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'{{see also|Springfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey}} {{Infobox settlement |name = Springfield Township, New Jersey |official_name = Township of Springfield |settlement_type = [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]] |nickname = |motto = <!-- Images --> |image_skyline = Church Springfield NJ.JPG |imagesize = |image_caption = [[Springfield Presbyterian Church (Springfield, New Jersey)|First Congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Springfield]] |image_flag = |image_seal = <!-- Maps --> |image_map = Springfield_twp_nj_039.png |mapsize = 250x200px |map_caption = Map of Springfield Township in Union County. Inset: Location of Union County highlighted in the State of New Jersey. |image_map1 = Census_Bureau_map_of_Springfield_Township,_Union_County,_New_Jersey.png |mapsize1 = 250x200px |map_caption1 = Census Bureau map of Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey <!-- Location --> |subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |subdivision_name = {{flag|United States}} |subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |subdivision_name1 = {{flag|New Jersey}} |subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in New Jersey|County]] |subdivision_name2 = [[Union County, New Jersey|Union]] |government_footnotes = <ref name=DataBook/> |government_type = [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]] |governing_body = Township Committee |leader_title = [[Mayor]] |leader_name = David Barnett (term ends December 31, 2015)<ref name=Council/><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/dca/home/20151020mayors.pdf 2015 New Jersey Mayors Directory], [[New Jersey Department of Community Affairs]], as of October 20, 2015. Accessed November 15, 2015.</ref> |leader_title1 = [[City manager|Administrator]] |leader_name1 = Anthony Cancro<ref>[http://springfield-nj.us/departments/administration-office.html Administration Office], Township of Springfield. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> |leader_title2 = [[Clerk (municipal official)|Clerk]] |leader_name2 = Linda Donnelly<ref>[http://springfield-nj.us/departments/township-clerk.html Township Clerk], Township of Springfield. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> |established_title = Formed |established_date = April 14, 1794 |established_title1 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] |established_date1 = February 21, 1798 <!-- Area --> |unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = <ref name=CensusArea>[http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/county_sub_list_34.txt 2010 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey County Subdivisions], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref> |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 13.449 |area_land_km2 = 13.400 |area_water_km2 = 0.049 |area_total_sq_mi = 5.193 |area_land_sq_mi = 5.174 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.019 |area_water_percent = 0.37 |area_rank = 271st of 566 in state<br>9th of 21 in county<ref name=CensusArea/> <!-- Population --> |population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010 Census]] |population_footnotes = <ref name=APP2010>[http://php.app.com/census/results2.php?pageNum_Recordset1=1&totalRows_Recordset1=22&State=NJ&County=Union&Town=%25&Submit=Search "2010 Census Populations: Union County"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]''. Accessed August 30, 2011.</ref><ref name=Census2010>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3400368970 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Springfield township, Union County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed February 12, 2012.</ref><ref name=Districts2011/><ref name=LWD2010>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_uni/springfield1.pdf Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Springfield township], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed August 30, 2011.</ref> |population_total = 15817 |population_rank = 161st of 566 in state<br>12th of 21 in county<ref name=GCTPH1NJ2010>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.ST16/0400000US34 GCT-PH1 Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> |population_density_km2 = auto |population_density_sq_mi = 3057.2 |population_density_rank = 211th of 566 in state<br>18th of 21 in county<ref name=GCTPH1NJ2010/> |population_est = 17193 |pop_est_as_of = 2014 |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name=PopEst/> <!-- General information --> |timezone = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]] |utc_offset = -5 |timezone_DST = [[Eastern Daylight Time|Eastern (EDT)]] |utc_offset_DST = -4 |elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{Gnis|882213|Township of Springfield}}, [[Geographic Names Information System]]. Accessed March 14, 2013.</ref> |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = 138 |coordinates_type = region:US_type:city |coordinates_region = US-NJ |coordinates_display = inline,title |coordinates_footnotes = <ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR1">[http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref> |latd = 40.697899 |longd = -74.33452 <!-- Area/postal codes & others --> |postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]] |postal_code = 07081<ref>[https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=springfield&state=NJ Look Up a ZIP Code for Springfield, NJ], [[United States Postal Service]]. Accessed August 30, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/njzips.htm Zip Codes], State of [[New Jersey]]. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> |area_code = [[Area code 908|908]] and [[Area codes 862 and 973|973]]<ref>[http://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCounty=Union&frmCity=Springfield Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Springfield, NJ], Area-Codes.com. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> |blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |blank_info = 3403970020<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR2">[http://factfinder.census.gov American FactFinder], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://mcdc2.missouri.edu/webrepts/commoncodes/ccc_nj.html A Cure for the Common Codes: New Jersey], Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed October 31, 2012.