The Other Wash. Twp. to Change Name

There is a Washington Township in Burlington County – in fact there are Washington Townships in a half-dozen New Jersey counties. Because of that fact – one of them is now considering a name change.

What's in a name? Just ask the folks in Washington Township. The one in Mercer County. They're talking here about changing the town's name because they're tired of being confused with the 5 other Washington Townships in New Jersey.

Nick Halas/Washington Township, NJ: "People have said 'I'm from Washington Township' and I'm like, 'Oh, you're near me.' And they (say) 'No, the other Washington Township.'"

The Garden State has Washington Townships in Mercer County, of course, as well as Bergen, Morris, Warren, Burlington and Gloucester counties. Having 6 of them causes confusion. The folks at the VC Salon say they've had constant problems with shipping and deliveries.

Linda Raike/salon manager: "They won't come here, they go to another Washington Township instead and it's inconvenient."

Residents say calling information about a phone number in Washington Township is another challenge.

Thea Dranoff/Washington Township, NJ: "They gave me some weird numbers and I knew that the exchange was wrong so I said, 'No, it's Mercer County.'"

In response to the complaints local officials are going to poll residents about changing the township's name to Robbinsville–one of the well-known sections of town.

Jack West/Township administrator: "Assuming they get enough interest from the residents they're going to do a non-binding referendum." That makes sense to one restaurant owner who's fired up about the name change.

Giovanni Barone/restaurant owner: "It's a complication. I really do agree that it should be called Robbinsville. My address is Robbinsville, the mailing address is Robbinsville."

While many believe the township should change its name, there are others who think it's completely unnecessary.

Bill Moshinsky/Washington Township, NJ: "Well I know where I Live, I'm not confused. I know there's other Washington Townships in New Jersey but I kind of like the name. I think they should leave it the way it is."

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 ABC-AP