Community History:
In 1666, the first settlers traveled to what is now called Burlington Township where three (3) Dutchmen settled along the Delaware River and constructed a log cabin, which served as the only tavern in this part of the country. The location of the tavern was well placed for at this point a narrow footpath, which led through the woods allowed those who journeyed from Manhattan towards Virginia to visit this establishment.
Burlington Township was established in 1677 and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1977. Our community has a deep history involving Quakers who traveled from Europe to settle in the new world. Burlington served as the capital of New Jersey during this time period prior to relocating to Trenton.
Burlington Township is located in the southern central region of New Jersey between the Capital of Trenton and the City of Camden. Burlington Township is comprised of 14.23 square miles and is one of the most rapidly growing communities within New Jersey. Our town’s population according to the 2010 Census was 22,594. Our daytime population swells to approximately 35,000 people due to the large business community that consists of several shopping centers, a shopping mall, a 20-screen movie theater, dining establishments, along with business and industrial parks.
Currently, Burlington Township has approximately 160 miles of roadway. In addition, the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 295, State Highway Route 130, six (6) county roadways, a rail line, and a shipping channel on the Delaware River all traverse through our community, which places Burlington Township at the crossways for the northeast motoring public.
Fire District No. 1 of the Township of Burlington was established on May 31, 1990 for the purpose of providing the prevention and extinguishment of fires within Burlington Township. The Fire District office is located at Fire Station 301 located at 1601 Burlington Bypass. The Burlington Township Fire Department is comprised of three volunteer fire companies: Independent Fire Company No. 1 (Established 1914), Beverly Road Fire Company No. 2 (Established 1925), and Relief Fire Company No. 3 (Established 1957). Approximately 85 individuals serve the community as volunteer firefighters. The Fire Stations house five fire engines, one tower ladder, two rescue trucks, a 12 foot inflatable boat, three utility vehicles, and three staff vehicles. The Department responds in the range of 800 – 900 incidents per year.
The Endeavor Emergency Squad provides the township with emergency medical services. The squad has approximately 75 members who are certified EMTs that operate four (4) ambulances; support vehicles. The squad has responded to over 3,000 calls this year to date.
As a progressive, modern community, Burlington Township has become a desirable place to reside because of our convenient location to the Philadelphia, New York City, and central New Jersey region, in addition to our emergency services, a reasonable tax rate, exceptional recreational programs, and an excellent public school system.
The Township of Burlington operates under a Mayor and Council form of government. There are seven (7) council members who are elected at large for four (4) year terms. The position of Mayor within Burlington Township’s government framework is a position possessing great duties and responsibilities for the efficient operation of the government of Burlington Township. In general, it is the duty of the Mayor to establish programs designed to provide government services in an efficient and appropriate manner to our citizens. In addition to this, the Mayor is in charge of the executive branch of our township government. The Council is the legislative branch of the township’s government. By charter, it is the responsibility of Council to enact through legislation programs and policies that improve or maintain the quality of life within our community. The executive branch must enforce or carry out these initiatives. It is also the responsibility of the Township Council to establish and enact sound financial policies and controls. In addition, Burlington Township Council must review and approve the township’s annual budget, while approving all expenditures made by the township’s departments.
The Mayor appoints the Township Administrator, with the consent and approval of Council. The Township Administrator has the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations of Burlington Township.