Closter, New Jersey

Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement Closter (Template:IPAc-en<ref name=Westergaard>Westergaard, Barbara. "Closter: Bergen", New Jersey: A Guide to the State, p. 78. Rutgers University Press, 2006. Template:ISBN. Accessed July 22, 2011. "Known locally as the "hub of the Northern Valley," Closter (pronounced with a long o) was an early settlement - the first individual purchases in the records date to 1701 - and many of its Dutch houses remain (try Hickory La. and Piermont Rd.)"</ref><ref>Melisurgo, Len. "Here's the right way to pronounce 25 N.J. town names everyone botches", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, June 25, 2017. Accessed June 26, 2017. "Closter (Bergen County) - There's been some debate over whether this small borough is pronounced CLOSS-ter, with a soft O, CLOSE-ter, with a long O (rhyming with glows or Lowe's), or CLOOS-ter, which rhymes with rooster. Which one is correct? The locals say it's CLOSE-ter, rhyming with glows and Lowe's."</ref>) is a borough in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 8,594,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> an increase of 221 (+2.6%) from the 2010 census count of 8,373,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn reflected a decline of 10 (−0.1%) from the 8,383 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>

History

The Lenape Native Americans tilled the soil, hunted in the woods, and fished in the rivers and streams before the Dutch arrived in the early 18th Century. The Dutch settlers, though, left an indelible mark on the area. Early records show that after the English takeover of New Netherland, English Governor Philip Carteret in 1669 granted a real estate speculator named Balthaser De Hart a strip of property which extended east and west from the Hudson River to the Tiena Kill, and north and south from today's Cresskill into Palisades, New York.<ref name="Budke, George H. 1975 pp. 165-167">Budke, George H., Abstracts of early deeds, patents, mortgages and other instruments affecting the land titles of Rockland County, NY. (New City, New York : Library Association of Rockland County, 1975), pp. 165-167.</ref> It is within these geographical boundaries that lies what is now known as Closter. The first land grant deed for the area today known as Closter was not written until April 13, 1671.<ref>Isaac Bedlow & Balthasar De Hart deed recorded March 15, 1744, Liber No.1, page 115, of East Jersey Patents, Office of the Secretary of State, Trenton, N.J.</ref> The northern half of this tract of land consisting of Template:Convert (extending from what is Closter Dock Road northward) was purchased by Barent and Resolvert Nagel on April 25, 1710,<ref name=Deed>April 25, 1710 Deed between Lancaster Symes and Barent and Resolvert Nagel (Early Orange County Deeds, Orange County Court House, Goshen, New York), p. 68</ref><ref>Closter History, Borough of Closter Historic Preservation Commission, Accessed July 26, 2017.</ref> who along with the Vervalen family first settled what is now Closter.

The name Closter is of Dutch origin and first appears in a November 18, 1721, deed between the surviving Tappan Patentees and Peter Haring (who owned land in Harrington Park/Norwood east of Tappan Road and between Harrington and Blanche Avenues)—the meets and bounds of the deed begin “Beginning at the bridge which comes out of the Clooster by the Dwars Kill..."<ref>Orange County Deeds Book C, Page 75</ref> At that time, Closter was in an area under dispute between the colonial provinces of New Jersey and New York. In the Dutch language, Klooster or "clooster" means "a quiet place, a monastery or cloister."<ref>Translate klooster from Dutch to English, Interglot. Accessed August 29, 2015.</ref> The name was originally pronounced with an "ow" sound, phonetically, "Klowster."Template:Citation needed Later, just before the American Revolution, these isolated settlers began to feel the impact of the British Crown in their lives—not only in governmental affairs but also by the influx of English culture on their own language and practices. As a result, the "K" in Klooster was dropped and was replaced with a "C" so the now growing village became known as Clooster. By 1795, with the emerging new American culture, the second "o" in Clooster was dropped, and the American English "long o" sound was adopted which led to today's pronunciation of Closter.<ref name=Westergaard/>

