To the Editor:

My wife and I have a 40-plus year appreciation of the special place that is Princeton and feel privileged to own a circa-1830 house in the Mercer Hill Historic District for the past 11 years. We have a deep respect for history and the firm belief that the historic buildings that comprise the rich fabric of this special town need to be honored and carefully preserved. Indeed, the longer a building survives in its appreciably original state, the greater the need for it to be protected against alteration. We are merely the stewards of a house and barn that are temporarily in our care. I would argue that institutional owners have an even greater mandate to be thoughtful stewards of their historic buildings, as they will surely have much longer periods of ownership. more

To the Editor:

I live on Alexander Street across from a group of houses owned by the Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS). They have been the subject of several recent Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hearings, as PTS is proposing long-delayed renovations to them. The houses were built in the 1830s in what is now the Mercer Hill Historic District (MHHD). A few of them are Steadman houses; Charles Steadman being considered the leading architect-builder of his era in Princeton.  It is HPC’s mandate to protect and preserve Princeton’s architectural heritage. Their documented renovation guidelines are that the owner save as much original exterior material as possible. If unable to save, then the replacement material should be the same as the original. (For nearby 44 Mercer Street, HPC gave an administrative waiver to PTS for the renovation of that house, allowing the complete removal of historic original wood siding, windows and window trim.) In conversations with PTS, the MHHDA learned of the initial plans to remove all the exterior wood and original windows and replace them with synthetic material and aluminum-faced replacement windows.  Based on this, the Association contacted HPC about the lack of compliance with HPC guidelines. (PTS has since modified its plans and will replace the siding with wood material.) more

To the Editor:

Many thanks to the couple who — several months ago and unbeknownst to us — quietly paid our dinner bill at Kristine’s.

We apologize for the delay, and wish to extend our profound gratitude for your kindness and generosity. Please be assured that we will not soon forget your wonderful and completely unexpected gift, and that we will “pay it forward.”

Ellen Saxon and Vince Peloso
Gordon Avenue, Lawrenceville

To the Editor:

When I was in third or fourth grade in Nassau Street School, we were taught a lot about Princeton. We took walking tours of various areas of the town, and were told of the historic significance related to them. I doubt we appreciated a lot of what Mrs. Taylor was telling us; but having had the privilege of living in and around Princeton for almost 60 years, a lot of that history became meaningful. more

To the Editor:

As leaders of Princeton Community Housing (PCH), a nonprofit organization developing and managing welcoming affordable rental homes in Princeton since 1967, we recognize that advocacy is an important part of our mission.

We have a housing crisis in this country. New Jersey alone needs 214,000 more affordable homes for extremely low-income households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. There is also a dire need for more affordable homes in Princeton, as evidenced in part by the over 1,000 households on PCH’s combined waiting lists. Many of these households are young families starting out, people already working in town, and longtime residents who want to remain in their community. For these reasons, we support the goal of Princeton’s Master Plan to ensure that “Princeton will be a vibrant, growing, and welcoming community with a diverse mix of land uses that accommodate a broad variety of needs, housing ample and diverse enough to accommodate all who want to live here….” more

To the Editor:
Last Tuesday, a violent storm moved through my neighborhood, causing the street tree in front of my house to split in half, with half of the tree falling on my home.

I am writing to thank Officer Stoupas of the Princeton Police Department and the members of the Public Works Department for going above and beyond to ensure my safety during the storm. I am also extremely grateful to our arborist, Taylor Sapudar, and to Justin and his crew from Justin’s Tree Service for their prompt, courteous, and professional handling of the removal of the tree.

The staff of the Municipality of Princeton makes our community a great place to live.

Maryann Witalec Keyes
Franklin Avenue

To the Editor:

The term undocumented immigrant conveys an inaccurate and largely pejorative and derogatory condition, attributed to working class residents of Latin American origin who are presumed to lack formal authorization to reside in the United States.

