By Anne Levin
An update on plans being developed to harmonize Princeton’s zoning codes and a report on efforts to relocate the Department of Public Works (DPW) to a site on River Road were among the topics at Princeton Council’s meeting on Monday evening, September 28.
Public comment also took up a significant portion of the meeting. As they did at the previous gathering, residents who live near the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Linden Lane pressed Council to come up with safety improvements for the corner, which has been a frequent site of accidents. Another group urged the governing body to reinstate ice skating on Lake Carnegie when temperatures permit.
Council issued a proclamation honoring Alfredo Garcia Martinez on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Public Works after 25 years, citing him as “a creative problem solver with a can-do attitude.”
The progress report on the Zoning Code Diagnostic was a condensed version of a presentation at a public meeting last Thursday, September 24 (see story on page 1). Planning Director Justin Lesko told Council that the municipal staff and consultant were looking for reactions to the report from members of the public by December 1, after which Phase II, the drafting of the code, can begin. To comment, visit onecodeprinceton.com.
Municipal Engineer Deanna Stockton led a concept review of the plan to move the DPW from trailers on John Street and the site of the former Hook and Ladder firehouse on Harrison Street to the municipally owned facility at 298 River Road. The two existing sites are not sufficient, and haven’t been for several years. Consolidation of the sites to River Road would include a public works and sewer headquarters building, maintenance garage, indoor wash bay, a vehicle storage garage with minimal heating, and other structures.
Stockton estimated a cost estimate of approximately $45 million. “The key point is that this is a planning level estimate that helps us at least have a sense of the maximum budgetary figure we’re working off of,” she said. “It gives us a cost figure to work with. The consultants want to move ahead into the design phase.”
Council President Michelle Pirone Lambros expressed a bit of sticker shock at the figure. Councilwoman Mia Sacks commented that Public Works staff have been working in trailers since 1996, and moving ahead with the project is a top priority. Both the John Street and Harrison Street facilities have been listed as Round Four affordable housing developments.
While no formal action was taken, Council gave staff the go-ahead to proceed into the design stage. Stockton said the projected timeline calls for permitting in 2027, a possible construction bid in 2028, and operation in 2029. The report is available on the municipal website, princetonnj.gov.
Representing the Sierra Club, resident Kip Cherry told Council that the deadline is October 7 to make comments about allowing Sentinel Data Centers a preconstruction air pollution control permit for a large data center at the former Princeton Nurseries property in South Brunswick. While it is classified as a minor source of air pollution, there would be a series of generators on the property to act as a backup, using diesel fuel that is “very polluting,” Cherry said. “It looks like we’re going to be having some more hot days because of climate change, so these generators will operate more. They give off a toxic exhaust with 40 hazardous air pollutants.”
Mayor Mark Freda responded that the Council should go on the record as being against it, and said a statement will be prepared prior to the deadline.
During the comments by residents who hope to be able to skate on Lake Carnegie this winter, it was noted that Princeton University, along with the municipality, needs to weigh in on the issue. Councilman Brian McDonald said he was hoping the University will agree that there are some conditions when it can be possible. He added that there are issues related to parking, and that members of the Princeton Police Department and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad have concerns.
Residents repeatedly called skating on the lake “magical,” and urged its restoration. Seth Melman noted that last year, when there was a significant spell of Arctic air, ice skating was permitted in Spring Lake and Manasquan, and there was an ice boat race on the Navesink River. “We don’t expect you to fight Princeton University, but we do expect you to listen to what we have to say, because you are our representatives,” he said. “Clearly it can be done in some form or another.”
Regarding the intersection at Hamilton Avenue and Linden Lane, a resident named Helen said that rumble strips haven’t helped, and a stop sign is needed. “Either that, or straighten out the road,” she said. “There are frequent fender benders, even when the weather is clear and sunny.”
Chris Johnson of Hamilton Avenue referred to the intersection as “confusion corner.” He asked how it is decided which roads in town are the most dangerous, and said residents would like to participate in the process. Princeton Police Chief Matthew Solovay said community feedback is the most important thing, and that the department reads every email it gets.
“We look at accident history, enforcement information, a bunch of factors,” he said. “It’s a lot of coordination and collaboration with [the Department of] Engineering. It’s not a simple fix. The only thing I ask is, please be patient. There are conversations taking place. We are trying to identify some key dates for a neighborhood meeting.”
The next meeting of Council is Monday, October 12 at 7 p.m.