To the Editor:

A few hours ago, I went to Walgreens to purchase three standard drug store items. Despite my concerns about over-development at the Princeton Shopping Center, I hoped that the new store would be an asset to our community. To my surprise, none of the items on my shopping list were available. When I asked the shift manager where they might be located, he responded that although he was expecting more stock to arrive during the next week, many products would no longer be available. He informed me that the new store is significantly smaller than the old store (12 aisles as opposed to 28 aisles).

A well-stocked pharmacy is a necessity, not a luxury shop. I can drive to the big box stores on Route 1 to make ordinary purchases, but other residents are not able to do so. Being able to obtain basic goods and services without leaving town was one of the reasons I moved to Princeton. It is very sad to see that our local officials have prioritized profit-making development at the shopping center over the needs of our community. We deserve better.

Maryann Witalec Keyes
Franklin Avenue