May 24, 2023

Open Apology to the Superintendent, Princeton Board of Education Members

To the Editor:

Dr. Carol Kelley and Princeton Board of Education members, please accept our sincerest apologies on behalf of the Princeton community, particularly those of us who have remained silent or have not aggressively challenged the tone, disrespect, and harshness of the opposition to your decision to remove the former high school principal.

After release of the reasons for termination and the former Principal’s recent public comments deriding the people he managed, we are now clear that you have been the persistent target of lies, rumors, innuendos, and threats in the effort to force you to reinstate your former employee. After hearing the superintendent read a detailed 20-plus pages regarding the reasons for your decision, we understood that 11 RICE notices alone revealed that many witnesses were involved in the investigations, evaluations, and responses to the documented behavior and performance of the former employee.  more

Offering Clarifications Regarding Recent Meeting On Redevelopment of Seminary Properties

To the Editor:

In was great to see so many attendees at the town’s recent [May 6] meeting regarding the redevelopment of five Princeton Theological Seminary properties. I appreciate the acknowledgment that this is an important gateway to town and that the neighbors have been living with this uncertainty since 2018 — longer than all but one elected official has served.

Unfortunately, the meeting ran longer than scheduled, and I was unable to stay to comment. However, there are some clarifications that I feel are important to offer.  more

Writing in Favor of Proposed Coffee Roastery on Witherspoon Street

To the Editor:

I want to register at least one voice in favor of Sakrid Coffee Roasters’ proposed coffee roastery at 300 Witherspoon Street in advance of the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday, May 24. The main concern that opponents have voiced is the potential smell produced by the industrial coffee roasting process. This is a reasonable concern, but one that can be allayed by actually visiting a modern roastery. I’ve visited several industrial roasteries around the country and also roasted beans in my own kitchen during the pandemic. In all these cases, I have found the smell of roasting coffee totally unobjectionable, and even pleasant.  more

Onslaught of Warehouse Development Threatens Future of  NJ as Garden State

To the Editor:

Growing up in Princeton, I was impressed with the town’s progressive and impactful environmental initiatives. I attended my first climate rally in Palmer Square when I was a sophomore in high school at 16 years old. Now, as a 20-year-old sophomore in college, my passion for environmental activism has only grown. Thus, when I heard about the Bridge Point 8 project warehouse proposal, I felt compelled to take action.

Not only will the installation of a 5.5 million-square-foot warehouse development congest roads with thousands of trucks, polluting our airways, but it will also destroy land home to endangered species and 160 acres of flood-mitigating wetlands. Especially with the advent of COVID, many people have found solace and peace in exploring the outdoors within their local community. We have a moral obligation and duty to protect our environment. We must also look out for New Jersey brick-and-mortar small businesses that have taken a hit due to the pandemic and the continued rise of e-commerce services. more

PPBC Board Saddened to See BOE Decision Underscored by Post-Hearing Words, Actions

To the Editor:

The Princeton Parents for Black Children (PPBC) Executive Board commends the BOE for affirming its nonrenewal decision at Principal Frank Chmiel’s Donaldson hearing. The Board made the difficult but correct decision despite vocal but misguided opposition. We are saddened to see that decision underscored by the former principal’s and his supporters’ post-hearing words and actions.

This was not a “he said, she said” contest. Dr. Kelley’s well-supported statement of reasons was held to a higher legal standard than the response. It was supported by witnesses and complainants including Board members, teachers, students, and parents in numerous investigations and documented meetings over an 18-month period. His response was not subjected to fact checking nor cross-examination.  more

Proposal for Seminary Redevelopment Addresses Affordable Housing, Mitigating Climate Change

To the Editor:

Across Princeton, there is a great deal of enthusiasm among forward-thinking residents for creating more affordable housing and for mitigating climate change. During the May 6, 2023 roundtable on redevelopment of the lots on which Princeton Theological Seminary’s (PTS) Tennent-Roberts-Whiteley Gymnasium (TRW) campus formerly sat, Council President Mia Sacks said these two issues are national crises that would be irresponsible to ignore. This proposal addresses both issues.