</ref> |blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |blank1_info = 0882213<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR3">[http://geonames.usgs.gov US Board on Geographic Names], [[United States Geological Survey]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref> |website = {{URL|http://www.springfield-nj.us}} |footnotes = }} '''Springfield Township''' is a [[Township (New Jersey)|township]] in [[Union County, New Jersey|Union County]], [[New Jersey]], United States. As of the [[2010 United States Census]], the township's population was 15,817, the highest recorded at any decennial census,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=Districts2011/><ref name=LWD2010/> reflecting an increase of 1,388 (+9.6%) from the 14,429 counted in the [[2000 United States Census|2000 Census]], which had in turn increased by 1,009 (+7.5%) from the 13,420 counted in the [[1990 United States Census|1990 Census]].<ref>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls 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 20, 2013.</ref> Recent housing construction has pushed the township's population to 17,193 as of the 2014 census estimate.<ref name=PopEst/> Springfield was formed as a township on April 14, 1794, from portions of [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth Township]] and [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark Township]], while the area was still part of [[Essex County, New Jersey|Essex County]], and was incorporated as one of New Jersey's first 104 townships by an act of the [[New Jersey Legislature]] on February 21, 1798. It became part of the newly formed Union County on March 19, 1857, with portions remaining in Essex County used to create [[Millburn, New Jersey|Millburn]]. Other portions of the township have been taken to form New Providence Township (November 8, 1809, now known as [[Berkeley Heights, New Jersey|Berkeley Heights]]), [[Livingston, New Jersey|Livingston]] (February 5, 1813), [[Summit, New Jersey|Summit]] (March 23, 1869) and [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]] (March 14, 1871).<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf ''The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968''], Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 240. Accessed February 12, 2012.</ref> The township's name derives from springs and brooks in the area.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=30 ''The Origin of New Jersey Place Names''], New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed October 9, 2015.</ref> The [[Battle of Springfield (1780)|Battle of Springfield]] was fought here, the last of many battles of the [[American Revolutionary War]] to be fought in New Jersey. Springfield is the home of the [[Baltusrol Golf Club]], which was the host to the [[2005 PGA Championship]]. It has also hosted other [[golf]] [[Men's major golf championships|major championships]], including the [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]], held on seven occasions at Baltusrol, most recently in 1993. ''Golfweek'' magazine ranked Baltusrol as the 36th best in its 2010 rankings of the "Best Classic Courses" in the country.<ref>[http://www.golfweek.com/news/2010/mar/11/2010-golfweeks-best-classic-courses/ "2010 Golfweek’s Best Classic Courses"], ''Golfweek Magazine'', March 11, 2010. Accessed March 16, 2010.</ref> ''[[New Jersey Monthly]]'' magazine ranked Springfield as the 85th best place to live in New Jersey in its 2010 rankings of the "Best Places To Live" in New Jersey.<ref>[http://njmonthly.com/articles/towns_and_schools/best-places-to-live-2010.html "Best Places to Live 2010"], ''[[New Jersey Monthly]]'', February 11, 2010. Accessed March 16, 2010.</ref> ==History== <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:springfieldnj.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Springfield {{deletable image-caption}}]] --> Springfield is celebrated as the site of a [[Battle of Springfield (Revolutionary War)|Battle of Springfield]] between the American [[Continental Army]] and British forces on June 23, 1780. The British, under [[Hesse|Hessian]] General [[Wilhelm von Knyphausen]], advanced from Elizabethtown about 5 o'clock in the morning. They were opposed by General [[Nathanael Greene]], but owing to the superior number of the enemy he was compelled to evacuate Springfield, which was then burned by the British. During the action the Rev. [[James Caldwell (clergyman)|James Caldwell]], chaplain in the New Jersey brigade, is said to have distributed the [[Isaac Watts|Watts]] hymn books from the neighboring [[Presbyterian Church]] among the soldiers for [[wadding]], saying at the same time, "Now put Watts into them, boys." This battle prevented further advance on the part of the British. The American loss was about 15 and that of the British about 150.<ref>[http://www.jerseyblues.org/springfield.html "The Final Invasion" The 225th Anniversary of the Battle of Springfield June 25-26, 2005], The Third New Jersey Regiment. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> Some historical landmarks from the Revolution still stand: the Cannon Ball House, which has since been converted into a museum was (according to the township's official website) "Built circa 1741 and served as a farmhouse at the time of the Revolutionary War. During the Battle of Springfield (June 23, 1780) the British used it as a hospital. ... It was one of only three buildings left standing when all others including the Presbyterian Church where Reverend James Caldwell had taken Watts hymnbooks for rifle wadding, were set on fire. ... In later years the house became a tavern to serve travelers on Morris (Ave) Turnpike. The farmland was later sold off, and it served then as a private residence. The property was acquired by the Springfield Historical Society in 1955. It has become known as The Cannon Ball House because a cannonball was found on the west side embedded in a beam. ... The Cannon Ball House has five revolutionary era rooms, some [[American Civil War]] items, early tools, a Battle diorama and a colonial garden. It has just been (1998) renovated to its original appearance and color."