To the Editor:

Congratulations and thank you to Town Council for the courage and clever implementation of eminent domain to bring resolution to the Choir College acquisition. Like many other residents, we wonder and have thoughts about the reuse of this site. Too often, outside consultants with little knowledge of Princeton and the values of its residents are retained at considerable cost with less than ideal results.

Princeton is fortunate in having many bright, creative and successful residents that are available or can be retained to advise on this opportunity. The involvement of Princeton Future and volunteer resources is representative of how community planning can be accomplished that is satisfactory to its residents. The Choir College site could provide a location for mixed and affordable housing, reuse of the existing academic buildings by the PPS or other entities, and providing open space at the existing front lawn.

For example, a 40-year land lease for the vacant rear property to a developer who would pay the bond interest cost apportioned to that part of the site over 40 years could financially provide an incentive for a greater number of affordable units than the typical 20 percent currently required. The developer receives the IRS tax benefits of depreciating his entire construction cost without the expensive initial land cost, while the town ultimately benefits from the land and asset reversion after 40 years.  more

To the Editor:

Once again, Council has demonstrated its disrespect for the residents who elected them and the property owners who pay taxes by rushing to burden us with a large expenditure for the former Westminster Choir College campus, without ascertaining our opinions.

The litigation among Rider University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Westminster Alumni group has been dragging on for years and was unlikely to conclude soon. There was no need to hurry. The Council had sufficient time to solicit and listen to our opinions before undertaking condemnation.

Their stated plans for the property are extremely vague. We all deserve a detailed explanation of their plans, ample opportunity for public comment, and a means to approve future expenditures before any further decisions are made.

Maryann Witalec Keyes
Franklin Avenue

To the Editor:

Blooming now in a yard near you, and probably in your own yard, is a pretty little flower that is big trouble. Lesser celandine, with its low mound of roundish leaves and yellow flowers, may look harmless when it first arrives in your yard, but be forewarned. Unless you remove or spot-spray those first few that show up, they will quickly spread to pave your lawn and garden beds, then spread into your neighbors’ yards as well. Unlike dandelions, which also begin blooming now, lesser celandine poses a serious threat to local nature preserves. Thriving in shade or sun, its poisonous leaves coat natural areas, displacing native wildflowers and cheating wildlife of food.

When I moved to Princeton 22 years ago, I first noticed lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) coating Pettoranello Gardens, then watched as it spread downstream into Mountain Lakes, turning a once diverse spring landscape into a monotonous yellow declaration of Me! Me! Me! Ever since, I’ve been sounding the warning on my PrincetonNatureNotes blog. People mistakenly called it marsh marigold — a native that is larger and exceedingly rare. More recently, lesser celandine has begun popping up in yards in the Little Brook neighborhood and just about everywhere else. It can spread via seeds and tubers, but primarily through bulblets that grow on its stem. These likely hitchhike from yard to yard on lawnmower equipment.  more

To the Editor:

To the many tributes to Dorothea [“Colleagues Offer Tributes to Labyrinth’s Dorothea von Moltke,” April 2, page 7], I would like to add one more.

In the course of an illustrative presidency of Princeton University, molecular biologist Shirley Tilghman advanced the mission of a great research university on several fronts. She also invited Dorothea to create a bookstore for the University and town. The University submitted a plan for the Lewis Arts Complex to the town for approval.   more

To the Editor:

Last May 2024, Ron Berlin went to Princeton Council in person and asked for the Princeton Planning Board to resume in-person meetings with a Zoom option, or a hybrid meeting. Mr. Berlin later submitted the statement he presented to Council to local media.  A few weeks later in June 2024, Planning Board Chair Louise Wilson wrote in response, “With substantial technical improvements that guarantee equity in the broadest sense — a truly level playing field — the Planning Board might one day transition to a hybrid meeting format provided it allows for every participant, in person or remote, to see and hear equally well, to be seen and be heard equally well, at every meeting.”

It’s now April 2025, the pandemic is over, technology has improved, and I would respectively ask the Princeton Planning Board to resume in-person/Zoom hybrid meetings.  As Mr. Berlin well noted last May, in-person meetings allow the community to take the temperature of the room, to see who shows up, and to interact face-to-face. The Zoom format has its benefits for anyone unable to attend, or too shy to speak in a large group or many other reasons, but the Zoom format is also impersonal and a loss for the community to gather and meet people who share a community interest, whether for or against.

Princeton Council has in-person/Zoom hybrid meetings. I would respectfully urge the Council to ask the Planning Board to follow their example and let the public back into the Planning Board meetings, in person. It’s been too long. As Ms. Wilson said, “one day” the Planning Board would transition to hybrid meetings. That “one day” has come.

