Elizabeth.<ref>About Us, Warinanco Park. Accessed December 7, 2022. "Historic Warinanco Park, named after a prominent Native American Lanape leader, opened in 1920. Located in Union County on the border of the borough of Roselle and the city of Elizabeth, the 205 acre park packs in numerous amenities for the community."</ref>

Government

Local government

Roselle 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.<ref>Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The 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.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 90.</ref> Roselle is divided into five election districts, referred to as wards.<ref>Ward Map, Borough of Roselle. Accessed May 14, 2020.</ref> One councilperson is elected from each of the five wards, and one councilperson is elected from the borough at-large.<ref name=Officials/><ref>About Roselle, Borough of Roselle. Accessed May 14, 2020. "Roselle is incorporated as a borough. The salaried governing body is the Borough Council which is made up of six members and a mayor. The mayor and council representative-at-large are elected by the entire borough. The remaining five council members are elected from five wards, one from each ward in which the member resides. Term of office for mayor is four years; council members, three years."</ref><ref>§ 5-2 Elected officers; wards., Borough of Roselle. Accessed May 14, 2020. "A. The elected officers of the Borough shall consist of the Mayor and six Council members, one member elected at large, five members elected by ward in the Borough, all of whom shall be elected and take office in the manner provided by law. The term of office shall commence January 1 next following their election. B. Wards. The Borough of Roselle shall be divided into five wards with one Council member to be elected from each ward and one Council member to be elected at large. The wards and election districts as shown on the map dated (date) are incorporated herein by reference."</ref> Roselle is one of only two boroughs statewide that use wards (the other is Roselle Park).<ref>"What Ward Am I In?: A Primer On Roselle Park’s Wards", Roselle Park News. Accessed May 14, 2020. "Out of the 566 municipalities in the state, Roselle Park is only one of two that have a Borough form of government that have ward councilmembers dedicated to individual wards. The other is its neighbor to the south, Roselle.... In Roselle Park and Roselle, residents in each of the five wards can vote for their ward council representative and only they can vote for their councilmember."</ref> The borough form of government used by Roselle 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.<ref>Cerra, Michael F. "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask" Template:Webarchive, New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Accessed November 30, 2014.</ref><ref>"Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 6. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> A borough administrator, appointed by the borough council, oversees the day-to-day operations of the municipal government.

Template:As of, the mayor of the Borough of Roselle is Democrat Donald Shaw, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2027.<ref name=Mayor>Mayor Donald A. Shaw, Borough of Roselle. Accessed April 21, 2024.</ref> Members of the Roselle Borough Council are Council President Cindy Thomas (Ward 4; D, 2025), Brandon Bernier (Ward 2; D, 2024), John Fortuna (Ward 5; D, 2024), Cynthia Johnson (Ward 3; D, 2026), Isabel Sousa (Ward 1; D, 2026), and Denise Wilkerson (Council-at-Large; D, 2025).<ref name=Officials>Elected Officials, Borough of Roselle. Accessed April 21, 2022.</ref><ref name=UnionOfficials>Union County Elected Officials, Union County, New Jersey Clerk. Accessed April 30, 2022.</ref><ref name=Union2023>General Election November 7, 2023 Official Results, Union County, New Jersey, updated November 22, 2023. Accessed January 3, 2024.</ref><ref name=Union2022>General Election November 8, 2022 Official Results, Union County, New Jersey, updated November 21, 2022. Accessed January 3, 2024.</ref><ref name=Union2021>General Election November 2, 2021 Official Results, Union County, New Jersey, updated November 15, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.</ref>

In January 2020, the borough council appointed Isabel Sousa to fill the First Ward seat expiring in December 2020 that had been held by Denise Wilkerson until she resigned from office to take a seat as the at-large councilmember.<ref>"The Borough of Roselle Welcomes Incoming First Ward Councilwoman Isabel Sousa", Borough of Roselle, February 5, 2020. Accessed May 14, 2020. "The Borough of Roselle Council has named Isabel Sousa as their choice to replace the vacant First Ward seat at the January 27, 2020 special council meeting. The First Ward seat was previously held by Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson who was elected to Council-at-Large in the November Election."</ref>

