Princeton Borough Council

October 10, 2012

Borough Council Introduces Historic District Ordinance

Princeton Borough Council’s unanimous vote October 2 to introduce an ordinance creating the Morven tract historic district comes after more than six years of efforts in support by one segment of the neighborhood, and vociferous objections by another. The latter was represented in force at the meeting last Tuesday, at which Mayor Yina Moore had to bang her gavel more than once to restore order.

The vote, which elicited boos and hisses, sends the ordinance off to the Regional Planning Board. After review, the measure will return to Borough Council for a final public hearing and vote. The proposed district is in the town’s architecturally distinctive western section and spans portions of Hodge Road, Library Place, Boudinot Street, Morven Place, and Bayard Lane.

It was last month that the Borough’s Historic Preservation Review Committee (HPRC) recommended that the designation be pursued, but also advised that Borough Council postpone acting on the recommendation until after consolidation goes into effect in January 2013. The Borough and Township have different ordinances, and the newly merged commission is expected to reflect elements of the existing two when it is formed.

Borough Council’s decision to take the first steps in considering the ordinance last week caused consternation among those opposed to the designation. Chief among other concerns voiced by residents of the district and some who live outside its boundaries were restrictions that would require them to go through a review process before making changes to the exteriors of their homes.

But Nora Kerr, chairperson of the HPRC, said this week that some of those concerns are unfounded. “The present Borough ordinance says that if any surface has been refinished in the past, you can paint it any color you want,” she said in response to statements during the meeting about paint color restrictions. Changes that require review in historic districts include construction of fences, adding light fixtures, changing or adding awnings, replacing windows, building additions, new construction, demolition, and changes in roof materials. Should a homeowner need to replace a slate roof with materials less expensive, “We try to be reasonable,” Ms. Kerr said. “For a roof, they’d have to come in for a review. But that happens very rarely.”

The restrictions apply only to exterior portions of a property that are visible from the public right-of-way. “People seem to think we would address issues that are interior, which we don’t,” said Ms. Kerr.

Council members Roger Martindell and Kevin Wilkes recused themselves from the meeting last Tuesday because of conflicts of interest. Mr. Martindell, a lawyer, cited legal work he had done for the principal of the firm that drafted a report for supporters of the proposal, while Mr. Wilkes, an architect, said he had a client who lives in the proposed district. Judith Scheide, a Library Place resident opposed to the designation, asked Ms. Moore to recuse herself. Ms. Scheide questioned whether Ms. Moore had met with supporters of the district when she was running for office and promised them she would vote for the measure if they voted for her.

“I did not make any promises to vote,” Ms. Moore asserted, adding that the mayor only votes if there is a tie. “That’s not true. I did not have a meeting with them.” Ms. Moore then warned Ms. Scheide and others in the audience that unruly behavior would not be tolerated. “I can tell you right now that this meeting isn’t going to be like the last one,” she said.

Once the public comment portion of the meeting began, several residents lined up to speak. Kim Pimley, who lives on Library Place, said that about 52 percent of those in the district do not want it to be designated historic. “We’re in the majority,” she said. “We do not want this. Do not over-regulate us.” But her neighbor John Heilner, who has been involved in supporting the proposal since its inception, questioned her figures.

Mr. Heilner, among the few who spoke in favor of the designation, has said that there are others who share his views but are afraid to voice them. Those who support the measure say that the neighborhood’s character is in danger of changing as homes are torn down and replaced with new ones that don’t fit in “This area we are talking about is the so-called treasured western section. It is the most beautiful, historic, most desired neighborhood in Princeton,” said Mary Heilner, adding, “The houses are from a graceful period in time, and are part of what makes Princeton so special.”

But most of the residents who spoke at the meeting were opposed to the designation. B.J. Booth of Morven Place said, “If you add a process that is not needed, you are adding another level of bureaucracy. You’re going to have people fleeing from these houses and it will be very difficult to sell.”

Nick Karp of Boudinot Street said, “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. This isn’t going to be the Wild West if you don’t rezone. There will still be regulations.” Hodge Road resident Scott Sipprelle added that the neighborhood was “overwhelmingly opposed” to the designation. “Put this process to an end,” he urged Council.

Mark Solomon, the attorney for those against the designation, commented, “You’ve heard the people speak. We have, at every step, voiced our opposition … government should not go where it is not required to go.”

Following the lengthy public comment portion of the meeting, Council president Barbara Trelstad, a former resident of the western section, said she is concerned about preserving its character. “A house was torn down on Hodge five years ago, and replaced by a new, modern house,” she said. “There are a couple of others on Library Place. Tough economic times have stemmed the tide of larger tear-downs and huge McMansions going up, but still …”

Her concerns were echoed by Council member Jo Butler, who said she used to live in a historic district in Philadelphia and wished her Princeton house was located in one. “I don’t think the historic designation process is that onerous,” she said. “Trust me. The new government does not want to deal with this.”

Ms. Trelstad, Ms. Butler, Heather Howard and Jenny Crumiller then voted to introduce the ordinance and send it to the Planning Board for review. The audience made their displeasure known.

September 19, 2012

Council Wants More Information on Kiosks Before Taking a Vote

Details of a proposed plan to update the two information kiosks on Nassau Street were the focus of the September 11 meeting of Princeton Borough Council. While Council members expressed interest in the presentation delivered by Peter Crowley, president and CEO of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, they had several questions about the plan to make the kiosks more user-friendly and decided to delay voting until more information is provided.

The kiosks have been fixtures at the Nassau Street corners at Vandeventer Avenue and Witherspoon Street for several decades.They are currently used as information boards to advertise cultural and political events, rooms for rent, and the like. Under the plan developed by the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the care and decisions about what is displayed would be overseen by the Chamber.

“I’m sure what you’re planning will be an improvement over what’s there now, visually,” commented Councilman Roger Martindell. “But I’m a little concerned about content.” Social and political messages are currently posted on the kiosks, Mr. Martindell continued. “It’s a public space for public dialogue. It’s sometimes good to be uncomfortable, especially in a community such as ours.” Mr. Martindell continued that by turning them over to the Chamber, the kiosks become mostly commercial. “Who’s going to sit there and say we’ll accept this one and not that one? Do we care about losing that quality?”, he asked.

Resident and former Township mayor Jim Floyd agreed. “I urge you to really give serious consideration as to whether you want to give up that public right and public expression,” he said.

Councilwoman Jo Butler questioned whether the kiosks have become outdated and unnecessary. “They are the vestige of a past way of communicating,” she said, adding, “I’m not sure in the long run whether this is what we want in our streetscape. I’d like some time to take this back to the traffic and transit committee.” Ms. Butler also expressed concern that the updated kiosks could pose a distraction for drivers. “I just worry that this could contribute to these corners becoming less safe,” she said.

Mr. Crowley said that because the kiosks front onto Nassau Street, which is a state highway, there are restrictions about what can be put on the street side. The interactive portion of the kiosks would therefore not be visible from cars traveling on the street.

Mr. Crowley described the renovated kiosks as having eight weather-resistant panels. One would be devoted to the municipality, another would be dedicated to not-for-profits, and a third would be used by the Princeton Merchants’ Association. Instead of a fourth panel, there would be an interactive community screen with information on restaurants, cultural activities, and events on one side; and services such as dog-walking and classes on the other. “They would be organized,” he said. “Someone could push a button and find what they want.” The other four panels would be dedicated to advertising.

