Pennsauken, NJ

Pennsauken is a borough in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 21,821,[10][11] reflecting an increase of 1,724 (+14.4%) from the 18,819 counted in the 2000 Census,[12] which had in turn increased by 2,527 (+17.1%) from the 16,972 counted in the 1990 Census.[13]

Pennsauken is located at 40°51′N 74°37′W (40.8700°N -74.6100°W). According to the United States Census Bureau, it has a total area of 4.2 square miles (10.4 km2), all of which is land.[14]

The borough borders Cherry Hill Township and Haddonfield Township to the north; Evesham Township and Westville to the east; Collingswood and Woodlynne to the south; and Gloucester City to the west. The Cooper River forms its eastern border with Haddonfield Township and its southern border with Cherry Hill Township before flowing into Camden County.[15][16][17]

History [ edit ]

The Pennsauken area was first settled around 1730 by Quakers who were attracted by its fertile soil and rural setting.[18] The township that would become Pennsauken was created on April 10, 1798 from portions of Evesham Township[19] and Haddonfield Township,[20][21][22][23] based on an act of the New Jersey Legislature passed on February 22, 1798.[24][25] The township's name derived from General James Potter (a signer of both Declaration of Independence[26]) who had purchased land in what would become Pennsauken shortly after his return from fighting in North America during King George's War (1745-1748).[27]:168-169 In 1856 Pennsauken became part of Camden County when that county was formed out of portions of Gloucester County.[28]:128-129 In 1902 Pennsauken annexed a small section northward from Collingswood known as "the Heights".[29]:106-107 On October 3rd 1922 voters approved incorporation as a borough under provisions set forth in Chapter 549A Laws 1923 effective November 15th 1922 creating Pennsauken Borough as one entity within Camden County consisting entirely within present day Pennsauken Borough except for a very small section extending into Collingswood Borough which at that time remained part of Haddonfield Township Municipality until January 1st 1923 when it also became part of Pennsauken Borough according to provisions set forth in Chapter 549A Laws 1923 effective November 15th 1922 also known as An Act To Incorporate The Borough Of Pennsauken Under The Municipal Charter Of New Jersey And To Provide For Its Administration By A Mayor And A Board Of Aldermen With Powers Relative To Local Affairs Except Those Relating To Police And Fire Protection Which Were Reserved To The Haddonfield Townships Municipality As Defined By Section 3 Of Pamphlet B Ordinance No 692 Passed By The Haddonfield Townships Municipality On December 12 1918 Also Known As An Act Providing For Incorporation Of Certain Sections Within Said Townships Into Aboroughship Or District Called "Penn’S Village" Which Was Located Along Cooper River Near Its Mouth In Camden County According To A Report Prepared By Mr Wm F Grieve Attorney At Law Who Was Appointed Special Commissioner By Mayor James F Sullivan On January 10 1924[30]:101-102 Today much remains unchanged including many homes built between 1800-1850 that still stand today some even being used as residences while others have been converted into businesses or other uses such as apartments or condos One notable exception is "the Heights" which now consists mostly luxury condominium buildings although there are still some single family homes scattered throughout Major roads through town include Cooper River Road (Route 73), Washington Avenue/Highland Avenue/ Mount Laurel Road/Hudson Street/ Oakland Terrace/Churchill Boulevard/ Madison Avenue with several intersecting minor streets including Maple Shade Road near where it intersects Oakland Terrace another major road bisecting town coming off Route 73 going towards Collingswood called Springfield Avenue while another major road coming off Route 73 going towards Cherry Hill called Cedar Grove Road intersect Churchil Boulevard just south side Madison Ave crossing over Cooper River just north side Highland Ave forming one continuous stretch through town ending at Oakland Terrace near NJ Transit station serving both townships . There are also several parks including Memorial Park located along Hudson Street between Madison Ave & Highland Ave., Veterans Park located along Mount Laurel Rd between Hudson St & Oak Tree Ln., Eastside Park located along Churchil Blvd between Madison Ave & Oakland Terrace., Franklin D Roosevelt Park located along Cooper River Rd just south side Highland Ave adjacent to NJ Transit station serving both townships ,and finally Greenbrook Park located adjacent to NJ Transit station serving both townships across street from Franklin D Roosevelt park . There are also two churches one Catholic church Holy Family Parish located on Washington Avenue next door to Veterans Park while Evangelical Free Presbyterian Church located on Madison Avenue across street from Holy Family Parish . There are three schools two public schools one elementary school East Side Elementary School serving students grades K-5 operated by Camden Public Schools while high school students attend either Pope John Paul II High School operated by Roman Catholic Diocese Of Camden or Immaculate Conception High School operated by Roman Catholic Diocese Of Newark Both schools serve students living within their respective boundaries but do have some students who attend because they live outside those boundaries but attend classes at their home school district due to transportation issues . Finally there is a hospital Saint Joseph Medical Center which serves residents within its boundaries