The Stony Brook Bridge on Route 206 near Quaker Road, believed to be New Jersey’s oldest bridge, will likely remain closed through next week while damage to the historic span is assessed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

The state of the bridge was among the issues brought up at a meeting of Princeton Council on Monday. Among the additional topics of discussion were a possible solar array plant atop the municipal garage, the end of July 4th fireworks, and the formation of a youth advisory committee to advise the governing body.

Princeton’s engineer Bob Kiser reported to Council that the cracks in the Stony Brook Bridge’s stone arches, found during an inspection, are worse than originally thought. Mr. Kiser and assistant engineer Deanna Stockton were to meet with the DOT on Tuesday to discuss making a temporary fix, and later a permanent repair, to the bridge.

Built in 1792, the bridge is a National Historic Landmark. It is located within the Princeton Battlefield-Stony Brook Settlement Historic District and therefore subject to certain rules regarding preservation.

“You obviously want to preserve both the historical integrity of it and the structural integrity of it,” said Mayor Liz Lempert at a pre-meeting press conference earlier in the day. A diver sent down into the brook to inspect the damage discovered cracks in the foundation, and temporary dams were being installed to divert water so experts could get a better look at the damage, she added.

The work has closed Route 206 between Hutchinson Drive and Lovers Lane, resulting in detours and slowed traffic. Motorists can check the DOT’s website, www.511nj.org for updates.

Solar Array

Councilman Bernie Miller reported on the possibility of placing a solar array on the top deck of the town’s municipal garage, next to Princeton Public Library. If Council decided to pursue the energy plan, it would cost $22,000 for the first three phases, and a total of $58,000 when completed. The project would use a private sector developer who would own the array and sell the electricity generated to the library. The municipality would receive payment for rental of the space.

Mr. Miller said the same consultants that worked on a solar project on River Road are being used to prepare a request for proposals. He explained that the impetus behind the project is not financial. “I can assure you it won’t be a big money-maker for the municipality,” he said. “But it will be highly visible in the center of town.” The Council agreed to take up the matter again at the next meeting, when members Lance Liverman and Jenny Crumiller, both of whom were absent, are present.

Fireworks

Ray Wadsworth, chairman of the Spirit of Princeton, told Council that there will be no fireworks display on July 4 in Princeton for the first time in 20 years. “It was really grinding our funds down,” he said, detailing the $20,000 expense of staging the show. There was enough in the group’s endowment to keep holding the event for five more years, but after asking donors whether they thought the tradition should continue, the answer was no. Princeton University’s fireworks display during the annual Reunions event was another reason given for the decision.

Councilwoman Jo Butler asked whether a donation right away would allow the group to reinstate the tradition, Ms. Wadsworth said it would not, because any money donated would have to go into the endowment rather than a specific event. That endowment will support Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day events this year, he added.

Youth Group

Council unanimously passed an ordinance to form a Youth Advisory Board made up of area high school students. “I’m really excited about this. It’s a real opportunity to give our young people more of an official voice,” commented Ms. Lempert. “We’re looking to get a diverse group.”

The board will include 12 students from public and private schools, augmented by representatives from the municipal staff, police, and other departments. Students from ninth to twelfth grade will be considered.