A NEIGHBORHOOD IN PICTURES: Several photo collages created by Witherspoon-Jackson resident Romus Broadway were on display in the corridor at Witherspoon Monday night, where Princeton Council met to consider making the neighborhood a historic district. The photo essays, spanning several decades, illustrate the history and heritage of the area. Before the meeting, many people were observed pointing out familiar places and locations. 

At another standing-room-only meeting of Princeton Council in Witherspoon Hall Monday night, the proposed ordinance that would make the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood Princeton’s twentieth historic district drew spirited commentary from residents and other members of the public. Nearly all spoke strongly in favor of the concept.

The Council listened to three hours of testimony before referring the matter to the administrative staff. The ordinance could be formally introduced at another special meeting devoted to the issue, possibly on March 10. If introduced, the measure would go to the Planning Board before being sent back to Council for a final vote.

Witherspoon-Jackson was developed as a result of segregation and discrimination, and has historically served as home to the town’s African American residents, as well as Italian, Irish, and Hispanic families. Last December, Wise Preservation consultants issued a 110-page study of the neighborhood, concluding that it is worthy of being preserved as a historic district.

The town’s Historic Preservation Commission has recommended that Witherspoon-Jackson should receive the designation. In an overview at Monday’s meeting, HPC chair Julie Capozzoli said the proposed district includes 395 properties, 281 of which are considered contributing. That means they contain buildings, structures, or sites that are more than 50 years old and retain their integrity. Non-contributing buildings are those built within the past 45 years and have been altered to such an extent that they don’t fit in with the neighborhood.

An increase in teardowns and the construction of large houses that many feel detract from the neighborhood’s architectural and historic fabric have heightened interest in designation. Many who spoke at the meeting stressed the sense of community among resident families, some of which go back six generations. Romus Broadway, who lives on Birch Avenue and exhibited collages he has assembled in the hallway outside the meeting room, listed the professions of many people who grew up in the neighborhood С architects, soldiers, engineers, lawyers, and chemists among them.

Dosier Hammond, who has lived on Leigh Avenue for 26 years, said of the proposed ordinance, “I don’t think it’ll solve all our problems. But it will slow down the encroaching development and the raising of taxes that are forcing people out.” Resident Cecilia Hodges commented, “I am very touched by the heart and soul of the people who come out of this community. The history of this area is the history of Princeton. To dismiss it is to dismiss the history of this entire town.”

Mike Robinson of 254 Witherspoon Partners, spoke against the ordinance because of restrictions it would impose on property owners wanting to make improvements. Al Carnevale said he was generally in favor of the idea, but wondered how the designation helps preserve the neighborhood.

Architect Joshua Zinder, whose design for a 10-unit apartment complex at the former Masonic Lodge in the neighborhood was granted several variances last week by the town’s Zoning Board, said he is in favor of the ordinance, but only with stronger design guidelines. Architect J. Robert Hillier (a Town Topics shareholder), whose office is at 190 Witherspoon Street, said he supports the designation but has concerns about the rules and guidelines.

Property owner Sam Bunting said he is worried about costs that will be incurred by the limitations resulting from the designation. “This is the lowest income community in Princeton, and this will add to costs,” he said, adding that he will have to charge tenants more rent. “Extra costs and maintenance will also be a problem for first-time buyers,” he said.

Most who came to the microphone urged Council to vote for the ordinance. Ashley Hightower read a letter by author Fred Jerome, who has written three books about celebrated Princeton resident Albert Einstein. The famous scientist, who was known to stop and talk to neighborhood residents sitting on their porches when he walked to medical appointments at the former Princeton Hospital, would have supported the measure, Mr. Jerome wrote in his letter.

Bernadine Hines said the neighborhood “represents the diversity that Princeton likes to take credit for.” She said that without the designation, people who helped build the town, and live in the neighborhood, will be forced out. John Heilner, who lives in Princeton’s western section, urged Council to reach a consensus to avoid more teardowns. “Everyone complains about gentrification, but few if any towns have done anything to halt or slow it down. Princeton can be a leader in urban design by showing how to protect its valuable cultural and social heritage, while slowing down gentrification considerably, and preserving housing that’s affordable,” he said.

Councilwoman Heather Howard said she is in favor of the district because the historic significance of the neighborhood is “beyond question.” It was “shaped by shameful segregation and discrimination, and it’s time we changed that.” Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller concurred, saying, “I think we owe it to the residents of both the present and the future to move forward.” Other members of the governing body agreed. Patrick Simon said he is in support of the designation, but sees a need for stricter guidelines.