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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To the Editor:

We write this as a diverse and multicultural group of concerned parents. We care about all the children attending Princeton Public Schools currently and those who will follow them. We are truly committed to the well-being of everyone in the Princeton community.

We are insulted by the mischaracterization of our increasing concern about Superintendent Kelley’s leadership as racially motivated.

Our worries and concerns stem solely and entirely from the distress caused to our children and their educational needs, as well as the stress piled onto trusted teachers that have proven to be pillars of our community. Many teachers are leaving because of the unsupportive atmosphere in the PPS. Teachers are afraid to speak out (afraid that they will also be fired if they express disagreement with the current administration) and are asking us parents for help voicing their concerns. The attacks suggesting that we use our children as a pretext for a racially motivated agenda are preposterous and must be condemned. more

To the Editor:

As representatives of our Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees, we welcome this opportunity to remind our community that Sunday, April 23 through Saturday, April 29 is National Library Week (NLW).  This year, the theme of NLW is “There’s More to the Story.”

And indeed there is!

Our Princeton Public Library (PPL) is full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print and from audiobooks to e-books and beyond, including in a range of languages. But there’s so much more to our story.

Our Library of Things lends items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools.  Library programming brings our community together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and so much more.  Our Library infrastructure supports our residents, providing internet and technology access and literacy skills as well as support for local businesses, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and, yes, Princeton University students. more

To the Editor:

This is to urge those in decision making positions to use, to the greatest extent possible, the “diversion” funds to preserve the forest and wetland tracts on the Princeton Ridge to complete the “Emerald Necklace” [“Town Presents Proposal on Open Space Diversion,” Page 1, April 12]. Such action on the 90 acres and other forest tract would link to the 153 acres of existing woods. 

This forest preservation will aid in mitigating flooding and pollution, ecosystem preservation, a wildlife corridor, air quality enhancement, and weather moderation, as well as preserving the beauty of this valuable space, a critical asset to all in Princeton. more

To the Editor:

I’m writing to express my gratitude to the Princeton Public Schools, which twice in recent months found occasions to buy some of the books they needed through Labyrinth. We know they have other options. In choosing to source these books locally, they help sustain us. They also set an example for the ways institutions can act thoughtfully to keep the local economy viable. 

Of every dollar spent locally, 70 cents stay in the local economy in the form of wages, taxes, and more. Many at Princeton University similarly look for opportunities to source locally, and Labyrinth since its inception has had a close partner in the University. It’s great to drink Small World coffee and have Bent Spoon ice cream on campus. Now what if the town offices and University departments bought (at least some of) the paper they use from Hinkson’s? What if all baby gifts needed by area corporations or on campus came from JaZams? What other ideas can we come up with together to help sustain the shrinking retail landscape in Princeton and preserve the unique character of our town?

Dorothea Von Moltke
Co-owner, Labyrinth Books
Nassau Street

To the Editor:

I like Frank Chmiel. My son, a PHS 10th grader, likes Frank Chmiel. I liked the friendly, earnest Chmiel Spiels I’d receive in my inbox every Sunday evening. I like that Mr. Chmiel gave a warbled rendition of Smells Like Teen Spirit at the fall pep rally. His strong connection with many, many students and many, many parents is undeniable. That is a critical aspect of a principal’s job, especially important in the wake of the isolation of COVID.

But I also know that connecting with students and parents is only part of a principal’s job, and that I have no idea how Mr. Chmiel performed in his other critical areas of responsibility. But the 11 people who do know — the 10 members of our Board of Education and our superintendent, a group that often disagrees vigorously with one another — were unanimous in their conclusion that Mr. Chmiel’s departure was the right step for our district. To me, that’s telling. more

To the Editor:

I have been very actively involved with the Parent-Teacher Organization group in our public schools for over 15 years and have served as a leader for nearly six years, four at Princeton High School (PHS). My service work to the parents in our schools has brought me to a place of deep care for the parents in our community. My “inside” information is all from listening to parents and others who work directly with our youth — and I believe that “the kids are not well.”

