Should there be an admission price for Communiversity?

The question has been raised repeatedly in recent weeks about this annual festival of local culture, food, and shopping. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Princeton with support from Princeton University and the town, it brings approximately 40,000 to downtown and surrounding streets. Some feel that charging a nominal admission could help increase revenue and as a result, help balance the budget. Others disagree (see this week’s “Town Talk”).

During his annual report to Princeton Council this month, Arts Council executive director Jeff Nathanson suggested that the organization could work with the town, the University, and area merchants on a fiscal impact study that would examine the question of whether Communiversity should remain free or become a ticketed event. Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller brought up the idea of charging admission at that same meeting, and then again at a recent forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters where those running for seats on Council had a chance to answer questions on various issues.

Ms. Crumiller, an incumbent in the race, expanded upon her views during a telephone interview. “Communiversity has grown from a community town/gown function that was really focused on the Princeton residents to a regional, humongous street fair, even with car dealers there this time,” she said. “It’s just gotten a lot more commercialized, and the town pays a cost. It is less of a community celebration than it used to be and has almost gotten out of hand as far as traffic goes. Last year, I got stuck on my own street with my screaming granddaughter in the car.”

Charging a fee might discourage crowds and recoup the cost. “It could be a revenue source,” Ms. Crumiller said. “I’m thinking of a low-cost admission. If the Arts Council wanted to charge more for the vendors, that might also be an option. But somehow, I think we should get more money out of the whole day.”

Leticia Fraga has also spoken in favor of charging “a minimal admission fee” for Communiversity. “Even with just a minimal fee ($2-$5), the revenue would be significant based on the number of visitors that attend each year,” she wrote in an email. “There are logistics that would need to be worked out, but it is possible to do. For example, tenants who live within the boundaries of the blocked off streets could not be required to pay an entrance fee. I also believe there should be a lower fee for residents of Princeton vs. out-of-town visitors, as we have for entrance to Community Pool.” Taxpayers should not have to shoulder the cost of Communiversity when, “most likely, the majority of the attendees are from out of town,” she added.

Council candidate Tim Quinn is in favor of looking at ways to offset the cost of Communiversity. “However, I think we need to listen carefully to the perspective of the Arts Council before declaring that charging for admission is the way to go,” he said in an email. “My understanding is that Communiversity is a fairly major fundraiser for the Arts Council, and we need to take that into account before deciding on something that might adversely affect vendor participation or attendance.”

Mr. Quinn would like to get the town of Lambertville’s perspective on the municipal impact of its annual Shad Festival, a three-day street fair that has evolved to include support from the local chamber of commerce. “Perhaps Communiversity has simply outgrown its current model and we need to look at a variety of funding sources before deciding that charging admission is the only way we can minimize the cost to the community,” he said. “I personally see Communiversity as an opportunity to emphasize the use of cycling, walking, and public transportation by those of us who live in town.”

Candidate Anne Neumann is also a fan of Communiversity, but she agrees that visitors should pay to attend. “A small contribution from most of 2016’s 40,000 visitors would easily have covered the $30,000 in municipal spending,” she wrote in an email about the cost for clean-up and policing. Communiversity is “a wonderful event,” she said, but it has become overcrowded.

Deciding how the admission price should be split between the Arts Council, the University, and the town, is the question. Mr. Nathanson estimated the cost of the event between $100,000 and $150,000. “How did Mr. Nathanson arrive at that amount; what was the University’s portion; and how much of the Arts Council’s expenses were offset by contributions?,” Ms. Neuman continued, adding “the Arts Council uses volunteers to help organize the event and lists sponsors for Communiversity at various levels from participating sponsors, to premium, presenting, and a single sponsor.

“Communiversity was initiated by the Arts Council and Princeton University students in 1970,” Ms. Neumann concluded. “Unless shown otherwise, I would favor the town being repaid for its support before the University and the Arts Council divide any remaining funds.”