The topography gave a sense of isolation and protection, tucked behind the highest point of the Palisades and protected by limited access. Alternatively, sources indicate that the name derives from an early settler named Frederick Closter who is said to have been granted the land in the area in the 1600s.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 28, 2015.</ref><ref>Pinto, Jennifer. "At Home In: Closter", The Record, May 31, 2012, backed up by the Internet Archive as of March 10, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017. "According to the borough's website, 'It is believed that Closter was named after Frederick Closter, who received a grant of several thousand acres as a military reward from King Charles I of England.'"</ref><ref>"A Curious Land Claim. An Old Title to Property In Bergen County", Passaic Daily News, March 29, 1894. Accessed January 30, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "More than two hundred and fifty years ago, as the story goes, one Frederick Closter, a Scandinavian by birth was a soldier in the army of King Charles I. of England. For heroism on the field of battle the King granted to his brave vassal, by patent under the great seal of the kingdom, a tract of several thousand acres of wild land on the West bank of the Hudson river, including within it the sites of the present villages of Closter and Alpine and much of the country round about. Frederick Closter, the patentee, abandoned the life of a soldier, came to America, settled on the tract in question and built a dock on the river front, which he called Closter dock. In order to further perpetuate his surname, he bestowed it on the whole tract. This was in 1639 or 1640. In 1643 Frederick Closter and his adventurous companions were all murdered by Indians, but, although the immigrant was completely wiped out, his plantation and his dock have ever since retained his name."</ref>

Reminders of Closter's early Dutch history abound - with local streets named after some of the early families (Bogert, Demarest, Durie, Naugle, Parsells, Vervalen, Auryansen, Haring, and Westervelt), and a rich collection of unique Jersey Dutch houses.<ref>Historic Sites, Borough of Closter. Accessed June 3, 2014.</ref>

The arrival of the Northern Branch in 1859,<ref>Map of the Northern Rail Road of New Jersey, Library of Congress. Accessed June 3, 2014.</ref> followed by additional train service from what became the West Shore Railroad, brought residents to the community who could commute to Manhattan via the ferry across the Hudson River at the railroad's Weehawken depot.<ref name=NYTCloster/> Closter's central location earned it the nickname "Hub of the Northern Valley".<ref name=History>Sustainable Closter Initiative, Borough of Closter, April 2008. Accessed September 11, 2017.</ref>

Closter was formed as an incorporated municipality by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 1, 1904, from portions of Harrington Township. On March 29, 1904, Harrington Park was created from portions of Closter, Harrington Township and Washington 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. 76. Accessed May 17, 2012.</ref><ref>"History of Bergen County" p. 343 has the date as April 13, 1903 for the formation of Closter.</ref>

After the turn of the 20th century, Closter changed from being sprawling estates and farms into an upper middle class suburban town.<ref name=NYTCloster>DePalma, Anthony. "Closter", The New York Times, February 27, 1983. Accessed July 22, 2011.</ref>

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 3.30 square miles (8.55 km²), including 3.16 square miles (8.18 km²) of land and 0.14 square miles (0.37 km²) of water (4.30%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

Closter has a humid subtropical climate similar to the rest of the Middle Atlantic region of the United States.

Closter borders the Bergen County municipalities of Alpine, Demarest, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth and Norwood.<ref>Areas touching Closter, MapIt. Accessed March 24, 2020.</ref><ref>Bergen County Map of Municipalities, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed March 24, 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 8,373 people, 2,747 households, and 2,327 families in the borough. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 2,860 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup was 64.17% (5,373) White, 1.31% (110) Black or African American, 0.05% (4) Native American, 31.65% (2,650) Asian, 0.01% (1) Pacific Islander, 1.54% (129) from other races, and 1.27% (106) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.98% (501) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 2,747 households, 43.4% had children under the age of 18; 73.2% were married couples living together; 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present and 15.3% were non-families. Of all households, 12.9% were made up of individuals and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02 and the average family size was 3.30.<ref name=Census2010/>

26.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.4 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

Korean Americans accounted for 21.2% of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Same-sex couples headed 15 households in 2010, an increase from the 10 counted in 2000.<ref>Lipman, Harvy; and Sheingold, Dave. "North Jersey sees 30% growth in same-sex couples", The Record, August 14, 2011, backed up by the Internet Archive as of February 3, 2013. Accessed August 28, 2014.</ref>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $117,147 (with a margin of error of +/− $14,096) and the median family income was $128,656 (+/− $13,704). Males had a median income of $93,578 (+/− $13,709) versus $64,167 (+/− $13,864) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $50,501 (+/− $4,636). About 3.2% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.<ref>DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Closter borough, Bergen County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 17, 2012.</ref>

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 8,383 people, 2,789 households, and 2,320 families residing in the borough. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 2,865 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the borough was 75.32% White, 21.56% Asian, 0.93% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.81% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Closter borough, New Jersey Template:Webarchive, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 5, 2013.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Closter borough, Bergen County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 5, 2013.</ref>

