Point Pleasant was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 21, 1920, from portions of Brick Township, based on the results of a referendum held on May 19, 1920. The borough was reincorporated on March 12, 1928.[24] Point Pleasant is distinct from Point Pleasant Beach, which is a separate community.[25] The borough gets its name from Point Pleasant Beach, which gets its name from its location at the northern end of the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that divides the Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean at the Manasquan Inlet.[26]
Around 1500, the area that included the future Point Pleasant was the ceremonial meeting place of the LenapeNative Americans, who called it the "Land of Tall Timber". In approximately 1665, the first European settlers arrived in the area, mainly fishermen, farmers and boat builders.[25]
On February 15, 1850, Governor Daniel Haines and the New Jersey Legislature separated Ocean County from Monmouth County, and created Brick Township, including the Point Pleasant area, which became independent of Brick Township in 1920, though the post office carried the designation "West Point Pleasant" until 1956. According to the town's official website, many longtime residents still use that name. The town's first mayor was Melville B. Parker, chosen after J.H. Harvey declined the position after being elected. The town was initially a logging town, although logging was never a significant part of the local economy.[25]
In 1925, the Manasquan River-Bay Head Canal was completed as part of the inland waterway. The canal, which divides Point Pleasant in half, provides a passage for boats, and is the northernmost leg of the Intracoastal Waterway which traverses the East Coast of the United States along the Atlantic Ocean between New Jersey and Florida. In 1964, Senator Clifford P. Case introduced legislation that changed the canal's name to the Point Pleasant Canal.[25][27] The two lift bridges over the canal, at Route 88 and Bridge Avenue, can be opened as many as 300 times per day during the summer to allow boats to pass underneath as marine traffic has the right of way.[28]
Though often regarded as a summer resort, the borough's website emphasizes that it is a "year round community of approximately 19,000 residents".[25]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 4.17 square miles (10.79 km2), including 3.49 square miles (9.04 km2) of land and 0.67 square miles (1.75 km2) of water (16.16%).[1][2]
The 2010 United States census counted 18,392 people, 7,273 households, and 4,982 families in the borough. The population density was 5,272.1 inhabitants per square mile (2,035.6/km2). There were 8,331 housing units at an average density of 2,388.1 per square mile (922.1/km2). The racial makeup was 96.05% (17,666) White, 0.41% (75) Black or African American, 0.13% (24) Native American, 0.72% (133) Asian, 0.03% (6) Pacific Islander, 1.66% (305) from other races, and 0.99% (183) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.08% (935) of the population.[21]
Of the 7,273 households, 30.0% had children under the age of 18; 52.5% were married couples living together; 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.5% were non-families. Of all households, 25.8% 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 2.52 and the average family size was 3.03.[21]
22.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 92.3 males.[21]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $78,521 (with a margin of error of ± $3,209) and the median family income was $94,399 (± $4,750). Males had a median income of $67,632 (± $4,111) versus $47,428 (± $5,097) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $36,596 (± $1,783). About 1.8% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.[37]
As of the 2000 United States census[17] there were 19,306 people, 7,560 households, and 5,231 families residing in the borough. The population density was 5,461.6 inhabitants per square mile (2,108.7/km2). There were 8,350 housing units at an average density of 2,362.2 per square mile (912.1/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 85.83% White, 5.33% African-American, HispanicorLatino of any race were 10.41%, 0.14% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races.[35][36]
There were 7,560 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no spouse, and 30.8% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.[35][36]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.[35][36]
The median income for a household in the borough was $55,987, and the median income for a family was $64,798. Males had a median income of $50,828 versus $32,886 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,715. About 2.0% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.[35][36]
Point Pleasant 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.[38] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the six-member 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.[7] The borough form of government used by Point Pleasant 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.[39][40]
The mayor is the head of municipal government; sees that state laws and borough ordinances are faithfully executed; presides over the council. votes only to break ties; can veto ordinances subject to override by 2⁄3 majority of Council; and appoints subordinate officers with council approval. After thirty days or upon council disapproval, Council fills posts. The borough council is the legislative body of municipality. The Council overrides a mayor's veto by ⅔ majority of all members, confirms mayor's appointments. The council gains appointment power upon failure to confirm mayor's appointee or after office vacant for thirty days. The council has all executive responsibility not placed in office of mayor.
