July 28, 2021

New Stores Open on Palmer Square To Fill Some Vacancies

By Anne Levin

A furniture retailer and a lobster restaurant are among the new tenants that Palmer Square Management has lined up to fill some of the empty storefronts on and around the square.

Warby Parker, the prescription glasses and sunglasses retailer, opened July 17 at 46 Nassau Street.

Arhaus, a furniture retailer with more than 70 stores around the country including outlets in Freehold, Marlton, and New York City, is moving into 17 Palmer Square East, the space formerly occupied by Brooks Brothers. The store is scheduled to open in the fall.

Arhaus was founded in 1986. The retail chain designs and sells home furnishings in its retail stores, online, and through catalogs. According to its website, most of the furniture it sells is made in North Carolina.

The dine-in and takeout restaurant La La Lobster, which has locations in Cape May and Yardley, Pa., has been signed for 63 Palmer Square West. The Princeton location is “coming soon,” according to the store’s website. more

Two Incumbents, Three New Candidates To Compete for School Board Seats in Nov.

By Donald Gilpin

Adam Bierman, Mara Franceschi, and Jeffrey Liao will be competing with incumbents Betsy Baglio and Brian McDonald in this November’s election for three available seats on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE). Current Board member Daniel Dart has chosen not to run for re-election and will be stepping down at the end of 2021.

Monday, July 26 at 4 p.m. was the deadline for candidates to file with the Mercer County Clerk for the November 2 election, where the five candidates will be running for three-year terms on the BOE, starting on January 1, 2022.

Bierman, a lifelong Princeton resident and a product of the PPS, emphasized his goal of excellent, affordable schools. Priorities he noted include “returning all students to school full-time and in-person with sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities; developing affordable and cost-effective solutions for projected enrollment growth due to COAH (New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing); development and support for educational programs to offset learning loss due to COVID-19; and supporting our diverse student body and community through anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.”

Bierman, who has made unsuccessful bids for BOE (2020) and Princeton Council (2018 and 2019) in the past, teaches at the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, working with at-risk students in Trenton.

Franceschi is a mother of three PPS students, as well as a community leader and frequent volunteer. She worked in the financial services and asset management industries for a number of years then turned her focus to her children and community service. She has served as treasurer and president of the Johnson Park PTO and has worked with district leadership as a member of the PTO Council over the past two years. She has also worked as a volunteer with numerous community nonprofits. more

July 21, 2021

HPC Considers Club Row Historic District

By Donald Gilpin

Resuming a process that began in 1992 before lying dormant for the past 26 years, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a concept discussion on Monday, July 19, on the designation of a Club Row historic district on Prospect Avenue.

Club Row is already on the National Register of Historic Places, but designation as a local historic district would provide a greater level of future protection to the Prospect Avenue streetscape with its stately eating clubs and other buildings on both sides of the street. It would also prevent future demolitions or construction without town approval.

The creation of the district could not have any direct effect on pending applications before the Princeton Planning Board, according to New Jersey’s time of application rule, and historic preservationist Clifford Zink assured the HPC, “This process is not being done to try to make changes to existing applications. This is about the long-term future. This is not an effort to stop what is going on now.”

But Princeton University’s pending application to move its 91 Prospect Avenue building, the former Court Clubhouse, across the street in order to make room for construction of the “gateway” to its new Environmental Sciences and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences complex was a significant factor in instigating Monday’s proceedings. more

New Public Transit Is About More Than Replacing the FreeB

By Anne Levin

Following a 16-month suspension due to the pandemic, free public transit is about to return to Princeton.

Starting next month, fully accessible, free bus service will resume weekday mornings and afternoons on a continuous 30-minute loop. This is a three-month interim program that will follow a route similar to the one covered by the now-defunct FreeB buses, focusing on residents of senior and affordable housing communities.

Once the three months is up, the town, in partnership with Princeton University, is planning for an expanded, more ambitious program that not only replaces the former service, but also adapts to the needs of a growing population.

“We’re looking at how public transit can be a solution to a whole host of issues,” said Princeton Councilwoman Mia Sacks, who serves on Council’s Public Transit Advisory Committee. “It will alleviate pressure on things like permit parking and congestion. We’ll be growing at a tremendous rate in the next few years due to affordable housing. So it’s not just about replacement, but what we need for real transit right now. That’s the big question.”