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller asked whether ads could be posed only by members of the Chamber, and Mayor Yina Moore asked what percentage would be dedicated to Princeton businesses. Renovating the kiosks is part of a plan by the Chamber to enhance tourism by making information more available to visitors. The front window of Princeton University Store on Nassau Street would be devoted to information for tourists.

“If we didn’t have these at all, would anyone think it was a good idea to install them?” asked Ms. Butler. “I don’t think this is what communities are doing today.”

Mr. Crowley said that the revamped kiosks would be a positive step for both tourists and residents. “I hope when this is done that what you have instead of clutter is a more organized approach to the information,” he said. “It’s a more sustainable use a cleaner look, and it provides individuals with access to more information.”

In other action at the meeting, Council President Barbara Trelstad reported that about half of the $106,000 needed to complete and install sculptural gates at Hinds Plaza, funded by private citizens, has been raised. Mr. Martindell suggested that the Borough make an initial contribution to the effort, though the bulk should continue to come from private funds.

August 22, 2012

Council and TTF Meetings Are Focused on Fine Points Of Consolidation Process

Updates on municipal office moves and regulations for the newly united police force were the focus of the most recent meeting of Princeton Borough Council. On August 14, the governing body heard from administrator Bob Bruschi about which offices will be located where and when, and from Borough Police Captain Nick Sutter and consultant Frank Rodgers about how the merging of the Borough and Township police departments is progressing.

The following night, the Transition Task Force (TTF) talked about transition costs while hearing updates from various committees involved in overseeing consolidation, which takes effect January 1, 2013.

Mr. Bruschi reported that the biggest changes in the consolidation of offices will be to the police department and the administrator and clerk’s office in the Township municipal building. “We expect to start shifting municipal offices in September, and hope to have everybody in their final office locations by mid-November at the latest,” he said. “This may exclude the police because we will need to get the [Township] building ready for doubling the employee population. That is KSS’s priority.”

KSS Architects is the firm hired to determine the best use of Borough Hall and the Township Municipal Building in the newly consolidated Princeton. The architecture firm was paid $27,000 for the first phase of the project. The second phase, which involves physical changes inside the two buildings as offices are reorganized, has been approved by Borough Council and Township Committee. KSS is being paid $38,000 for that portion.

Mr. Bruschi said that the affordable housing, historic preservation, and zoning offices might be among the first to be relocated. “The most important thing is to get people moving, both logistically and from an employee morale standpoint,” he said.

Mr. Sutter and Mr. Rodgers, who is with the Rogers Group, discussed the updated rulebook for the newly merged police department. “This is a very important document,” Mr. Sutter said of the rulebook, which is being updated to meet national and state standards. “It will be the foundation of department operations.”

Councilman Roger Martindell questioned the section of the rulebook dealing with the acceptance of gifts and gratuities. Mr. Martindell said the wording was not clear enough in its restrictions of officers accepting any gifts, loans, fees or gratuities. The issue has come up before, when officers were receiving free food from a local restaurant. “There should be a line drawn, and it should be a very bright line,” he said.

Mr. Sutter and Mr. Rodgers said they would look into the wording to possibly make it more specific.

Also at the meeting, Councilwoman Barbara Trelstad reported that a gardener has been hired to clean out the beds at Harrison Street Park. “We have had a considerable loss of plant material and we won’t be replacing it, but we will have a reassessment in the fall,” she said. The gardener, who works four days a week and is employed by the Borough, has done some transplanting and will continue that work in the fall.

At the Transition Task Force meeting, Task Force member Scott Sillars reported that $59,000 of the $149,000 budgeted for consolidation has been spent so far, not including the $38,000 for KSS Architects. A complete overview of the costs will be presented next month, he said. “The taxpayers are going to want to know what the costs are,” said Task Force member Jim Levine.

In discussions of merging the two communities‘ traffic and transportation departments, there was some disagreement on just how to proceed. While some members advocated putting some of the current responsibilities of the traffic safety departments into the newly combined public works department, others did not agree.

“Combining them is a huge mistake,” said Anton Lahnston, who is not on the Transition Task Force but chairs the Consolidation Commission and was in the audience. “Don’t combine the pedestrian bike and traffic and transportation departments, because they serve very different purposes. A lot of people in this community are very passionate about bikeways. I think you’re killing something that’s very important to this community, and you’ll hear about it.”

Transition Task Force member Hendrix Davis also said, repeatedly, that he is not in favor of such an action.

Near the close of the meeting, Borough Mayor Yina Moore reported that she and Township Mayor Chad Goerner are working on a new logo for the town, “rather than hiring a $50,000 branding firm.” The logo is being developed in conjunction with the Arts Council of Princeton.

August 1, 2012

Zoning Changes Introduced by Council For East Nassau Street Neighborhood

In a victory for property owners on East Nassau Street, Princeton Borough Council last Tuesday voted to introduce an ordinance that could change zoning on the south side of the street. The measure, which would allow banks to set up shop in the zone, will next go to the Planning Board for review and then return to Borough Council for reconsideration.

Not all Council members were in favor of introducing the ordinance. Barbara Trelstad and Roger Martindell voiced their opposition, but were outvoted by Jo Butler, Jenny Crumiller, and Kevin Wilkes. Mr. Martindell said he didn’t think the community would benefit from the ordinance’s broad scope, which would permit not just banks, but other types of financial institutions. “I think we’re going to rue the day that we did this,” he said. Ms. Trelstad said she felt the measure was being rushed. “If we had given more time to our staff, we could have come up with a better ordinance,” she said.

Marty Schneiderman, who lives on Murray Place, agreed with the dissenting Council members. He said that he and other neighborhood residents feel there are enough financial institutions already in the area, and that businesses that are active at night, such as restaurants, would be preferable.

But business owners whose properties have been vacant for years disagreed that the ordinance was being rushed. “Two buildings on Nassau Street have been vacant for six or seven years,” said Robert Bratman, who owns the former West Coast Video store. “They were furniture stores, a Wawa, a video store, drug stores, Davidson’s Market, Wild Oats. For the Council to sit here and talk about limiting the uses when clearly the economy is struggling — we are going to continue to have empty, vacant buildings.”

Mr. Bratman added that another plus for allowing banks is that their parking lots can be used at night by patrons of local restaurants. His comments were followed by enthusiastic applause from members of the public.

Lou Carnevale, who owns the building that housed Davidson’s, Wild Oats, and Olive May markets, said it is unrealistic to not allow banks because he needs an anchor business, such as a bank, to get the property rented. Mr. Carnevale said at the last Council meeting that TD Bank is waiting in the wings to occupy a portion of the site.

“The zoning is so restrictive,” he said. “Sure, everyone wants these small stores. But they don’t necessarily bring diversity. They can bring the same kind of stores. You just approved a Subway store a few doors away from Hoagie Haven. That is not variety. That is conformity. I need a bank to anchor the site or I can’t build, and I won’t build. It is going to remain as it is.”

Other members of the Carnevale family also spoke in favor of the ordinance. “We pay taxes of almost $80,000 a year and it is killing us,” said Elizabeth Carnevale. “This has been going on way too long. It’s time for you to do the right thing.”

