To the Editor:
At a recent gathering, my neighbors and I congratulated each other on owning a home in this wonderful community. Thanks to perseverance and luck, we had managed to win a “golden ticket.”
But friends also lament the rapid pace of change. As in other towns across the country, we see McMansions replacing smaller homes and chain stores replacing local businesses. State requirements for affordable housing are leading to thousands of new apartments. While we welcome new neighbors, some wonder: will the Princeton we love survive?
I believe the defining elements of the Princeton we love will survive — with the right leadership on Princeton Council — which is why I am supporting Marina Rubina.
Marina approaches challenges by putting people first. She starts with “What does this look like to a person hoping for… (something in town),” and then designs a practical policy to meet their needs.
For example, Marina asks, “How can we make it easier for residents to…”
Q: Walk and bike safely, whether they are going to a music lesson or meeting friends? A: Let’s work with neighboring towns to get the state to slow or limit truck traffic on Route 206; let’s prioritize pedestrian and bike safety through a focus on sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks.
Q: Save trees and keep neighborhoods green? A: Allow flexibility in our zoning rules to encourage retaining existing trees when sites are redeveloped.
Q: Find a parking space? A: Establish a Parking and Mobility fund for smaller projects to contribute to when they can’t provide parking on site. This will help fund a new garage or transit rather than spending on legal fees to avoid parking requirements.
Q: Maintain our excellent public school system? A: Continue to work collaboratively with the school district and dedicate some of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) revenue the town receives to help our schools thrive.
Q: Open a local retail business? A: Simplify our unpredictable, lengthy approval process so small, locally-owned businesses have a chance. Let’s make our processes clear and predictable so a sole proprietor can proceed without a legal team.
As a longtime resident and a mother, Marina knows what families treasure most about living in Princeton. As a business owner and a volunteer serving on local boards and as an applicant for permits, she knows precisely how local rules and ordinances work or don’t.
When TigerLabs lost its lease, Marina used her experience to find a new space and financial partners, get permits, and manage construction. Thanks to her efforts, our town continues to have a shared office space where one can start a business and enjoy a supportive network. We need this type of community dedication and real-life experience on Council.
Please join me in protecting the Princeton we love by voting for Marina Rubina in the Democratic primary.