Crofton, Maryland

Crofton, Maryland
Census-designated place
Crofton Parkway

Location of Crofton, Maryland
Coordinates: 39°0′15″N 76°41′18″W / 39.00417°N 76.68833°W / 39.00417; -76.68833Coordinates: 39°0′15″N 76°41′18″W / 39.00417°N 76.68833°W / 39.00417; -76.68833
Country  United States
State  Maryland
County Anne Arundel
Founded 1964
Government
 • Type Town Hall
Area
 • Total 6.6 sq mi (17.1 km2)
 • Land 6.6 sq mi (17.1 km2)
 • Water 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km2)
Elevation 98 ft (30 m)
Population (2010)[1]
 • Total 27,348
 • Density 4,135/sq mi (1,596.6/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code 21114
Area code(s) 410
FIPS code 24-20875
GNIS feature ID 0590046

Crofton is a census-designated place and planned community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, located just west of the state capital Annapolis. Crofton is located 24 miles (39 km) south of Baltimore, 9.8 miles (15.8 km) west of Annapolis, and 24 miles (39 km) east-northeast of Washington, D.C. The community was established in 1964. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 27,348.[1]

History

Development

Waugh Chapel Towne Center in 2015

In 1963, after the Crawford Corporation accumulated over 1,600 acres (650 ha) of land, it announced that it would build a new community called Crofton. This new town and planned community was founded at the same time as Reston, Virginia (April 17, 1964) and Columbia, Maryland (1967). Crofton would be anchored by a community golf course, which later became the Crofton Country Club. Crofton was officially founded in the fall of 1964. The company considered picking an English name for the new town that "sounds well and implies that this is a pleasant place to live." It ended up picking the name "Crofton", named after a small township in Cumberland County, England. The English town was originally called Croft-town, derived from the word "Croft", as the town standing upon the Crofts. Originally an exclusive gated community, Crofton's gates were opened and they now only serve as a symbol for the community.

"100 Best Places to Live"

In July 2007 Crofton was named by Money magazine as one of "100 Best Places to Live" in the United States. Crofton placed 72nd out of 100 cities on the list. It was selected for its relative anonymity while still boasting many major amenities, excellent schools, and sought-after location.[2]

Crofton was selected again for the magazine's 2011 list, this time placing 82nd.[3]

Crofton pond snakehead fish incident

Northern snakehead

Crofton was in the national news in late June and early July 2002 after a Northern Snakehead fish was discovered in a local pond.[4][5][6] The infestation was found in water behind the Crofton post office and the adjacent shopping center,[6] across Route 3 from local landmark Lake Louise.

The snakehead species is highly aggressive and voracious.[7][8] In order to ensure that the fish were eliminated, in September 2002 the main pond and two nearby ponds were dosed heavily with rotenone[8] and subsequently with potassium permanganate.[9] Six adult snakeheads and more than one thousand juvenile fish were found and destroyed.[9]

Ultimately, the incident initiated a national discussion on invasive species.[10][11] One comparison case was the mute swan,[11] also an invasive and destructive species of the Chesapeake Bay watershed but, in comparison, quite beautiful, and which garnered support from some environmental and animal rights groups.

Several movies were inspired by this incident. Syfy aired two movies in relation to the snakehead outbreak: in March 2004, a movie called Snakehead Terror was featured, and the movie Frankenfish was aired in June 2004. Ten Pound Films also produced a feature film titled Swarm of the Snakehead which related to this incident. In 2007, a documentary titled Fishzilla: Snakehead Invasion aired on the National Geographic Channel, discussing the ecological damage that the snakeheads found in Crofton have done to surrounding areas.[12]

Geography

The original community of Crofton was built within a triangle formed by three major roads: Crain Highway (Maryland Route 3) to the northwest, Davidsonville Road (Maryland Route 424) to the northeast, and Defense Highway (Maryland Route 450) to the south. Within the triangle, Crofton Parkway, a loop road 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, encircles the center of the community. Crofton Parkway is the scene of yearly parades, two of the community's five elementary schools, the Town Hall, Village Green, community events, Crofton Country Club, and walkers, joggers and bikers around the loop. Crofton also has a community pool, the Crofton Swim and Tennis Club (CSTC), which is restricted to those inhabitants of the triangle.