As of 2022[update], the mayor of Point Pleasant is Republican Robert A. Sabosik, whose term of office ends December 31, 2022. The members of the Borough Council are Borough President Charlene Archer (R, 2022), William T. Borowsky (R, 2024), Valerie Coulson (R, 2023), Antoinette "Toni" DePaola (R, 2024), Joseph Furmato Jr. (R, 2022) and John R. Wisniewski (R, 2023).[3][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]
In the November 2022 election, Mayor Robert A. Sabosik defeated independent challenger William "Bill" Borowsky, securing another four-year mayoral term. Sabosik received 63.34% of votes, while Borowsky received 36.40% of votes. Republican incumbents Joseph Furmato Jr. and Charlene Archer will each serve another three-year term after running unopposed for borough council.[48][49]
In February 2015, the borough council selected Michael Thulen Jr., from a list of three candidates recommended by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2016 that had been held by Robert A. Sabosik vacant until he was sworn in as mayor the previous month.[50] In the November 2015 general election, Thulen was elected to serve the one year remaining on the term of office.[51]
Point Pleasant is in the 4th Congressional District[52] and is part of New Jersey's 10th state legislative district.[53]
Prior to the 2010 Census, all of Point Pleasant had been part of the 4th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections.[54] As part of the 2010 redistricting, 1,802 residents in a wedge-shaped section in the western part of the borough were placed in the 3rd District, while the remaining 16,590 were placed in the 4th District.[55][56]
Ocean County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected on an at-large basis in partisan elections and serving staggered three-year terms of office, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization held in the beginning of January, the board chooses a director and a deputy director from among its members.[63] As of 2024[update], Ocean County's Commissioners (with party affiliation, term-end year and residence) are:
Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are:
Clerk Scott M. Colabella (R, 2025, Barnegat Light),[71][72]
Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy (R, 2025; Toms River)[73][74] and
Surrogate Jeffrey Moran (R, 2028, Beachwood).[75][76][77]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 12,681 registered voters in Point Pleasant, of which 2,336 (18.4%) were registered as Democrats, 4,026 (31.7%) were registered as Republicans and 6,311 (49.8%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 8 voters registered as LibertariansorGreens.[78] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 68.9% (vs. 63.2% in Ocean County) were registered to vote, including 88.5% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 82.6% countywide).[78][79]
In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 56.7% of the vote (5,141 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 42.4% (3,843 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (89 votes), among the 9,161 ballots cast by the borough's 13,245 registered voters (88 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 69.2%.[80][81] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 56.5% of the vote (5,599 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 41.4% (4,103 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (138 votes), among the 9,904 ballots cast by the borough's 13,154 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.3%.[82] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 60.5% of the vote (5,857 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 38.2% (3,700 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (85 votes), among the 9,683 ballots cast by the borough's 12,795 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 75.7.[83]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 71.6% of the vote (4,352 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 26.6% (1,619 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (105 votes), among the 6,179 ballots cast by the borough's 13,118 registered voters (103 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 47.1%.[84][85] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 64.4% of the vote (4,606 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 27.6% (1,977 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 5.9% (421 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (69 votes), among the 7,152 ballots cast by the borough's 12,905 registered voters, yielding a 55.4% turnout.[86]
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 78.04 miles (125.59 km) of roadways, of which 64.28 miles (103.45 km) were maintained by the municipality, 7.86 miles (12.65 km) by Ocean County and 3.30 miles (5.31 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[101]
State highways include Route 13, which extends a total of .56 miles (0.90 km), most of which is in the borough with a small portion in Bay Head.[102] Route 88 traverses the borough to its eastern terminus at Route 35, just across the border with Point Pleasant Beach.[103]
Frankie Hayes (1914–1955), catcher who played for 14 seasons in Major League Baseball who holds the record for most consecutive games played by a catcher[131]
Laurel Hester (1956–2006), police officer who rose to national attention with her deathbed appeal for the extension of pension benefits to her domestic partner[132]
Oona O'Neill (1925–1991), daughter of Eugene O'Neill and writer Agnes Boulton, and the fourth and last wife of comic and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin[139]
^ abCheslow, Jerry. "If You're Thinking of Living In/Point Pleasant, N.J.; A Borough With a Variety of Boating", The New York Times, November 9, 2003. Accessed November 1, 2013. "The most famous Point Pleasant resident was Eugene O'Neill, who married a local girl named Agnes Boulton and grumbled about being bored through the winter of 1918–19, as he lived rent free in a home owned by Agnes's parents... Seven years later, the couple divorced and Agnes moved back to Point Pleasant with their two children, Shane and Oona, who would marry Charlie Chaplin."