It is for this main reason that I am one of the most vocal parents in objecting to the BOE and Superintendent Dr. Kelley’s decision to oust Principal Frank Chmiel on March 17. That night was the PHS Asian Festival event and Mr. Chmiel was supposed to participate in student-led fan dance. Instead, I stayed home traumatized by the eblast sent out by Dr. Kelley and the BOE, and taking many messages from distressed parents.  more

To the Editor:

There is a crisis of confidence in Princeton’s Board of Education (BOE) and Superintendent Carol Kelley. Thousands of students, parents, and other residents have signed petitions, spoken publicly, and written letters and emails questioning the recent mid-year dismissal of Princeton High School’s (PHS) extremely popular principal.

The current crisis was triggered by Principal Chmiel’s dismissal, but it has taken root because many Princeton residents see it as fitting into a pattern of deeply misguided decisions and behaviors by the BOE and superintendent. All residents, not just those with children in Princeton public schools, should be paying close attention to these developments. Many decisions appear to be happening in an undemocratic manner: without justification, transparency, or accountability. For those who have not been following closely, I believe it is important to share the following information: more

To the Editor:

Every pew in Nassau Presbyterian Church was packed as the community gathered last month to hear Prof. Matt Desmond discuss his new, must-read book, Poverty, By America with Prof. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, who we are excited to hear will be rejoining Princeton’s faculty this summer. Thank you to the Princeton Public Library and Labyrinth Books for co-sponsoring this event, to the Princeton community for showing up in force, and to everyone who purchased books, as the proceeds are being split between HomeFront and our organization, Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP).

The thesis of Poverty, By America is that the scourge of poverty in our country can only be solved by addressing economic and racial inequalities perpetuated by wealthier communities like ours here in Princeton. Prof. Desmond calls on each of us to take action by advocating for the building of affordable housing in our neighborhoods and supporting organizations like HIP that are helping to increase access to stable housing and economic prosperity.  more

To the Editor:

I would like to propose some original thinking about Jugtown. The proposal that came before the Historic Preservation Commission was a huge building on a tiny lot. It looked as if the developer told the architect, “What is the most floor area we can jam into this lot and make the most money?” This four-story building is out of proportion in Jugtown.

I have a suggestion. There are several properties in the immediate vicinity of this proposed construction with odd layouts, strange parking arrangements, and unused buildings. It might be prudent for the developer to approach several of the adjacent property owners and work to consolidate several lots and build something that would improve the whole neighborhood. Right now, there are several tiny parking areas, each with its own access driveways and walls, barriers, curbs, and a variety of other features that make the parking arrangement inefficient. Whole Earth Center’s parking is terribly wasteful. If the developer had a larger footprint encompassing several lots there arises the possibility of making a building that worked better for the whole area.  more

To the Editor:

A great pleasure during my life in the Princeton area has been membership in the Princeton Bookies. For several years we have met every month in each other’s homes but now, of course, we meet online. My husband of 68 years is at home with hospice care. Every week for two months, a book club member has come by with dinner. Usually, she stays for a chat and we get to know each other outside of book discussions.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you: Ferris, Marlaine, Alice, Audrey, Nicky, Sandy, Jane, the other Sandy, Judit, and Lee — you all know who you are. I love you and could not possibly be more grateful. Bless you for your generosity and, not least, for your excellent cooking!

Liz Hagen
Sayre Drive

To the Editor:

The Guyot Walk had another volunteer-powered cleanup on Saturday, April 1, its second planting of native shrubs and wildflowers. The path is named for a former Princeton resident who taught geology at Princeton University (he was French, name pronounced ghee-YO). It shelters a dose of unrestrained greenery and has long provided a shortcut to school for biking children, a break for families, nannies (and thus toddlers), and dog walkers.

About 20 residents, directed by neighbors familiar with Garden State wildflowers, dug out the yellow lesser celandine that is overwhelming natives (e.g. violets, and perhaps your lawn, too?) to set in viburnum, bluebells (now flowering), and more, all native to Mercer County. Watch for the windflowers at the junction of Harris and the Walk — they should bloom in early summer. All species are hardy and chosen for their potential to out-compete the celandine. more

To the Editor:

“Any organization that uses literature to … reflect and connect, is an organization I’m honored to support.”