<ref>[http://springfield-nj.com/commun.htm Township of Springfield History], Township of Springfield. Accessed December 4, 2005.</ref> After being burnt down by the British, First Presbyterian Church, was rebuilt. A statue of a Continental Soldier was erected in 1903 at the site of the smallest state park in New Jersey.<ref>[http://springfield-nj.us/about-springfield/ About Springfield], Township of Springfield. Accessed June 30, 2015. "Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church, which had been burned by the British, was rebuilt, using much of the original structure. It remains at 210 Morris Avenue to this day. The statue of a Continental Soldier out front is the smallest state park in New Jersey."</ref><ref>[http://www.springfieldpresbyterian.com/home/community/history/ HISTORY OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONOF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SPRINGFIELD], Springfield Presbyterian. Accessed June 30, 2015. "1903 (June 23rd) Continental Soldier statue erected by the State of New Jersey, making this the smallest State Park in New Jersey."</ref> ==Geography== According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the township had a total area of 5.193 square miles (13.449&nbsp;km²), including 5.174 square miles (13.400&nbsp;km²) of land and 0.019 square miles (0.049&nbsp;km²) of water (0.37%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR1" /> The Township of Springfield is located on the northern edge of Union County and is bordered by [[Millburn, New Jersey|Millburn]] to the north in [[Essex County, New Jersey|Essex County]], by [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union Township]] to the east, by [[Kenilworth, New Jersey|Kenilworth]] to the southeast, by [[Westfield, New Jersey|Westfield]] and [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]] to the south, by [[Mountainside, New Jersey|Mountainside]] to the southwest and by [[Summit, New Jersey|Summit]] to the northwest.<ref>[http://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/552334/touches.html Areas touching Springfield], MapIt. Accessed April 15, 2015.</ref> [[Local government in New Jersey#Unincorporated communities|Unincorporated communities]], localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Baltusrol, Branch Mills and Milltown.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search], State of [[New Jersey]]. Accessed April 15, 2015.</ref> ==Demographics== {{US Census population | 1810= 2360 | 1820= 1804 | 1820n=* | 1830= 1656 | 1840= 1651 | 1850= 1945 | 1860= 1020 | 1860n=* | 1870= 770 | 1870n=* | 1880= 844 | 1880n=* | 1890= 959 | 1900= 1073 | 1910= 1246 | 1920= 1715 | 1930= 3725 | 1940= 4148 | 1950= 7214 | 1960=14467 | 1970=15740 | 1980=13955 | 1990=13420 | 2000=14429 | 2010=15817 | estimate=17193 | estyear=2014 | estref=<ref name=PopEst>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2014/PEPANNRES/0400000US34.06100 PEPANNRES - Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014 - 2014 Population Estimates for New Jersey municipalities], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2014/files/SUB-EST2014_34.csv Census Estimates for New Jersey April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref> |footnote=Population sources:<small><br>1810-1920<ref>[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full ''Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905''], [[New Jersey Department of State]], 1906. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> 1840<ref>[[Francis Bowen|Bowen, Francis]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=DnUFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA231 ''American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge for the Year 1843''], p. 231, David H. Williams, 1842. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref><br>1850-1870<ref>Raum, John O. [https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA281 ''The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1''], p. 281, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed May 23, 2013. "Springfield had a population in 1860 of 1,020, and in 1870, 770."</ref> 1850<ref>[[J. D. B. De Bow|Debow, James Dunwoody Brownson]]. [https://books.google.com/books?id=25TicJOdU0AC&pg=PA138 ''The Seventh Census of the United States: 1850''], p. 138. R. Armstrong, 1853. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> 1870<ref>Staff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA261 ''A compendium of the ninth census, 1870''], p. 261. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1872. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref><br>1880-1890<ref>Porter, Robert Percival. [https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA99 ''Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75''], p. 99. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1890. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> 1890-1910<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA339 ''Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890''], [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 339. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> 1910-1930<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA719 ''Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I''], [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 719. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref><br>1930-1990<ref>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/1990/poptrd6.htm Table 6. New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1930 - 1990], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed June 28, 2015.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/> 2010<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=Districts2011/><ref name=LWD2010/><br>* = Lost territory in previous decade.<ref name=Story/></small> }} ===2010 Census=== {{USCensusDemographics|year=2010|type=township|place=Springfield Township; Union County|15817|12486|78.9|3743|23.7|2769|17.5|15538|13042|989|10|1218|2|277|279|1502|6736|6511|225|5.19|0.02|5.17|3057.2|1302.0|6511|65.5|29.0|53.6|8.9|34.5|29.6|14.0|2.43|3.05|83.4|82.2|1.2|16.6|0.1|0.0|0.1|21.1|5.7|26.4|29.3|17.5|42.9|88.8|84.7}} The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 [[American Community Survey]] showed that (in 2010 [[inflation adjustment|inflation-adjusted]] dollars) [[median household income]] was $84,038 (with a margin of error of +/- $8,139) and the median family income was $111,359 (+/- $8,121). Males had a median income of $74,335 (+/- $7,959) versus $62,859 (+/- $6,250) for females. The [[per capita income]] for the township was $46,393 (+/- $3,175). About 2.9% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3403970020 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Springfield township, Union County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed February 12, 2012.