There is a general perception that most of these workers and their families are subject to unceremonious deportation, that they can be arrested on sight, without a warrant, and that they have no protection under our civil rights laws. This became abundantly clear during the recent “visit” to Princeton of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posse of agents in several unmarked vehicles dangerously driving around town for hours looking for “egregious noncitizen criminals” using “targeted intelligence.” more

To the Editor:

Smart Growth America defines smart growth as “creating homes for families of all income levels alongside one another in locations where daily needs are close by.” We all appreciate and welcome families of all income levels, but the problem with the redevelopment plan for the seminary’s properties is that it does not recognize that this neighborhood is not walkable to any daily needs. For planning purposes, walkable is a term of art, generally accepted as a quarter of a mile. Using that criterion, this location is not walkable to schools, the grocery, the Dinky, a pharmacy, or medical attention. more

To the Editor:
Climate change is upon us, and New Jersey is the third most impacted state in the U.S., with Princeton among New Jersey’s most affected areas. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect raises our town’s temperatures by 6.3°F to 8°F and, until Princeton takes action, temperatures will only climb. What reduces the UHI effect? Trees. According to American Forests, because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler than air temperatures above a nearby blacktop. When you walk on Nassau, the difference in temperatures between the University side and the business side is palpable.

Last Monday, Princeton Council approved a Green Development Checklist. This detailed checklist is admirable and begins by focusing on the big picture: “Does the development limit disturbed areas by limiting clearing and grading to a carefully described and compact development envelope?” more

To the Editor:
As a concerned 30-plus year Princeton resident, a design professional, a father of two, and a neighbor to the Princeton Seminary, I have reviewed the public information supporting the proposed ordinance and offer the following summary of my concerns over rushing the approval of the Seminary Property Redevelopment Ordinance:

Unique Development: The redevelopment plan includes multifamily dwellings separated by Hibben Road, presenting unique challenges compared to other developments in Princeton.

Shared Spaces: Residents will need access to shared amenities, potentially leading to the addition of a new crosswalk near the existing one at Hibben and Stockton.  more

To the Editor:

On Monday, July 8, the Princeton Council introduced an ordinance to adopt a redevelopment plan for the Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) property on Stockton at Hibben Road. The properties were formerly the home of Tennent-Roberts Halls and Whiteley Gymnasium, late 19th century buildings that were demolished in 2022 in anticipation of a sale to Herring Properties, the contract purchaser. To date, PTS is still the owner of record.

The last open meeting to address the potential redevelopment was held on October 17, 2023, where the group representing Herring Properties presented a plan that included the construction of 238 units on the site, 20 percent of which would be affordable. Several comments from the audience followed the presentation. more

To the Editor:
During the hottest day of the year, we threw the coolest Pride. Princeton’s Sixth Annual Pride Parade and After-Party on June 22 was everything our community needed and deserved, a true celebration of queer joy, as meaningful as it was inspirational and fabulous!

Thousands of us marched, sashayed, and rolled through the beautiful Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood on our way to an empowering and entertaining After-Party at the YMCA. We couldn’t have asked for better syncopation for our mobilization than the wonderful Empress Winter Guard! Thank you to Lt. Ben Gering and the entire Princeton Police Department for showing support and keeping us safe, along with Keshon and Mike at the YMCA for so warmly welcoming us to your gorgeous green space. Much love and respect to our Grand Marshal Walter Naegle, Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Mayors Mark Freda (Princeton) and Reed Gusciora (Trenton), Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Princeton Council members, and trans-activist Miles Gorman for marching with us in solidarity at the Parade and sharing inspirational remarks at the After-Party.  more

On Thursday, July 4, our Fourth of July Jubilee theme was Civic Season, a national program of activities helping us to us better understand our past and shape the future.

On behalf of Morven Museum & Garden, we thank the outstanding group of community partners who shared our vision of adding this important educational component to the celebratory activities: Historical Society of Princeton, Paul Robeson House of Princeton, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, Princeton Academy of Art, Princeton Public Library, RevolutionNJ, YWCA Princeton, and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society.

 more

To the Editor:
The worrisome trend of demolishing historic buildings within Princeton’s designated historic areas has been accelerating. A few recent examples in the Mercer Hill Historic District include the demolition of all siding and windows of an 1830s vintage home next door to the Barracks on Edgehill Street, and the demolition of all siding and replacement of windows of a historic home at 44 Mercer Street — a notable gateway to Princeton on the corner of Alexander and Mercer Streets. more

