By Anne Levin

A presentation of the latest concept plan for the section of Witherspoon Street between Nassau and Green streets drew mixed reactions from Princeton Council members and the public at a meeting of the governing body Monday night, May 10.

The road, which Council voted late last year to continue one-way going north between Nassau and Spring streets, has been the subject of study as Witherspoon Street is reimagined for the coming 25 to 30 years. Municipal Engineer Deanna Stockton, who has been working with the consultants T&M Associates, said modifications are needed “for safety as well as orderliness.”

That means certain changes are recommended regarding the outdoor dining zones put in place last year as a response to the pandemic. The configuration, which took away several parking spaces to make room for tables and curbside pickup, turned out to be exceedingly popular with local residents as well as tourists and many merchants and restaurant owners.

Several expressed concerns about the future plans that were presented, which recommend removing the curbside pickup lanes to restore parking spots, and reducing the dining areas and general seating that is in place between the Alchemist & Barrister and Small World Coffee. Instead, there would be four dining zones. “We’re still working with police, emergency services, and public works to tweak this design,” Stockton said. “We presented a version to the business community last Friday.”

The goal is to enhance economic vitality, have flexible designs, and enhanced stormwater management, Stockton said. Displaying two possible designs, she said she preferred the one that is closer to the concept that was first presented. “It continues the linearity, green infrastructure, trees lining both sides of the street, and concentrated parking toward the Nassau Street end of the street,” she said. It also reduces parking at that end.

During public comment, some residents expressed disappointment that no mention was made of limiting the area to pedestrian traffic on certain dates or times. More than 1,000 people signed a petition last year in support of turning the area into a pedestrian-only location. While Council voted not to do so, there was mention of periodically closing it to traffic.

There was also discussion of the width of the roadway, particularly how much is needed for emergency vehicles. The road would be slightly widened.

Resident Nat Bottigheimer, who is an urban planner, said too much space is being given over to parking in the area. Downtown Princeton is not a place for drive-through convenience, like Route 1, he said, adding, “Our advantage is being a walkable, social town.”

Sam Bunting commented that more information is needed and the public needs to be included. “I’m concerned that low income renters [living above stores on Witherspoon Street] have not been consulted,” he said. “Have they?”

Lisa Serieyssol, chair of the Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee, said she was surprised to see bike lanes introduced in the plan’s most recent iteration. She said she wasn’t sure how the lanes would be used, but putting bike lanes on both sides of the street would be very confusing to an inexperienced cyclist. “This is a very dangerous plan,” she said.

Speaking in favor of the plan was Andrew Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers, who said the current setup has not been ideal when it comes to traffic flow. “As a main thoroughfare, it is imperative that we keep traffic moving through Witherspoon Street,” he said. “Businesses on that street rely on people who come to town from all different places. As we continue down this path, keep in mind that flexibility on the roadway is important, and balance is important. I think what Deanna has shown is good. We’re taking away that southbound lane. And a narrower lane that’s northbound only will make it even tougher. I wanted to provide some context because the conversation has been a little lopsided.”

Council made a motion to move forward the idea of removing curbside pickup and waiting zones. A resolution will be presented at the next meeting with details on meter changes, loading zones, and related issues. Mayor Mark Freda suggested a neighborhood meeting be organized for people who live on Witherspoon Street.

A public Zoom meeting on Phase 2 of the project, which is concentrated on the section of Witherspoon Street from Green Street to Valley Road, will be held May 18 from 6-8 p.m. Visit princetonnj.gov for the link.