Carolyn H. Robertson
Mercer Street

To the Editor:

The Princeton Council seems to have been able to circumvent the pending lawsuits against Rider University’s plan to sell the Westminster Choir College property, thereby destroying any hope of the renowned music college being returned to the Princeton campus [“Town Finalizes Westminster Campus Acquisition,” April 2, Page 1]. While there is no specific commitment to what will become of the land and buildings, most concerning is the Council’s lack of commitment or plan for retaining the Westminster Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit community music school with no connection to Westminster Choir College.

A member of the conservatory faculty, I live in Princeton and teach private voice lessons to ages 8-78. The conservatory has rented facilities on the campus for its use since its inception in 1970. It is the premier community music school in New Jersey providing music lessons for students within a 50-mile radius. High-caliber teachers provide private and class lessons in all instruments to students of all ages, abilities, and experience. Participation in the youth programs and orchestras enrich many lives. The Saturday Honors Music Program offers immersion in music history, jazz, music theory, and chamber ensembles. Summer music camps introduce students to various opportunities. Indeed, the strong music and theater programs in elementary through high schools in surrounding towns continue to benefit from the achievements of our students.

The location, with convenient parking, is easily accessible and safe for children (many of whom walk from their homes or schools). The campus buildings are available for student recitals, concerts, and workshops, etc. Our studios are equipped with upright, studio and baby grand pianos (many with two pianos). Free performances by our faculty are offered throughout the year.

I urge everyone to spread the word that the town Council must not only give vague reference to the idea of retaining the conservatory on campus, but must declare a firm commitment and plan to not allow the fate that befell Westminster Choir College to also demolish the conservatory. View the website: Westminster Conservatory of Music.

Linda Mindlin
Valley Road

To the Editor:

As spring fast approaches, avoid these three common tree care mistakes; planting too deeply, over-mulching, and string trimmer laceration.

By far the most egregious of these three mistakes is planting too deeply. Care must be taken that the root collar, the bottom area of the trunk that flares outwards transitioning into roots, is above grade. A root collar below grade can lead to a host of problems such as constricted root respiration, stunted growth, trunk rot and splitting, increased susceptibility to disease, canopy dieback, and girdling roots. A tree that finds itself in this situation is like an animal with a tire around its neck, struggling to survive and unable to thrive. This mistake is pervasive, with more than half of the newly planted trees I come across having fallen victim. Making the effort to plant a tree at an optimal height will pay dividends for decades and in some cases centuries to come. Before planting a tree, inspect the root ball and “Find the flare.” more

To the Editor:

Last month’s article on the horrific event that took place in the Michelle Mews Apartments deserves affirmation [“Princeton Man Charged with Killing Brother in Apartment on Palmer Square,” February 26, page 1]. In the words of The New York Times, it’s paramount to publish “All the News That’s Fit to Print.” The majority of stories in other outlets included gruesome, salacious, and frankly unnecessary details about the tragic murder. The Town Topics understands how to properly execute this storied motto by using critical restraint and discretion.

As a Princeton resident of more than 60 years, and current Michelle Mews tenant, this thoughtful reporting centers the community impacted by such misfortune and our shared humanity.

Dr. Ronnie Davidson
Michelle Mews

To the Editor:

When my kids were little and enjoyed the Disney classic Bambi, one of their favorites parts was in the spring when all the forest creatures became “twitterpated.” This was a euphemism for falling in love, but our family expanded the use to include any time when someone displayed irrational exuberance.

Guess what — spring is here, and Princeton drivers are twitterpated! I would estimate those passing my crossing are driving 5 mph faster on average than they were a month ago, and many always drive 5-10 mph faster than they should, so this is a problem. They are also engaging more frequently in other risky behaviors like darting across the intersection trying to beat oncoming traffic. Please slow down! more

To the Editor:

Each year, Princeton celebrates Pi Day by honoring the infinite wonder of mathematics and the brilliance of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14. It is also a time to reflect on Einstein’s commitment to racial equality during an era when Princeton still segregated its neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and other places of business.

While renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to science, Einstein is less known for his fierce advocacy for justice. He spoke out against racism and supported the NAACP. In 1931, he publicly supported the Scottsboro Boys, nine African American teenagers falsely accused of rape in Alabama. In 1946, he joined Paul Robeson, a Princeton native son, in a federal anti-lynching campaign. When W.E.B. Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP, was indicted by the government as a “foreign agent,” Einstein’s willingness to be a character witness influenced the judge to dismiss the case. more

To the Editor:
Good news on sustainability! Princeton is expanding its successful and free food scraps collection program. Three new “scrap shacks” have just opened (near Johnson Park, Littlebrook, and Riverside schools), and more are planned for later in 2025 as the program expands into more neighborhoods. The food scrap program, which began in October 2023, is designed to divert organics from the landfill to Trenton Renewables (trentonrenewables.com). Trenton Renewables partners with cities and businesses of all sizes to recycle food waste into premium compost, organic fertilizer, and renewable biogas. The compost and fertilizer are sent to local farms. Biogas is used on-site to produce electricity that powers the facility and contributes renewable energy to the grid when it’s needed most. By joining the food scraps program, residents can reduce the quantity of trash their household produces, which might reduce the need for a second bin, and at the same time divert trash from landfills. Landfills release methane gas along with other greenhouse gases and leach chemicals into nearby water sources.

This free program is open to all Princeton residents and is especially designed to be useful to apartment dwellers and homeowners who have properties too small to allow for on-site composting. The program also takes meat, dairy, and grease, which are not recommended for backyard composting. Since implementing the program, Princeton diverted almost 20 tons of food scraps from landfills in 2024. We are averaging almost 1.7 tons per month, and we now have 277 registered participants. The hope is that with more “scrap shacks” located conveniently around town, more residents will choose to participate. more

To the Editor:

In your Feb 12 article on the town’s plan to hire a consulting firm to advise on the best uses of the former Westminster Choir College campus [page 1], you included the sentence, “The Princeton campus has been mostly unoccupied since then.”

Actually, the campus has been — and still is — home to several local performing arts organizations that rent various facilities on the campus. These include the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, Princeton Pro Musica Choir, Music Together, and the Westminster Conservatory, which provides private music lessons to adults and youth from around Mercer County.

In addition, several other organizations (both from the area and those visiting from afar; last June, a traveling choir from Montreal performed there) have often used Bristol Chapel and other spaces for periodic performances. more

To the Editor:
More than once while driving at night on Nassau Street in Princeton, I almost hit a person crossing the street who was wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, and dark boots, making her or him totally invisible at night.

If you walk at night, for your own protection, please, do wear reflective clothing or a reflective vest so that you are visible while crossing the street at night.

Anna Rosa Kohn
Sturges Way

To the Editor:

We are writing to thank the voters for supporting the facilities bond referendum that passed on January 28. The passage of all three questions will allow the district to accommodate enrollment growth and better serve current and future students by adding 23 classrooms across four schools, five small group instruction rooms, expanding common areas, and rehabilitating and replacing the HVAC system at Princeton High School.

The total cost of the referendum is approximately $89 million. We recognize this is a large sum of money that will increase taxes on an already highly-taxed citizenry. We are pleased that with the passage of the referendum, we have been approved for approximately $19 million in state aid towards the debt service aid (principal and interest) which will help to lessen the overall tax impact of the projects.  more

To the Editor:

There have been letters in local media commenting negatively on my plans to renovate existing apartments and construct new ones on Witherspoon Street. It is important that I correct their inaccuracies.

A number of years ago my late architect wife, Barbara, and I began to design the restoration of 16 Witherspoon Street properties. When we bought them, we knew that they all needed significant renovations, but we believed that they all have great character, storied histories, and deserved to be faithfully restored. I strongly doubt that a “developer” would give this project the care and attention to detail that we have.

From the start, our plans included accommodating the 16 families and 16 single tenants living in the existing studio apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes.  more

To the Editor:

I am concerned about the points made by Lawren Smithline in her letter of January 22 concerning the new bike lane on Harrison Street in front of the shopping center [“Asking Town to Pump the Brakes on Harrison Street Traffic Modifications,” Mailbox].  I didn’t realize what a poor job was done until I read and reread the letter.  First, the bike lane is built in one direction and is built over the length of one half of the block because it was financed by the developer of The Alice and not the Princeton DPW.  Therefore, I do not expect as good a quality job to result when all is said and done. Second, given my interest and concern regarding Vision Zero and Gov. Phil Murphy’s signing of the Target Zero bill recently, I am as distressed as Ms. Smithline is about what the outcome is. Even before the bike lane was added cars would be in the right lane that would try to go through the intersection with Terhune Road. Once upon a time I was biking and struck by a car driver making a right-hand turn into a driveway. I feel Ms. Smithline’s bewilderments as to how this construction design could have been allowed to happen by our Engineering Department. Jim Purcell bicycles from Lawrence Township to work. Therefore, I expect much more out of a Township Engineering Department employee than to allow a situation to be allowed to exist that so clearly does not promote Target Zero/Vision Zero. more

To the Editor:

I was delighted to read the special section in last weeks’ issue [January 15, pages 16 and 17] entitled Lawrence Township News. I moved to Lawrenceville 20 years ago and it was a great decision.