The partnership with the University is part of the transit committee’s work, over the past year, to significantly enhance Princeton’s system of free public transportation. Several subcommittees were involved, doing outreach to underserved community members and other constituencies. more

Under the Big Top—Trenton Circus Squad Looks Ahead with New Tent and Big Plans

CIRCUS MAGIC: The Trenton Circus Squad, a nonprofit teaching both life skills and circus skills, recently completed a one-week residency in Camden, with more than 1,000 local youths participating. The organization, which is also touring to Asbury Park and Newark this summer before returning to Trenton, has just received a $250,000 gift to purchase a big top circus tent, which, starting in 2022, will house their expanding endeavors. (Photo by Avi Steinhardt)

By Donald Gilpin

The Trenton Circus Squad (TCS), whose mission is all about inspiring youths to take big leaps in life, is preparing to take some big leaps of its own. The TSC has just received a gift of $250,000 for the purchase of a big top circus tent, currently being manufactured in Italy by the same company that creates tents for the Cirque de Soleil.

“This grant will certainly inspire TCS to take a huge leap as an organization,” said TCS executive director and co-founder Tom von Oehsen. “This is very exciting. What it will mean is bringing together all the locations that we’ve been serving throughout New Jersey so it’s building community statewide instead of just locally in the Mercer County area.”

Pamela Carter, trustee of The Carter Rowe Charitable Trust, which made the gift, is one of many fans and supporters of the TCS. “I have been a proud benefactor since the Squad’s first day,” she said. “The tent is a gift to show my complete awe of this successful project. May it last for generations. In 25 years this has been the most incredible and successful project for the CRCT to support.”

Carter’s son participated in the TCS’s after-school program at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, one of several area school residencies they have held in recent years. more

Local Teenager Launches Ambitious Project, Helping Peers Get Informed and Involved

By Donald Gilpin

Aashi Chandna

In early 2020, Aashi Chandna, at the time a ninth grader at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, observed her world in the midst of a spreading pandemic, climate crisis, and widespread social unrest. She wanted to get involved, to make a difference for the better.

“For me, natural disaster relief is something that I really care about,” she said. She had lived through a deadly tsunami with her family in Japan in 2011.

Chandna found that her friends had their own experiences that connected them with certain causes, but none of them knew what to do or how best to participate beyond posting on social media and making small donations.

“It shouldn’t be this difficult to get involved,” said Chandna. So she came up with a solution to help teenagers to get involved, make a difference and keep up to date with the latest headlines.

“Everyone’s biggest excuse for why they don’t know what’s going on in the world is that they don’t have time to read the news,” she said. “It’s difficult to take time out of your day to read the news.”

Last month Chandna launched Project Involve, an online platform she created which now has more than 1,000 users, who can catch up on the daily news in five minutes—or more if they wish— then connect with a related organization that they can immediately begin to support.

“Under each article is a ‘help now’ button,” she said. “I believe that when you’re reading about something, learning about something in the moment, you’re more likely to help out than a few days later when you may have forgotten that you cared about this. The ‘help now’ button takes you to a partnered NGO (nongovernmental organization) in the same category.” more

Wild Weather is No Match For Shakespeare Theatre

IMPALED AND UPTURNED: The set for the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s summer productions took a brutal beating from a storm on July 6. But “The Comedy of Errors” and “Snug” are back on track.

By Anne Levin

As if coming back from COVID-19 wasn’t enough, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey had a new hurdle to overcome this month when a ferocious storm ripped up the set of its Outdoor Stage — just days before the scheduled openings of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors and Snug, artistic director Bonnie Monte’s homage to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

But Monte and her staff were not about to let this latest assault keep the company off the Outdoor Stage, which is in Morristown. After scrambling to get things back on track, the opening was delayed by only one week. The shows are scheduled through August 1.

Monte spoke about the storm, the recovery, surviving the pandemic, and more, in a telephone conversation a day after the deluge. The company had been scheduled to rehearse for the upcoming performances, but the ravaged set – some of it was actually impaled – made that impossible.

“We are fighting the clock to get everything not just rebuilt, but rehearsed,” she said. “The weather during the entire 10-day period when we are typically scheduled to set up, rehearse, and tech, was rain, rain, and more rain. Then, when the big storm hit, we weren’t ready. So we have had no rehearsal yet. These are very complicated shows, so we are getting really nervous. But the show must go on, as they say, and we will open. My company is extraordinary.” more

Horn Player from Princeton Studies with Her Idol

LESSONS FROM THE BEST: French horn player Elizabeth “E.J.” Ferrara took lessons from Philadelphia Orchestra member Jennifer Montone at a recent summer music festival.

