By Anne Levin

At its meeting Monday night, Princeton Council passed a resolution related to the sale of Hinkson’s, the longtime office supply store on Spring Street. The governing body voted to authorize consent to the assignment of a lease, as the family that owns the shop sells to a new owner.

The original Hinkson’s was located at 74 Nassau Street, and later moved to 82 Nassau Street, current home of Nassau Diner, before relocating to its current spot.

“This is probably the longest-running retail establishment in town,” said Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, who worked at the store as a teenager. “It was bought in 1919 by Harold M. Hinkson, and then by Bert Roberto in the 1960s. So, it’s bittersweet to see the family sell the business. On the other hand, I’m glad to hear it’s going to continue as a stationary store. I urge residents to continue to patronize this very important store for us.”

The 45-minute meeting could be the briefest on record for the Council. Resolutions were passed related to replacing the roof at Princeton Senior Resource Center, streamlining software purchasing, spring tree planting in the downtown, and playground equipment at Hilltop Park, among other initiatives.

A resolution in support of liquor license reform in the State of New Jersey was passed unanimously. “Every year we go to the League of Municipalities and we go to the seminar that tells us there is going to be liquor license reform, and it always dies,” Lambros said. “This time the governor has come out with huge support for this. I hope that this time will be a winner.”

A “whereas” added to the resolution addresses the needs of restaurant employees, who will get bigger tips if tabs are larger. “A lot of people don’t tip if they bring their own [liquor],” Pirone said. “From an equity standpoint, this is really important.”

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang added, “I think one of the things that has stymied this in the past is how to compensate people who have already bought the expensive liquor licenses, and this plan does seem to have some way to kind of cushion the blow.”

The meeting was to include a work session on the capital budget, but that was tabled until a future date.

Speaking about the new trash can replacement program, Councilwoman Eve Niedergang said that as of last Friday, 105 additional carts have been requested and delivered to those who needed more than the one that has been provided to residents, free of charge. “That’s about 1.5 percent of Princeton households that have requested an extra card, so that’s a very small percentage of the population,” she said.

Councilman David Cohen said that bike racks will be provided at an Earth Day event sponsored by Friends of Herrontown Woods on April 22, at Porchfest on April 29, and at the Arts Council of Princeton’s Art Bazaar Market and Beer Garden on May 6.

“So dust off your bikes,” he said. “Don’t take your car because you’re afraid you won’t have a place to park your bike. There will be racks.”

Council meets next on Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m.