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Vol. LXII, No. 20
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Vol. LXII, No. 20
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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JANE BUTTARS
Dodds Lane
SUSAN W. HOSKINS, LCSW
Executive Director
Princeton Senior Resource Center
JENIAH “KOOKIE” JOHNSON
Director of Community Relations
Arts Council of Princeton
To the Editor:
It is exciting to know that Princeton Futures takes environmental sustainability seriously, with a discussion last Saturday about solar panels, carbon footprints, increased biking, locally grown food, and much more (“Princeton Future’s Goals: Diversity and Sustainability,” Town Topics, May 7).
But it is equally distressing that the Regional Planning Board, just two days earlier, voted to permit the Lowe Tract on Princeton Ridge to be destroyed if a developer using the old Hovnanian plan were to appear. Clearly the majority of the Planning Board is on the same clogged wavelength as the Township Committee, whose recent ordinance allowing Robert Hillier to build 158 condos on the heavily wooded Ridge passed unanimously in January.
Do these municipal bodies really serve, with wisdom, the interests of Princetonians? Why have they voted to permit a high-density development on such an environmentally vulnerable tract? We know that, eight years ago, the New York City owners of the Princeton Shopping Center were actively engaged in discussions to develop acreage on the northern boundary of the Center for senior housing — an appropriate site. Why have Township officials not avidly pursued this option? I have learned from a reliable source that the owners, George Comfort and Son, are still actively interested in selling those acres to a developer for senior housing, with careful attention given to neighborhood input on matters such as traffic patterns, noise and light constraints, and landscaping that enhances the area.
Why do our officials say they can do nothing to put senior housing in the right place? Why did Mayor Marchand complain that she’s “tried everything” to put senior housing in the Shopping Center, when, clearly, negotiations with Mr. Comfort (alleged by Township Planner Lee Solow to be “ongoing and continuous” on December 17) have been less than vigorous. We know that Township officials invited Robert Hillier to make a proposal to build on the Ridge. When will Township officials and Planning Board members recognize that the destruction of valuable environmental areas is not an option when conservation of natural resources must be a priority?
I urge all readers wanting to preserve the Ridge from senseless development to support the lawsuit against Princeton Township filed by People for Princeton Ridge, Inc. Contributions are fully tax-deductible and may be made anonymously by money order at the post office. Checks should be made payable to People for Princeton Ridge, Inc. and mailed to Chuck DiSanto, PPR Treasurer, 461 Mt. Lucas Road, Princeton 08540. This lawsuit, very strong on six counts, is our best chance to halt the folly of our elected officials. The full complaint may be read at www.saveprincetonridge.com.
JANE BUTTARS
Dodds Lane
To the Editor:
On behalf of the staff of the Princeton Senior Resource Center, I would like to commemorate Older Americans Month (May) by honoring the people we see every day at the Suzanne Patterson Building, Spruce Circle office, and in the community. The theme for Older Americans Month is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.”
We are proud that our community exemplifies this theme all year long. People are engaged in lifelong learning, fitness, and social activities, as well as volunteering their time throughout the wider community. Others make connections through our senior and caregiver services to continue an engaged, active, independent lifestyle, or to get support when needed. We have watched this diverse community grow, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as this demographic of the population grows and new people, our community partners, and staff bring fresh ideas for ways we can be a strong, healthy and supportive community.
SUSAN W. HOSKINS, LCSW
Executive Director
Princeton Senior Resource Center
To the Editor:
On behalf of the staff of the Arts Council of Princeton, I would like to thank each of the more than 470 guests who attended the Arts Council of Princeton’s spring benefit, Pinot to Picasso, Vintage 2008. The event was a fabulous success, raising $50,000 to support the Anne Reeves Studio in the new Paul Robeson Center for the Arts.
Congratulations and thank you to our inspired founding director and honorary chair, Anne Reeves. A resounding applause goes to the hardworking Pinot to Picasso event committee. Their creative talent and upbeat approach to volunteering is truly inspirational. Bravo! Also my sincere thanks to the 84 artists who contributed original artwork to the Tombola, a lively lottery and the evening’s highlight. The salon style Tombola gallery was a wonderful sight, as were the happy faces of the lucky winners.
JENIAH “KOOKIE” JOHNSON
Director of Community Relations
Arts Council of Princeton