</ref> ===2000 Census=== As of the [[2000 United States Census]]<ref name="GR2" /> there were 14,429 people, 6,001 households, and 4,014 families residing in the township. The [[population density]] was 2,801.8 people per square mile (1,081.8/km²). There were 6,204 housing units at an average density of 1,204.7 per square mile (465.1/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 89.72% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.72% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.02% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.69% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.96% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.89% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.14% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603470020.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Springfield township, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 20, 2013.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3403970020 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Springfield township, Union County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 20, 2013.</ref> There were 6,001 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.98.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/> In the township the population was spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/> The median income for a household in the township was $73,790, and the median income for a family was $85,725. Males had a median income of $55,907 versus $39,542 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the township was $36,754. About 1.8% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/> == Government == === Local government === The Township of Springfield is governed under the [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]] form of government. The five-member Township Committee is elected directly by the voters [[at-large]] in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election 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. 94.</ref><ref>[http://www.cgs.rutgers.edu/sites/ce-drupal02.rutgers.edu.cgs/files/documents/resource_center/rc_munichart_formsgovt_2011.pdf#page=7 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"], p. 7. [[Rutgers University]] Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref> At an annual reorganization meeting usually held on the first day of January, the committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.<ref name=Council/> {{As of|2016}}, the members of the Township Committee are [[Mayor]] Jerry Fernandez ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]], 2016), Deputy Mayor Ziad Andrew Shehady ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]], 2017), Richard Huber (D, 2016), Diane Stampoulos (D, 2018), and Maria Vassallo (D, 2018), .<ref name=Council>[http://springfield-nj.us/mayor-township-committee/], Springfield Township. Accessed January 12, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://ucnj.org/county-clerk/elections/elected-officials-2/ Elected Officials], [[Union County, New Jersey]]. Accessed February 16, 2016.</ref> In the November 2012 general election, voters approved the formation of a [[Charter Study Commission]] that will consider the possibility of changing the existing township form of government and may recommend changing to one the forms available under the [[Faulkner Act]] ([[Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)|Mayor-Council]], [[Faulkner Act (Council-Manager)|Council-Manager]], [[Faulkner Act (Small Municipality)|Small Municipality]] or [[Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council-Administrator)|Mayor-Council-Administrator]]), one of the other available forms or to leave the form of government unchanged.<ref>Bulger, Adam. [http://springfield.patch.com/articles/november-ballot-will-feature-charter-commission-question "November Ballot Will Feature Charter Commission Question: Voters can decide if Springfield needs a change in government."], Springfield Patch, September 5, 2012. Accessed May 23, 2013. "The commission would recommend one of four types of government approved by the 1923{{sic}} Faulkner Act: a Mayor-Council form, a Council-Manager plan, a Small Municipality plan and a Mayor-Council-Administrator plan."</ref> === Federal, state and county representation === Springfield Township is located in the 7th Congressional District<ref name=PCR2012>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report], [[New Jersey Redistricting Commission]], December 23, 2011. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>[http://www.njelections.org/2011-legislative-districts/towns-district.pdf#page=9 Municipalities Grouped by 2011-2020 Legislative Districts], [[New Jersey Department of State]], p. 9. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref><ref name=LWV2015>[http://www.lwvnj.org/images/CG/2015_CG.pdf#page=64 ''2015 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government''], p. 64, New Jersey [[League of Women Voters]]. Accessed May 22, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#21 Districts by Number for 2011-2020], [[New Jersey Legislature]]. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref> {{NJ Congress 07}} {{NJ Senate}} {{NJ Legislative 21}} {{NJ Governor}} {{NJ Union County Freeholders}} ===Politics=== As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 10,078 registered voters in Springfield Township, of which 3,271 (32.5% vs. 41.8% countywide) were registered as [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]], 1,795 (17.8% vs. 15.3%) were registered as [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and 5,007 (49.7% vs. 42.9%) were registered as [[Unaffiliated (New Jersey)|Unaffiliated]]. There were 5 voters registered to other parties.