The Crofton CDP now extends north and east from the triangle, including Crofton Park and reaching northeast as far as St. Stephens Church Road.

The Little Patuxent River borders Crofton on its southwest corner at the intersection of Route 3 and Route 450, providing a buffer between Anne Arundel and Prince Georges counties.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Crofton CDP has a total area of 6.6 square miles (17.1 km2), all of it land.[13]

Climate

Crofton has a moderate climate with hot, humid summers and, mild to sometimes cold winters. The record low temperature is −11 °F which was recorded on January 27, 1987. The record high temperature is 104 °F which was recorded on August 16, 1997.

Education

Schools

Crofton contains a number of public schools, administered by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system:

  • Crofton Elementary School, grades K-5
  • Crofton Meadows Elementary School, grades K-5
  • Crofton Woods Elementary School, grades K-5
  • Nantucket Elementary School, grades K-5

For grades 6–8,[14] students from all four of these elementary schools attend Crofton Middle School in adjacent Gambrills, Maryland.[15]

Older students from Crofton attend one of two high schools:[15][16]

However, a new Crofton area high school is being built. Construction started in late 2018[19] and planned occupancy is August 2020.[20] Once this facility opens, students from Crofton Middle School can stay together and attend the same high school.

There are also some private preschools in Crofton:

  • Crofton Day School[21]
  • Crofton Nursery School[22]
  • Creative Garden Nursery School and Kindergarten[23]

Overcrowding

BRAC realignments and additional construction have increased residential and commercial development in Crofton, and schools have become overcrowded.[24] In 2013, a redistricting proposal was approved for Crofton schools[25] to accommodate an increase in students that was not previously planned for. While most current plans address overcrowding in elementary schools, county officials have not yet addressed needs at the Middle and High School level.[16] A redistricting committee is being formed in late 2018 to address student assignments related to the opening of the new Crofton area high school, with representatives from the potentially affected schools.[19]

Demographics

2010 census data

As of the 2000 census,[26] there were 20,091 people, 7,404 households, and 5,478 families residing in the Crofton census-designated place. The population density was 3,998.6 people per square mile (1,545.3/km²). There were 7,573 housing units at an average density of 1,507.2 per square mile (582.5/km²). There were 7,404 households out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.13. In the community the population was spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

In 2010, Crofton had grown to 27,348,[27] an increase of 36%. The median age remained at 35 years. Of the 10,203 housing units, most were households of families (71.5%) with an average household size of 2.67 people.

Census data show an increase in the percentage of minorities living in Crofton. In 2000, the racial makeup of the community was 90.21% White, 5.13% African American, 0.23% Native American, 2.33% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races; Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.48% of the population.[26] In the 2010 census, the racial makeup of the community was 79.8% White (−10.4%), 10.3% Black (+5.2%), 4.7% Hispanic (+2.2%), 3.3% two or more races (+1.9%), 4.9% Asian (+2.6%), .1% Native American (+.1%), and 1.4% "some other race".[27]

Population history

The U.S. Census Bureau has recorded the following populations for the Crofton census-designated place.

Year Total Population
1960 NA[28]
1970 4,478[28]
1980 12,009[29]
1990 12,781[30]
2000 20,091[26]
2010 27,348[27]

Earnings data

Crofton has experienced a 33.99% income growth rate since 2000.[31] This exceeds both the Maryland state average rate (30.24%) and the national average rate (19.17%).[31]

According to a 2007 estimate,[32] the median income for a household in the area was $93,198, and the median income for a family was $101,644. Males had a median income of $56,819 versus $41,229 for females. The per capita income for the area was $33,518. About 2.0% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Income has risen since then. Based on the American Community Survey for 2008–2012, median incomes in the area were $104,279 for households and $120,316 for families.[33] The per capita income for the area was $43,452.[33] About 1.9% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.[33]