French horn player Elizabeth “E.J.” Ferrara, 17, of Princeton, was among the students at the Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF), which resumed its in-person summer model while retaining its popular online option.

Elizabeth studied with her idol Jennifer Montone, who plays French horn with the Philadelphia Orchestra, during the session June 19-July 2, on the campus of Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa. The second session runs through July 30. Montone was among 25 members of The Philadelphia Orchestra to work with students in individual and group lessons and master classes, and inspire them in faculty recitals.

“PIMF was a breath of fresh air for me, and I loved every second of it,” said E.J. “This was my first opportunity in over a year to share my love of music with others. My favorite part was that everyone was as in love with music as I was. My roommate and I even woke up to a different orchestral piece every morning as our alarm.” more

July 14, 2021

Council Reverses Parking Technology Vote

By Anne Levin

Taking into account numerous comments from the public against funding for parking enforcement technology, Princeton Council voted unanimously Monday night to remove it from a $7.2 million bond ordinance for capital improvements.

The governing body had voted two weeks ago to introduce the ordinance, which included $170,000 for the license-plate-scanning technology. The vote against it reversed that introduction.

Some members of the public said Council had slipped in the funding for the technology at the last minute, without giving sufficient opportunity for residents to react. Councilwoman Eve Niedergang said she regretted that impression, stressing that the introduction was “opening the door to action, and a number of people have called me on that interpretation.” Niedergang added that Council is committed to the public process for reviewing the technology, which is part of the parking permit program that has been under discussion for the past two years.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, one of three Council members on the Permit Parking Task Force, clarified that the intention of including the $170,000 for parking enforcement technology was not a decision to move forward with the technology, but rather to be transparent during the process of planning capital spending. more

PU Prospect Avenue Plan Hearing Postponed; Opposition Continues

By Donald Gilpin

As 11 p.m. approached at its July 8 meeting, the Princeton Planning Board (PPB) decided to postpone to September 23 the continuation of its hearing on Princeton University’s application for a zoning variance.

There were almost two hours of public commentary on July 8, following about four hours at the PPB’s June 17 meeting, with most of the community speakers expressing strong opposition to the University’s application to move its 91 Prospect Avenue building, the former Court Clubhouse, to a site across the street in order to make room for construction of a “gateway” to its new 666,000-square-foot Environmental Sciences and School of Engineering and Applied Science (ES+SEAS) complex. Moving the 91 Prospect building across the street would necessitate the demolition of three Victorian houses on the north side of the street.

Princeton University representatives, architect Ron McCoy and attorney Christopher DeGrezia, were not happy with the delay. The University is eager to proceed with its project and has turned down recommendations from the community to discuss a compromise resolution and redesign the Prospect Avenue entrance to its ES+SEAS complex. The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously at a June 7 meeting to recommend that the PPB deny the University’s application.   

“These are significant delays,” said McCoy. “We submitted this project almost a year ago. This is really significant. We’re holding up construction.”

Planning Director Michael LaPlace acknowledged frustration with the lengthy process, but added, “It’s important, of course, for us to hear from the public.” He went on to point out that the PPB has put in many hours recently to hear and approve multiple components of the University’s East Campus plan and has held a number of special meetings to accommodate the University. “We’ve worked really hard to meet these timetables, and we’re trying,” he said. more

Carol Kelley Takes Helm at Valley Road; Greenberg Is New PHS Assistant Principal

By Donald Gilpin

Stephanie Greenberg

July might be vacation month for students and teachers, but Princeton Public Schools (PPS) administrators are rapidly gearing up for the September start of a school year that will look very different from past years.

On July 1, new PPS Superintendent Carol Kelley took over the district leadership from Interim Superintendent Barry Galasso. “In my first 100 days as superintendent, my goal is to learn as much as I can about who we are today,” she wrote in a letter to the community. “I look forward to sitting with many of you and listening to your lived experiences in Princeton Public Schools, and hearing about our shining strengths, as well as our most pressing challenges.”

Looking to “create new ways of working together,” Kelley pointed out three “overarching goals” for the district under her leadership: “improving student learning for all; creating learning conditions where every learner can thrive; and elevating educators.” She added, “The golden thread weaving through each of these goals is my life purpose — inspiring and advancing educational equity and excellence in our schools.”