The Council members who voted in favor of the ordinance said that leaving the buildings vacant was not good for the neighborhood. “In reality, we have two vacant properties that have failed,” said Ms. Crumiller. “It does seem to me that smaller stores are less popular.”

The ordinance says that banks in the zone can be no closer than 500 feet from each other, and that no outdoor dining can be in areas adjacent to residential zones.

July 18, 2012

TD Bank Could Move Into Wild Oats Site On East Nassau Street

The future of a stretch of East Nassau Street once known as “gasoline alley” was the focus of a meeting of Princeton Borough Council last Tuesday, July 10. The question of whether to allow banks in the area took up much of the discussion of a draft ordinance that would change the zoning of businesses between Olden Street and Murray Place from service business (SB) to neighborhood business (NB), which is the zoning for the opposite side of that portion of Nassau Street.

Some officials and neighborhood residents have expressed opposition to allowing banks on that side, preferring the mix of retail and restaurants that exists across the street. Others, such as business owner Lou Carnevale, would welcome banks to the location. Mr. Carnevale has been paying taxes for five years on the empty building that previously housed the Wild Oats market, and he is anxious to bring in TD Bank, which he said is interested in opening a branch in the first floor space.

“I need an anchor, a triple-A tenant,” he said during the public comment segment of the meeting. Mr. Carnevale added that he would like to have a variety of businesses in the building, but he can’t get financing without a major tenant such as TD Bank. “I have tenants that want to sign, but I can’t keep them forever,” he said. The second floor of the building would have offices.

A survey conducted by Princeton Future last year indicated that many neighborhood residents would like the space to house an establishment in the style of Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market. What they didn’t want, the survey revealed, was banks, fast food restaurants, or a laundromat. But during ensuing public meetings, some residents said they would be in favor of banks that were up to 5,000 square feet.

Linda Fahmie of ROI Realty, who represents the Carnevale family, said that TD Bank would fit into the neighborhood because it wants “a community orientation,” and would like to install a mural depicting historic Princeton on a wall of the facility. The branch would be 4,500 square feet, Mr. Carnevale said.

Councilman Kevin Wilkes suggested that there be 500 feet between any banks that are brought onto the street, “to limit banks on top of banks.” He was opposed to the idea of limiting the frontage of banks or other types of financial institution to 25 feet, because it could affect the design.

Also discussed was the idea of adding a boutique hotel to the mix. “That could be an interesting addition to the neighborhood,” commented Council member Barbara Trelstad. Lee Solow, Princeton’s Planning Director, voiced concerns about traffic and deliveries. But he said he would look into the matter further.

Ms. Fahmie commented that a hotel might work if it were considered as a conditional use in the zone, meaning it would have to meet certain standards. Andrea Stine, who lives on Murray Place, expressed concerns about a hotel because it would bring tourists to the neighborhood, making it “very transient.”

Area business owner Jack Morrison disagreed. “We won’t have a flop hotel,” he said, using the 16-room Peacock Inn on Bayard Lane as an example of a quality boutique hotel. “Let the market forces get down there,” he said, adding that offering more opportunities for entrepreneurs would energize the area.

Alexi Assmus, a neighborhood resident, encouraged the Council to establish small spaces on the street so that small business owners can afford to operate there. She also suggested that new businesses be LEED-certified. Responding to concerns expressed about traffic, she said, “One of the things we’re forgetting in these discussions is that 8,000 students from Princeton University use the restaurants [on East Nassau Street], all of whom walk.”

David Kinsey of Aiken Avenue said there are already eight banks on the north side of Nassau Street between Bank Street and Scott Lane. “I wonder what major national bank is not represented in the community,” he said. “The one flaw in the ordinance is opening [the street] up to banks. How many more do we need? I ask you to think really carefully about opening the south side to banks.”

Borough Council will revisit the ordinance at its meeting July 24.

June 20, 2012

Pending Land Use Bills Opposed by Council

Princeton Borough Council voted unanimously last week for a resolution expressing their opposition to legislation that would exempt private universities from following local land use laws. Two bills, which have been moving through the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, “would put neighborhoods and entire communities at risk” if passed, said Councilman Roger Martindell.

If the legislation is enacted, Princeton University, Rider University, and other private educational institutions of higher learning would no longer require approvals from Princeton to launch development projects. Councilwoman Heather Howard, who works for Princeton University, abstained from the vote.

“Developments could occur without any reviews from the Planning Board,” Mr. Martindell said. “Princeton University owns somewhere in the range of 40 percent of the land in the Borough. Add the three institutions of higher learning in Princeton together, and this would become a total company town. There would very little we could do to form the kind of community we want. These bills could be a disaster for Princeton.”

The Senate bill is sponsored by Senators Paul Sario (D-Passaic) and Robert Singer (R-Monmouth). In the Assembly, the bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Salem) and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (D-Passaic). The bills could be voted on as early as the end of June.

According to the bill in the Senate, private universities and colleges “are subject to local zoning controls by the municipalities in which they are located and must obtain approval from those local authorities for all campus development. The approval process often can be quite time consuming and expensive. This results in the delay of important educational programs and facilities for students attending the institutions as well as the diversion of critical funding away from educational purposes.”

The legislation has also been opposed by the state League of Municipalities.

In other action at the June 12 meeting, attorney Richard Goldman of Drinker Biddle & Reath, which represents Princeton University, spoke in response to comments made at the previous meeting criticizing a request for records in lawsuits related to the move of the Dinky station. Councilman Martindell had spoken out on June 6 about the law firm’s request for more than six years of records from the mayor, staff, members of governing bodies, and others, calling it “outrageous” and “overly broad and burdensome.”

Mr. Goldman spoke during the public comment section of last week’s meeting. “I feel compelled to at least respond in kind,” he said, saying he was surprised that the request had created such a furor because it followed standard procedure. “As lawyers, it is our obligation to find out as much information as we can,” he said. “We haven’t sued anyone. All we’ve done is in the ordinary cause of discovery.”

Mr. Martindell replied that the request was “a fishing expedition casting a very wide net.”

Residents from the neighborhood of Scott Lane and Bainbridge Street expressed varying opinions about the issue of whether to extend sidewalks on Scott Lane. After listening to several opinions, the Council voted 4-2 in favor of an ordinance to build the sidewalks.

May 16, 2012

Borough Council Votes to Adopt Budget With Largest Surplus in Thirteen Years

At its meeting May 8, Princeton Borough Council formally adopted a budget for 2012. The last before the two Princeton’s consolidate, the $26.5 million budget does not include an increase in taxes.

“This has put us in what I believe is a very, very sound financial position,” said Borough Administrator Bob Bruschi. “At the end of 2011, we had the largest surplus in the last 13 years, at least $4.9 million. We’re going to bring a nice dowry with us in January to the new Princetons, as will the Township.”

The budget increased $596,000, or about two percent, over last year. It includes $50,000 each for a traffic study and a transit study. The Princeton Public Library’s budget is up $75,562, with salary and benefits representing $35,000 and maintenance and building expenses at $41,000. Legal expenses for the Borough rose $66,000.

