History & Culture

History – Government

The Borough of Keyport was established pursuant to New Jersey law, "An Act to incorporate the borough of Keyport, in the county of Monmouth," P.L.1908, c.71, enacted April 2, 1908. The law provides that the Borough of Keyport "shall be governed by the general laws of this State relating to boroughs."
New Jersey laws regulating the borough form of municipal government are codified in the New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A. 40A:60-1 et seq.) and provide for a governing body that includes a Mayor and a six (6) member Borough Council. The Mayor is elected at large (by all voters in the Borough) for a term of four (4) years. Members of the Borough Council are elected at large to staggered three (3) year terms, arranged so the terms of two (2) members expire at the end of each calendar year.
Local laws are adopted as Ordinances by the Borough Council and approved by the Mayor. Adopted ordinances are codified in Borough Code, organized by subject.

Historic Districts

Keyport's Historic Districts, established under Keyport Borough Code §2-7.6(f), aim to preserve the borough's heritage and enhance its cultural, economic, and general well-being. These districts, created for advisory purposes, do not amend zoning ordinances. The objectives include safeguarding the borough's heritage, encouraging the use of historic landmarks, promoting district appreciation for education and pleasure, maintaining a harmonious setting for historic structures, fostering beautification and reinvestment, discouraging unnecessary demolition, ensuring proper maintenance, enhancing the borough's visual character, and promoting conservation through voluntary compliance.

Culture

Keyport’s numerous historic homes and beautiful gardens provide a sense of charm that lends the perfect backdrop for artistry. Craftsmanship has been mainstay of this waterfront community from shipbuilding to aviating starting in the mid-1800’s. In the early 1900s, Beach Park, formerly known as Pavilion Beach, was an entertainment hub hosting bands, concerts, dancing and ‘high-class’ vaudeville. Majors Lounge, formerly located on Atlantic Street, was referred as “New Jersey Apollo Theatre” with performances by well-known entertainers such as Jackie Wilson, Little Richard, and James Brown.

In 2016, the Monmouth County Master Plan identified the Borough of Keyport as a recognized Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) Hub. This special designation is given to communities that host high concentration of arts and cultural activities.