To the Editor:
On Monday, July 15, at 4 p.m. the Princeton Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hear applications from the Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) to strip the historic fabric from five houses located on their campus at the intersection of Alexander and Mercer streets, specifically numbers 15-17, 19, 25-27, 29, and 31 Alexander Street. A sixth house, at 44 Mercer Street, has already been stripped of its historic siding and windows, the result of an administrative waiver granted in error. Four of the Alexander Street houses are the work of Charles Steadman, Princeton’s noted 19th century architect and builder. Together with the Steadmans and related period houses on the opposite side of Alexander Street, this grouping is at the core of the Mercer Hill Historic District and are key contributors to it, forming an iconic, character-defining gateway to Princeton.  more

To the Editor:

It was a beautiful sunny day. I used my new multi-geared bike to travel from Bank Street to the hardware store in the Princeton Shopping Center. I decided to take the new Witherspoon Street with the “sharrows.” Because Witherspoon Street slopes downward to Valley Road, I was traveling along in the highest gear at a good clip.

Three cars came up behind me honking their horns and passed me at high speed over the two don’t pass lines, seemingly trying to cut me off. A fourth car also passed illegally and the driver gave me the finger, yelling out the window, “get the f— off the road.” What about “share the road” do they not understand?

If this continues, sooner or later someone is going to get seriously injured or killed on Witherspoon Street. For public safety, perhaps better signing, slower speed limits, police surveillance, or restricting all bicycles should be considered.

Tony Nelessen, PP, CNU, MArch UD
Emeritus Professor
Bank Street

To the Editor:

Three summers ago a notable controversy arose when the University proposed moving the former Court Clubhouse across Prospect Avenue and demolishing three old houses to accommodate it. The demolition would have meant the loss of some fine Queen Anne and Colonial Revival architecture, and the erasure of the tangible history of the houses as homes to two eating clubs and several important professors, including émigrés from Nazi Germany.

Last Tuesday the University presented exemplary plans to the Planning Board for the restoration of the three houses, including preserving historic exterior fabric, reconstructing missing historic components, and painting in historic colors. The University’s team of staff and consulting architects did a superb job studying existing features and researching historic sources. The preservation of the houses has also importantly saved seven apartments plus distinctive office space for the University. more

To the Editor:
I am a resident of Princeton, living every day with chronic pain. Like many other people in our community, I rely on cannabis for pain management, and a Princeton cannabis dispensary would make a big difference.

In addition, revenues from sales of cannabis will benefit our own community in Princeton. and businesses can provide local jobs and opportunities.

Nationally, the cannabis industry has been viewed as a way to provide reparation for communities affected by past wrongs.

However, two years ago, our town Council decided to table discussion on opening a cannabis dispensary. I believe it’s time we bring this vital issue back into consideration.

Please join me and contact the mayor and Council and urge them to reinitiate discussions and vote in favor of opening a cannabis dispensary in Princeton. The petition is at https://chng.it/ZYvkPDfFV7.

Joanne Marshall
Broadripple Drive

To the Editor:
The article published Wednesday, June 12 entitled “Beech Leaf Disease Poses Threat to Town’s Beleaguered Trees” [page 1] was quite disheartening, with its projection that most or all of our beautiful, big old beeches will die within four to 10 years. One sentence in the article struck me even more forcefully than that dire projection, though: “The nematodes [that cause the disease] are not thought to be native to North America.” It highlights the tragic consequences of continued importation and use of non-native, often-invasive species, which bring with them plagues like the beech leaf disease, the emerald ash borer, and the chestnut blight (estimated to have killed 4 billion chestnut trees in our eastern forests). And it highlights the tragic consequences of our governor’s veto of the invasive species legislation passed unanimously by the legislature last year, and of the Department of Environmental Protection’s inexplicable failure to quickly move to resolve whatever problems it has with the legislation (cited as the reason for the veto). more

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to say thank you to Princeton Police Chief Jonathan Bucchere, Lieutenant Matthew Solovay, and Sergeant Dan Federico for establishing the Princeton Citizen’s Police Academy.