The tax levy for 2012 is $10.3 million. The Borough municipal tax is 43.1 cents per $100 of assessed property value. That means the owner of a home assessed at $748,070 will pay $3,223 in municipal taxes, according to the breakdown. Revenue includes $1.5 million in parking fees, $3.4 million in sewer charges, and $1.2 million in court fees. Princeton University’s contribution, a payment in lieu of taxes, rose $520,000.

Also at the meeting, Arts Council of Princeton Executive Director Jeff Nathanson delivered a report focusing on the work the organization does for the Witherspoon/Jackson neighborhood. Since 2009, the Arts Council has been running in the black, he said. “But it is a constant struggle to keep up with demand, so we rely increasingly on private funding.”

The biggest financial challenge is the retirement of the mortgage on the Center’s Paul Robeson building. There is $750,000 still to be raised on the $2 million debt, Mr. Nathanson said. “We feel the history of the neighborhood is extremely important. We serve more than 150 students per week in after-school programs. We’ve increased the value of our scholarships by $3,000. It’s been another year of growth, but also the time to strategize,” he said.

April 18, 2012

Ordinance Introduced By Borough Council To Save Right-of-Way

At Borough Council’s meeting last week, a spirited discussion became contentious during a presentation about efforts to preserve a portion of the existing Dinky right of way. In a 3-2 vote, Council approved introduction of an ordinance that would preserve the right of way, which would cover a 50-foot-wide segment of land on the Borough side of the Dinky tracks.

Council members Jenny Crumiller, Roger Martindell, and Jo Butler were for the ordinance, while Kevin Wilkes and Barbara Trelstad voted against it. Heather Howard recused herself because she works for Princeton University, which owns some of the property in question.

In introducing the resolution, Mr. Martindell said the ordinance would show the Council’s intent to amend the map to include the Dinky right-of-way as a public right-of-way. “If we took that step, there could be no development on that site until one year after final approval is given,” he said. “The purpose of the resolution was to preserve the public trust.”

Even though the governing bodies already negotiated a right-of-way with the University along Alexander Street, preserving the existing right of way provides more options, he said, adding that he hoped Township officials would agree and also attempt to preserve the portion that lies in the Township.

“It’s a linchpin for further extending the right of way to Nassau Street, a tool for a tool kit,” Mr. Martindell said. “It enhances value to our community, including the University, and I heartily endorse it.”

University Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee did not mince words in his remarks to the Council opposing the ordinance. Starting with “Given all the ridicule directed at Sarah Palin for the bridge to nowhere, it is surprising that members of Borough Council are proposing a right of way to nowhere.” Mr. Durkee complained that University officials were not informed of the proposed ordinance. “There was no prior discussion and no attempt to collaborate and cooperate,” he said, adding that the proposal was a way to undo the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached last year between the University and the governing bodies regarding the University’s planned $300 million arts and transit neighborhood.

The right of way would end at the border of the Borough and Township, where there will be no rail connection after the Dinky station is moved 460 feet south of its current location, Mr. Durkee said. He told the Council, “I think you’ve received bad advice,” adding that the right of way would require an up-front payment that would also cause problems in the newly consolidated Princeton, because officials would have to decide whether to purchase the land or allow the right-of-way to lapse, he added.

Speaking after Mr. Durkee, Borough resident Peter Marks said, “Mr. Durkee’s comments bring about two words: brazen and insolent.” Conversely, Borough resident Chip Crider criticized Council for putting forth the measure and questioned whether it was legal. “When the zoning was passed, you agreed with me that it was time to move on. What happened? It is crazy as far as I can see,” he said. “Your continued bickering is harming our town.”

Opposed to the measure, Councilman Wilkes said it would damage progress that has been made in negotiations with the University. “We won’t get anything done if we don’t have the full cooperation of everyone,” he said. Council President Barbara Trelstad agreed, saying the ordinance would put the MOU in jeopardy. She added, “I am extremely disappointed in this community.” The exchanges during the meeting had “risen to a level that has gone beyond civility,” she said.

April 11, 2012

Princeton Borough Council Work Session Tackles Future of East Nassau Street Businesses

A draft ordinance affecting properties running along one side of East Nassau Street was the focus of a work session at last week’s meeting of the Princeton Borough Council. Hearing from several members of the public and expressing views of their own, Council members continued what has become an extended discussion of the area once known as “gasoline alley,” the location of the former Wild Oats and West Coast Video stores.

Under consideration is a proposal to rezone eight properties on the south side of the street, in the Service Business (SB) zone, to the same types of uses for properties across the street, zoned Neighborhood Business (NB). The proposed ordinance, which was presented to Council by Borough Planning Director Lee Solow, would allow for banks and restaurants up to 5,000 square feet.

Discussion about banks, fast food restaurants, and kiosks dominated the session. Council president Barbara Trelstad noted that the existing banks in the area are no longer centers of activity and don’t add to the livelihood of the neighborhood since most people now do their banking through drive-up or online access. “I’d cut them in half, or eliminate them” from the ordinance, she said. “It’s not the activity we envision for the neighborhood.”

Councilman Roger Martindell took it a step further. “I’d eliminate them, not reduce the number,” he said. “There is no socially justifiable use for a bank in that neighborhood. Why do we need another bank? What does it do for the community? What does it do for the neighborhood?” Later in the meeting, following testimony from some neighborhood property owners in favor of banks, Mr. Martindell modified his position on the issue.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Jack Morrison, president of Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company and a representative of the Princeton Merchants Association, argued in favor of banks. “Frankly, I would like to see a bank across the street,” he said. “It would attract business people to come and have lunch. Mix is about what that neighborhood has always been. It might not be glitzy, but it’s about what people need and use.”

Regarding restaurants, the draft ordinance prohibits drive-thru establishments. There was discussion about whether fast food places should be prohibited; more specifically about the definition of fast food. “I think that would eliminate a lot of places we have in that neighborhood,” said Ms. Trelstad. “Small World, the fish store … are they fast food? You don’t eat there. It encompasses so many different kinds of establishments. What we have in our head is the one kind.”

Councilwoman Jo Butler added, “We could be cutting off our nose to spite our face. There are carry-out vegetarian restaurants.”

Moving on to the topic of kiosks, Councilman Kevin Wilkes suggested that only establishments without tables be included in the definition. He also expressed enthusiasm for the idea. “I’m very excited. This is the kind of thing that can bring interesting street life,” he said. “To have start-up commercial space at different sizes is very important. We tend to forget about making the tiny ones, and this is an opportunity to do that. When we say we want to modify the SB zone to mirror to the extent practical the NB zone, I think what we’re trying to say is we want to have some of the excitement that exists on the north side exist on the south side. I don’t think we want to mirror; I think we want to capture the excitement … let’s keep in mind that what we seek to capture is the livelihood of the street level, and the kiosks are an opportunity to do that.”

Linda Fahmie, who represents the Carnevale family, owners of the former Wild Oats property at 255 Nassau Street, urged Council to permit banks in the new zone. She said she has been trying to lease the property for more than two years, but the location has made it difficult. “People don’t want more restaurants,” she said. “A lot of people like the idea of a clean bank usage.”