Crime and law enforcement

The area of Crofton is policed by the Crofton Police Department, which was founded in 1969.[34] The department operates under the Anne Arundel County Charter, aided by the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Sheriff's Office as directed by authority.[35]

Town Hall is centrally located in the older section of Crofton, at the corner of Crofton Parkway and Duke of Kent Drive. The structure was built as the sales center for the original Crawford development; it was donated to the community in 1973.[36] Town Hall contains offices for the town manager, other Crofton Civic Association (CCA) staff, and the police department.[36]

Landmarks

  • White's Hall – birthplace of Johns Hopkins, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose greatest legacy is the funding of Johns Hopkins University. Gerrard Hopkins came to America from England, settling in Crofton in 1660. The Hopkins family was in the Crofton area for 270 years and accumulated more than 1,000 acres (400 ha) of land. The historic house still exists near the corner of Riedel Road and Johns Hopkins Road.[37] It is privately owned but empty.[38]
  • Linthicum Walks – a home built over 200 years ago by Thomas Linthicum III, a member of an influential family in Anne Arundel County. The original grant for the land was to Evan Davis in 1672 and obtained in 1699 by Thomas Linthicum, a Welsh immigrant. It was part of a medium-sized tobacco farm. George Washington stayed here during his travels to and from Annapolis and Philadelphia and his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Located next to Crofton Middle School and the planned location for Crofton High School, Linthicum Walks is owned by Anne Arundel County, run by the Department of Recreation and Parks and is currently being restored. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[39]
  • Katcef Archeological Site – archaeological site listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.[39]

Notable Croftonites

  • Crofton is briefly featured in an April 21, 2014 episode of the hit show, "The Blacklist", in an episode titled "The Pavlovich Brothers."[44]
  • Crofton is the home of several key characters in a December 17, 2013 episode of the hit show, "Person of Interest" in an episode titled "Lethe."[45]