As of the 2000 Census, 12.75% of Closter's residents identified themselves as being of Korean ancestry, which was the seventh highest in the United States and fifth highest of any municipality in New Jersey, for all places with 1,000 or more residents identifying their ancestry.<ref>Korean Communities Template:Webarchive, EPodunk. Accessed March 2, 2011.</ref> As of the 2010 Census, 21.2% residents (1,771 people) indicated that they were of Korean ancestry.<ref name=Census2010/>

There were 2,789 households, out of which 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.9% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.8% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.30.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the borough the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the borough was $83,918, and the median income for a family was $94,543. Males had a median income of $65,848 versus $39,125 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $37,065. About 1.7% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 1.8% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

Economy

Closter has an outdoor mall called Closter Plaza that includes stores, restaurants and a movie theater. First constructed in the 1960s, a long-term construction project began in July 2015 that added a Whole Foods, Target, HomeGoods, and other new businesses to the Template:Convert mall, which occupies a Template:Convert site.<ref>Lynn, Kathleen. "Closter, N.J.: Strong Schools and a Revitalized Downtown", The New York Times, May 30, 2018. Accessed December 18, 2023. "For years, downtown Closter, N.J., was defined by the empty storefronts and potholed parking lot of Closter Plaza, a 1960s shopping center that had fallen on hard times.... But a few years ago, a new owner renovated the 16-acre property, attracting national retailers like Whole Foods, Target and HomeGoods."</ref> In August 2012, the mall was used for filming scenes for the film The Wolf of Wall Street.<ref>Yellin, Deena. "After 10 years, Closter Plaza renovation begins", The Record, July 13, 2015, backed up by the Internet Archive as of March 26, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Closter Plaza was the site of Hollywood activity in August 2012, when the Martin Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street, began filming there with star Leonardo DiCaprio."</ref> The renovation project, which had been in the works for more than a decade, was completed in late 2016.<ref>Mayor's Newsletter, Borough of Closter. December 29, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2023. "The renovation and reopening of the Closter Plaza was one of the most visible milestones that Closter has realized, followed by our road projects and municipal upgrades. The planning and construction of the new Plaza has taken the last twelve years."</ref>

Sports

The Closter Golf Center includes a 120 stalls in a two-story driving range, as well as a mini golf course.<ref>Lamendola, Michael. "Recreational activities in Bergen are calling your name", Glen Rock Gazette, June 7, 2013. Accessed December 27, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "Other similar facilities include the 24-acre Closter Golf Center (153 Homans Ave., Closter) with 120 driving stalls and mini golf...."</ref><ref>About the Center, Closter Golf Center. Accessed October 2, 2015.</ref>

Parks and recreation

Parks in the borough include:<ref>Parks and Recreation, Borough of Closter. Accessed January 23, 2023.</ref>

• Amendola Park – located on Willow Road, features a playground
• High Street Park – located at the intersection of High Street and Piermont Road that has a playground and fitness area.
• Memorial Field – also known as Veterans Memorial Field. Located on Harrington Avenue, it has a playground, athletic fields, and a bandshell. It also has a memorial of all US Veterans as well as a memorial of those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
• Mollicone Park – a baseball field located at the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Eckerson Avenue. This park was honored after Closter-native Vietnam War veteran, Donald Mollicone.
• Ruckman Park – located at the intersection of Piermont and Ruckman roads, that have athletic fields, walking/jogging path, and a playground
• Schauble Park – located on Bergenline Avenue, this park has a playground, bike path, and athletic fields.

Government

Local government

Closter 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 a mayor and a borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.<ref name=DataBook>2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 165.</ref> The borough form of government used by Closter 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>

Template:As of, the mayor of Closter Borough is Republican John C. Glidden Jr., whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. Members of the Closter Borough Council are Council President Alissa J. Latner (D, 2024), Victoria Roti Amitai (R, 2025), Christopher Cho (R, 2026), Jannie Chung (D, 2024), Anna Maroules (R, 2026) and Joseph Yammarino (R, 2025).<ref name=Council>Mayor and Council, Borough of Closter, updated January 5, 2024. Accessed April 21, 2024.</ref><ref>2023 Municipal Data Sheet, Borough of Closter. Accessed April 21, 2024.</ref><ref name=BergenCountyDirectory>2024 County and Municipal Directory, Bergen County, New Jersey, April 2024. Accessed April 15, 2024.</ref><ref name=Bergen2023>Official Statement of Vote 2023 General Election - November 7, 2023 Official Results, Bergen County, New Jersey, November 27, 2023. Accessed January 1, 2024.</ref><ref name=Bergen2022>Bergen County November 8, 2022 General Election Statement of Vote, Bergen County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 21, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref><ref name=Bergen2021>Bergen County Statement of Vote November 2, 2021 Official results, Bergen County, New Jersey, updated November 17, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.</ref>