Based on press reports and other sources, the expected proposal from the private developer to redevelop the TRW lots is likely to be a luxury apartment complex with an underground parking garage for over 100 cars. Most of the large old-growth trees would be removed, resulting in a significant negative environmental impact. By law, there will be a 20 percent set-aside for affordable housing. We expect the developer would request and receive a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) from the town, with taxpayers subsidizing the development. The rents for these apartments, with the exception of the few affordable units, are unlikely to be affordable for many who would wish to live in Princeton. Projections for the Thanet Avalon project indicate that the expected rent for a 727-square-foot one-bedroom apartment will require someone to be earning over $120,000 a year if the HUD guidelines on rent affordability at 30 percent of income are to be considered. This is more than twice the current salary of an experienced teacher or police officer and would freeze many out of living in Princeton. more

Response from Princeton’s Mayor And Council to PCRD Proposal

To the Editor:

While we appreciate community input on this and every topic, we believe PCRD’s recent proposal is incompatible with how the vast majority of affordable housing in New Jersey is created, funded, and maintained — and would impose a considerable financial burden of tens of millions of dollars on the taxpayers of Princeton.

The proposal, for 100 percent affordable (i.e., municipally-sponsored) housing, would require the financial backing of the municipality, including millions of taxpayer funds to purchase the property, to construct the housing, and to provide tax subsidies over time. Further, the low unit count would make it uncompetitive for state financing, causing Princeton residents to make up significant funding shortfalls.  more

Sharing New Information Regarding Coffee Roasting Variance Application

To the Editor:

On Wednesday evening [May 24] at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom, the Board of Zoning Adjustment will hear a third presentation from Sakrid Coffee Roasters, LLC. Concerned neighbors feel that our air quality is threatened and ask every other concerned resident or parent of a Community Park School child to attend, listen, and voice an opinion.

Since the Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing on March 22, two new issues have surfaced that directly bear upon the inappropriateness of the requested variance to roast coffee commercially (process for additional “owned locations” and “for sale to others”) at 300 Witherspoon, which sits on the boundary of the Witherspoon-Jackson (W-J) and Community Park (C-P) neighborhoods. more

May 17, 2023

Board of Education Must Earn Faith, Trust of Their Constituents 

To the Editor:

In the past few weeks, Town Topics has published two letters that have argued that the large and diverse population of students, parents, and citizens who are distraught over Frank Chmiel’s sudden and wildly unpopular dismissal as principal of Princeton High School should put more faith in our Board of Education (BOE) members because they were elected in a fair and open process. What an absurd message that citizens should put faith in a person simply because they won an election.

Donald Trump won an election a few years back. I suspect many Princeton citizens, myself included, put no faith or trust in him simply because he was elected. No, winning an election does not and should not automatically earn people’s faith.

I do not believe any of the BOE members are bad people or have bad intentions. But that does not mean they are making good decisions or earning our trust or faith. Based on dismissive comments I have heard attributed to multiple BOE members, along with the recent vote at Mr. Chmiel’s Donaldson hearing, I believe many of them are operating in a bubble that’s left them largely detached from their stakeholders.

Indeed, this entire episode has underscored precisely why the citizens of Princeton should critically evaluate the current BOE members’ performance rather than simply having faith in them. What exactly have most of the Board members done to warrant people having faith in them? Is it the ambiguous and opaque communications to students and their families? Is it the appearance of near total disregard for the turmoil this sudden decision has caused our students and community? Is it the hiding behind procedure and purported legal restrictions? Is it the body language that projects indifference and contempt towards anyone who challenges them? Surely, it’s not the mere fact that they were all well-connected and/or well-resourced enough to win a local school board election.

Perhaps if more of the BOE members would have the courage to engage their constituents in some genuine straight talk about the situation and perhaps show a little empathy towards students and families who are distressed by the sudden and shocking dismissal of their beloved school leader, people might have a little faith in them. But faith, patience, and trust — these don’t come for free. They must be earned.