Robert Bratman, owner of 259 Nassau Street (formerly West Coast Video), said his family pays about $45,000 a year in taxes on the empty building. “To limit use is going to keep the buildings empty,” he said. “A bank at least provides the anchor type tenant whom you know is going to pay the rent and supply other uses that could be more appealing to neighbors. It’s there from nine to five, and then it’s a parking lot. We appreciate all that you’ve done. But when you make up your mind, please [give us] more instead of less use.”

April 4, 2012

Residents to Air Concerns About AvalonBay Complex At Borough Council Meeting

At the next meeting of Princeton Borough Council on April 10, residents of the neighborhood surrounding the site soon to be vacated by the University Medical Center at Princeton plan to turn out in force to protest what the developer AvalonBay Communities, Inc. want to put in its place.

The company’s request for rezoning, which was approved 5-1 by the Council last month for recommendation to the Planning Board, would allow for higher density and fewer affordable housing units in the community proposed by AvalonBay, a national developer of rental complexes. The developer is set to take over the property on Witherspoon Street once UMCP moves to Plainsboro May 22.

Neighbors and others concerned about the size, scope, and environmental impact of the plan, which involves demolishing the existing hospital building for new construction, have been mobilizing their efforts to convince Council, and later this month the Planning Board, that the plan does not adhere to local standards.

“The buildings are absolutely counter to the Borough Code,” says Joe Bardzilowski, who lives on Henry Avenue and has been instrumental in efforts to oppose the plan. “I’m talking about things like setbacks and the height of the buildings. It’s a big monolithic building which, in Borough code, it is clearly stated that it should not be. It’s essentially one building.”

Among citizens’ concerns about the plan is access to open space. Princeton Borough Code states “Open spaces and plazas should be inviting to the public and serve as a connection between the surrounding neighborhood and any new development.” Those opposed to the development plan say it does not adhere to those standards. “All of the open space will be removed from the existing neighborhood,” says Mr. Bardzilowski. “It will be exclusive to AvalonBay members. This will be not even a gated community, it’ll be a walled community.”

In a press release issued last November when AvalonBay was selected to develop the hospital site, senior vice president for development Ron Ladell said the company was looking forward to “working in partnership with the Princeton community to realize its vision for a new and vibrant residential community that will further -energize Princeton’s downtown.” The release outlined such features as “increased open public space” and buildings of four and five stories. The complex would have two interior courtyards.

Mr. Ladell, who has appeared at Borough Council meetings in recent months, did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Environmental concerns about the proposed development center around the fact that the rental complex will not adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] rating system, but rather to the system known as Energy Star. Princeton Borough Code says that new construction should comply with LEED rating system “to the extent practical.”

“LEED is virtually required by Borough Code, so there is bound to be a collision at some point,” said Daniel Harris, a Township resident opposed to the plan. “But even if there isn’t a ‘collision,’ it is certain that anyone, including the Princeton Environmental Commission, wants more environmental features right up front before there is any thought of a giveaway in terms of a density bonus. And even if there weren’t a bonus, any developer really should be putting on solar roofing.”

Mr. Harris said he has spoken at length about solar roofing with Mr. Ladell. “To my amazement, he said you couldn’t put solar roofing on a ‘stick’ building [constructed on site rather than modular]. I wrote to three architects and they all said there is simply no problem at all in installing solar roofing. Even if they don’t do that, they should agree to do white tile [roofing] that would reflect heat rather than absorb it. That might be said for the siding as well.”

Mr. Harris has additional environmental concerns. “Being environmentally sustainable also means having plants that are native and non-invasive,” he said. “The list AvalonBay has submitted has some species that are not native and are classified as being potentially invasive in New Jersey.”

Regarding the issue of open space, Mr. Harris said the AvalonBay plan is not user-friendly to the neighborhood. “Borough Code insists it be usable by the public, so much so that it specifies that any development in the zone must allow regular pedestrians to walk through it,” he said.

An online petition at change.org, opposing the plan for the rental complex as it currently stands, has been signed by 94 people. “They have a huge amount of homework to do,” Mr. Harris said of AvalonBay.

March 21, 2012

The Members of Save the Dinky Group Want Historic Designation for Station

Princeton Borough Council last week passed a resolution to send a proposal to the Regional Planning Board nominating the Dinky station for inclusion in the Borough’s historic preservation plans. Borough resident Anne Neumann and Township resident Kip Cherry, members of Save the Dinky, requested at the March 13 meeting of the Council that the station be considered for such designation.

“We want it protected under local laws,” said Ms. Neumann. The station has been listed as a landmark on the state and national Registers of Historic Places since 1984. Ms. Cherry echoed Ms. Neumann’s request that the Dinky station area be considered by the local Historic Preservation Committee as a Historic District. “This includes the freight station, platform, canopy, catenary, and the associated tracks, with a focus on the fact that this is an operating station,” she said. “I should add that this station anchors what I understand is the shortest scheduled train line in the U.S.”

Ms. Cherry added that listing the station as a historic district would prevent it from being converted to another use. Princeton University, which owns the land on which the station sits, plans to move the station 460 feet south to a new facility as part of its $300 million arts and transit neighborhood. The University has proposed turning the existing station across from McCarter Theatre into a restaurant or cafe.

A zoning change was approved several months ago to allow the University’s plans to proceed.

Henry Chou, the Borough’s assistant municipal attorney, said that the train station is listed as a historic site in the list of designated sites that will go before the Planning Board later this year. The Master Plan Subcommittee is working to bring the proposed historic districts in the Borough into compliance with municipal land use law, he added.

The attorney for the University said he was “disconcerted” to hear about the request from Ms. Neumann and Ms. Cherry. “We didn’t get the courtesy of a copy of that letter,” said Richard Goldman, of the firm Drinker, Biddle & Reath. “The record of getting copies of things is difficult,” he added, referring to the fact that Ms. Neumann is among the plaintiffs in two lawsuits against the University and the Borough, which have yet to be served to them. “It is being proposed to you by people who are litigating both the University and the Borough to try and block the implementation of the zoning that you adopted. It seems that you ought not to be in such a hurry.”

The next meeting of Borough Council is Tuesday, March 27.

March 7, 2012

Borough Council Holding Meetings Earlier To Promote Better Community Engagement

To the Editor:

This week, the Princeton Borough Council undertook an important reform that will promote greater public engagement in local government — we will move our meetings to an earlier time (7 p.m.) and hold our public meeting before our closed session.

Why the change? For many years, the Council has held closed session meetings before its open public meeting. As a result, the public meetings have often gone late into the night, frustrating the public and creating suboptimal conditions for good decision making. Switching the order will prioritize open government over deliberations behind closed doors, thereby promoting transparency and greater community participation. I want to thank my colleagues for supporting my motion to make this change, and hope the public will find that this new schedule makes our meetings more accessible.

Heather Howard
Aiken Avenue

Council Approves AvalonBay Plan But Neighbors Register Objections

Princeton Borough Council last week voted to approve a request by AvalonBay, the developer of the University Medical Center at Princeton’s soon-to-be-vacated site, for rezoning. With Jenny Crumiller casting the only dissenting vote, the Council weighed in 5-1 to recommend the proposal to the Planning Board.

Numerous residents of the hospital’s neighborhood were on hand to express their concerns about the rezoning, which would allow AvalonBay to have higher density and fewer affordable housing units in the rental community it is under contract to build on the site. The existing hospital building would be demolished as part of the plan. AvalonBay is set to take over the property after the UMCP moves to its new complex on Route 1 in Plainsboro May 22.

