By Anne Levin
A resolution regarding Princeton’s Community Solar Renewable Energy program and an update on concept plans for Community Park South were the focus of Princeton Council’s meeting on Monday evening, June 23.
Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with the company Solar Landscape to implement a successful Community Solar Energy Program in Princeton. As explained by Christine Symington, executive director of Sustainable Princeton, the program allows low-and-moderate-income (LMI) households who otherwise would not be able to afford solar energy to take advantage of it by being enrolled in a municipally sponsored, 100 percent LMI community solar program.
The program is put in place via the installation of a solar array in places such as warehouse rooftops, landfills, or carports. Subscribers see a savings on their utility bills.
Gabel Associates, the consultant for the initiative, will help the town with implementation.
“We will work with them and the town, Princeton Housing Authority, Princeton Community Housing, and other organizations to do an extensive outreach process as defined by the rules the BPU (Board of Public Utilities) has put in place to notify households about enrolling in the program,” Symington said, adding that Sustainable Princeton has been working on the initiative since the BPU established it as a pilot program in 2018. The permanent program was put in place in 2023.
Three projects were proposed — at rooftop sites in Robbinsville, Cranbury, and Carteret. As many as 899 Princeton residents could participate. One of the sites would be operational by December; the other two by the spring of next year. Symington said mailers, information sessions, in-person “tabling” events, and a website would be used to inform families and organizations about the program.
A full description is available in the agenda packet from the meeting on the municipal website, princetonnj.gov.
An update on the Community Park South concept plan was presented by Bowman/Mahan Rykiel Associates, consultants on the project. The first phase of revamping the 26-acre expanse bordered by Route 206, Birch Avenue, Community Park School, and Community Park Pool has been underway since January.
Jared Moran, from the Bowman firm, said updates to the master plan for the park include keeping the mature trees along Route 206, and moving the pickleball courts closer to the tennis courts. Moran said the first stakeholder meeting had provided the firm with input, and work has been done with the town’s recreation and engineering departments.
“I feel like the plan is much improved,” said Councilman David Cohen. “The use of open space is better. You did a great job fitting in everything that needs to fit in, as well as preserving the trees.”
Councilwoman Leticia Fraga asked where families will be able to gather. Moran identified multiple gathering spaces throughout the park.
During public comment, several people urged Council to create a resolution in support of the Immigrant Trust Act, which is pending at the state level. Mayor Mark Freda and members of Council responded that the governing body supports the Immigrant Trust Directive, which has been in place since 2018 and ensures that victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes to local police without fear of deportation. They also provided information about programs in the town’s Human Services Department that are dedicated to protecting immigrants.
“We are here for you. We love you. We are a welcoming town, and we are doing everything we can to keep Princeton safe and equitable,” said Councilman Leighton Newlin. “Work with us to build trust in the community.”