^Biography of Bob Menendez, United States Senate, January 26, 2015. "Menendez, who started his political career in Union City, moved in September from Paramus to one of Harrison's new apartment buildings near the town's PATH station.."
^About Us, Point Pleasant Borough High School. Accessed November 14, 2021. "Point Pleasant Borough High School, comprised of 867 students and a staff of 130 professionals, has a proud tradition of academic excellence and has embraced the core values of respect, responsibility, and pride."
^About Us, Point Pleasant School District. Accessed November 14, 2021. "Nestled in the heart of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, the Point Pleasant Borough School District is comprised of two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school that together provide Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 educational services to approximately 2,800 students."
^General Information, Saint Peter School. Accessed November 13, 2016. "Founded in 1923, Saint Peter School is the first and oldest Catholic school in Ocean County. Saint Peter School serves students in grades K through eight."
^Clark, Adam. "These 10 N.J. schools earn Blue Ribbon honors", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 28, 2016. Accessed November 13, 2016. "The U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday announced that 10 New Jersey schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools, a recognition celebrating excellence in academics."
^Out History, Ocean Medical Center. Accessed January 25, 2020. "In 1918, the hospital began in four rooms in the Point Pleasant Beach home of Dr. Frank Denniston, a physician whose teenage assistant, Arnold Lane, later became the hospital administrator for 33 years.... In 1982, Point Pleasant Hospital changed its name to Northern Ocean Hospital System and construction began on Brick Hospital.... Point Pleasant Hospital closed in 2001."
^via Associated Press. "Point Pleasant disturbs namesake town: Fox drama brings devil's daughter to New Jersey", MSNBC, January 14, 2005. Accessed July 30, 2011. "The one-hour drama centers on pretty blond Christina Nickson, who turns up on the beach in Point Pleasant, N.J., one day and soon begins raising hell – wherever she goes, storm clouds gather, candles blow out, cars explode in flames. The reason soon becomes clear: She's the devil's daughter."
^Qaroone, Nawal. "For Antonella, Idol finale is bittersweet", The Star-Ledger, May 22, 2007. Accessed December 31, 2012. "Barba, of Point Pleasant, made it to the top 16 on the show, but gained notoriety amid racy photographs that surfaced on the Internet."
^Staff. "Skid Row's Bolan Makes Music on the Track", Charlotte Motor Speedway, July 24, 2004, backed up by the Internet Archive as of April 3, 2013. Accessed October 23, 2018. "The Point Pleasant, N.J., native was a huge fan of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt and he carries a No. 3 with Earnhardt's signature on the dashboard of his Legends Car."
^Garofolo, Chris. "Former legislator Chard, 76, dies", Brattleboro Reformer, February 19, 2010. Accessed October 23, 2018. "Born in Point Pleasant, N.J., on July 14, 1933, to Burtis Rue and Thelma Risden Imlay, she graduated from Upsala College and earned a Master's in History at Rutgers University."
^Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey, p. 230. E. J. Mullin, 2008. Accessed July 22, 2020. "Senator Ciesla was bom in Point Pleasant on July 24, 1953. He attended St. Peter's Grammar School and Point Pleasant High School."