<ref name=VoterRegistration>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-union-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Union], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> Among the township's 2010 Census population, 63.7% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 80.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% countywide).<ref name=VoterRegistration/><ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTP7.ST16?slice=GEO~0400000US34 GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2012|2012 presidential election]], Democrat [[Barack Obama]] received 4,083 votes (55.3% vs. 66.0% countywide), ahead of Republican [[Mitt Romney]] with 3,179 votes (43.0% vs. 32.3%) and other candidates with 63 votes (0.9% vs. 0.8%), among the 7,388 ballots cast by the township's 10,772 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.6% (vs. 68.8% in Union County).<ref>[http://njelections.org/2012-results/2012-presidential-union.pdf Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://njelections.org/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-union.pdf Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2008|2008 presidential election]], Democrat Barack Obama received 4,328 votes (53.9% vs. 63.1% countywide), ahead of Republican [[John McCain]] with 3,548 votes (44.2% vs. 35.2%) and other candidates with 82 votes (1.0% vs. 0.9%), among the 8,033 ballots cast by the township's 10,379 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.4% (vs. 74.7% in Union County).<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-union.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Union County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2004|2004 presidential election]], Democrat [[John Kerry]] received 4,246 votes (55.1% vs. 58.3% countywide), ahead of Republican [[George W. Bush]] with 3,372 votes (43.8% vs. 40.3%) and other candidates with 49 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among the 7,703 ballots cast by the township's 9,885 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.9% (vs. 72.3% in the whole county).<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_union_co_2004.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Union County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2013|2013 gubernatorial election]], Republican [[Chris Christie]] received 57.0% of the vote (2,624 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Barbara Buono]] with 41.7% (1,921 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (59 votes), among the 4,723 ballots cast by the township's 10,771 registered voters (119 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 43.8%.<ref name=2013Elections>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-union.pdf |title=Governor - Union County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |accessdate=December 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-union.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Union County|date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |accessdate=December 24, 2014}}</ref> In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009|2009 gubernatorial election]], Republican Chris Christie received 2,477 votes (46.0% vs. 41.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat [[Jon Corzine]] with 2,447 votes (45.5% vs. 50.6%), Independent [[Chris Daggett]] with 359 votes (6.7% vs. 5.9%) and other candidates with 28 votes (0.5% vs. 0.8%), among the 5,380 ballots cast by the township's 10,214 registered voters, yielding a 52.7% turnout (vs. 46.5% in the county).<ref>[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-union.pdf 2009 Governor: Union County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed May 23, 2013.</ref> == Education == The [[Springfield Public Schools (New Jersey)|Springfield Public Schools]] serve students in [[pre-Kindergarten]] through [[twelfth grade]]. As of the 2011-12 school year, the district's five schools had an enrollment of 2,186 students and 160.0 classroom teachers (on an [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis), for a [[student–teacher ratio]] of 13.66:1.<ref name=NCES>[http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3415630&DistrictID=3415630 District information for Springfield Township School District], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed September 15, 2014.</ref> All of the township's schools are named after notable Springfieldians. For instance, the township's High School is named after [[Jonathan Dayton]], a signer of the [[United States Constitution]]. Schools in the district (with 2011-12 enrollment data from the [[National Center for Education Statistics]]<ref>[http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3415630 School Data for the Springfield Public Schools], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed September 15, 2014.</ref>) are Edward V. Walton Early Childhood Center<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/evw/ Edward V. Walton Early Childhood Center], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> (grades Pre K-2; 623 students), James Caldwell Elementary School<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/jc/ James Caldwell Elementary School], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> (3-5; 237), Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary School<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/tls/ Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary School], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> (3-5; 236), Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/fmg/ Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> (6-8; 480) and [[Jonathan Dayton High School]]<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/jd/ Jonathan Dayton High School], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed September 15, 2014.</ref> (9-12; 611).<ref>[http://www.springfieldschools.com/sitemap.html Site Map], Springfield Public Schools. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://education.state.nj.us/directory/district.php New Jersey School Directory for the Springfield Public Schools], [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed October 20, 2013.