In January 2015, the borough council selected former councilmember Tom Hennessey from a list of three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the vacant seat that had been held by John C. Glidden Jr., expiring in 2016 that became vacant when Glidden took office as mayor.<ref>Christie, Robert. "Hennessey is appointed to vacant Closter council seat", Northern Valley Suburbanite, February 5, 2015, backed up by the Internet Archive as of September 21, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017. "The governing body appointed a new member to fill a seat on the council that became vacant after voters elected a new mayor. Thomas Hennessey was appointed to the seat at the Jan. 14 Mayor and Council meeting. The term expires at the end of 2015. Hennessey replaces John Glidden who was elected mayor in November 2014."</ref>

In 2017, former borough council president Robert Di Dio was appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy by Governor Chris Christie.<ref>Levine, Cecilia. "Christie Names Closter Politician To State Board Of Pharmacy", Cresskill-Closter Daily Voice, July 25, 2017. Accessed March 2, 2018. "Former Bergen County Freeholder candidate and Closter Council President Robert Di Dio was recently appointed to the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy by Governor Christie."</ref>

Emergency services

Closter has its own fire department formed in 1893. The department responds to an average of 269 calls a year.<ref>Fire Department, Borough of Closter. Accessed December 19, 2013.</ref>

The Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Corps was formed in 1936, and serves three jurisdictions: Closter, the neighboring borough of Alpine, and the section of the Palisades Interstate Parkway within Alpine's borders.<ref>Ambulance Corps, Borough of Closter. Accessed May 18, 2021.</ref>

Closter also has its own police department.<ref>Police Department, Borough of Closter. Accessed December 19, 2013.</ref> Led by Chief James Buccola, the department includes a captain, three lieutenants, five sergeants, and eleven patrol officers. Two of these officers (both sergeants) comprise the detective bureau of the department. The department has one Administrative Assistant, a non-officer role.<ref>Police Department Personnel Roster, Borough of Closter. Accessed December 30, 2024.</ref>

Federal, state and county representation

Closter is located in the 5th 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 39th 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 4,930 registered voters in Closter, of which 1,348 (27.3% vs. 31.7% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,060 (21.5% vs. 21.1%) were registered as Republicans and 2,519 (51.1% vs. 47.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.<ref name=VoterRegistration>Voter Registration Summary - Bergen, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref> Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 58.9% (vs. 57.1% in Bergen County) were registered to vote, including 80.4% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 73.7% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref>

Presidential elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2024<ref name="2024Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|42.0% 1,710	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|55.2% 2,247	2.8% 61
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2020<ref name="2020Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|36.4% 1,717	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|62.7% 2,953	0.9% 42
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2016<ref name="2016Elections">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|37.7% 1,478	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|58.9% 2,309	3.3% 131
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2012<ref name="2012Elections">Template:Cite web</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|46.4% 1,639	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|52.6% 1,857	0.9% 33
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2008<ref name="state.nj.us">2008 Presidential General Election Results: Bergen County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed November 21, 2012.</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|43.6% 1,715	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|55.5% 2,184	1.0% 38
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2004<ref name="Presidential Election 2004">2004 Presidential Election: Bergen County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed November 21, 2012.</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|46.6% 1,860	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|52.7% 2,100	0.7% 27
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|2000<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014>General Election Results 1959 to 2014 Template:Webarchive, Bergen County Clerk. Accessed February 24, 2018.</ref>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|42.4% 1,595	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|54.1% 2,036	3.5% 132
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|1996<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|42.1% 1,526	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|49.2% 1,783	8.7% 316
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1992<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|45.9% 1,847	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|40.0% 1,611	14.1% 566
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1988<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|60.0% 2,361	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|39.6% 1,555	0.4% 16
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1984<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|66.1% 2,871	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|33.7% 1,463	0.3% 12
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1980<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|57.9% 2,392	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|29.6% 1,222	12.5% 518
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1976<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|59.4% 2,505	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|38.8% 1,639	1.8% 76
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1972<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|68.9% 2,972	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|29.6% 1,277	1.5% 65
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1968<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|59.0% 2,466	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|36.0% 1,506	5.0% 209
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|1964<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|45.8% 1,815	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|54.2% 2,150	0.0% 1
style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|1960<ref name=BergenElections1959to2014/>	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Republican|68.8% 2,626	style="text-align:center; Template:Party shading/Democratic|31.2% 1,190	0.0% 1

