Rochelle Park is a township in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township’s population was 5,530, reflecting an increase of 2 (+0.0%) from the 5,528 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 59 (-1.1%) from the 5,587 counted in the 1990 Census.
What is now Rochelle Park was originally incorporated as Midland Township on March 7, 1871, from portions of New Barbadoes Township. Portions of the township were taken to form the boroughs of Delford (on March 8, 1894; now Oradell), Maywood (June 30, 1894), Riverside (also June 30, 1894; now River Edge) and Paramus (March 2, 1922). Rochelle Park was formed as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on November 5, 1929, replacing Midland Township, based on the results of a referendum held on that same day that passed by a 503-69 margin. The main impetus behind the change in name was to avoid confusion with the nearby community of Midland Park. The township was named for the port city of La Rochelle, France.
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 5,530 people, 2,087 households, and 1,455 families residing in the township. The population density was 5,313.8 per square mile (2,051.7/km2). There were 2,170 housing units at an average density of 2,085.2 per square mile (805.1/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 82.22% (4,547) White, 2.89% (160) Black or African American, 0.25% (14) Native American, 8.72% (482) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 3.89% (215) from other races, and 2.03% (112) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.35% (904) of the population.
The Cornelius Demarest House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, having been constructed between 1824 by 1826 by Samuel C. Demarest for his son.
The Captain William Tyson House, which was constructed by a wealthy 19th century ship owner from New York City, is a historic home constructed in the mid-1860s and stands as one of the few remaining uses of the late-19th century Italianate architectural style in Bergen County. One of Rochelle Park’s oldest remaining structures, it was acquired by the township in 2015 for $600,000. Groups of residents have opposed the municipal expenditure of funds towards the acquisition and restoration of the 150-year-old building. The State Historic Preservation Office issued an opinion in 2002 indicating that the structure would be eligible for inclusion on the New Jersey register and the National Register of Historic Places; a Certification of Eligibility for the property was issued in 2015 that represents the next step towards inclusion on the state and national registers.
The Rochelle Park Area, of the Saddle River County Park, offers a biking/jogging path, pavilion, tennis courts, basketball court, playground and softball field. The Rochelle Park area of the park can be accessed at Rail Road Avenue, Lotz Lane, and Howard Avenue.
The Rochelle Park Swim Club is a private club for members and their guests. The club is located on Lotz Lane.
Source: Wikipedia