I loved the stories about nationally recognized Joanne Canady-Brown and her wildly popular Ginger Peach Bakery, the energetic Lawrence Education Foundation (raising tons of money for our schools), and Cherry Grove Farm with its barns and animals and its award-winning cheese-making operations, classes, and workshops. more

To the Editor:

We are writing to voice our support for all three questions in the upcoming school referendum on January 28.

We have lived in Princeton since 2016 and are the parents of four students in the Princeton Public Schools district. During this time, we have watched as Princeton has grown and our Littlebrook community has expanded.  The year after our oldest children began at Littlebrook, the computer lab was taken away to allow room for a classroom.  Over the next few years, our World Language (Spanish) classroom was converted into a fourth-grade classroom, storage closets were converted into rooms where special education students could be pulled out for additional support, the stage was converted into storage, occupational therapy was conducted in the halls, and students and parents met individually with teachers in the lobby. Last year, our music room was converted into a classroom and music was held on a cart.  This year, our pre-k class was moved to Community Park to make way for yet another classroom.

The reason for these changes is simple. Princeton is growing and so is our school enrollment.   more

To the Editor:

My family and I feel very proud and fortunate to call Princeton home for nearly 15 years. With two daughters at the Princeton Charter School, we moved here for the same reasons that many of you find Princeton attractive. Friendly and caring neighbors, a walkable town with proximity to the university, and great schools are just some of Princeton’s most favorable traits. Today, however, one of these attributes is significantly at risk. Without passing all three measures of the referendum, the quality of education in our schools will decline precipitously.

Princeton Public Schools are already over, at, or near capacity in terms of size, and infrastructure is desperately in need of repair. The estimated impact of the referendum per average, assessed Princeton home is less than $11 per week. These funds can provide a life-saving infusion to our schools. By adding capacity across our schools, this referendum extends Princeton’s quality education across current and additional families moving into the area. This referendum enables our teachers to continue inspiring curious minds. This referendum encourages students to thrive in an open, welcoming, and safe environment. Even for residents who don’t have children at PPS, the referendum provides critical value and economic benefit — communities with well-funded schools have stronger home values. more

To the Editor:

Princeton residents are being asked to approve another tax hike for Princeton Public Schools (PPS) through the 2025 referendum. While our schools are vital to the community, this referendum highlights the failures of three key entities — PPS, the municipal Council, and the local Democratic machine — to work together effectively. A “no” vote isn’t about rejecting support for children but about demanding accountability and sustainable governance.

PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) from new apartment developments total over $2.66 million annually. Historically, 50 percent of tax revenue has gone to schools, and PILOT, as a tax payment, should follow the same principle. PPS should receive $1.33 million yearly from this revenue stream, a figure likely to grow over time.  more

To the Editor:

I support three “yes” votes on the January 28 schools referendum. With some qualifications.

Excellent and inclusive schools are among the most important things that make Princeton great. Having participated in the long-term planning discussions over the past few years, it is clear that our elementary and middle schools are already over-full. Investing now is essential for great schools. It would have been better to have expanded the schools years ago. Although we have had school bonds in recent years, it has been decades since new classrooms were added at the elementary and middle-school levels. We can’t wait any longer.  more

To the Editor:

The Municipality of Princeton should pump the brakes on the traffic modifications for North Harrison Street. While some evolution of traffic control on North Harrison may be necessary, the change is off to a bad start.

The new dedicated bicycle lane on North Harrison Street between Valley Road and Terhune Road creates hazards for all. A bicyclist in the bicycle lane who proceeds straight across Terhune Road faces the peril of motorists turning right across the bicyclist’s line of travel. It would be better for that bicyclist to ignore the bicycle lane. Motorists entering the block from various directions encounter a sudden merge from two lanes to one. Drivers in the right lane face an unenviable situation. more

To the Editor:

We write in support of the public schools referendum on January 28. As we learned about the proposals, we found that nearly all voices, both for and against, agreed that children and their education are core to what makes Princeton the treasure it is. This unison heartens us. However, reasonable people can disagree on details. Why now? Why this amount? Why this order? No proposal will satisfy everyone. In the past few months, we’ve arrived at our own answers to these questions. We hope they might help inform yours.

Why now? The public schools are already at or beyond capacity and Princeton is adding ~1,000 new housing units in the next five years with more to follow. more