In the 2016 presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton received 2,309 votes (58.4% vs. 54.2% countywide), ahead of Republican Donald Trump with 1,478 votes (37.4% vs 41.1% countywide) and other candidates with 96 votes (2.4% vs 3.0% countywide), among the 3,952 ballots cast by the borough's 5,557 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.1% (vs. 73% in Bergen County).<ref>Presidential November 8, 2016 General Election Results Bergen County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State, December 14, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017.</ref> In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 1,857 votes (52.3% vs. 54.8% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 1,639 votes (46.2% vs. 43.5%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.8% vs. 0.9%), among the 3,550 ballots cast by the borough's 5,136 registered voters, for a turnout of 69.1% (vs. 70.4% in Bergen County).<ref>Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Bergen County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref><ref>Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Bergen County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 2,184 votes (55.2% vs. 53.9% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 1,715 votes (43.4% vs. 44.5%) and other candidates with 28 votes (0.7% vs. 0.8%), among the 3,955 ballots cast by the borough's 5,187 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.2% (vs. 76.8% in Bergen County).<ref>2008 Presidential General Election Results: Bergen County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 5, 2013.</ref><ref name=Results2008>2008 General Election Results for Closter Template:Webarchive, The Record. Accessed November 7, 2008.</ref>

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 64.2% of the vote (1,183 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 35.0% (646 votes), and other candidates with 0.8% (15 votes), among the 1,883 ballots cast by the borough's 4,945 registered voters (39 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 38.1%.<ref name=2013Elections>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 1,238 ballots cast (48.7% vs. 48.0% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 1,156 votes (45.5% vs. 45.8%), Independent Chris Daggett with 112 votes (4.4% vs. 4.7%) and other candidates with 7 votes (0.3% vs. 0.5%), among the 2,543 ballots cast by the borough's 5,064 registered voters, yielding a 50.2% turnout (vs. 50.0% in the county).<ref>2009 Governor: Bergen County Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref>

Education

The Closter Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.<ref>Closter Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Closter Public Schools. Accessed July 25, 2023. "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 eight in the Closter School District. Composition: The Closter School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Closter."</ref> As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 1,190 students and 93.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.8:1.<ref name=NCES>District information for Closter Public School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics<ref>School Data for the Closter Public Schools, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref>) are Hillside Elementary School<ref>Hillside Elementary School, Closter Public Schools. Accessed July 25, 2023.</ref> with 621 students in grades PreK-4 and Tenakill Middle School<ref>Tenakill Middle School, Closter Public Schools. Accessed July 25, 2023.</ref> with 556 students in grades 5–8.<ref>Our Schools, Closter Public Schools. Accessed July 25, 2023.</ref><ref>School Performance Reports for the Closter Public School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 3, 2024.</ref><ref>New Jersey School Directory for the Closter Public Schools, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> Hillside Elementary School was awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence in 2021 school year.<ref>2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools: All Public and Non‐Public Schools, National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Accessed July 25, 2023.</ref>

Students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest in Demarest, together with students from Demarest and Haworth.<ref>Cheslow, Jerry. "If You're Thinking of Living In / Demarest, N.J.; Small Town, Large Sense of History", The New York Times, April 4, 1999. Accessed August 28, 2014. "Following eighth grade, students go on to Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, which the borough shares with Haworth and neighboring Closter."</ref><ref>Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Northern Valley Regional High School District, New Jersey Department of Education, for year ending June 30, 2015. Accessed January 23, 2020. "The Northern Valley Regional School District is comprised of the municipalities of Closter, Demarest, and Haworth that are constituents of the high school in Demarest. Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood, and Old Tappan are constituents of the high school at Old Tappan."</ref> The high school is part of the Northern Valley Regional High School District, which also serves students from Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood and Old Tappan.<ref>Our Communities Template:Webarchive, Northern Valley Regional High School District. Accessed August 28, 2014. "The seven towns that make up the Northern Valley Regional High School District - Closter, Demarest, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, and Old Tappan - are situated in the northeast corner of Bergen County, New Jersey."</ref><ref>Northern Valley Regional High School District 2016 Report Card Narrative Template:Webarchive, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Our long standing successful and cost efficient Pre-K-12 consortium remains an exemplar model of shared services including seven local Pre-K-8 districts that send their students to the regional high schools: Closter, Demarest, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood and Old Tappan."</ref><ref>Our Communities Template:Webarchive, Northern Valley Regional High School District. Accessed May 31, 2016. "The seven towns that make up the Northern Valley Regional High School District - Closter, Demarest, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, and Old Tappan - are situated in the northeast corner of Bergen County, New Jersey."</ref> During the 1994–1996 school years, Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest was awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education.<ref>National Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 1982 Through 2019 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed September 1, 2024.</ref> As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 974 students and 91.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.7:1.<ref>School data for Northern Valley Regional High School At Demarest, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref> Local students had attended Closter High School until Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest opened in 1955, whereupon the Closter school was closed.<ref name=History/>