SCOTT ROSS
Moore Street

Witherspoon Street is the Wrong Place for a Coffee Roastery

To the Editor:

Next Wednesday’s [May 24] Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting will be the third time Sakrid Coffee Roasters will present their case to install a coffee roastery at 300 Witherspoon. In the last two meetings nothing has changed other than their acknowledgment that the amount of roasting will increase in the future. The proponents have yet to explain why nearby residents, pool and park users, and parents of Community Park students should risk diminished air quality for the luxury of witnessing coffee being roasted.

While we are excited and supportive of a cafe nearby, there is no compelling need to roast coffee where they are proposing, much less to change township statutes to enable this kind of use. A prior letter of opposition pointed out that other coffee shops in town roast their beans outside residential neighborhoods in industrially-zoned areas.

The smell of roasting coffee is far different than the aroma of a freshly-brewed cup. Roasting produces air pollutants and particulate matter, including VOCs and other chemicals that pose health risks to workers and neighbors — which is the reason Sakrid proposes installing technologies to limit most of these pollutants. However, there is good reason to be especially cautious in areas so close to hundreds of residents and school children. Making an exemption for a use that has the potential to be unhealthy or a nuisance — and has become so in other places — is foolish.

Meanwhile the town is in a growth phase and trying to create affordable housing and find acceptable ways to incorporate higher density development. Along this section of Witherspoon, future development could include new shops, restaurants, and accompanying kitchen exhaust, A/C condensers, increased traffic, laundry, etc.

The town should be mindful of cumulative impacts with each new project that is proposed, especially in this neighborhood. For example, noise and municipal traffic often begins in the wee hours of the morning when the street cleaner heads towards other sections of town. Additionally, non-resident parking and traffic is steadily increasing, and includes the several-ton municipal trucks.

These issues go beyond this proposal, but are important for context. The quality of life of Princeton residents, including this neighborhood, should be more forcefully safeguarded when permitting new amenities and meeting township planning goals. The localized impact to air quality of increased residential and commercial development, and associated traffic in the Witherspoon corridor is already consequential to residents. Unnecessarily adding new emission sources that may impair air quality should not be allowed.

So while we are excited by the prospect of a cafe, granting a variance to roast coffee in this setting is unwise.

WILL PRICE
Birch Avenue

Thanking Supporters of Successful Book Lover’s Luncheon to Benefit Library

To the Editor:

Thank you so much, on behalf of The Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library, to all of you who came to the Book Lover’s Luncheon on April 28 at the Nassau Inn to hear author Lynne Olson speak about her new book, Empress of the Nile, in conversation with William Storrar, director of the Center for Theological Inquiry.

We had a record number of people attending at 211!

Thank you to Beatrice Bloom of Weichert Real Estate for her long-standing support. Thank you too to the library staff for all their hard work: Dawn Frost, Tim Quinn, Janie Herman, Mariem Mahmoud, and Joe Caruso.

Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who help to make Princeton Public Library such a special place.
We look forward to seeing you all at Beyond Words on October 21, 2023.

AUDREY EGGER
Chairperson for Book Lover’s Luncheon
Coniston Court
SHALU NASO
Vice President, Friends and Foundation
of Princeton Public Library
Witherspoon Street

Urging PPS to Use West Windsor as Model for Math Program Reform

To the Editor:

Princeton residents may be surprised to hear that students in the Princeton Public Schools do not do particularly well on state math tests. While all schools took a hit from COVID, algebra scores in Princeton fell nearly twice as far as scores in New Jersey overall, and in 2022, PPS students floundered on the state exams for algebra and geometry. Despite its resources, Princeton barely beat the state average, and trailed far behind neighboring districts like West Windsor and Montgomery.