Council President Kim Shaw was named to serve as acting mayor in March 2015, after Jamel Holley was named to fill a vacant seat in the New Jersey General Assembly.<ref>Lloyd, Kathy. "Update: Council President Kim Shaw Will Serve As Acting Mayor of Roselle", TAPinto.net. Accessed March 7, 2015. "A correction to the story posted on TAPinto on Monday evening: TAPinto Roselle had originally reported Council President Kim Shaw as being sworn in as mayor. Shaw was actually sworn in as 'acting mayor' until a new candidate can be chosen. Shaw is the first African-American woman in the position of acting mayor in Roselle history due to the vacancy of former Mayor Jamel Holley leaving for the State Assembly."</ref> She served until Dansereau was sworn in on March 11, 2015, making her the first woman to serve as mayor in borough history.<ref name=DanserauSworn>Staff. "Christine Dansereau sworn in as first female mayor of Roselle", Suburban News, March 12, 2015. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Christine Dansereau was sworn in to Roselle's highest office Wednesday night, becoming the first female mayor in the Borough's 132-year history. Dansereau, who had served as 5th Ward Councilwoman for eight years and the last three years as Councilwoman-at-Large, succeeds former Mayor Jamel C. Holley, who resigned his post on Feb. 23 to represent the 20th District in the Assembly."</ref>

In April 2015, the borough council, based on nominations submitted by the Democratic municipal committee, chose Samuel Bishop to fill the vacant seat in the 5th Ward of Roy Locke, while Reginald W. Atkins was chosen to fill the at-large seat vacated by Christine Dansereau when she was sworn in as mayor.<ref>Smith, Bhriana. "Two new Members Added to Roselle Council", TAPinto.net, April 11, 2015. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Roy Locke, former Councilman of the 5th ward, was asked to step down by Former Mayor Jamel Holley due to reoccurring absences from public meetings, the seat of 5th ward councilman has been vacant since the beginning of March. Locke's seat was filled by Samuel Bishop.... Filling the seat of Councilman At-Large, vacated by Christine Dansereau who is now Roselle Mayor is Reginald W. Atkins."</ref> Locke had resigned from office in February 2015, under pressure from then-mayor Jamal Holley who cited Locke's frequent absences from council meetings, which Locke attributed to conflicting work and personal responsibilities.<ref>Lannan, Katie. "Roselle councilman steps down after dispute over absences", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, February 19, 2015. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Locke, a first-term councilman elected in 2012, cited increased personal and professional demands when he submitted his resignation to Mayor Jamel Holley and the council on Wednesday. He will continue serve as 5th Ward councilman through the end of the month. Holley had been calling for Locke to step down, citing an attendance record he said was among the worst he'd ever seen."</ref>

Federal, state and county representation

Roselle is located in the 10th 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 20th 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

As of March 2011, there were a total of 11,743 registered voters in Roselle, of which 7,127 (60.7% vs. 41.8% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 526 (4.5% vs. 15.3%) were registered as Republicans and 4,087 (34.8% vs. 42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Union, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref> Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 55.7% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 72.8% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% 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 May 22, 2013.</ref> Template:PresHead Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow |}

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 8,034 votes (88.8% vs. 66.0% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 875 votes (9.7% vs. 32.3%) and other candidates with 53 votes (0.6% vs. 0.8%), among the 9,043 ballots cast by the borough's 12,694 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.2% (vs. 68.8% in Union County).<ref>Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 8,055 votes (85.4% vs. 63.1% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 1,262 votes (13.4% vs. 35.2%) and other candidates with 52 votes (0.6% vs. 0.9%), among the 9,428 ballots cast by the borough's 12,533 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.2% (vs. 74.7% in Union County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 6,325 votes (79.4% vs. 58.3% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 1,564 votes (19.6% vs. 40.3%) and other candidates with 40 votes (0.5% vs. 0.7%), among the 7,971 ballots cast by the borough's 11,609 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.7% (vs. 72.3% in the whole county).<ref>2004 Presidential Election: Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref>