At Princeton High School (PHS), Stephanie Greenberg, formerly PPS humanities supervisor, has been appointed assistant principal, joining new principal Frank Chmiel and the team of assistant principals that also includes Cecilia Birge and Rashone Johnson. more

Physician Jason Hollander Qualifies For Ironman World Championship

HE’S A CONTENDER: Local endocrinologist Dr. Jason Hollander is shown competing in the biking portion of the Ironman event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho this past June — in 102-degree heat.

By Anne Levin

Dr. Jason Hollander was turning 40 when he decided he needed more of a challenge than the five or six miles he was running a few times a week. He tried a half-triathlon in Syracuse, N.Y., and he finished. It was a turning point in his life.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘I really love this,’” said Hollander, an endocrinologist with offices in Princeton, Lawrenceville, and East Brunswick. “I had suffered for a lot of hours, but there was something there that clicked. It was like a light switch going off. I was addicted.”

Since that day nine years ago, Hollander has trained rigorously and competed in numerous triathlons. For the second time, he has qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, the birthplace of the fabled event where competitors in different age groups tackle 140.6 exhausting miles of swimming, running, and biking. The race is October 9.

“For real enthusiasts, there is this mythical place called Kona, Hawaii, where Ironman was born,” Hollander said. “A bunch of crazy guys back in the seventies put it together. It started off as kind of a dare. It has turned into this cult following of athletes, and it got legitimacy when it was put into the Olympics.” more

Princeton Public Library Plans Summer Events, Looks to Fall

By Anne Levin

In normal times, the author talks, panel discussions, and other events held in Princeton Public Library’s (PPL) Community Room often attract standing-room only crowds that overflow into the café and lobby.

Normal times are not here yet. But COVID-19 has eased enough for the library to plan several outdoor events this summer, and look forward to being back in the Community Room — depending on the pandemic’s path — on a limited scale this fall.

A special appearance on Wednesday, July 21 at 6 p.m. by author Jennifer Weiner will mark the library’s first in-person author talk since March 2020. The event is being held in the courtyard at Princeton Shopping Center, and Weiner is attending as part of a book tour for her newest novel, That Summer.

“Jen has spoken at the library several times, and she’s a fan favorite,” said PPL’s Adult Programming Manager Janie Hermann. “Where she’s going to be speaking is almost right in front of the building where we were housed temporarily in 2002, while we were under construction. So it’s a lovely way of going back to her roots.” more

Princeton Police Department Adopts New Virtual Reality Training Program

CUTTING-EDGE TRAINING AT PPD: The Princeton Police Department will be using a virtual training platform with realistic simulated scenarios to help hone their de-escalation, conflict resolution, and community policing techniques. (Photo courtesy of Princeton Police Department)

By Donald Gilpin

In taking a leading role in meeting the increasing challenges of policing in the 21st century, the Princeton Police Department (PPD) has recently adopted a virtual training platform, which will deliver the latest simulator training technology to local police officers.

The WRAP Reality program, which the PPD is currently in the process of implementing, uses training scenarios and innovative technology to fully immerse the officers in realistic scenarios with a focus on de-escalation, conflict resolution, reduction in use of force, and principles of community
policing. 

“We are the first in the state to utilize this type of training,” said PPD Chief Christopher Morgan. “Virtual reality allows us to take information taught in a classroom setting to our officers and immerse them into scenarios that they may encounter in real life and to evaluate their skills. Also, it allows the officers to better understand their skill sets and become more comfortable in many types of situations.” more

July 7, 2021

University Plan Faces Continuing Controversy

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Planning Board (PPB) is scheduled to continue its hearing on Thursday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. on Princeton University’s controversial application for a variance to move its 91 Prospect Avenue building, the former Court Clubhouse, to a site across the street.

The University plan would open up the area on the south side of Prospect for construction of a “gateway” to its new 666,000-square-foot Environmental Science and School of Engineering and Applied Science (ES+SEAS) complex. The movement of the 91 Prospect building would also result in the demolition of three Victorian houses on the north side of the street.

Extensive discussion at a June 7 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting and at the most recent June 17 PPB meeting focused on a relatively small portion of the project, the part that impinges on Prospect Avenue, with most speakers opposing the plan as historically, aesthetically, and/or environmentally damaging to the street and detrimental to the community.

