Princeton University’s controversial arts and transit proposal was the topic of the Regional Planning Board’s meeting on October 18. This was round one of the discussion, which will continue on November 1 and allow members of the public an opportunity to voice their opinions about the project.

What makes it controversial is not the ambitious arts complex, which most members of the community favor. It is the aspect of the plan that involves moving the Dinky train station 460 feet south and turning the existing buildings into a restaurant and cafe. Planning Board and Borough Council member Jenny Crumiller’s frequent criticism of the move caused her to recuse herself from the proceedings last Thursday, a move which elicited debate at the start of the meeting.

Ms. Crumiller recused herself under the doctrine of “pre-judgment,” and on the advice of planning board lawyer Allen Porter. She expressed regret that she would not be taking part in the discussion. Planning Board members Marvin Reed and [Borough Mayor] Yina Moore questioned the decision. “I don’t know how we can be engaged in the public process as public officials or volunteers without the clash of opinions,” Mr. Reed said. His statement was applauded by members of the audience.

Attorney Bruce Afran, who represents members of the community opposed to the Dinky move, also protested. He suggested that the board take a vote on the question, but they did not. “This process taints the record very severely,” he said, eliciting more applause.

Once the University’s presentation got underway, details of the project’s four interconnected arts buildings, landscaping, new train station and Wawa buildings, traffic studies, sustainability, and other aspects were laid out. University Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee introduced “a carefully engineered and highly integrated project,” saying it “attempts to address a number of community needs, as it also attempts to address one of the University’s highest priorities.”

Opponents to the move of the Dinky station fear that it will decrease ridership and cause the eventual phasing out of the service. Mr. Durkee said the plan “will enhance the Dinky experience and encourage more riders. The Dinky station is right in the middle of this plan and we have no intention to move it again,” he said. “More than half of Dinky riders are associated with the University, so we have a major stake in its viability.”

The four inter-connected buildings that are the core of the $300 million arts project were designed by Steven Holl, who called the effort “the most important project we have ever been involved in.” As described in detail by his colleague Noah Yaffe, the 139,000-square-foot Lewis Center for the Arts, which will include spaces for performances, rehearsals, and teaching, is “a very porous set of buildings” which will surround a new performing arts courtyard. “The space between the buildings is almost more important than the buildings themselves,” he said.

Matt Luck of Rick Joy Architects, which is designing the new train station and Wawa market and renovating the existing buildings into a restaurant and cafe, said the new building “is like the front porch of Princeton. It’s the first view they’ll have,” he said of those arriving at the Dinky terminus. The firm is trying to use local materials for every part of the new building. As for the new cafe in the old station building, he said very little work is planned. “I don’t even think we’ll have to repaint. When you have a resource like this, why would you mess with it?” he asked, causing more than one member of the audience to mutter, “Good question.”

Traffic engineer Georges Jacquemart said the project will create better traffic flow and a safer environment for vehicles and pedestrians. He estimated that the peak demand for parking spaces will not top 980, despite the fact that area venues could draw as many as 5,000 people if all were operating at one time.

Time was made at the end of the meeting for public comment by those who would not be able to return on November 1. First up was Emily Mann, artistic director of McCarter Theatre, which sits on the edge of the proposed project. Responding to questions she has been asked about how McCarter views the project, she described it as “an absolutely thrilling, exciting, awe-inspiring vision of what the arts can be.” She added that the project would be favorable even if it only meant that the train station buildings would be converted to a restaurant and cafe. As it stands, the project is a “gorgeous gift,” she said. “This is the confluence of arts, education, and community. It is a map for the future of this country and the arts in America.”

The only other speaker from the public was resident William Moody of Jefferson Road, who praised the arts project while expressing sadness that the Dinky would be moved as part of it. “Our ideas were not taken advantage of,” he said, complaining that the University did not listen to suggestions and reservations expressed by members of the community over the last few years. “Keeping the tracks where they are does not interfere with a single building you want to build,” he said. “Ninety-eight percent of what you want is fantastic …. I am really worried that this move is putting us into unnecessary jeopardy.”

The discussion ended at 11 p.m. It will continue on Thursday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building, when more members of the public will have an opportunity to voice their views.