Recently, I was one of 20 Princeton citizens who had a chance to learn more about the department through an eight-week program that was conducted by a number of officers of the Princeton Police Department (PPD). Each Thursday we covered a different topic in a three-hour class supported by a different officer within the department, and it was organized to be very interactive and engaging with real equipment, simulators, and discussions with our officers.  more

To the Editor:

The Princeton Police Department just concluded its 2024 program for its Citizen’s Police Academy, and I felt privileged to have experienced such a compelling initiative. This program is the brainchild of Police Chief Jonathan Bucchere. I became informed of Princeton’s Citizen’s Police Academy via an article that ran in the Town Topics earlier this year [“Citizen’s Police Academy Registering Participants for its Second Season,” March 6, page 1] and I immediately contacted the department and was luckily able to register for the 2024 session, which started in April and ran for eight weeks.

Chief Bucchere’s desire to form deep connections with the community became quite evident in this program. His enthusiasm for community policing in general, and this program in particular, trickle down to all of the officers who invest in the program to make it highly informative to the citizen participants. Lieutenant Matt Solovay, Sergeant Dan Federico, Patrolman – K9 Steve Lattin, and many other officers in the department contributed to the robust nature of the program. more

To the Editor:

As I head into the general election for my second term on Princeton Council, I’m feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community that I love. Being on Council is both an honor and a privilege, and I start every day with that in mind.

When I first ran three years ago, I promised to be part of a movement building a broad infrastructure of care in Princeton — focused on housing, affordability, education, social services, transportation, public safety, and the arts. My colleagues and I have worked hard to deliver on that promise. But we’re not there yet. A few things that come to mind that are on my radar screen — an absentee landlord policy, regulating Airbnbs, and expanding our towns tree canopy equitably in all neighborhoods.

Our next phase keeps the focus on smart growth and wise choices. Building a human infrastructure for Princeton’s future that is truly inclusive of people at all income levels. As I’ve said before, diversity is a core strength of our community, not a weakness to be papered over. We’ve made progress, but there is still much work to be done. more

To the Editor:
New Jersey Democrats recently received sample ballots that look quite different and allow primaries to be more competitive (See “A Revamped Ballot Design Jump Starts Democracy in New Jersey” in the New Jersey Monitor). Another reform is in its initial stages in New Jersey — ranked-choice voting (RCV).

Red Bank has just joined Hoboken and Jersey City in the movement for electoral reform by passing a resolution in favor of RCV. They have all made the same commitment to their voters:  if the New Jersey Legislature passes the Municipal and School Board Voting Options Act (enabling RCV elections), they will hold a referendum on RCV adoption in the next general election.

Princeton should join these New Jersey cities. One of the many advantages of RCV is that it is likely to attract more candidates for office, giving us more choice when potential candidates see that RCV is likely to give them a better chance to be competitive. To have the choice of using RCV, we need to urge our town Council members to pass a resolution that will have us ready to vote on using RCV in our elections as soon as legislators pass S3369 (and A5039).  more

To the Editor:
A recent letter writer called on Princeton’s elected leaders to require that the Planning Board return to in-person meetings with a Zoom option for attending remotely — basically, a hybrid format now used by the mayor and Council [“Princeton Planning Board Meetings Should Be Held in Hybrid Format,” Mailbox, May 15]. As officers of the board, we’d like to explain why this has not happened.

We respect the mayor and Council’s decision to “go hybrid,” and certainly appreciate the value of personal interaction in the democratic process — especially the connection between elected officials and constituents. But under state and local law, the Planning Board’s role and responsibilities are fundamentally different from Princeton’s elected governing body.

The Planning Board’s function is quasi-judicial. We operate within a structure laid out in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL): hearing sworn testimony from staff, land owners and developers, expert witnesses and members of the public, applying and weighing positive criteria and negative criteria when considering variance or waiver requests, and advancing principles articulated in the Community Master Plan. more

To the Editor:

I have known Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman since she ran for election 10 years ago, and continue to be very impressed with her. A friend of mine, after meeting her for the first time during the “Day of Action” held by her campaign in Princeton on May 18, declared “she is sharp” — and I thought that was a succinct and correct rendering of BWC.

But there is so much more to Bonnie. She is always on the good side of the issues, a strong fighter for progressive values, and a dedicated defender of healthcare, reproductive freedom, and human and civil rights everywhere. She is very competent on state, national, and international issues, holds political positions that are deeply thoughtful and principled, and does not let any special interest group intimidate her.

I find it relaxing to have her as my congresswoman, because I know I can always trust her fighting the good fight for all of us.

Chiara Nappi
Clover Lane