Public school students from the borough, and all of Bergen County, are eligible to attend the secondary education programs offered by the Bergen County Technical Schools, which include the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, and the Bergen Tech campus in Teterboro or Paramus. The district offers programs on a shared-time or full-time basis, with admission based on a selective application process and tuition covered by the student's home school district.<ref>About Us Template:Webarchive, Bergen County Technical Schools. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref><ref>Admissions Template:Webarchive, Bergen County Technical Schools. Accessed December 1, 2016.</ref>

Houses of worship

The Church of Saint Mary is a faith community in the Roman Catholic tradition. The parish offers daily and weekend masses. The parish conducts religious education for youth and adult enrichment programs. The Church of Saint Mary features 33 notable stained glass windows, sketched by Sister M. Conegunda of the Felician Sisters and crafted by the Closter Art Studios.<ref>Home Page, The Church of Saint Mary. Accessed January 23, 2020.</ref>

Temple Emanu-El is a Conservative synagogue that offers weekly services in addition to a Hebrew school for children beginning at age 3.<ref>About Us, Teample Emanu-El. Accessed January 23, 2020. "Temple Emanu-El is an egalitarian, Conservative synagogue serving the spiritual and communal needs of our congregants in the northern valley of Bergen County, NJ."</ref>

Transportation

File:2018-07-20 15 40 37 View east along Bergen County Route 502 (Closter Dock Road) at Bergen County Route 501 (Piermont Road) in Closter, Bergen County, New Jersey.jpg

County Route 502 in Closter

Roads and highways

Template:As of, the borough had a total of Template:Convert of roadways, of which Template:Convert were maintained by the municipality and Template:Convert by Bergen County.<ref>Bergen County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref>

County Route 501, County Route 502 and County Route 505 travel through Closter.

Closter can also be reached via the Palisades Interstate Parkway and U.S. Route 9W, which pass through adjacent municipalities.

Public transportation

The NJ Transit 167 and 177 bus routes provide service along Schraalenburgh Road to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.<ref>Routes by County: Bergen County, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed July 22, 2011.</ref><ref>Bergen County System Map Template:Webarchive, NJ Transit. Accessed September 14, 2016.</ref>

Coach USA's Rockland Coaches provides service from Closter to the Port Authority Bus Terminal via the 20 bus route.<ref>Available Schedules, Coach USA. Accessed September 11, 2017.</ref>

