Brielle NJ Real Estate

The geographical area known as Brielle was originally a section of Shrewsbury Township (founded 1664), an original township in Monmouth County. Settlers, primarily Dutch and English, were arriving by the late 1600's and mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits. Comfortable farm homesteads dotted the areas. Some enjoying a sweeping view of the Manasquan River and Atlantic Ocean. Early in the 1700's a small commercial port called Landing and later, Union Landing grew up on the Manasquan River. A modest ship building industry developed as did shipping activities. Sailing ships utilized the Manasquan Inlet to engage primarily in coastal trading while at the same time herds of cows grazed on pasture ending at the river.

By the second half of the 1800's a number of "cottages", summer hotels and boarding houses were being constructed along the Manasquan River at or near Union Landing. This area was in those days referred to as "the Union" or just plain "Union".

On July 7, 1881, a group of businessmen formed the Brielle Land Association, and purchased 150 acres of farm land between Longstreet's (or Debbie's) Creek and mud pond (Glimmer Glass) to be divided into lots for sale as vacation home sites. They named this development "Brielle" based upon the suggestion by one of their visitors who had visited Brielle, Holland the year before, who felt that this area resembled the countryside and the coastal towns which dot Europe's lowlands on the North Sea and the English Channel. It was during this period that the area began to flourish as a resort and the railroad had been extended south along the shore.

Early in the 19th century, Shrewbury Township was divided and the southern section, including this area, became Howell Township. Further division in 1851 created Wall Township in the eastern section of Howell then in 1919, the Borough of Brielle was created from a portion of Wall. It consists of the original Union Landing area, the Brielle Land Association tract, and all the property up along the river as far as Old Bridge Road. Over the years, and particularly since World War II, the town has grown into a residential community with many of its citizens commuting to the New York metropolitan area. Its prime local industry is still connected with the waterfront with more than 200 commercial and charter fishing boats plus private pleasure craft.

Brielle has no ocean frontage but has almost 4 miles of frontage on the Manasquan River, Debbie's Creek and the Glimmer Glass. Very little vacant land remains. There are approximately 4,600 residents within 1.8 square miles, including an eight acre island. A large section of land is occupied by the nationally known 140 acre Manasquan River Golf Club, founded in 1922.

Brielle is proud of its outstanding K-8 elementary school. Upper grade students attend Manasquan High School. The Reformed in America Church (formerly the Dutch Reformed Church), was established in 1958. The church holds services in an attractive colonial style edifice designed by local architect John C. Dodd. The congregation numbers more than 300 members. It is the only church in Brielle.

The Manasquan River forms the southern boundary and to the east, north and west, Brielle borders Manasquan Borough and Wall Township. Brielle has 20.09 miles of municipal roads, 4 miles of county roads and 2 miles of state highways. Brielle is policed by a fifteen member department. Brielle Fire Company #1 (organized June 13, 1910), and Brielle First Aid Squad (incorporated 1962), are made up of volunteers. Brielle is governed by a Mayor and Council which meet twice each month. Thomas Nicol is currently serves as Mayor.

Brielle operates under a municipal form of government composed of six council members and a mayor, all elected directly by the voters. Council members are elected to three year terms. Each year two seats are up for election. The mayor is elected to a four-year term. The mayor votes only to break a tie. Thus the term, "Strong council, weak mayor", applies to this form of government. The Mayor makes official appointments with advice and consent of the council. The council reorganizes itself each year, electing a president and assigning committee responsibilities.

Originally, Higgins Avenue was Route 35 which crossed the Manasquan River to Point Pleasant. When the state built the present Route 35 Bridge almost 50 Years ago, Higgins Avenue (still owned by the State) fell into disrepair. Then, Stewart Hausmann, acting as a member of the Brielle Borough Council, contacted Governor Whitman asking that Higgins Avenue be deeded to the Borough so that it could be properly maintained. Success! Plans were then formulated to make Higgins Avenue into the "Gateway to Brielle".