No Name Is Chosen For Downtown Plaza

Candace Braun

After hearing presentations from representatives of the Princeton Public Library and Princeton Future, Borough Council decided to put off voting on a name for the plaza under construction outside the new library facility on Witherspoon Street.

Set for completion by the end of October, the plaza has received several proposed names, including E=MC Square, to reflect Einstein's presence in Princeton, Witherspoon Square, or Library Square.

Nancy Russell, president of the library's board of trustees, asked that the square be named Library Square for practical reasons, while Sheldon Sturges, co-chair for Princeton Future, asked that the square be named for John Witherspoon, a former Princeton University president who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Councilman Andrew Koontz said he would like to see Einstein reflected in the plaza's name: "We have not sufficiently recognized his stature and importance in the community."

He suggested that perhaps the Einstein bust that is planned for Borough Hall could be moved to the plaza.

Councilwoman Wendy Benchley said she liked the name Library Square, although she would like to see what other suggestions residents may have: "I'm still undecided."

"Slow and organic thinking is better than making a hasty decision," said Councilman Roger Martindell, who suggested appointing a small committee to decide the name for the plaza, or else holding a contest to select the name.

Both Councilwoman Mildred Trotman and Councilman David Goldfarb said they see no need to pick a name for the plaza. Ms. Trotman said that residents will naturally start to call the area "the plaza" or "the square" without giving it an official name.

Mr. Goldfarb reminded Council that an initiative was never taken to name Tiger Park, and the title just came about on its own.

Councilwoman Peggy Karcher said that Council should wait until the plaza is finished before deciding on a name: "I have three children and I wasn't able to name any one of them until I had laid eyes on them."

Council agreed to wait indefinitely before making a decision.