These lackluster results can be traced to the district’s incoherent middle school math curriculum. In recent years, administrators have adopted a haphazard approach to math placement, and in a well-intentioned but disastrous 2019 decision, the district combined all sixth graders into a single Accelerated Pre-algebra course. To make this feasible, critical content was removed, producing a wealth of unfortunate downstream consequences. For our middle school students in general, between 2019 and 2022, the proficiency rate plummeted from 72.6 percent to 52.3 percent for Algebra 1 and from 94 percent to 54 percent for Algebra 2. Students without outside tutoring have been hit especially hard: the percentage of economically disadvantaged students passing the Algebra 1 exam fell 41 percent between 2019 and 2022, down to a disastrous 10 percent proficiency rate.

The district is finally reckoning with the damage it has created. As it hires a new math supervisor and reviews the curriculum, it would do well to consider the rigorous and well-designed math program at West Windsor, a similar school district that far outperforms Princeton, with higher scores overall and smaller achievement gaps between demographic groups. In West Windsor in 2022, for example, despite COVID, nearly 57 percent of economically disadvantaged students taking the Algebra 1 test passed, as did nearly 84 percent of students at Thomas Grover Middle School.

One hallmark of successful math programs is that they use targeted direct instruction and focused practice, recognizing that different students learn at different paces and that all students learn the most when they are taught content that is neither over their heads nor so easy that they know it already. This approach, sometimes called “tracking,” has been disfavored in recent years in Princeton. Our low scores and widening achievement gaps should prompt the Board of Education to revisit this prejudice. Math presents a particular challenge for heterogeneous classrooms, and struggling students are most likely to get lost in the shuffle. Genuine equity means giving all students the careful placement, direct instruction, and support they need to learn the most that they can within the framework of a rigorous and coherent curriculum.

I urge the district to hire a math supervisor with a strong math background and a record of running a highly successful program, and to use West Windsor as a model for reform. I am concerned that district leaders are more focused on making excuses than on making improvements. They have suggested that Princeton could not possibly match our neighbors’ success because of our demographics. That’s no excuse for not trying.

ELEANOR HUBBARD
Prospect Avenue

BOE’s Vote to Not Renew Chmiel’s Contract Leaves Unfinished Business

To the Editor:

Monday night’s Princeton Board of Education meeting had regrettable moments. Notably when a few of the hundreds assembled interrupted comments by the single Princeton High School (PHS) student or Board members counter to the otherwise unanimous support of former PHS Principal Frank Chmiel. On behalf of the community, I apologize, especially to that student, for actions of the few. Our democratic process and society demand respectful interactions even with those we vehemently disagree with and a respect for facts.

In this regard, the most regrettable moment of last night was the Board’s failure to pass a motion to renew Chmiel‘s contract as principal of PHS. They failed to respect the facts or at least show a willingness to get them.

After dozens of parents and students spoke in support of Chmiel, Superintendent Kelley read her Statement of Reasons for non-renewal. On its face, it was a damning indictment of Chmiel‘s tenure as PHS principal. It’s accusations of failures to comply with policies; vote of no confidence from teachers; instances of putting students, teachers, or staff at risk; poor performance creating an inclusive environment; weak communication and need for excessive supervision; and, poor judgement were (and remain) in stark contrast to the experience of everyone in attendance.

Multiple relevant speakers called by Chmiel’s attorney refuted much of the “facts” in the Statement. Chmiel’s own comments strongly indicated that essentially all of the Statement was misleading, inaccurate, or simply fabricated. He made credible assertions that Superintendent Kelly failed to follow procedure, keep accurate and complete personnel records, weaponized the review and performance coaching process against him, and was non-responsive and non-communicative to him. His recitation of his accomplishments over two short years was long and detailed. He reaffirmed the broad community’s sense of his exceptional character, leadership, and uncommon care for PHS’s students, teachers, and staff.

The Board’s vote to not renew Chmiel’s contract leaves much unfinished business and open questions that the community deserves answers to.  Chief among these are whether Kelley created the “constant drip, drip” of negative info about Chmiel that Board member Mara Franceschi referred to by failing to properly supervise and support the principal, inaccurate record keeping, or by outright lying to or misleading the Board. Fundamentally, last night’s meeting, rather than providing closure to a contentious issue, opened more concerns. Those concerns center not on Chmiel’s competence and judgement but rather on those of Kelley and the Board.