“Adding 44 units arbitrarily, just so the developer can make more money, seems like a breach with the community,” said Ms. Crumiller, who was applauded by residents in the audience. “We are ready for the developer, we want the developer to come in. We should stick to the 280 units. All they have to do is the site plan.”

Leighton Newlin, chairman of the Housing Authority of the Borough of Princeton (HABOP), also criticized the proposal. “We should not allow more units, 280 was what we agreed upon,” he said. “What are we losing? We are losing the opportunity to have low, low income housing so that we can preserve the cultural diversity of our community.”

An online petition opposing the zoning, at change.org, had 92 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon. Residents are concerned that the high density of the AvalonBay plan will change the character of the neighborhood and cause traffic congestion. The developer wants to put in 32 to 40 units per acre. Joe Bardzilowski, who organized the petition, said during the meeting that this density is higher than other AvalonBay rental communities.

Resident Peter Marks argued against giving AvalonBay bonus density, urging the Council to consider affordable single family housing as an alternative to the apartment complex. “This is probably the most valuable [land] in Mercer County,” he said. “Understand, please, that this is not the only alternative on the table.”

If passed by the Planning Board and then given final approval after being returned to Council, the plan would allow greater density without proportionally increasing the number of affordable housing units in the apartment complex. Current zoning allows 280 units, with 20 percent designated as affordable.

But AvalonBay wants to build 324 units, while lowering the percentage of affordable apartments from 20 to 17 percent. This would require rezoning. The Borough usually requires 20 percent affordable units in new complexes. AvalonBay has argued that the development would still have more affordable units than the industry standard of 15 percent.

The developer would build nine units as “workforce” housing, which could rent to households, possibly set aside for Princeton residents, with incomes between about $40,000 and $98,000. These rents would be less than the market rate units, which would range from $1,600 to $3,200 a month. Council members suggested including emergency and fire workers in this group.

Bret Rubin, a representative of AvalonBay, said the company will soon submit a full concept plan, including results of traffic studies and environmental impacts. The five members of Council who voted to recommend the company’s plan said they did so as a way to move the project forward and to consider the additional data AvalonBay submits to the Planning Board.

January 25, 2012

Borough Names Four Representatives to Consolidation Transition Task Force

At a special meeting on January 17, Princeton Borough Council named four representatives to serve on the joint consolidation transition task force. Mark Freda, Hendricks Davis, and Brad Middlekauff were approved in a 5-1 vote by the governing body, with Jim Levine as an alternate.

Mr. Freda, former head of Princeton’s emergency services department, is director of site operations for Pfizer, Inc. in New York. Mr. Davis is the former executive director of the Princeton-Blairstown Center and Habitat for Humanity/Newark. Mr. Middlekauff is a lawyer, chief legal officer, general counsel, and secretary at Kolltan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Levine is director of compensation and benefits for Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Councilwoman Barbara Trelstad, who served on the selection committee, said they tried to balance their choices with the representatives appointed by the Township earlier this month. She also suggested that all of the resumes be forwarded to the task force for future participation in subcommittees that will be formed.

“The Borough of Princeton is a really lucky place,” she said. “We had a superb pool of applicants.”

Councilman Roger Martindell was the one member to vote against the slate of candidates because he felt there were others who should have been considered. “I agree we have a superb pool of candidates, all 28 of them,” he said, also commending the committee who made the selection. “But I’m voting against it — not because any of these individuals are not good candidates. They are all good candidates. I’m voting against the motion.”

Mr. Martindell was particularly disturbed that candidates employed by Princeton University were disqualified from the process. “We didn’t interview anyone employed by the University and I think that was a mistake,” he said. “It shows a degree of arbitrariness, capriciousness, and unreasonableness that doesn’t really say much for the process …. If the process included a larger group than the original seven chosen in closed session, I would be much more enthusiastic.” He concluded, “I think we’re doing an expeditious job of moving forward. But as a whole, the process was deficient.”

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller countered that Mr. Martindell had not made his position or preferences clear when the process was first discussed. She also faulted him for not complaining until after a decision had been made.

Councilwoman Heather Howard spoke in favor of the process. “The folks who were chosen represent the best of Princeton Borough,” she said. “We should be very proud of who we are nominating.”

Merchants Explore Transportation SID

Early last December, Princeton Borough Council proposed the formation of a Transportation Corridor Special Improvement District [SID] in the area extending from Nassau Street down University Place to the Township border. Concerned about how this measure would affect local businesses, the Princeton Mechants Association [PMA] wrote letters to local newspapers requesting that the discussion be tabled until they had an opportunity to examine the issue more closely.

Members of PMA had a chance to learn more about the proposal and share their views on the subject at a meeting yesterday, January 24, in the Princeton Public Library’s Community Room. Borough Councilman Kevin Wilkes and Princeton University Director of Regional and Community Affairs Kristin Appelget were among those to informally address the more than 50 PMA members in attendance about how the SID would work.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to share information,” said Mark Censits, one of PMA’s directors and the owner of Cool Vines store, at the beginning of the session. “The goal is for PMA to accurately represent the opinion of its members.”

Special Improvement Districts are organization, management, and financing tools used by local businesses to provide specialized services that complement existing municipal government services as part of a revitalization plan. Princeton Borough has looked into the formation of such districts in the past. SIDs have been established in such communities as Westfield, Newark, New Brunswick, and Jersey City. Proponents of the Princeton proposal said it would use assessments of non-residential properties to fund improvements in the new district such as crosswalks, bridges, tunnels, and light rail service.

Borough Council’s proposal for the SID was supposed to be formally introduced at a meeting last month, but was moved off the agenda and then expired at the end of the year. It is expected to be brought up again.

“The topic is back out there, and the board wants to have a position if need be,” said PMA board member and Princeton Shopping Center general manager Chris Hanington, after the meeting. “A lot of the merchants in our organization are not Princeton residents, and they might not read the local papers and know about this,” she said. “We wanted to get the information to them. That’s what PMA is all about.”

As it was first described last month, the proposed district would be managed by a seven-member district management corporation called “Princeton on the Move” [POM]. The non-profit group would be composed of the mayor, business administrator, a Borough resident, a business or property owner, a representative of the merchants’ association, and a business or property owner from Nassau Street between Vandeventer Avenue and University Place.

Nearly 36 properties, most along University Place, would be included in the district. Residential properties would be exempted. Most of the sites are owned by Princeton University. The anticipated assessment during the first year would be no more than $90,000.

Mr. Wilkes told the PMA members that a SID would not replace, but rather augment, existing services. It would be specifically focused on the potential extension of the existing Dinky transit line, with multiple stops.

Borough Council members Jenny Crumiller and Jo Butler, who attended the meeting, also commented about the issue. “You should all be concerned,” said Ms. Butler, who is opposed to the SID. “You’d have merchants on Witherspoon Street making decisions about East Nassau Street.” She added that a transit system with multiple stops could be a problem resulting in decreased ridership and inconvenience for those who currently ride the Dinky train. Ms. Crumiller commented, “The best decisions are democratic, and I don’t like adding a layer of bureaucracy.”