The HPC ultimately recommended unanimously that the PPB turn down the University’s variance application. The June 17 PPB meeting ended after about four hours with a number of participants still waiting to speak.

Several speakers suggested that the University should redesign its Prospect Avenue entrance to the ES+SEAS complex to incorporate the 91 Prospect building and preserve the historic character of the street. Historic preservation consultant Clifford Zink and others have urged the University to follow past examples of working with the town and its concerns on controversial development projects in order to achieve a positive resolution for both parties. more

Local COVID Numbers Remain Low; NJ Notes Zero Deaths Tuesday

By Donald Gilpin

On Tuesday, July 6, New Jersey reported no newly confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the state for the first time since March 17, 2020. New case numbers and hospitalizations have also been dropping throughout the state, and the Princeton Health Department continues to report few new cases of COVID-19 in Princeton, just one in the past 14 days.

Princeton Health Officer Jeff Grosser emphasized that the COVID environment today is significantly different than it was last summer when Princeton and the rest of the country benefited from relatively low rates of infection only to be hit with a second wave of the virus in October, November, and the winter months.

“We are in a different place than last fall,” he said. “With a substantially effective vaccine, there is community protection we did not have last year.” He went on to mention causes for ongoing caution and concern.

“Variants will continue to pose a threat and a continued need for public health surveillance of new cases. Vaccine breakthrough cases along with variants that may be more stubborn against the current vaccines will require further consideration.”

He warned in particular about the highly transmissible Delta variant as a concern for unvaccinated individuals, particularly those living in congregate settings where infections tend to spread at a much quicker rate.

Grosser went on to point out that the health department continues to focus its vaccination efforts on pop-up clinics in different communities in order to make it as easy as possible for residents to access the vaccine. “We are also standing ready for expanded access to the vaccine and working with our health care community to begin that process as it opens up.” more

Referendum “Likely Less Than $20 Million,” As Schools Prepare to Replace Leaky Roofs

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) is committed to planning ahead, working towards a July 29 deadline to submit an application to the state to place a major maintenance bond referendum on the ballot in January 2022, so that work to replace leaking roofs at several schools can start by the summer of 2022.

The BOE is considering a cost figure “likely less than $20 million,” but further discussion must take place in the coming weeks to determine the work to be done, when it must be done, and the estimated cost. The BOE anticipates that with debt from prior referendums maturing on February 1, 2022 and 2023, all the work can be done without increasing debt service from current levels.

“Princeton Public Schools will use the next three weeks to evaluate the scope of a potential maintenance referendum,” the district noted in a July 6 statement. “It is anticipated that on July 27 the Board of Education will authorize a submission to the New Jersey Department of Education by Spiezle, the district’s architect, detailing preliminary eligible costs.”

A number of the roofs in question are approaching 26 years old, already beyond warranty, and several other leaky roofs are about 17 years old with warranties soon to expire. Other urgent maintenance projects include repairing facades at some schools, repairing siding and gutters, and replacing “end-of-life” building systems. more

Corner House Executive Director DeBlasio Retiring After 21 Years

END OF AN ERA: Gary DeBlasio, who has headed Corner House Behavioral Health since 2000, is retiring at the end of September. He is pictured, fourth from left, at a recent event with the Polanco brothers, who have participated in Corner House programs, and former Corner House Foundation Board President Mandy Triolo.

By Anne Levin

On September 30, Gary DeBlasio will put in his last day as executive director of Corner House. DeBlasio, 66, is retiring after two decades guiding the organization, which prevents and treats addiction, primarily in youth, and supports those in recovery.

“You just reach a point in your career where you know it’s time,” he said during an interview at his office in Monument Hall. “I have done this work for 44 years. It’s time for new energy, new blood, and new ideas.”

Judging by comments from people who have worked closely with DeBlasio over the last two decades, his absence will be keenly felt. “Gary has been an incredible life force,” said Wendy Jolley, who chairs the Corner House Board of Directors. “He has, literally, saved hundreds of lives over the years. He has mentored so many kids. Everybody looks up to him. He really sets the gold standard.”

“The town is losing a giant when it comes to dealing with youth and folks that have addiction problems,” said Lance Liverman, who was liaison to Corner House during his years on Princeton Council and the former Township Committee. “I have been involved in Corner House for years, and I can tell you he has really built that organization to where it is today. He’s understanding and all-encompassing. He includes everyone. The main thing is that he cares. I wish him the best. I know it’s going to be a huge loss.” more

New Rabbi at The Jewish Center Welcomes Jews of Diverse Identities

By Anne Levin

Rabbi Andrea Merow can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to serve Judaism. “It’s a calling,” she said on Monday, just a few days after officially beginning her tenure as new rabbi of The Jewish Center Princeton.