Jean Durbin, who is up for reelection this year and moved to overturn Superintendent Kelley’s recommendation, admonished Chmiel and his team of bringing “this circus to us.”  But from the community’s perspective, the Board created the circus and leaves itself and community open to potential legal repercussions (and monetary damages) if Mr. Chmiel’s assertions about the process that Superintendent Kelley oversaw are anywhere near accurate. The Board has an obligation to get to the facts, report those openly to the community, and act if they show malfeasance on the part of Superintendent Kelley.

IAN COPELAND
Christopher Drive

May 10, 2023

Superintendent Expresses Gratitude to Teachers, Staff During Appreciation Week

To the Editor:

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the teachers and staff who have made a difference in my life.

I can remember my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Campbell, who always called me Dr. Carroll (my maiden name) and had a kind smile for me each morning. Even though I was just a child, she made me feel valued, seen, and important. I will never forget how much she inspired me to learn and excel in school.  more

Granting a Variance to Allow Coffee Roasting Near School Would be Mistake

To the Editor:

A coffee roaster plans to open (a takeout) coffee shop at 300 Witherspoon Street adjacent to Community Park School and hopes to relocate its roasting operations from Moonachie, N.J., to the new Witherspoon Street location. The roasted coffee and manufactured cold brew would supply its store on Nassau Street and be sold throughout the area as well. For this to move forward the owners require and are seeking a zoning variance.

Granting a zoning variance to allow coffee roasting in such close proximity to a school with approximately 330 elementary school children would be a terrible mistake. Emissions from coffee roasting can aggravate respiratory problems and trigger asthma attacks. According to the CDC, one in 12 children in the U.S. suffers from asthma. Thus, if the variance were to be approved, one can expect 25+ young children who attend Community Park School every weekday with inhalers in their pockets to be subjected to yet another environmental stressor.  more

PPS BOE Should Do What’s Best For the Team and Keep Chmiel

To the Editor:

The following was read during public comment at the May 2, 2023 PPS Board of Education meeting.

I love sports. I love playing, love watching. Sports teaches teamwork, collaboration, working towards a common goal. Giving up individual goals for the betterment of the team.

As a parent, I use the lessons learned from sports to educate my kids on the lessons of life. more

Sunken Cost Phenomenon is Sinking Princeton’s School District

To the Editor:

The sunken cost phenomenon is plaguing our community. What is it, and why should we care?

The sunken cost phenomenon is a cognitive bias that causes people to continue investing time, effort, and resources in a decision that no longer is logical or productive. It is why: Couples stay in marriages that fizzled out years ago; employees hang on to jobs that are sucking their souls; and companies invest in subsidiaries that consistently generate losses.

Unfortunately, the Princeton community is locked in a vicious cycle of sunken cost phenomenon. It is causing: Neighbors to be enemies; friends to be foes; and teachers, administrators, parents, and students to be stressed and confused. more

Put More Faith in Elected Board Members to Do Heavy Lifting

To the Editor:

In line with Ms. Benson’s letter [“Showing Support for Hard-Working Princeton Board of Education Members,” Mailbox, May 3], let’s all take a deep breath and be grateful that we have hardworking School Board members of integrity — who we, the community, elected in fair, open processes. Hats off to the Board members who have dedicated a portion of their lives to serving the community. 

Many have suggested or even stated point-blank that Chmiel has been treated unfairly, and gosh, he’s popular. I have not seen his performance objectives; has any critic out there? I have not seen his evaluations stipulating required improvement in various performance areas; has any critic out there? more

The Bar for Reasons Justifying the Dismissal of Principal Chmiel is High

To the Editor:

The sudden and unexplained dismissal of Principal Chmiel on March 17 has left many students, parents, and community members of Princeton and Cranbury confused and angered for nearly two months. While privacy law restrictions prevent the School Board from defending its decisions, the lack of information has led to speculations and accusations that have unfortunately tarnished the reputation of both Chmiel and the PPS. Local real estate professionals have noted that recent developments at PPS are already weighing on the minds of prospective homebuyers. To benefit all parties involved, it’s crucial to have the facts on the table. Regardless of whose side one is on, we can all appreciate that Chmiel has chosen to have the Donaldson hearing held in public. His honorable decision to defend his reputation provides the school district leadership the opportunity to do the same. more