</ref> Adjacent to Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School is Saint James the Apostle School, a [[Catholic school]] serving students in [[pre-Kindergarten]] through [[eighth grade]]s with an enrollment of 148 students, operating under the auspices of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark]].<ref>[http://www.saintjamesparish.org/node/192 Saint James the Apostle School]. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.catholicschoolsnj.org/csnj/Elementary%20Schools/Union%20County%20Schools/ Union County Elementary Schools], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark]]. Accessed August 30, 2011.</ref> ==Transportation== ===Roads and highways=== {{As of|2010|5}}, the township had a total of {{convert|56.53|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|39.82|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|8.63|mi}} by Union County and {{convert|8.08|mi}} by the [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Union.pdf Union County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]], May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014.</ref> A number of major highways and roadways pass through Springfield, including [[Interstate 78 in New Jersey|Interstate 78]], [[U.S. Route 22]], NJ Routes [[New Jersey Route 24|24]] and [[New Jersey Route 124|124]], as well as [[County Route 509 Spur (New Jersey)|CR 509 Spur]] and [[County Route 577 (New Jersey)|CR 577]]. ===Public transportation=== [[New Jersey Transit]] provides bus service to the [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]] in [[Midtown Manhattan]] in [[New York City]] and to points in New Jersey including [[Pennsylvania Station (Newark)|Newark Penn Station]]. Parking is available for a fee at a municipal lot near the center of town (Hannah Street and Center Street) and in the Duffy's Corner lot at Morris and Caldwell Place, which provide easy access to all NJ Transit buses that run through town. Annual permits are available from the town hall. Although there is no train station in Springfield, the [[Millburn (NJT station)|Millburn]] and [[Short Hills (NJT station)|Short Hills]] NJ Transit stations are located nearby, though neither allows commuter-hour parking for non-residents, and parking hours are very limited even on weekends. The closest stations that allow out-of-town residents access to parking are [[Maplewood (NJT station)|Maplewood]] and [[Summit (NJT station)|Summit]], although both are full to capacity very early on weekdays. The [[70 (New Jersey bus)|70]] bus provides access from the center of town to NJ Transit's Summit and Millburn stations; Eastbound it terminates at NJ Transit's [[Newark Penn Station]] with connections to [[Amtrak]], NJ Transit trains to [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|New York Penn Station]], and [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson]] (PATH) trains. The township also runs a jitney that operates on weekdays during morning and evening rush hours from the community pool to NJ Transit's Short Hills station.<ref>[http://springfield-nj.us/jitney-schedule/ Park & Ride Jitney Service], Township of Springfield. Accessed November 16, 2015.</ref> NJ Transit buses [[65 (New Jersey bus)|65]], [[66 (New Jersey bus)|66]] and 70 (to Newark), the [[114 (New Jersey bus)|114]] (to Midtown Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal) and local service on the [[52 (New Jersey bus)|52]] route also run along the town's major roadways.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20090522212305/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesUnionCountyTo Union County Bus/Rail Connections], [[New Jersey Transit]], backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of May 22, 2009. Accessed August 30, 2011.</ref> [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] is approximately {{convert|10|mi}} east of Springfield. ===Historical transportation=== The [[Rahway Valley Railroad]] passed through the community, and during the early 20th Century offered both freight and passenger service, but is currently out of service. The section of the railway that extended from Springfield to [[Summit, New Jersey|Summit]] was taken out of service in 1976, though special trains were operated to provide service to Baltusrol during the [[1980 U.S. Open (golf)|1980 U.S. Open]].<ref>Boright, Walter E. [http://www.nj.com/cranford/index.ssf/2011/05/rvrr_the_little_railroad_that.html "Rahway Valley Railroad: The little railroad that helped build Kenilworth, Part II"], ''Cranford Chronicle'', May 12, 2011. Accessed May 23, 2013. "In 1976 the offices moved into a railroad club car placed on a Kenilworth siding. That year the section from Springfield to Summit was closed."</ref> A [[tram|trolley]] line called the [[Morris County Traction Company]], ran trolley service through Springfield to/from Newark and Morris County, in the early part of the 20th Century.<ref>Rae, John W. [https://books.google.com/books?id=3c95MVj5440C&pg=PA118 ''Morristown: A Military Headquarters of the American Revolution''], p. 118. [[Arcadia Publishing]], 2002. ISBN 073852400X. Accessed November 15, 2015.</ref> ==Notable people== {{Category see also|People from Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey}} People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Springfield Township include: * [[Lou Campanelli]], basketball coach.<ref>Jacobson, Steve. [http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/102948891.html?dids=102948891:102948891&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+17%2C+1993&author=Steve+Jacobson&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Put+College+Before+Coach&pqatl=google "Put College Before Coach"], ''[[Newsday]]'', February 17, 1993. Accessed January 27, 2011. "In the locker room the coach, who grew up in Springfield, N.J., flung the lunches and kicked them."</ref> * [[Jonas Coe]] (1805-1864), naval commander in Argentina and Uruguay.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}} * [[Jon Denning]] (born 1987), NASCAR driver.<ref>Kaplan, Ron. [http://njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/010407/sptsGearingUp.html "Gearing up for a career as NASCAR’s rare Jew"], ''[[New Jersey Jewish News]]'', January 4, 2007. Accessed October 9, 2015. "As a kid, Jon Denning loved to play with cars. Nothing unusual about that; such toys are a staple of childhood. What is unusual is the extreme to which the Springfield native has taken it: Denning is a driver on the NASCAR circuit, a lone Jew in a sport renowned as a haven for 'good ole boys.'"