In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Democrat Phil Murphy received 3,823 votes (87.6% vs. 65.2% countywide), ahead of Republican Kim Guadagno with 476 votes (10.9% vs. 32.6%), and other candidates with 65 votes (1.5% vs. 2.1%), among the 4,549 ballots cast by the borough's 13,091 registered voters, for a turnout of 34.7%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Democrat Barbara Buono received 71.3% of the vote (2,882 cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 27.6% (1,115 votes), and other candidates with 1.1% (44 votes), among the 4,283 ballots cast by the borough's 12,460 registered voters (242 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 34.4%.<ref name=2013Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 3,816 ballots cast (77.3% vs. 50.6% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 866 votes (17.5% vs. 41.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 170 votes (3.4% vs. 5.9%) and other candidates with 35 votes (0.7% vs. 0.8%), among the 4,939 ballots cast by the borough's 12,148 registered voters, yielding a 40.7% turnout (vs. 46.5% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Union County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed May 22, 2013.</ref>

Education

Students are educated by the Roselle Public Schools, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.<ref>Roselle Borough Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed March 24, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in the Roselle Borough School District. Composition: The Roselle Borough School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Roselle Borough in the County of Union."</ref> As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 2,897 students and 289.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.0:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Roselle Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics<ref>School Data for the Roselle Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2020.</ref>) are Kindergarten Success Academy<ref>Kindergarten Success Academy, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 184 students in Kindergarten, Harrison Elementary School<ref>Harrison Elementary School, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 268 students in grades 1–4, Dr. Charles C. Polk Elementary School<ref>Dr. Charles C. Polk Elementary School, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 295 students in grades 1–4, Washington Elementary School<ref>Washington Elementary School, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 317 students in grades 1–4, Leonard V. Moore Middle School<ref>Leonard V. Moore Middle School, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 460 students in grades 5–6, Grace Wilday Junior High School<ref>Grace Wilday Junior High School, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref> with 503 students in grades 7–8 and Abraham Clark High School<ref>Abraham Clark High School, Roselle Public Schools. June 30, 2022.</ref> with 781 students in grades 9–12.<ref>School Hours, Roselle Public Schools. Accessed June 30, 2022.</ref><ref>School Performance Reports for the Roselle Public School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 1, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Roselle Public Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>

Roselle Catholic High School, a parochial high school run by the Marist Brothers, serves grades 9–12 under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.<ref>Union County Secondary Schools, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. Accessed December 7, 2022.</ref>

St. Joseph the Carpenter School, which was founded in 1913, serves students in preschool through eighth grade, operating under the supervision of the Newark Archdiocese.<ref>School History, St. Joseph the Carpenter School. Accessed August 4, 2016. "In the late summer of 1913, two hearty pioneer Sisters of St. Joseph traveled by train from their convent in Bayonne to establish St. Joseph the Carpenter School."</ref><ref>Union County Catholic Elementary Schools, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. Accessed August 4, 2016.</ref>

Transportation

Roads and highways

File:2018-06-20 14 17 06 View north along New Jersey State Route 27 (Saint Georges Avenue) at Harrison Avenue along the border of Linden and Roselle in Union County, New Jersey.jpg

Route 27 northbound on the southeast edge of Roselle

Template:As of, the borough had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality, Template:Convert by Union County and Template:Convert by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.<ref>Union County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014.</ref>

New Jersey Route 27 is the most significant highway in Roselle.<ref>Route 27 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated May 2018. Accessed March 4, 2023.</ref> It forms the borough's southeastern border with Linden.<ref>Union County Highway Map, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed March 4, 2023.</ref>

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City on the 112 and 115 routes, to Newark on the 59, 62 and 94 routes, with local service available on the 56 and 57.<ref>Union County Bus / Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref>

Conrail's freight-only Lehigh Line passes through the community along the tracks of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad. The town once shared a passenger station with Roselle Park on the mainline of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. That line is abandoned.

The Staten Island Railway passed through the community before being dormant for years. It was reactivated by the Morristown & Erie Railway, but Morristown & Erie did not renew their option and their 10-year lease ceased as of May 15, 2012.Template:Citation needed

Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately Template:Convert from Roselle.

