To the Editor:

The idea of a Special Improvement District (SID) sounds like a win-win for Princeton.

Generally speaking, SIDs seek to bring about desirable improvements that benefit the business districts, but also the city, town, or county as a whole. The proposed SID for Princeton will be made up of business and property owners who are invested in the town, most of whom live here and all of whom care greatly about the town’s well-being.

I read about a 2018 study of 14 districts and municipalities where 79 percent of residents within special improvement districts felt the SIDs positively impacted their towns or neighborhoods. 

For those who don’t already know, SIDs perform specific services that local governments may be unable to provide. In Princeton, I believe the SID would do much good, including helping to make downtown look even more beautiful, improving the overall experience of shopping and dining, and helping to fill some of our empty storefronts (while avoiding new merchants that aren’t a fit and don’t address residents’ needs).

Downtown Princeton is a gem and a unified approach towards these kinds of improvements is long overdue. It’s an attractive option for those of us who enjoy living here, with no downside that I can see.

This would be a wonderful boost for the town and I personally hope the Council approves the ordinance.

Roark Dunn
Leigh Avenue