^Wallye. "The story of the Assemblyman who got caught stealing an air conditioner", PolitickerNJ, May 7, 2009. Accessed September 21, 2015. "In July 1974, six months after taking office, D'Ambrosa was arrested on charges that he sold an air conditioner owned by Rahway for $600, pocketing the money, and he took a $200 bribe from a contractor. He was also accused of lying to a grand jury, and for using city materials and employees to do work on his shore home in Point Pleasant.... After prison, he moved to Point Pleasant full-time and started a nautical supply business. He owns Arnold's Yacht Basin."
^Sullivan, Joseph F. "On Jersey Shore, a Crucial State Race", The New York Times, October 25, 1989. Accessed November 13, 2016. "On the Democratic ticket with Mr. Doyle is former Assemblywoman Marlene Lynch Ford, 35, of Point Pleasant, while Mr. Singer's running mate is John A. Peterson Jr., 38, the Mayor of Seaside Park."
^Leonardi, Ron."Athletics part of family life for Frazier", Erie Times-News, April 10, 2008. Accessed November 1, 2013. "As youngsters growing up in Point Pleasant, N.J., Charlie, Todd and Jeff were known for their rambunctious approach to anything they participated in against each other, from no blood-no foul backyard basketball games to Wiffle Ball, pool and ping pong."
^Lucas, Ed. "Nice to report Jersey native Todd Frazier is making good with Cincinnati Reds", The Jersey Journal, June 1, 2012. Accessed July 15, 2012. "Earlier this week, Cincinnati Reds third baseman and Point Pleasant native Todd Frazier was having lunch in a Pittsburgh restaurant before heading to the ballpark for that night's game. In the middle of his meal, he noticed a man sitting at the next table choking on a piece of steak. Without hesitation, Frazier jumped up and successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on his fellow diner, saving his life."
^Haberstroh, Christina. "A hometown baseball legend is remembered; Shop owners deliver on decades-old promise to mother of Frankie Hayes", Sentinel, June 30, 2011. Accessed October 23, 2018. "Hayes ultimately finished his 14-year career in the majors in 1947 after 1,364 games played and 1,164 hits for a career batting average of .259. He had 119 homeruns and 585 RBIs. He moved to Point Pleasant, where he opened a small sporting goods store and worked with a larger company to produce a Frank Hayes model catcher's mitt, with a nohinge deep pocket that allowed the catcher to secure the ball without using the other hand."
^Whigham II, Julius. "Marathoner adapts to life with wheelchair, keeps racing", The Palm Beach Post, October 3, 2013. Accessed February 15, 2022. "Kapinowski, a native of Point Pleasant, N.J. who recently moved to South Florida, said she was an avid runner who competed in 17 marathons prior to her disability."
^Leonard, Pat. "New Jersey's Ryan Malleck catching on with Giants at tight end", New York Daily News, July 31, 2016. Accessed January 29, 2018. "Two of the most impressive catches of Giants mini-camp in June required a double-take to identify jersey No. 88 as tight end Ryan Malleck, a rookie free-agent signing out of Virginia Tech, and a local kid born in Teaneck, who grew up down the shore in Point Pleasant rooting for the Giants and Eli Manning."
^Teddy MannArchived 2012-02-01 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Accessed November 1, 2013. "Born on September 5, 1951, Point Pleasant, NJ as Ted Groff. He changed his name legally to Ted Mannschreck in 1967, which evolved to Ted 'The Irish' Mann for promotional purposes in 1977."
^Serrano, Ken. "Point Pleasant native picked to head U.S. Secret Service", Asbury Park Press, May 1, 2019. Accessed August 5, 2019. "Following a shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security in early April, a Point Pleasant native has been sworn is as the director of the U.S. Secret Service. James M. Murray, a 23-year veteran of the agency, took over as the 26th director Wednesday."
^Staff. "Auto News and Notes", Brooklyn Daily Eagle, August 11, 1904. Accessed September 21, 2015. "Arthur A. Zimmerman, the former cycle racing star, who is now a resident of Point Pleasant. N. J., will act as referee and E. C. Bald, another old cyclist, will be his assistant."
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