These words from Jennifer Egan were one of many highlights of a warm, entertaining, and moving afternoon in support of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos. “Notable Words 2023: An Afternoon with Jennifer Egan” was held on March 19 in the Mackay Lounge on the campus of the Princeton Theological Seminary, and was our highest attended benefit to date.

We are extremely grateful to our community of ticket buyers, and individual and corporate sponsors including Stark & Stark; Lear & Pannepacker, LLP; Bernuth & Williamson; MJ Sagan Architecture; Songbird Capital; Taft Communications; and ThriveWise Solutions, LLC for their generosity. more

To the Editor:

By now, many Princeton residents have heard about the chaos at Princeton Public Schools (PPS). If you have not, I hope you start to pay attention: On top of a deteriorating school district, the schools are literally in chaos. This will eventually hit everyone’s property value if not controlled.

One of the big reasons for this chaos is the Board of Education’s (BOE) agenda: We just don’t know if it has one. The BOE keeps saying that they don’t have an agenda. But do they, and should they? I think they should have at least one: be good to kids, and that should be a given. Besides that, here are a few other things I would like the BOE and PPS administration to have, or consider having, aside from being nice to our kids in school:  more

To the Editor:

The Board of Education (BOE) should function as the community’s voice in public education. Those serving on the Board do so because voters entrusted them with that task. But that trust is conditional. It can be lost, broken, or squandered, particularly if the BOE, after taking a questionable action with which a large majority of the community in Princeton disagrees, continues to turn a deaf ear to the uproar it has caused. This is, unfortunately, where we are now.

On the legal pretext that nothing can be said, the BOE has persisted in its silence. In response to repeated, loud, perplexed calls to do or say something to justify its puzzling action — or to reverse its unfortunate decision — it has steadfastly refused to engage the public. At two public meetings, the BOE has sat through hours of public comment, confident, apparently, that simply listening, would be enough to satisfy the formal demands of democracy, and that citing legal concerns would be enough to justify its silence. It did ask that the public show civility, and rightly so, but it forgot that incivility can take countless forms — including the persistent refusal to respond. more

To the Editor:

A number of letters have been written opposing the proposed residential project at the intersection of Harrison and Nassau streets in the historic Jugtown district.

I am a strong believer in our private enterprise system. Real estate developers are part of that system and well-done residential housing projects can be a real blessing to a community. The goal of the ordinance allowing for a relaxation of standards for such projects in historic districts is understandable given the need for affordable housing.  more

To the Editor:

Freedom of speech is sacrosanct, without it the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights would be meaningless, and we could have become a dictatorship.

Yelling FIRE in a crowded movie house does not come under freedom of speech — it is a criminal act.

Abolishing the independence of the Supreme Court, in any state or any country, like Mr. Netanyahu, the current prime minister of Israel, is trying to do is worse than yelling fire in a crowded movie house, it the first step in abolishing democratic Israel and eventually creating another Middle East dictatorship. more

To the Editor:

In 2014 Princeton was proud to join the WHO (World Health Organization) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. This recognition noted the particular “walkability” of our downtown for senior citizens.

One wonders how we would fare in a similar assessment today, with the obstacle course that passes for Witherspoon Street, and multiple side streets tied up by various construction projects. It’s a challenge to reach the library, and each day seems to bring new, curiously situated obstructions. It seems unending; is there a schedule?

On a related note, bravo to the citizens of Paris who recently came out in force to vote against rental scooters. I’m constantly amazed at Nassau Street sidewalk scooter riders’ obliviousness to pedestrians, but I must be getting old.

Ellen Gilbert
Stuart Road East

To the Editor:

Not in Our Town Princeton supports Superintendent Carol Kelley’s and the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education’s commitment to racial and educational equity and their development of programs to help eliminate opportunity gaps.

We strongly repudiate any racist remarks and attacks that have come in the wake of the change in leadership at the high school. Based on our collective experience of Dr. Kelley’s and the current BOE members’ leadership, we believe that Dr. Kelley and the Board of Education have made challenging decisions in good faith. As the BOE has stated, “Absent a public employee providing the Board with a written waiver of his or her privacy rights, the Board cannot say more.” more