History of Ocean Gate, New Jersey in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 13, 2025

Ocean Gate is a borough located in Ocean County, New Jersey. According to the 2020 United States census, its population was 1,932. The population has seen a decline over the past two decades, with decreases recorded in both the 2010 and 2020 census counts compared to the 2000 census figure of 2,076.

February 28, 1918: Ocean Gate Incorporation

On February 28, 1918, the borough of Ocean Gate was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature from portions of Berkeley Township.

1929: AT&T Station Purchase

In 1929, AT&T purchased 175 acres of land to operate a shortwave radio transmitting station in the Ocean Gate area.

February 28, 1953: Ocean Gate Annexation

On February 28, 1953, an additional portion of Berkeley Township was annexed to the borough of Ocean Gate.

2000: 2000 Census Data

As of the 2000 United States census, there were 2,076 people residing in the borough of Ocean Gate.

2006: 2006-2010 American Community Survey

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey, data collection started in 2006 and showed that in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars, the median household income was $61,250 and the median family income was $73,056.

2009: 2009 Gubernatorial Election Results

In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 60.3% of the vote in Ocean Gate.

May 2010: Roadway Statistics

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 12.30 miles of roadways.

2010: Voter Registration Statistics

Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 64.0% were registered to vote.

2010: 2010 Census Data

In 2010, the United States census counted 2,011 people residing in the borough of Ocean Gate.

2010: 2006-2010 American Community Survey

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars, the median household income was $61,250 and the median family income was $73,056.

March 2011: Voter Registration Statistics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 1,287 registered voters in Ocean Gate, with 26.1% registered as Democrats and 30.1% as Republicans.

2013: 2013 Gubernatorial Election Results

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 70.9% of the vote in Ocean Gate.

February 2014: Council Resignations

In February 2014, Democrats Rose Kindon and Chris Theodos replaced Frank Santarpia and James McGrath, who resigned in protest over an increase in the mayor's compensation to $50,000.

2016: Smallest Enrollment

In the 2016–2017 school year, Ocean Gate was tied as having the 26th smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 149 students.

2017: Smallest Enrollment

In the 2016–2017 school year, Ocean Gate was tied as having the 26th smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 149 students.

2018: Ocean Gate Elementary School Statistics

As of the 2018–19 school year, the Ocean Gate School District had an enrollment of 142 students.

2018: Central Regional School District Enrollment

In 2018, Central Regional Middle School had 769 students in grades 7-8 and Central Regional High School had 1,483 students in grades 9-12.

April 2020: Mayor's Salary Cut

In April 2020, after Mayor Paul J. Kennedy was charged with official misconduct, the Ocean Gate borough council reduced the mayor's salary to one dollar.

2020: 2020 Census Data

In 2020, the United States census recorded Ocean Gate's population as 1,932, which was a decrease of 79 (−3.9%) from the 2010 census count.

December 2022: Mayoral Appointment

In December 2022, after Mayor Kennedy resigned, David Kendrick was appointed by the borough council to fill the vacant mayoral seat.

December 31, 2022: Mayor David Kendrick's Term End

As of 2022, the term of office for the mayor of Ocean Gate, Republican David Kendrick, ends on December 31, 2022.

2023: Borough Council Member Terms

In 2023, Mark Haug and Mildred Sheppard are members of the Borough Council in Ocean Gate.

December 2024: Council Seat Appointment

In December 2024, Bruce Cox was appointed to fill David Kendrick's vacated council seat.

2024: Legislative District Representation

For the 2024-2025 session, Carmen Amato represents the 9th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature in the State Senate.

2024: Borough Council Member Terms

In 2024, Bruce Cox and Laura Padham-Iaria are members of the Borough Council in Ocean Gate.

2025: Ocean County Board of Commissioners

As of 2025, Ocean County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members elected at-large in partisan elections.

2025: Legislative District Representation

For the 2024-2025 session, Greg Myhre and Brian E. Rumpf represent the 9th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature in the General Assembly.