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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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Committeewoman Liz Lempert has reported that closing on the “final agreement” for the Township’s purchase of the 14-acre Ricciardi tract on the Princeton Ridge is near. Speaking at Monday evening’s Township Committee meeting, Ms. Lempert thanked the Ricciardi family for their “flexibility” and willingness to accept a “slightly lower” purchase price.
Although the Township’s Chief Financial Officer is being asked to advance $750,000 for the purchase, the money will be refunded as a result of a successful collaboration that included government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private donors.
“This is a tremendous achievement,” said Township Mayor Chad Goerner. He described the purchase as a “forward movement in preserving open space in the Borough and the Township,” and cited the growing ability of the municipalities to link existing parks.
The question, “What’s in a name?” came up at the Monday evening meeting when Township Committee passed an ordinance that acknowledges the different names the municipalities use for their respective fire departments. While the Borough and the Township have agreed to share fire department services that will be headquartered in the Borough, wording of the agreement was changed to reflect the fact that the Borough calls its department “The Bureau of Fire Safety and Housing Inspection,” while the Township simply refers to its “Fire Department.”
A public hearing will be held at the September 19 meeting for an approved ordinance to appropriate $1,127,575 for “joint capital projects” that will include the Princeton Public Library, Fire Department, Sewer Operating Committee, and Princeton Senior Resource Center. Township Administrator Jim Pascale described the ordinance as “housekeeping.”
Alternative pool bids will be reviewed at Recreation Department meetings on July 20 and July 27. Deputy Mayor Sue Nemeth and Township Bob Kiser encouraged those who are interested to contact the Recreation Department and participate in the meetings.