Mr. Censits spoke about his experiences with a SID in Westfield, where he has had a store since 2007. At the time the SID was formed, the town had a vacancy of approximately 40 percent. But it was substantially revitalized, recruiting such retailers as Trader Joe’s and holding fairs and festivals. Despite its success, Mr. Censits says he believes the SID has outlived its usefulness.

Architect Joshua Zinder asked if the SID would potentially benefit Princeton University, disproportionately to others.

Jim Sykes, president of the Princeton University Store, said he was having trouble understanding how a transit-related SID would serve the store’s interest. “We already pay $150,000 in property taxes,” he said. “Why would we be asked to pay an assessment?”

Mr. Wilkes responded that a transit stop adjacent to the store would bring more customers. Mr. Sykes countered that most of his customers are students who walk from campus. “To us, it seems this is maybe a little premature,” he said.

January 11, 2012

Township First to Select Transition Team

Four applicants with backgrounds in academia, business, social services, and politics were recently selected by Princeton Township to serve on the consolidation transition team. The Borough has not yet announced its choices.

The transition team has been charged by the Consolidation Commission with implementing its recommendations for consolidation, which will take effect in January 2013. Both municipalities were asked to select four residents; three transition team members and one alternate. Two elected officials from both the Borough and Township will also serve, along with administrators Jim Pascale and Bob Bruschi. The Consolidation Commission, which is a separate entity, will continue to function in an advisory role.

Township choices included Dorothea Berkhout, executive director for administration at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University;К

Linda Mather, president of Beacon Consulting Associates and a regular League of Women Voters moderator who also served on the 1991 consolidation committee; and Scott Sillars, president of Isles E4 and chair of the Citizen’s Finance Advisory Committee for Princeton Township since 2007. Gary O. Patterson, a senior executive with Miller Investment Management, was selected as an alternate.

“Scott, Thea, Linda and Gary are all extremely well qualified and each brings different, complementary skills to the table,” said Township Committee member (and new Deputy Mayor) Liz Lempert, who, along with then-Deputy Mayor Sue Nemeth, interviewed the candidates.

Applicants who were not chosen may still be asked by the transition team to serve on subcommittees. “We had many qualified applicants and want to take advantage of the great pool of talent that came forward,” noted Township Mayor Chad Goerner.

All interviews for Township members of the transition team were conducted in December by Ms. Lempert and Ms. Nemeth. “We reviewed their work in late December and met in closed session to discuss how we could put a team together with various strengths,” Mr. Goerner said.

In response to recent comments complaining that the selection process did not take place at public meetings, Ms. Nemeth observed that “interviews were conducted in a manner that allowed for candid and thorough discussion of each individual’s expertise, interests, and time availability. A public interview process would not have afforded us enough time or provide enough privacy to adequately weigh the commitment of serving.”

Ms. Lempert similarly commented that ‘Interviewing in private allows for a more open and relaxed dialog, and helps us to better evaluate candidates. This was the same process we used to select the Consolidation Commission members, as well as other committees.”

“The public should know that we recommended the very best team selected from among a highly qualified pool of candidates and hope many who were not selected will serve on subcommittees formed by the Task Force,” Ms. Nemeth added.

“We are anxious to move this process forward as soon as possible and hope that the Borough is able to make their appointments soon,” noted Mr. Goerner.

Borough Council members were scheduled to meet in a closed session last night (January 10) to discuss the appointments, before their scheduled public meeting.

The issue was first discussed at a private, unannounced meeting in late December of Council members Jo Butler, Kevin Wilkes, Jenny Crumiller, Mayor-elect Yina Moore and Councilwoman-elect Heather Howard. Eight candidates were selected from a list of applicants interested in representing the Borough. They were interviewed, in an open session, on January 3.

Councilman Roger Martindell took exception to the implication that Council was going to select from that group in a closed session. At press time, he said he intended to ask at the January 10 meeting that the appointments be discussed instead at an open session.

“The selection of persons to interview for the transition task force should be by publicly acknowledged criteria following public interviews of candidates,” he said. “Since we have not, as of the January 10 meeting, accomplished those goals, then I think it’s important to hold the process open and continuing so that we might select the persons in the most open and rational way possible. I look forward to doing so in the next few days ahead.”

Ms. Crumiller said in an email that meetings by governing bodies to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, are always done in closed session, “for a good reason.

“It would a disservice to volunteer applicants to discuss their relative merits in public,” she said. “Given that the Township Committee had chosen its Task Force members weeks ago, the Council felt a sense of urgency in moving the transition process forward and catching up to the Township Committee.”

“Frankly, it’s frustrating that people who agreed to that process are now raising issues about it,” she added. “There was not a peep of dissent over the plan until a few days ago. I hope we can move forward and name the task force — we have remarkable citizen applicants and we need to let these volunteers get to work. We’re anticipating that those volunteers who are not chosen for the task force will be considered for a subcommittee, where we expect most of the work to take place.”

Politicians Turn Out For Final Reorganization Of Borough Council

In front of a packed house of local politicians and special guests, Princeton Borough Council held its last annual reorganization meeting as an independent municipality on Tuesday, January 3. U.S. Representative Rush Holt, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, and several county freeholders were on hand to witness the swearing in of new Mayor Yina Moore, new Council President Barbara Trelstad, and new Council member Heather Howard. Outgoing Mayor Mildred Trotman delivered a farewell speech, as did outgoing Councilman David Goldfarb, who did not mince words in his criticism of Princeton University.

After praising Princeton Theological Seminary for its community values, Mr. Goldfarb said the University would be wise to learn from that example.

“With financial resources that dwarf those of virtually all other colleges and universities in the world, Princeton University still demands that the residents of our town subsidize it,” he said. “On top of that, its president threatened to reduce its inadequate contribution in lieu of taxes if the town didn’t comply with the University’s wishes. When President Tilghman presented us with her ultimatum last year, we should have called her bluff. Instead, the leaders of our town capitulated, emboldening the University to make similar threats in the future.”

Mr. Goldfarb concluded by saying he hopes the town and the University “will work together to restore the mutually respectful relationship that we enjoyed under prior University administrations,” suggesting that leaving the Dinky in place instead of moving it 460 feet south would be “an excellent place to start.”

Ms. Trotman spoke of 2011 as a productive year for Princeton Borough, citing a zero percent tax rate increase for the third year in a row, the on-schedule renovation of the Community Pool, and passage of the ordinance to create an arts and transit neighborhood despite unanimous support for leaving the Dinky station in place. She also paid tribute to Michael Kenwood, the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad EMT/Rescue Technician who died while attempting a rescue during Hurricane Irene.

In her speech, new Mayor Yina Moore said she will be proposing new initiatives to create a Downtown Neighborhoods Commission and an Institutional Relations Committee. The Neighborhoods Commission will include representatives of businesses and neighborhoods in the downtown business district. “It will be charged with elevating common and disparate concerns to better address these issues through our shared community values,” she said. “The Institutional Relations Committee, made up of citizens, elected officials, and a cross section of the Princeton University community, including students, faculty, alumni and administrators, is intended to create a new conversation amongst all parties in a new forum to identify, discuss, and address our mutual concerns.”

Ms. Moore also said she will be asking the Affordable Housing Committee to expand its vision to look beyond its role in administering the former Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) program and policies.

