By Anne Levin
At its meeting on Monday, October 27, Princeton Council approved a resolution to implement a Racial Equity Toolkit. The unanimous vote formalizes an initiative that was first proposed in December 2020.
The meeting also included the swearing in of Princeton Police Chief Matthew Solovay, a report on Princeton Shopping Center, a resolution approving flashing beacons at two intersections on Route 206, and the introduction of ordinances related to parking and revising the definition of “minor site plan,” among other actions.
The Racial Equity Toolkit resolution directs the town’s municipal departments “to use all available tools to work to (a) eliminate racial and social disparities across key indicators of success, including health, criminal justice, the environment, employment, and the economy; (b) promote racial and social equity in the delivery of municipal services; and (c) include implementation of equity tools in budget, program, and policy decisions, including review of existing programs and policies,” reads a memo to Council from municipal attorney Trishka Cecil.
Princeton’s Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity and Services (CARES) recommended that Council approve the resolution after CARES’ most recent meeting. First presented to the governing body by the former Civil Rights Commission, and spearheaded by Tommy Parker, the toolkit directs municipal departments and the town’s boards, committees, and commissions to follow guidelines when considering policies and initiatives, “and pretty much everything we do,” said Councilwoman Leticia Fraga, the liaison to CARES.
Councilman Leighton Newlin called the vote “a remarkable moment. It is more than policy or procedure. It is a statement about who we are and who we aspire to be as a community.” In an emotional statement, Newlin praised Parker, who is currently hospitalized, with setting the initiative in motion five years ago.
Councilman David Cohen reported on a meeting held last week by the group studying the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs), specifically that they had received numerous emails asking the group to revisit the decision about having a primary residence requirement. It is estimated that 100 to 150 STRs, or Airbnbs, are currently operating in Princeton without regulation.
Two of four options first suggested — owner-occupied vs. non-resident owners — are under consideration. Deputy Administrator Jeff Grosser said the working group “has been trying to cross the finish line. These are final approaches to at least get the ordinances introduced,” he said, adding that the group has spoken with representatives of other cities in New Jersey, such as Jersey City, where STR ordinances are in place.
Ryan Leeming of Edens, the group that owns Princeton Shopping Center, reported that all spaces in the complex are now filled. There are 18 new retailers, and the spot formerly occupied by the New York Sports Club will be taken by Fitness Factory in mid-to-late 2026. Several events, including movie nights and concerts, have been held in the courtyard in recent months.
Leming credits the two recently built residential complexes that anchor the shopping center, The Alice and Avalon Princeton on Harrison, with bringing foot traffic and increased activity. Council members agreed.
“A lot of us sitting up here remember how vibrant the center was when we were growing up,” said Council President Mia Sacks. “I have felt recently, for the first time in many, many years, that feeling of excitement and connectedness I did when I was little.”
Sacks said that the surrounding density made it possible to maintain the center’s commercial core. She also noted the diversity of the families that now patronize the site. Newlin said the center “is exploding with goodness right now. There is such a warm feeling to walk around there — new amenities, grass, the chairs — you see kids playing.”
He encouraged Leeming to “continue to build community and try to keep the rents reasonable and keep a good retail mix that is not Palmer Square-influenced.”
Fraga said she has watched the shopping center evolve over the 25 years she has lived in Princeton. “I wish my kids were little again so they could experience everything it has to offer,” she said, and encouraged people to visit on November 1 for the El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) observance, presented by the Arts Council of Princeton.
Commenting on the resolution providing for flashing beacons at the intersections of Route 206 at Mansgrove Road and Herrontown Road, Cohen said that while the beacons are helpful, pedestrians still need to be cautious.
“They are not a panacea,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that cars will stop. It’s great that we’re doing this, but it’s not the entire solution.”
Evan Moorhead, executive director of the Princeton Recreation Department, reported on summer activities. A network of community partnerships provided financial assistance for 160 youth, 50 Princeton families, and 30 senior citizens, he said, with a total of $133,000 spent for the summer. “It was a true team effort, and we are grateful,” he said.
The next meeting of Council is on Monday, November 10 at 7 p.m.