To the Editor:

I know I am not alone among the 30 local residents attending the Saturday, April 26 meeting of the Witherspoon/Jackson neighborhood committee who would like to extend thanks to former Princeton Township Mayor Jim Floyd for organizing and leading this important effort. This truly grass roots group meets frequently to discuss issues affecting the community. As a former Quarry Street resident, I’m committed to working towards a positive future for the Witherspoon/Jackson area and its residents.

These meetings are events that should not be missed by elected and appointed Princeton officials as well as residents concerned about Princeton’s future. Mayor Floyd was assisted at the meeting by the always gracious Shirley Satterfield and Minnie Craig. Topics discussed included affordable housing, parking, and traffic.

Sgt. Paul Murray, of the Princeton Police Department discussed the need for new ordinances to address parking and traffic problems post-consolidation. Christie Peacock, Affordable Housing Coordinator on the Princeton Housing Board, provided an overview of affordable housing in Princeton. Kip Cherry noted the importance of attending the Monday, April 28, meeting of the Princeton Council where the Capital Budget would be presented. Omar Nishtar, a resident of Griggs Farm, observed that owning affordable housing is preferable to renting because it motivates a desire to maintain and improve the property.

Among attendees at the meeting were Larry and Fern Spruill, who have single-handedly created the highly successful group “Committed and Faithful Princetonians” whose goal is to prepare young men and women for academic and social development leading toward a life of high achievement. Also in attendance were Kate Warren, Affordable Housing Board Member; Ross Wishnack, Chairman, Human Services Commission; former Borough Mayor Marvin Reed; Sam Bunting, liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; Sue Nementh, candidate for Princeton Council; and Hendricks Davis, who was involved with the Consolidation and Transition Task Force.

Princeton Councilman Lance Liverman provided insight on issues discussed. Princeton Housing Authority Commissioners, including the highly esteemed Hank Pannell, who helped establish the Pannel Learning Center that was named in his honor, and Alvin McGowan, were also among the attendees.

Kudos to Mayor Floyd for continuing to organize these important and constructive meetings.

Linda Sipprelle, Commissioner

Princeton Housing Authority, Nassau Street