Most recently on the rabbinic staff of Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, Pa., the Philadelphia native has an impressive background and approach to her faith that ended the nine-month search to replace Rabbi Adam Feldman, the much-loved spiritual leader who died suddenly in December 2019 while on vacation in Hawaii with his family.

The Jewish Center finalized Merow’s appointment last February and announced it formally last week. In a joint statement, the congregation’s president Alexandra Bar-Cohen and immediate past president Randy Brett said, “Rabbi Merow emanates ruach [breath, or spirit], spirituality, musicality, and joy, even over Zoom. She brings with her dedication to a vibrant, inclusive vision for our congregation, and will welcome interfaith individuals and families while creating space for innovative, inclusive rituals. We are excited to learn and grow with Rabbi Merow.”

Merow has moved to Princeton and is getting to know the community. In succeeding Feldman, who led The Jewish Center for more than 14 years, she knows she has the proverbial big shoes to fill.

“This community had a beloved and wonderful rabbi,” Merow said. “I knew him. I was friends with him and his wife. I believe that the challenge for me is to honor his memory. This is a community that loved its rabbi, and it’s very sad.” more

Council Holds Special Meeting On Franklin Avenue Project

By Anne Levin

The task force that has been working on the Franklin Avenue mixed income housing project presented a report at a special meeting of Princeton Council on June 30. Three subcommittees focused on sustainability and landscaping; access, streetscape, and infrastructure; and the site plan gave an overview of their work so far.

The project, which is on Franklin Avenue across from the AvalonBay apartment complex, is part of Princeton’s court-ordered affordable housing obligation.

Following the presentations, some residents of streets near the development expressed concerns over the direction of the design process, saying their privacy could be compromised by the height of the buildings. Resident Harold Heft complained about transparency, saying the process has not been as open as promised. “No interviews were done with residents living in an adjacent community,” he said.

Heidi Fichtenbaum, chair of the Sustainability and Landscape Committee, stressed the importance of sustainability, environmental justice, and energy efficiency. The committee developed two tiers of recommendations, ranking things like electrification rather than gas and stormwater mitigation as most important. more

June 30, 2021

School Board Weighs Maintenance Referendum

By Donald Gilpin

A major maintenance referendum to replace leaking, aging roofs at all six district schools and to repair several crumbling facades was on the agenda at last night’s Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, which took place after press time.

Announcing on Monday, June 28, that it would be discussing its options for undertaking urgent major maintenance projects, the BOE could decide on the details by the end of July, submit its proposal to voters for approval through a bond referendum in January 2022, and start roof replacements in the summer of 2022, according to a June 29 PPS press release. The roof replacement and maintenance projects would be spread out over five years.

The last PPS referendum, $27 million for improvements to all six schools, was passed in December 2018. According to the PPS press release, the debt from prior referendums will mature on February 1, 2022 and 2023, and the proposed future maintenance projects can be completed without increasing debt service above the current levels. more

Witherspoon Street Redesign and Sustainable Landscaping Dominate Council Meeting

By Anne Levin

A work session on the first phase of the plan to redesign part of Witherspoon Street and a presentation on sustainable landscaping were the focus of Princeton Council’s June 28 meeting. While no formal actions were taken, both initiatives were given support to proceed.

A public meeting will be held Wednesday, July 14 for further discussion of the recommendations put forth by Sustainable Princeton, the Princeton Environmental Commission, Quiet Princeton, and others involved in a project to make local landscaping practices more sustainable. Princeton was one of nine cities to receive a $55,000 Partners for Places grant last December, to work toward adopting practices that protect the health of both landscapers and the environment.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the voices of landscapers and residents are heard in coming up with recommendations to amend current ordinances. The Princeton Civil Rights Commission’s Racial Equity Toolkit has been used in the process. The goal is to recommend solutions that are environmentally and socially equitable.

Gas-powered leaf blowers are a major area of interest. “They expose workers and the public to very significant health and daily life problems,” said Tony Lunn of Quiet Princeton, adding that hundreds of residents have said they want a total ban on the machinery, which would involve converting to alternative equipment. Currently, the recommendation is for a seasonal ban.