Notable people

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

• Coe Finch Austin (1831–1880), botanist and founding member of the Torrey Botanical Club<ref>Demarest, Sarah Austin "A Sketch of the Life of Coe Finch Austin", in Memoirs of the Torrey Botanical Club, 1917. Accessed December 4, 2013.</ref>
• Abram Belskie (1907–1988), British-born sculptor<ref>Abram Belskie, Belskie Museum of Art and Science. Accessed August 16, 2007. "In 1931, Abram Belskie moved to Closter, where he would remain for the next fifty-seven years. Here he worked at the studio of the master-carver Robert Alexander Baillie."</ref>
• Benjamin Blackledge (1743–1815), first English teacher in Closter and "the most prominent man in the northern part of Bergen County"<ref>History of Closter, Borough of Closter, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 8, 2011. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Formal schooling began here when Benjamin Blackledge arrived in Closter in 1760 to teach the Dutch citizens the King's English."</ref>
• George Dayton (1827–1938), represented Bergen County in the New Jersey Senate from 1875 to 1877<ref>Van Valen, James M. History of Bergen County, New Jersey, p. 688. New Jersey Publishing and Engraving Company, 1900. Accessed December 4, 2013. "In 1868 a residence was established in Rutherford, N. J., and next a removal was made to Saratoga county, N. Y. In 1890 Mr. Dayton came to Closter where he has resided ever since."</ref>
• Emme (born 1963), plus-size model<ref>Pedota, Chris. "One couple's climb to hope Supermodel and husband tell their sides of coming back from his depression", The Kansas City Star, April 2, 2002. Accessed June 2, 2007. "Emme and Phillip Aronson at home in Closter, New Jersey."</ref>
• Bill Evans (1929–1980), jazz pianist and composer who mostly worked in a trio setting<ref>Pettinger, Peter. Bill Evans: How My Heart Sings, p. 238. Accessed September 11, 2017. "For the growing Evans family, the Riverdale apartment had become constrictinglysmall. Bill and Nenette, with their son Evan and Nenette's daughter Maxine, moved into a large, three-level house in Closter, a little town in Bergen County, New Jersey."</ref>
• Brian Gorman (born 1959), umpire in Major League Baseball<ref>O'Connell, Jack. "Umpire Gorman to make Shea history" Template:Webarchive, Major League Baseball. Accessed July 9, 2016. "Home for the Gormans was the Whitestone section of Queens, just north of Shea, until the family moved to Closter, N.J., in the mid-1960s."</ref>
• Tom Gorman (1919–1986), Major League Baseball umpire<ref>via Associated Press. "Former major league ump, Tom Gorman, Dies", Williamson Daily News, August 13, 1986. Accessed March 2, 2011. "Closter, N.J. - Tom Gorman, a major league umpire for 25 years until his retirement in 1976, is dead of a heart attack. Gorman died Tuesday at the age of 67 at his home in this Northern New Jersey town."</ref>
• Bruce Harper (born 1955), former NFL running back and kick returner who played for the New York Jets<ref>Spelling, Ian. "Hero Worship: Former Jets star Bruce Harper inspires sportsmanship and good character", (201) magazine, August 1, 2009, backed up by the Internet Archive as of September 9, 2015. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Likewise, Harper is a Bergen lifer. He was born in Englewood, lived for a time in Fort Lee, bought a house in Englewood, moved to Norwood, and currently resides in Closter with his wife, Nancy."</ref>
• Israel Horowitz (1916–2008), record producer who became an editor and columnist on classical music at Billboard magazine<ref>Kozinn, Allan. "Israel Horowitz, Record Producer and Billboard Columnist, Dies at 92", The New York Times, January 8, 2009. Accessed January 9, 2009. "Israel Horowitz, a record producer who was also an executive editor and classical music columnist for Billboard magazine, died at his home in Closter, N.J., on Dec. 26."</ref>
• Richard Hunt (1951–1992), puppeteer best known for his association with The Muppets<ref>Alex, Patricia. "Richard H. Hunt, at 40; Brought Muppets to Life", The Record, January 8, 1992, backed up by the Internet Archive as of September 11, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Richard H. Hunt, a puppeteer who created several Muppets characters including Kermit the Frog's zealous sidekick 'Scooter,' died Tuesday. The Closter resident was 40."</ref>
• Helen Jepson (1904–1997), lyric soprano who was lead soprano at the Metropolitan Opera from 1935 to 1941<ref>Staff. "Helen Jepson Chosen Chairman of Music Foundation Auxiliary", Raritan Township and Fords Beacon, July 20, 1950, p. 3, backed up by the Internet Archive as of December 20, 2013. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Miss Jepson lives in Closter, Bergen County, and has been a resident of the state for a number of years.... Besides lecturing at Bergen Junior College, she conducts studios both in New York and on the grounds of her Closter home where she teaches New Jersey pupils."</ref>
• Marcel Jovine (1921–2003), sculptor and creator of The Visible Man, The Visible Woman and The Closter Seal<ref name=sculptors>Cahill, William. A History of Closter's Sculptors Closter Historic Preservation Commission. Accessed December 11, 2011. "The fourth notable artist-resident of Closter was Marcel Jovine (1921–2003).... Jovine turned to fine art when the Borough of Closter asked him to create its seal, which commemorates the ride of the Closter Horseman."</ref><ref>Kaufman, Michael T. "Marcel Jovine, 81; Designed Toys and Coins", The New York Times, January 27, 2003. Accessed November 8, 2011. "Marcel Jovine, who shaped such popular toys as the Visible Man and the Visible Woman before becoming an award-winning designer of coins and a sculptor of racehorses, died last Monday in Greenwich, Conn., at the home of his daughter, Andrea Coopersmith. He was 81 and lived and worked in Closter, N.J."</ref>