Later in the week, Ms. Trelstad, who replaces Councilman Kevin Wilkes as Council President, spoke of her new challenges. “The biggest one is to, hopefully, enable us to all work together toward consolidation,” she said. “The road map has been laid out, but we need to do it right. And by that, I mean we need to do it collegially and set an example. Because I think New Jersey needs to think about doing more of this. If we can do it, and do it in the time frame laid out, more or less, and do it well, that’s good.”

Ms. Trelstad added that the Memorandum of Understanding between the municipalities and Princeton University needs work. She also hopes to help Ms. Moore as she transitions into her new post. “I’ve had six or seven years on Council, so I hope I can make it easier for her,” Ms. Trelstad said. “I want to make sure we all work together, because that will help her.”

December 14, 2011

Plans for Princeton Post Office Among Items at Council Meeting

The future of Princeton Borough’s post office was among the items to be discussed at last night’s meeting [Tuesday, December 13] of Princeton Borough Council. A representative was to be on hand to update residents on the status of the Palmer Square station and answer questions about where a new, smaller post office will be located.

“We have an obligation do do what we call ‘community contact’ whenever we propose or consider these types of modifications,” said Ray Daiutolo, Postal Service spokesman, last week. “The representative will explain our plan. Our desire is to sell the location. If we’re successful in doing that, we will relocate the retail operation from that location to another smaller location close to where that is. Basically, it’s not taking away service. We just want to move it.”

The Postal Service announced last October that it planned to sell the Palmer Square station, which was built in 1934. The building is assessed at $1.9 million. Less than 2,000 of its 11,000 square feet is currently in operation. Carriers were shifted earlier this year to the post office at Carnegie Center, and some services previously offered at the Palmer Square location are now handled by the West Windsor station.

A national brokerage firm is representing the Postal Service in the sale. “We will do a public call to offers, and once we get to that point, it will go on the market just like any other building,” Mr. Daiutolo said. “I understand there will be extra due diligence because of its historical factor.”

One wall of the Palmer Square building is painted with a mural, America Under the Palms, by artist Karl Free. In recent years, Princeton University students have been known to protest outside the post office, claiming the subject matter depicting Native Americans cowering in the presence of European settlers is discriminatory. The artist was commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department to create the mural, which includes a rendering of Princeton University’s Nassau Hall.

Mr. Daiutolo said the representative would listen to suggestions from the public about where to relocate the station. “That’s part of the process,” he said. “We will even work with the local officials as to what potential areas to go to, what will offer the best parking, that kind of thing. We want to do something mutually beneficial for everybody.”

While he declined to name parties interested in the building, Mr. Daiutolo said there have been inquiries. “I’m thinking that based on the amount of feedback we’ve gotten from potential buyers, if and when we are able to get it on the market, I don’t foresee it taking long,” he said.

Borough Council Approves Arts/Transit Ordinance

After five years of debate over the fate of the Dinky train station, Princeton Borough Council last week passed an ordinance that will allow Princeton University to proceed with plans for a $300 million arts and transit neighborhood. Should the measure receive final approval from the Regional Planning Board, the University will move the terminus 460 feet to the south as part of the plan.

The Council voted 3-2 to approve the measure at its December 6 meeting. Voting for the proposal were Kevin Wilkes, Barbara Trelstad, and Roger Martindell, while Jo Butler and Jenny Crumiller voted against it and David Goldfarb recused himself because of his affiliation with the law firm representing the University. The ordinance had been previously approved by Township Committee for the section of the parcel located in the Township.

Several community residents offered their views during the public comment segment of the meeting. The plan was called “ludicrous” by Princeton professor and planning expert Alan Kornhauser. “People have worked hard to find a win-win over the last five years,” he said. “It is amazing that this project basically hasn’t changed from the University’s perspective in five years. The University has found a way to say no to all the suggestions.”

Borough resident and historian Clifford Zink said moving the Dinky would be “really bad urban planning,” adding that the zoning would have been passed years ago if the move were not part of the plan. Taking the station from its present location on the street to a site off the public road is a bad idea, he said. “You are certainly going to diminish the experience and diminish our town, losing this transit center we’ve had for a hundred years.”

Kip Cherry, Township resident and professional planner, urged Council to vote against the ordinance and said the University’s claim that it has a right to move the station should be challenged.

Speaking in favor of the ordinance, Arts Council of Princeton director Jeff Nathanson said the project “would fulfill the promise of Princeton being a cultural destination. It would be a whole new ball game for us.” David Newton, vice president of Palmer Square Management; Melanie Clarke, executive director of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra; Raoul Momo, local restaurant owner; Joann Mitchell, President of the Board of McCarter Theatre; and Dorothea von Moltke, owner of Labyrinth Books, were among those who voiced support for the plan.

Also in favor was Lori Rabon, general manager of the Nassau Inn and a member of the board of directors for the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rabon read a letter in support of the project signed by Chamber head J. Robert Hillier, [a Town Topics shareholder]. “For the first time in 51 years, we are going to take a position in favor of the University,” she said of the letter, which cited the plan’s economic benefits for the region.

While the Council members who voted to approve the ordinance are in favor of plans for the arts complex, their decisions seemed motivated more by the idea of moving forward than enthusiastic endorsement. None were in favor of moving the Dinky station.

“It’s bad public policy to move the Dinky in terms of global warming, transit policy, development, and community relations,” said Mr. Martindell. “That said, we have to play the hand we were dealt.” Mr. Martindell added that while discussion and healthy discourse can be a good thing, the time has come to take action. “It makes sense to move forward because of the benefits of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which includes improvements to transportation,” he said, referring to the agreement signed by the University, the Township, and the Borough. “We have the ability to work with the largest single stakeholder in the town, and to have good relations with the State, New Jersey Transit, and Princeton Township.”

Mr. Wilkes said he and Borough Engineer Jack West had met with New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson and New Jersey Transit director James Weinstein that morning. They assured him, he said, that they intend to support the continuation of the Dinky and the possible long-term transit goals that are mentioned in the MOU. He is trusting the University to keep its word about “staying at the table” through studies of transit issues.

“It’s a shame that it took five years for us to get to this night, but a lot of hard work had to be done to get the issues resolved,” he said. “The issue of the train, larger resentments that had built up over time, the issue of the growth of downtown, issues related to university expansion — it has taken a while to paddle through the complexity of issues. While we may not have arrived at a solution that is ideal for everyone, we have arrived at a point where we can advance and move forward.”

Ms. Butler said that while she supports the arts, she has issues with the University, specifically that they have not negotiated a new voluntary payment (PILOT) agreement with the Borough. “Rather than working together, the University will be rewarded for their bad behavior,” she said.

Ms. Crumiller said that by approving the ordinance, they “would be making the biggest public policy mistake ever made by the Borough Council.” The University’s assertion that it will not build the arts project unless it can move the Dinky is “holding the arts hostage to the Dinky. It’s a calculated strategy to divide and conquer.”

The fact that people will have to walk further from town to reach the relocated terminus and negotiate stairs up a steep incline will discourage people from using the train, she added. Instead of being located on the road, the new station would be behind buildings, “like a strip mall.” She also questioned projections by University representatives that attendance at McCarter Theatre will increase under the plan.