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The
Borough of Chester, which was founded in 1930 when the borough split from Chester
Township, is an attractive 1.6 square mile village which succeeds in integrating the heritage of the past with the contemporary conveniences of suburban living. Chester’s Main Street, with its antique shops and old homes, is a visual replica of the town, as it existed 100 or more years ago. Today, residential community families find its historic rural atmosphere and close proximity to suburban businesses and industries highly desirable.
Chester’s early development was closely associated with mining interests so typical of the region. The borough’s growth as an industrial center peaked in the decades following the Civil War. Since that time its character has changed from sheep ranching and woolen mills to suburban residential, manufacturing and agriculture.
Chester Borough and Chester Township share churches, fire department, stores, clubs, recreation programs and educational facilities, thereby offering residents many advantages of suburban living.
In recent years Chester has experienced well-planned residential and commercial growth.
The Chester area has undergone a transformation from a
quiet rural village into a town renowned for shopping,
schools, restaurants and cultural opportunities.
The impetus for this growth has been the result of the location of several large corporate facilities within the region.
While the Chesters boast many modern homes on sprawling
lots, you also find many old buildings from the
1700-1800’s, notable for an historic old country look.
The borough of Chester
encompassing approx. 1.5 sq. miles, is surrounded by
almost 30 sq. miles of Chester Twp. More than 30% of the
Township is preserved as open space.
Chester Township
Incorporated in 1799, Chester Township is made up of historic homes, open space, farms and newer developments. Several state and county parks are located in this rural township, including Black River Wildlife Preserve, Cooper Mill and Willowwood Arboretum.
Chester Township has much preserved space, several hundred acres of
activity-filled park areas, a fishing reservoir, hiking trails, a sledding hill,
and an arboretum, among others.
The two municipalities share a
public library, first aid squad, fire department,
community pool, athletic programs, civic organizations and
lower schools. High school students attend West Morris
Mendham H. S. which is ranked # 4 in the state by New
Jersey Monthly Magazine. School Districts
Chester Township Consolidated School District, Route 24, Chester 07930, (908) 879-7373; West Morris Regional High School District, Four Bridges Road Chester 07930, (908) 879-6404
Transportation
Bisected by Route 206 and 24, residents have good access to I-80 to the north and I-287 and 78 to the south. Train transportation is from Netcong (9 miles), Peapack (5 miles) and Morristown (12 miles). Local bus to New York City (daily).
Shopping
Chester, Chester Springs, Rockaway Townsquare and Bridgewater Commons Malls.
Recreational Facilities
Swimming, boating, playground, tennis, golf, ice-skating, Little League, 4-H, horseback riding, Chester Theatre Group; and Growing Stage for Children.
County, state and federal
parks, are within a few minutes drive where you can try your
hand at everything from bocce to baseball. The Morris County
Park Commission operates 24 sites, including three golf
courses, two aboreta and the Mennen Sports Arena and offers
a year-round program of activities throughout the county
like adult education courses, programs for school children,
planned trail walks, golf tournaments and outdoor concerts.
Municipal Offices:
Chester Borough:
300 Main Street, Box 487
(908) 879-5361
Chester Twp:
1 Parker Rd, P.O. Box 428
(908) 879-5100
Chester Borough and Twp.
Library:
250 Route 24
(908) 879-7612
Official Town Website: http://www.chestertownship.org/
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