</ref> * [[Jeannette DePalma]] (1956-1972), murder victim whose unsolved case has become a matter of significant controversy thanks in part to coverage in ''[[Weird NJ]]'' magazine.<ref>[http://weirdnj.com/stories/mystery-history/jeannette-depalma/ "The Unsolved Case of Jeannette DePalma"], ''[[Weird NJ]]''. Accessed October 9, 2015.</ref> * [[George A. Halsey]] (1827–1894), politician who represented [[New Jersey's 5th congressional district]] in Congress from 1867 to 1869 and from 1871 to 1873.<ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=H000087 George Armstrong Halsey], ''[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]''. Accessed June 27, 2007.</ref> * [[Toni Kalem]] (born 1951), actress, screenwriter and director best known for her portrayal of [[List of characters from The Sopranos#Angie Bonpensiero|Angie Bonpensiero]] on the [[HBO]] series, ''[[The Sopranos]]''.<ref>Kleiner, Dick. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19820115&id=zIgiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xKoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2709,1895402&hl=en "Actress Toni Kalem Shaking Ethnic Image"], ''[[The Sumter Daily Item]]'', January 15, 1982. Accessed October 9, 2015. "And she isn't the New York street girl she played so often. She's actually from Springfield, N.J., the very middle-class daughter of a very middle-class insurance agent."</ref> * [[Louis Keller]] (1857-1922), publisher, social arbiter of [[high society (group)|high society]] and golf club owner, best known as the founder of the [[Baltusrol Golf Club]] and as the first publisher of the ''[[Social Register]]''.<ref>Staff. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C06E2D61038E233A25752C3A9659C946495D6CF "LOUIS KELLER LEFT ESTATE OF $574,000; But Claims Reduced Social Register Publisher's Property to $334,972 Net. WAS SOLE OWNER OF BOOK Bequeathed Shares in Publication and Life Jobs to Assistant and Another Employe."], ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 13, 1925. Accessed October 9, 2015. "The total property owned by Mr. Keller, who was a resident of Springfield, N. J., where he made his residence at the Baltusrol Golf Club, was appraised at $574,341."</ref> * [[Donald Lan]] (born 1930), politician who served as [[Secretary of State of New Jersey]] from 1977 to 1982.<ref>Hanley, Robert. [http://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/06/nyregion/life-at-the-center-of-jersey-vote-tallying.html "LIFE AT THE CENTER OF JERSEY VOTE TALLYING"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', November 6, 1981. Accessed September 15, 2014. "Mr. Lan was up nearly all night on Tuesday and did not retire until 4 A.M. He went to a motel across from the State House to sleep, instead of returning to his home in Springfield, where he's lived for 25 years."</ref> * [[George Low Jr.]] (1912-1995), [[professional golfer]] who was better known as a putting instructor and hustler than as a golfer.<ref>Trenham, Peter C. [http://philadelphia.pga.com/gui/philly9/filedownload/1930%20to%201939%20Leaders%20&%20Legends.pdf "A Chronicle of the Philadelphia Section PGA and its Members: The Leaders and The Legends 1930 to 1939"], Philadelphia Section PGA. Accessed October 9, 2015. "George Low, Jr. was born in Springfield, New Jersey in 1912."</ref> * [[George Low Sr.]] (1874-1950), Scottish-American professional golfer who finished tied for second place in the [[1899 U.S. Open (golf)|1899 U.S. Open]] championship.<ref>Brown, Dick. [http://www.baltusrol.org/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?DN=GEORGE1&GRP=23559&NS=LB "George Low: One of Baltusrol’s Best Kept Secrets"], [[Baltusrol Golf Club]]. Accessed October 9, 2015. "George Low lived on the Baltusrol property, raised his family here, played championship caliber golf, taught the game to a number of very good players and was an honorary life member."</ref> * [[Dina Matos]] (born 1966), former First Lady of [[New Jersey]].<ref>Capuzzo, Jill P. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990DE7DB143CF934A35752C1A9629C8B63 "The Tangled Journey Of a Governor's Wife"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', November 7, 2004. Accessed December 30, 2007. "The McGreeveys will be moving out of Drumthwacket, the governor's Greek Revival mansion in Princeton, and go their separate ways -- she to a red-brick ranch she bought for an undisclosed price in Springfield, Union County."</ref> * [[Gail J. McGovern]], (born 1952), businessperson who has served as President and CEO of the [[American Red Cross]].<ref>[https://www.boardroominsiders.com/executive-profiles/7312/American-Red-Cross/Gail-J.-McGovern Gail J. McGovern], Boardroom Insiders, updated April 26, 2015. Accessed October 9, 2015. "Born on January 12, 1952; raised in suburban, Springfield, New Jersey."</ref><ref>Goldman, Jeff. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/10/red_cross_failed_after_sandy_report_says.html "Red Cross plagued by blunders, bad decisions after Sandy, report says"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], October 29, 2014. Accessed October 9, 2015. "Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern, a former AT&T executive, was raised in Springfield."</ref> * [[Mark Melni]], pianist and inventor.<ref>[http://www.microchipsetc.com/aboutus.html Mark Melni - Owner and Founder of Microchips ETC], Microchips. Accessed October 9, 2015. "Though born in Springfield, New Jersey, Mark has lived most of his life, and raised his family in Twin Falls."</ref> * [[Dylan O'Brien]] (born 1991), actor.<ref>Mathews, Dana. [http://www.teenvogue.com/entertainment/movies/2014-08/dylan-obrien-maze-runner/?slide=1 "Up Close and Personal with Dylan O'Brien: The 'Maze Runner' Star Talks Movies, Making It, and More"], ''[[Teen Vogue]]''. Accessed September 15, 2014. "Dylan may be a newcomer to the action-movie scene, but he's no stranger to mazes. Growing up in Springfield Township, New Jersey, he recalls visiting the Liberty Science Center in fifth grade and going through its Touch Tunnel."</ref> * [[Harry Pappas]], politician who served on the Springfield Township Committee, has held posts in the Democratic and Republican parties in New Jersey and is a perennial candidate for public office.