By Anne Levin

At a meeting on Monday, February 26, Princeton Council held its annual discussion with Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber on the relationship and collaborations between the University and the municipality. The gathering allows members of the governing body to ask Eisgruber about specific areas of collaboration with the University, while giving him an opportunity to speak about the state of the University, its priorities, and higher education in general.

On January 30, the University announced its plan to contribute more than $50 million over five years to the municipality, community organizations, and lower- and middle-income residents to support mutual community interests including college access, sustainability, diversity and equality, mass transit, municipal infrastructure, safety, and emergency services. The plan provides for contributions of $39.5 million to the municipality.

The past year has been “tumultuous and demanding” for higher education, Eisgruber said, and especially challenging because of attacks on the University’s commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  “I take so much pride in the barriers that Princeton University has taken down,” he said, adding that the University’s commitment to excellence is tied into its commitment to diversity and inclusion, attracting students and teaching talent from diverse segments of society.

Councilman David Cohen brought up the question of missing middle housing, which he raised last year. While affordable housing regulations don’t allow the setting aside of units specifically for those who work in Princeton, the University does have the ability to build missing middle housing specifically for members of its staff. “I think in the spirit of inclusivity, it would be a great thing if the University could create housing for them,” Cohen said. “We’d love to see the University take this on.”

Eisgruber said the University is continuing the conversation on the issue, but it has to be considered in terms of the overall compensation framework. “There are trade-offs within that framework,” he said, adding that while some could be

accommodated, others could not. “But it’s a useful suggestion and I will take it back to our team,” he said.

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang called the current relationship between the University and town “a paradigm shift.” She followed up by asking Eisgruber how he sees that relationship going forward. “I’m thrilled about the foundation that you and your colleagues have helped to establish that enables the University and the town to move forward together,” he responded, referring to improvements in stormwater regulation, transit, housing, and diversity. “I see continuing opportunities there,” he said. “That will depend on continuing these conversations both this way, and, more importantly, as needs arise.”

Council President Mia Sacks brought up her worries about the public education system in Princeton as the population expands. “I’m very concerned about maintaining the tradition of excellence for all in Princeton Public Schools,” she said. “I wanted to give you the opportunity to talk about the role of public education at large, and once again renew my request to make sure public education in Princeton is prioritized.”

Eisgruber thanked Sacks for her advocacy on the issue, and confirmed his support. “I think it’s really important that we work together with you and the school district to figure out how to continue to provide the support we’re doing now, and help cope with significant challenges.”

As she has in the past, Councilwoman Leticia Fraga brought up the need for a community center in town, specifically to provide services addressing isolation and mental health. She asked that the University consider partnering in the effort. Eisgruber pointed out that the University already provides assistance on some community initiatives. But he plans to keep the idea in mind, he said, and determinie if such a collaboration is possible.

Last to speak was Councilman Leighton Newlin, who thanked Eisgruber “for setting the tone for collaboration and positive change. That means everything to the town, that we have come full circle and we have a great relationship.” Newlin specifically asked about the University working with the town and the Princeton Housing Authority on his vision to redevelop Clay Street and build mixed-income housing. “I would ask you to take a leap of faith with us and make it happen,” he said.

Eisgruber said while he doesn’t know enough about the proposal to comment, he hopes to continue to engage on this and other ideas. “One of the advantages of these open channels of communication is that wherever we come out of these kinds of questions, we have a way of talking about them and figuring out what the best way is to proceed. If there are ways larger or smaller, we can end of being in partnership with one another.”