Notable people

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

• Rabih Abdullah (born 1975), running back who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots<ref>Blockus, Gary R. "Limited options ** Ex-Lehigh back Abdullah, getting limited play with the Bucs, will be a free agent at the end of the season. But he wants to stay in Tampa. ** Wild Card Playoffs: Tampa Bay at Philadelphia 4:30 P.M. Saturday, + Veterans Stadium", The Morning Call, January 10, 2002. Accessed March 13, 2011. "Abdullah, a 6-1, 227-pounder from Roselle, NJ, knew the game carried special importance for him."</ref>
• Reginald Atkins (born 1967), pastor and politician, who has represented the 20th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2022.<ref>"Former Roselle Mayor Reginald Atkins Sworn in to State Assembly", TAP into Roselle, January 12, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023. "Former Roselle Mayor Reginald Atkins was sworn in to the General Assembly on Tuesday. He represents the 20th Legislative District, serving neighbors in Roselle, Elizabeth, Hillside and Union Township."</ref>
• Charles Augustus Briggs (1841–1913), Presbyterian theologian<ref>Staff. "Dr. Chas. A. Briggs, Theologian, Dead; Teacher Who Twenty Years Ago Divided Presbyterians a Victim of Pneumonia.", The New York Times, June 9, 1913. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref>
• Abraham Clark (1725–1794), a founding father of the United States of America and a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence<ref>Biographical Sketches: Abraham Clark, National Park Service. Accessed August 12, 2007. "Clark was stricken with a sunstroke in 1794 at his birthplace in Roselle, where he had lived all his life except when political duty called him away."</ref>
• Neil M. Cohen (born 1951), represented the 20th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly until being forced to suddenly resign after child pornography was discovered on his computer<ref>Assembly Member Neil M. Cohen, Project Vote Smart. Accessed August 12, 2007.</ref>
• Greg Cook (1958–2005), basketball player<ref>Greg Cook, LSU Tigers basketball. Accessed February 25, 2020. "City/State: Roselle, N.J.; High School: Abraham Clark HS"</ref>
• Leo Disend (1915–1985), tackle who played in the NFL for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Green Bay Packers<ref>via Associated Press. "Football Dodgers Sign Leo Disend of Roselle", Courier News, July 9, 1938. Accessed September 24, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "The club also announced the signing of Leo Disend, 218-pound tackle from Roselle, N. J., and Albright College."</ref>
• Harold Dobbs (1918–1994), Republican politician and civic leader in San Francisco who founded Mel's Drive-In and served as president of the city's Board of Supervisors<ref>"Former S. F. politician Harold Dobbs, 75, dies", The San Bernardino Sun, August 17, 1994. Accessed June 27, 2018. "A carpenter's son and a native of Roselle, N.J., Dobbs moved with his family to San Diego in the early 1930s."</ref>
• Jameel Dumas (born 1981), linebacker who played in NFL Europe<ref>Eisner, Dan. "Hemmings, Dumas officially sign", Home News Tribune, February 4, 1999. Accessed March 13, 2011. "Roselle's Jameel Dumas was in a similar situation. Although the linebacker committed to Syracuse in late September he still received calls from other coaches in an attempt to change his mind."</ref>
• William Perry Fogg (1826–1909), author and adventurer<ref>William Perry Fogg - Encyclopedia of Cleveland History - Case Western Reserve University</ref>
• Jerry Green (born 1939), politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1992, where he represents the 22nd Legislative District<ref>Mooney, John. "For Assemblyman Jerry Green: Politics Is Business", TAPinto.net, March 16, 2015. Accessed September 25, 2015. "Green, who stands 6-foot-3, grew up in Roselle and was a star basketball player in high school."</ref>
• Rosey Grier (born 1932), former football player in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, a member of the original Fearsome Foursome<ref>Krier, Beth Ann. "Rosey Grier Takes a Giant Step", Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1977. Accessed March 13, 2011. "After the Griers moved North to a better life in Roselle, NJ, Grier developed as a champion high school athlete and won scholarship offers from 25 colleges..."</ref>
• Al Harrington (born 1980), professional basketball player who formerly played for the NBA's New York Knicks<ref>D'Allesandro, Dave. "Roselle native Harrington easing up on trade talk with Warriors", The Star-Ledger, November 1, 2008. Accessed March 13, 2011.</ref>
• Jamel Holley (born 1979), politician who was chosen in 2015 to serve as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 20th Legislative District, after having served as mayor of Roselle since 2012<ref>Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed September 25, 2015. "Borough of Roselle, Mayor 2012-15, Council 2004-11"</ref>