Pending Legislative Proposals to Be Applauded For Taking on Warehouse Sprawl

To the Editor:

We who live in New Jersey know the special role that “home rule” plays in our State. Home rule may be inefficient at times; but historically and still today, we New Jerseyans like our local police departments, our town halls, our local schools, our local planning boards. They may not be efficient, but in many ways they have come to define our state. 

In recent years, the proliferation of large warehouses in New Jersey has led some legislators and members of the public to ask: Is home rule still a workable legal rule? Does it make sense when a local planning board can take action that increases flood risk and traffic congestion for neighboring communities? Within the last year, the West Windsor Planning Board (consisting of nine unelected representatives) approved the then-largest pending warehouse application in the state, located on wetlands just across the street from the Quaker Bridge Mall. If approved, it would be on a site that is larger than a combined 70 municipalities. This according to the West Windsor mayor’s own press release, which accompanied the rezoning of the Clarksville Road site to permit warehouse construction.  more

May 3, 2023

Arts Council Extends Thanks for Successful Princeton Porchfest 2023

To the Editor:

This past Saturday, the Arts Council asked the community to put on their rain boots and get ready to dance in the rain. The liquid sunshine could not keep this community from celebrating! Princeton Porchfest 2023 proved to be wet, but spirits were not dampened. You all rocked it!

We want to thank each of our porch hosts for welcoming our community to your homes and each performer for your willingness to go with the flow. Most importantly, we want to thank every Porchfest-goer who turned up in the rain to exemplify exactly what makes Princeton so special. At the end of the day, hundreds and hundreds of you turned out to support and enjoy the show. more

Highlighting Concerns About Appropriate Density at Seminary Development Site

To the Editor:

With reference to the ‘Future of Seminary Site Is Topic of Second ‘Roundtable’” article in the April 26 issue [page 1], it would be helpful to flesh out more of what was commented on during the first Community Roundtable, as well as what was presented in the Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD) public meeting of April 15. more

Showing Support for Hard-Working Princeton Board of Education Members

To the Editor:

Thousands of Princeton residents voted for the members of the Princeton Board of Education, described on the Board website as “an elected, unpaid group of 10 citizens who act as a single body to set policy and make decisions on educational, financial, and personnel matters for the Princeton Public Schools on behalf of all residents.”  more

Sharing Concerns Regarding Request for Zoning Variance to Allow Coffee Roasting

To the Editor:

Later this month, the Princeton Board of Zoning Adjustment will hear for the third time from an applicant seeking a zoning variance to allow coffee roasting at 300 Witherspoon Street. This “use” is currently prohibited everywhere in Princeton, as it is considered to be “food processing” and/or “manufacturing.” I and everyone I have spoken to are in favor of the café and look forward to it but not the roasting.

The application states that within its coffee shop will be an “artisanal, small-batch” roastery to enhance the coffee shop experience. This is a problem for two major reasons:

Commercial coffee roasting of the scale proposed by the applicants (between 20,000 and 70,000 pounds per year) will emit significant amounts of foul-smelling chemicals (described by some as smelling like “burned microwave popcorn”) and also CO2. Federal agencies CDC, NIOSH, and HHS have all issued warnings regarding some of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released during coffee roasting and venting; more

Princeton Environmental Commission Thanks Stream Cleanup, Science Day Supporters

To the Editor:

The Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) would like to express sincere appreciation to our partners, volunteers, and participants for their involvement in Princeton’s Annual Stream Cleanup and Community Science Day!

There were 100 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and reached into the muck to support the cleanup, which was held at Hilltop Park on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. The stream cleanup was in partnership with the Watershed Institute and organized by Olivia Spildooren, river-friendly coordinator, Watershed Institute. more