• Philip Kwon, deputy counsel for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey<ref>Strunsky, Steve. "Failed Christie court nominee gets Port Authority job", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, July 26, 2012. Accessed September 11, 2017. "Kwon told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing that he had not been aware of his mother's behavior, though they lived together during that time in a $2.3 million home in Closter purchased in 2010."</ref>
• Tommy La Stella (born 1989), second baseman for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs<ref>Odum, Charles via Associated press. "MLB: Tommy La Stella steps right up", The Record, June 3, 2014, backed up by the Internet Archive as of March 4, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017. "The Braves received a needed boost from two players recalled from the minors last week. Now Tommy La Stella of Closter and Shae Simmons are set for their home debuts."</ref>
• London Lee (1935–2015), comedian billed as "The Rich Kid"<ref>Kraushar, Jonathan P. "Bergen: Comics' Haven", The New York Times, March 21, 1976. Accessed December 17, 2012. "For London Lee, for example, a resident of Closter, his childhood as a 'poor, little rich boy' provided him meat for his act for many years."</ref>
• Robert Lipsyte (born 1938), sports journalist and author<ref>Horner, Shirley. "About Books", The New York Times, October 3, 1993. Accessed May 17, 2012. "The other inductees are... Robert Lipsyte of Closter, a sports columnist for The New York Times and the author of The Contender, a young-adult novel published by Harper in 1967 and still in print..."</ref>
• Sam Lipsyte (born 1968), author<ref>Staff. "Corrections", Poets & Writers, May/June 2010. Accessed July 28, 2011. "Sam Lipsyte's hometown is Closter, New Jersey, not Demarest, as stated in Failure's Fortune by Frank Bures (March/April 2010)."</ref>
• Rich Luzzi (born 1978), frontman for Rev Theory<ref>Rademacher, Brian. Interview with Rich Luzzi, Rock Eyez, June 2008. Accessed June 3, 2014. "Brian Rademacher: Where did you grow up? Rich Luzzi: Closter, New Jersey."</ref>
• Regan Mizrahi (born 2000), actor and the voice of Boots the Monkey on Dora the Explorer<ref>Liao, Misty. "Spending a Day in Regan Mizrahi's Boots", 34th Street, October 2, 2018. Accessed February 3, 2024. "Upon first glance, he may seem like just your average dog–loving, saxophone–playing, aspiring BBB student, but Regan Mizrahi (C '22) is all of that and more.... Growing up in Closter, New Jersey as the great grandson of a radio personality and the son of a doctor and actress, Regan exhibited the signs of a brilliant actor at an early age."</ref>
• Joseph Muller (1883–1939), collector, sailor and employee of the New York Public Library<ref>Joseph Muller Collection Of Music And Other Portraits: About, New York Public Library. Accessed December 29, 2020. "He died at his home in Closter, New Jersey, on May 9, 1939."</ref>
• J. Massey Rhind (1860–1936), sculptor<ref>Nash, Margo "Jersey Footlights", The New York Times, July 11, 2004. Accessed August 29, 2015. "Among the New York City residents who moved to bucolic Closter in the 19th century was J. Massey Rhind, a sculptor who worked on Grant's Tomb. He set up a studio and sculpture yard in town in 1899. And he became the first of a series of sculptors who lived and worked in Closter."</ref>
• Mike Stanton (born 1967), former MLB relief pitcher who played for the New York Yankees<ref>Staff. "Meet the Reds", The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 29, 2007, backed up by the Internet Archive as of March 14, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2017.</ref>
• Tom Waddell (born 1958), former Major League Baseball pitcher<ref>via Associated Press, "Baseball career good fit for hurler", The Rock Hill Herald, August 3, 1981. Accessed July 28, 2011. "Former clothing salesman Tom Waddell's new career as a baseball pitcher for the Anderson Braves suits him fine.... The Closter, N.J. native signed as a free agent and is now pitching for the Braves' team in the South Atlantic League."</ref>

Sources

• Municipal Incorporations of the State of New Jersey (according to Counties) prepared by the Division of Local Government, Department of the Treasury (New Jersey); December 1, 1958.
• Clayton, W. Woodford; and Nelson, William. History of Bergen and Passaic Counties, New Jersey, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men., Philadelphia: Everts and Peck, 1882.
• Garbe-Morillo, Patricia. Closter and Alpine, Arcadia Publishing Images of America series, 2001. Template:ISBN.
• Harvey, Cornelius Burnham (ed.), Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey. New York: New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Co., 1900.
• Van Valen, James M. History of Bergen County, New Jersey. New York: New Jersey Publishing and Engraving Co., 1900.
• Westervelt, Frances A. (Frances Augusta), 1858–1942, History of Bergen County, New Jersey, 1630–1923, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1923.

See also

• List of U.S. cities with significant Korean-American populations

External links

• Template:Official website