References

  1. 1 2 "DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010". 2010 United States Census Summary File 1. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  2. ↑ Ashford, Kate; Andrea Bartz; Jeff Cox; Asa Fitch; Stephen Gandel; Josh Hyatt; Rob Kelley; Kathleen Knight; Joe Light; Ismat Sarah Mangla; Sarah Max; Jennifer Merritt; Brad Nelson; Donna Rosato; Ingrid Tharasook (July 2007). "Best Places to Live: Top 100". Money Magazine. Money Magazine. Retrieved 2007-09-14.
  3. ↑ "Best Places to Live 2011". Money Magazine. Money Magazine. 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  4. ↑ Thomson, Candus (September 5, 2002). "Fish poison applied to pond". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore Sun Media Group. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Sun coverage: Snakeheads in Md". The Sun. The Baltimore Sun. 2014. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Partlow, Joshua (May 23, 2004). "Snakehead Hoopla Just a Memory: Anne Arundel Pond Sits Forsaken Two Years Later". Washington Post. p. C04. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  7. ↑ Invasive Species Program: Snakeheads – The Newest Aquatic Invader (PDF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, July 2002, retrieved February 24, 2017
  8. 1 2 Thomson, Candus (September 6, 2002). "Hundreds of baby snakeheads hauled away from Crofton ponds". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore Sun Media Group. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  9. 1 2 Powder, Jackie (September 18, 2002). "DNR says pond is clear". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore Sun Media Group. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014.
  10. ↑ Pelton, Tom (October 20, 2005). "Maryland's least wanted: A few voracious, invasive plant and animal species threaten to crowd out state's native life forms". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  11. 1 2 John Nielsen (April 30, 2007). "Scientists Prowl to Destroy Mute Swan Eggs". All Things Considered (radio). National Public Radio (NPR). Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  12. ↑ Fishzilla: Snakehead Invasion on IMDb
  13. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Crofton CDP, Maryland". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Crofton Middle School". Anne Arundel County Public Schools. AACPS Board of Education. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  15. 1 2 "Planning Office: School Feeder System". Anne Arundel County Public Schools. AACPS Board of Education. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  16. 1 2 Lemke, Tim (26 September 2012). "A Path to a Crofton High School: A top school official said he envisions a scenario under which a new high school in Crofton will be needed sooner rather than later". Odenton-Severn Patch.
  17. ↑ Arundel Feeder System (PDF), Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 2015, retrieved February 23, 2017
  18. ↑ South River Feeder System (PDF), Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 2015, retrieved February 23, 2017
  19. 1 2 Jedra, Christina (August 26, 2018). "Which students will go to the new Crofton high school? A redistricting committee is looking into it". Crofton Gazette. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  20. ↑ Construction Status Report (CSR 201610) (PDF), Anne Arundel County Schools, October 2016, p. 5, retrieved February 23, 2017
  21. ↑ "Enrollment". Crofton Day School. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  22. ↑ "Welcome". Crofton Nursery School. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  23. ↑ "Creative Garden Nursery School and Kindergarten- Crofton has enriched the lives of children since September 1968!". Creative Garden Schools. 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  24. ↑ Lemke, Tim (25 September 2012). "Crofton School Redistricting, by the Numbers". Odenton-Severn Patch. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  25. ↑ Crispino, Peter (9 April 2013). "Board Of Ed Approves Crofton Redistricting Proposal". Arundel Voice.
  26. 1 2 3 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on September 11, 2013. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  27. 1 2 3 "DP-1, Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010, 2010 Demographic Profile Data". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  28. 1 2 "Table 6. Population of Places: 1970 and 1960". 1970 Census of Population, Volume 1: Characteristics of the Population, Part 22: Maryland (PDF). U.S. Department of Commerce, Social and Economic Statistics Administration, Bureau of the Census. February 1973. p. 22-10. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Table 25. Population, 1960 to 1980, and Land Area and Population Density for 1980 for Places of 2,500 or More". 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Number of Inhabitants, United States Summary (PC80-1-A1) (PDF). U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. pp. 1–133. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Table 45. Population and Housing Units, 1970 to 1990; Area Measurements and Density: 1990". 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Population and Housing Unit Counts, United States (1990 CPH-2-1) (PDF). U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of the Census. p. 474. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  31. 1 2 "Crofton, MD: Basic Information". USA.com. World Media Group, LLC. 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  32. ↑ "Community Facts – 21114 – SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS". American Fact Finder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 3, 2014.
  33. 1 2 3 "Community Facts – 21114 – SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS, 2008–2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". American Fact Finder. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  34. ↑ "Crofton Police". Crofton. Crofton Special Community Benefit District (CSCBD). Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  35. ↑ Fox, Earl D., Chief of Police (1994), Crofton Police Department Rules and Regulations (PDF), retrieved February 13, 2017
  36. 1 2 Booth, Janice Fuhrman (2009). Crofton. Images of America. Arcadia Publishing. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-7385-6783-9.
  37. ↑ Anne Arundel County’s Inventory of Historic Properties (PDF), Office of Planning and Zoning, Anne Arundel County, retrieved February 13, 2017
  38. ↑ Yeager, Amanda (April 14, 2016). "Hopkins birthplace in Gambrills up for sale to preservation-minded buyer". The Capital. Baltimore Sun Media Group. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  39. 1 2 National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  40. ↑ Shandler, Philip (September 26, 1974). "Excitement in Spiro Agnew's Life Lacking". The Dispatch. p. 21. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  41. ↑ "Crofton's Kyle Beckerman had long set the World Cup as his destination". Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  42. ↑ Alan Zarbizarre Linhart. Facebook.
  43. ↑ "Details about Edward Snowden's life in Maryland emerge". Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  44. ↑ "The Blacklist s01e19 Episode Script – SS". Springfield! Springfield!. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  45. ↑ ""Person of Interest" Lethe (TV Episode 2013)". Retrieved 30 November 2017 – via www.imdb.com.

Sources

  • Browne, Joseph L., From Sotweed to Suburbia: A History of the Crofton, Maryland Area, 40th Anniversary version, 1660–1960. Baltimore: Gateway Press, Inc., published by the Crofton Rotary to fund the restoration of Linthicum Walks.
  • "Crofton Small Area Plan", Anne Arundel County Citizens Information Center, Anne Arundel County, February 23, 2001, archived from the original on December 20, 2003
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