West New York, New Jersey
Encyclopedia : W : WE : WES : West New York, New Jersey
West New York is a Walsh Act town in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the town population was 45,768.
West New York's Urban Enterprise Zone covers portions of Bergenline Avenue from 49th to 67th Street. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3% Sales tax rate (versus the 6% rate charged statewide).
Geography
West New York is located at (40.788400, -74.013090)[Geographic references#1GR1]. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.4 km² (1.3 mi²). 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.8 km² (0.3 mi²) of it (23.48%) is water.Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 45,768 people, 16,719 households, and 11,034 families residing in the town. The population density was 17,324.6/km² (44,995.1/mi²). There were 17,360 housing units at an average density of 6,571.3/km² (17,066.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 60.09% White, 3.55% African American, 0.67% Native American, 2.93% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 25.16% from other races, and 7.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 78.74% of the population.There were 16,719 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.30.
In the town the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $31,980, and the median income for a family was $34,083. Males had a median income of $26,703 versus $22,326 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,719. About 16.1% of families and 18.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 22.3% of those age 65 or over.
Commerce
West New York is in a state-established "Urban Enterprise Zone," which was implemented through a program designed to assist businesses in economically distressed communities across New Jersey. Businesses within the zone apply for a variety of incentives, including a sales tax reduction to customers of 3% from the mandated 6% statewide sales tax, with no tax on clothing or on purchases made by merchants related to running their businesses. Revenue generated from the reduced sales tax is maintained in a special fund dedicated for use within the zone for specific economic development and physical improvement projects. The zone was established in February 1995 through the efforts of Assemblyman Raul “Rudy” Garcia, who later became the mayor of Union City. Between 1995 and 2000, over 150 businesses participated in the tax incentives and other advantages offered by the program.Until the 1880s, the primary commercial area of West New York was Palisade Avenue. An influential citizen named Henry Kohlmeier who lived there objected to the noise created by horse-drawn public coaches, which led to the route being transferred two blocks west to what is now Bergenline Avenue (formerly Lewis Street), which runs parallel to Palisade Avenue, and which remains the city’s main commercial thoroughfare. Currently the longest commercial avenue in the state, boasting over 300 retail stores and restaurants, Bergenline runs through not only the entire length of West New York from north to south, but also through Union City, Jersey City, Guttenberg and North Bergen, making it the main commercial strip for Northern Hudson County. Also known as the "Miracle Mile", Bergenline’s largest concentration of retail and chain stores begins at the intersection of 32nd Street in Union City, and continues north until 92nd Street in North Bergen. Bergenline Avenue is also used as the route for local parades, such as the annual Memorial Day Parade.
Government
The Mayor of West New York is Albio Sires, who also represents West New York in the New Jersey General Assembly. West New York's Town Commissioners include José "Pepe" Miqueli (Revenue and Finance), Larry Riccardi (Public Works) and Sal Vega (Public Safety)Federal, state and county representation
West New York is in the 13th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 33rd Legislative District, which is represented in the State Assembly by the mayors of both West New York and Union City, currently Democrats Albio Sires and Brian P. Stack.New Jersey's Thirteenth Congressional District, covering portions of Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, and Union Counties, is now Vacant. The seat had been represented by Robert Menendez (D), who was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the seat vacated by Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine. New Jersey is represented in the Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Robert Menendez (D, Union City).
The 33rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Bernard Kenny (D, Hoboken) and in the Assembly by Albio Sires (D, West New York) and Brian P. Stack (D, Union City). The Governor of New Jersey is Jon Corzine (D, Hoboken).
Education
West New York is served by West New York School District. WNYSD is an Abbott District.All West New York residents are zoned to Memorial High School and West New York Middle School.
Trivia
- [A website which lists several Hudson County towns in a variety of top 100 lists] ranks West New York as #52 on a list of cities with the highest number of renters.
External links
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