<ref>Bulger, Adam. [http://patch.com/new-jersey/springfield/residents-express-confusion-frustration-at-rvsa-town-hall "Residents Express Confusion, Frustration at RVSA Town Hall; Officials say they are flexible in billing formula"], Springfield Patch, October 6, 2010. Accessed October 9, 2015. "'They should have explained it more,' former Township Committee member Harry Pappas said shortly after the meeting."</ref> * [[Bernard Purdie]] (born 1941), prolific session drummer.<ref>Jordan, Chris. [http://www.app.com/article/20131004/NJENT01/310040072/Drummer-Bernard-Pretty-Purdie-has-kept-time-your-life "Drummer Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie has kept the time to your life"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', October 4, 2013. Accessed October 5, 2013. "Purdie eventually moved to Jersey — Teaneck and Edison before settling in Springfield."</ref> * [[Claudio Reyna]] (born 1973), professional soccer player.<ref>Whiteside, Kelly. [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/worldcup/2006-05-31-reyna-focus_x.htm "USA's Reyna personifies perseverance"], ''[[USA Today]]'', June 2, 2006. Accessed October 9, 2015. "Reyna's father, Miguel, is from Argentina, where he played professionally, and his mother, Maria, is from Portugal. His parents immigrated to New Jersey in the late 1950s, then settled a decade later in Springfield, N.J., where Reyna was raised."</ref> * [[Jeff Ross]] (born 1965 as Jeffrey Ross Lifschultz), comedian.<ref>Witchel, Alex. [http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/27/style/field-trip-give-me-that-lower-east-side-mix.html "FIELD TRIP; Give Me That Lower East Side Mix"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 27, 2002. Accessed April 10, 2012. "Unfortunately, they weren't around long. His mother died of leukemia when Mr. Ross was 14, his father of a cerebral hemorrhage when his son was 19. After Mr. Ross graduated from Boston University, his grandfather moved into the family home in Springfield, N.J.; the two were inseparable."</ref> * [[George Erik Rupp]] (born 1942), former President of [[Rice University]] and [[Columbia University]], who has headed the [[International Rescue Committee]] since 2002.<ref>Kleinfeld, N. R. [http://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/02/nyregion/man-in-the-news-theologian-as-educator-george-erik-rupp.html "Man in the News; Theologian as Educator: George Erik Rupp"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', February 2, 1993. Accessed February 20, 2011. "George Erik Rupp was born in Summit, N.J., on Sept. 22, 1942, and grew up in Springfield, N.J."</ref> * [[Gabe Saporta]] (born 1979), lead singer and primary creative force behind the band [[Cobra Starship]].<ref>[[Tris McCall|McCall, Tris]]. [http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2011/08/mtv_video_music_awards_2011_co.html "MTV Video Music Awards 2011: Cobra Starship rocks pre-show"], ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', August 28, 2011. Accessed May 23, 2013. "Frontman Gabe Saporta, who lived in Springfield and went to high school in West Orange, was once the bassist and singer in Midtown, a roughneck pop-punk band that shared more with earnest Saves the Day than poppy Panic! at the Disco."</ref><ref>Lustig, Jay. "Cobra Starship flies with 'Snakes on a Plane'.", ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'', December 15, 2006. "With his new band, Cobra Starship, former Springfield resident Gabe Saporta was able to get one of his songs accepted for the soundtrack of the movie ''Snakes on a Plane.''"</ref> * [[Joe Schaffernoth]] (born 1937), pitcher who played for the [[Chicago Cubs]] and [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref>Prell, Edward. [http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/564605192.html?dids=564605192:564605192&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+25%2C+1959&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Banks'+2+Run+Pinch+Hit+in+8th+Beats+Indians%2C+4-2&pqatl=google "Banks' 2 Run Pinch Hit in 8th Beats Indians, 4-2"], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', March 25, 1959. Accessed February 6, 2011. "The run of the mine phenom is Joe Schaffernoth, 21, ... from Springfield, NJ."</ref> * [[Zygi Wilf]] (born 1950), owner of the [[Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>via [[Associated Press]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070612152123/http://wcco.com/local/local_story_325130802.html "At Home With Zygi Wilf"], [[WCCO-TV]], November 21, 2005, backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of June 12, 2007. Accessed October 9, 2015. "'It's probably like the quarterback who has to run all the plays,' he says, steering his car into the cul-de-sac where his large French Chateau-style house sits in Springfield, a community that is made up largely of Jewish and Italian families."</ref> * [[James Yee]] (born c. 1968), former [[United States Army]] [[chaplain]] with the rank of [[Captain (U.S. Army)|captain]] who is best known for being subject to an intense investigation by the United States, but all charges were later dropped.<ref>Rivera, Ray. [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002144979_yeechapter1.html "A Rising Star"], ''[[The Seattle Times]]'', January 9, 2005. Accessed April 7, 2008. "Jimmy, as his parents called him, grew up Lutheran in the small New Jersey town of Springfield."</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Collier's Poster|Springfield (New Jersey)|Springfield}} * [http://www.springfield-nj.us/ Official Township Website] * [http://www.springfieldschools.com/ Springfield Public Schools] * {{NJReportCard|39|5000|0|Springfield Public Schools}} * [http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3415630 School Data for the Springfield Public Schools], [[National Center for Education Statistics]] * [http://www.evangelsp.org/ Evangel Baptist Church of Springfield, NJ] {{Union County, New Jersey}} [[Category:Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey| ]] [[Category:1794 establishments in New Jersey]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1794]] [[Category:Township form of New Jersey government]] [[Category:Townships in Union County, New Jersey]]'