• Jesse Holley (born 1984), signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2007, he was winner of the Spike TV reality show 4th and Long<ref>Jesse Holley Template:Webarchive, University of North Carolina. Accessed October 6, 2007.</ref>
• Gene-Ann Polk Horne (1926–2015), physician and hospital administrator, director of pediatric ambulatory care at Harlem Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Columbia University<ref>Savage, Lauren. "A Doctor's Living Legacy", Columbia Magazine, Spring / Summer 2105. Accessed June 14, 2020. "In 1936, when the Works Progress Administration commissioned black artists to paint murals for Harlem Hospital Center, Gene-Ann Polk Horne ’68PH was a little girl growing up in Roselle, New Jersey."</ref>
• Phil Ivey (born 1976), professional poker player<ref>Beauregard, Steve. "Phil Ivey and His Divorce From His Wife Luciaetta Ivey", Gamboool!, April 12, 2014. Accessed June 14, 2015. "The two met before Phil became the wealthy, poker king he is today. In fact, they were high school sweethearts back in Roselle, New Jersey, where they met when Phil was 17 years old."</ref><ref>Template:Cite news "Phil was born in Riverside, California, but the Ivey family upped sticks and relocated in Roselle, New Jersey when he was three months old."</ref>
• Kendall James (born 1991), football cornerback who has played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns<ref>McDonnell, Tim. "Former Maine Defensive Back Kendall James Drafted By Minnesota In Sixth Round", Colonial Athletic Association, May 10, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2015. "As a senior in 2013, James was named an Associated Press FCS All-American second team selection and was also tabbed a first team All-CAA honoree. The Roselle, New Jersey, native headlined a Maine secondary that allowed a league-low 165.4 passing yards per game last fall."</ref>
• Emil Milan (born 1922), mid-century designer craftsman who worked primarily in wood<ref>Emil Milan, Smithsonian American Art Museum. Accessed June 14, 2015.</ref>
• Barron Miles (born 1972), defensive back for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League<ref>Hambleton, Ken. "Catching up with Barron Miles", Lincoln Journal Star, December 1, 2006. Accessed March 13, 2011. "The Roselle, N.J., native set NU school records for pass breakups in a season and career, kick blocks in a season and career, and was named All-Big Eight twice."</ref>
• Rebecca Morse (born 1992), ice hockey defender, currently playing for the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League<ref>Kadosh, Matt. "", TAP into Westfield, January 17, 2019. Accessed January 4, 2021. "Morse, now a resident of Roselle, noted that hockey can be a tough sport to get into for those who don’t have the resources."</ref>
• Carole Dawn Reinhart (born 1941), trumpet player and professor in Vienna<ref>ITG News: Carole Dawn Reinhart - biographical notes, International Trumpet Guild. Accessed November 20, 2020. Accessed November 21, 2020. "Miss Reinhart was born in Roselle, New Jersey on Dec. 20th, 1941, a Christmas carol born at dawn."</ref><ref>Board of Directors, International Women's Brass Conference. Accessed November 21, 2020. "Carole Dawn Reinhart was born in Roselle, New Jersey on Dec. 20th, 1941."</ref>
• Charles August Sulzer (1879–1919), delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the Alaska Territory<ref>Charles August Sulzer, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed March 13, 2011.</ref>
• William H. Tunner (1906–1983), general officer in the United States Air Force<ref>Staff. "Tunner New India-China ATC Leader" Template:Webarchive, The Command Post, September 8, 1944. Accessed March 13, 2011. "A native of Roselle, N.J., Gen. Tunner was graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1928 and commissioned a second lieutenant, field artillery. Since that time the bulk of his Army career has been devoted to the aviation branch of service."</ref>
• Lucius Walker (1930–2010), Baptist minister best known for his opposition to the United States embargo against Cuba<ref>Martin, Douglas. "Lucius Walker, Baptist Pastor for Peace, Dies at 80", The New York Times, September 11, 2010. Accessed September 12, 2010.</ref>

See also

• Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey, 1967, a photograph by Diane Arbus of the Wade twins<ref>Segal, David. "Double Exposure", The Washington Post, May 12, 2005. Accessed July 21, 2016. "They remember none of it. Not the lady with the camera, arranging them by a wall at the Knights of Columbus hall in their home town of Roselle, N.J. Not the chocolate cake they had just finished, which is very faintly visible in the picture at the creases of their lips. The Wade sisters, as they were known before they each married, recall nothing about the day they gazed into the lens of Diane Arbus and became part of American photographic history."</ref>

External links

• Roselle Borough website
• Roselle Public Library