“The first all-electric landscaping companies are now operating in Princeton,” Lunn said. “We have two on our webpage that use commercial grade equipment. It is not cripplingly expensive, and the operating costs are actually lower, so once you get over the hurdle, you are actually saving.” more

Music, Readings, and Fireworks Mark Fourth of July Celebrations

By Anne Levin

In an account recently provided by Princeton University’s Mudd Manuscript Library, July 4, 1837 was celebrated on campus “with unusual spirit.” There were cannon salutes, a ceremonial procession to the chapel, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and at least eight speeches throughout the course of the day.

While July 4, 2021 won’t include any cannons firing on the Princeton campus or close by, some celebratory activities don’t appear to have changed much in the past 184 years. Readings of the Declaration of Independence and speeches are among the events planned for the local area over the holiday weekend, along with concerts, picnics, and of course, fireworks.

The celebrations get started on Thursday, July 1 at 7 p.m. with fireworks at Rider University. The display is hosted by Lawrence Township. Visit lawrencetownship.com for details.

The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) celebrates America’s 245th birthday on Sunday, July 4 starting at 12 p.m. in Princeton Battlefield State Park. Following remarks by PBS President Michael Russell, there will be a flag raising ceremony accompanied by vocalist Krista Hastings, a graduate of Westminster Choir College.

Command Sergeant Major John Zimmerman of the Army 99th Readiness Group, Fort Dix, will speak about the War of Independence, the Battle of Princeton (in which one of his ancestors served), and the importance of the armed forces today. Will Krakower, the PBS historical educator, will read the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony closes with two more songs sung by Hastings, and more remarks by Russell. more

Helping Those Less Fortunate Is Goal of Two Local Pianists

PLAYING TO GIVE BACK: West Windsor resident Amber Wang, 16, was among the pianists taking part in last weekend’s annual “Performathon.” The event, in which students of Ingrid Clarfield performed on Steinway pianos provided by Jacobs Music Company, raised funds for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

By Anne Levin

Sitting down at the piano bench to practice or perform, Amber Wang and Alyssa Xu often have less fortunate young people in mind. The two 16-year-olds – Amber from West Windsor and Alyssa from Plainsboro – are as committed to helping others as they are to perfecting the intricacies of the music they play.

They were among the students of piano teacher Ingrid Clarfield who played last weekend at the annual “Performathon” held at Princeton Meadows Church. Clarfield’s young pianists were joined by five pupils of other local piano teachers at the event, which raised funds for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“We are really into the idea of children helping children,” said Amber in a Zoom interview a few days after the concert. “And we know we are really fortunate. We’re not in the hospital. We’re going to school, playing the piano, doing other things, just going through our lives. We want to help those who aren’t so lucky.”

“I’m grateful for all the resources and opportunities I have, and I am happy to be able to support children in the hospital,” said Alyssa. “Our donations go to the Children’s Fund at CHOP, and that covers things not usually supported by traditional charities, like music therapy and pet therapy.” more

Joint Effort Safe Streets Announces Plans For August Witherspoon-Jackson Activities

By Donald Gilpin

“Not Bouncing Back, but Bouncing Forward” will be the theme when the Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets program returns this summer with nine days of in-person activities from July 31 to August 8.

Continuing to focus on the historic role of the Witherspoon-Jackson community as the 20th Historic District of Princeton, the 2021 celebration will recognize many stories of family, faith, leadership, history, community, and the future of Princeton with a wide variety of cultural, athletic, spiritual, entertainment, and educational events held at different locations throughout the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood and the larger Princeton community.

“The goal is to bring folks out of the pandemic,” said Joint Effort lead organizer John Bailey. “For the past two years we’ve been inside, dealing with the pandemic, and issues of race, health, unemployment. Folks need a break. But we’re not just bouncing back. We’re bouncing forward.”

Among the highlights of the 2021 Joint Effort will be a series of discussions of a new vision for Princeton with a focus on the future of the Witherspoon Street corridor, the municipal government, public schools, economic development, the future of cannabis in Princeton, and a forum for candidates seeking election to local offices. Also featured will be a community tribute to Joint Effort founder John Young; a meet-and-greet with Carol Kelley, the new superintendent of Princeton Public Schools (PPS), and Frank Chmiel, the new Princeton High School principal; a community block festival featuring Grace Little; a gospel music fest; a basketball clinic and games; and more.  more