November 1, 2023

Election 2023 is in Home Stretch; Vote Early or on Nov. 7

By Donald Gilpin

Registered voters in Princeton have many opportunities to exercise their right to vote, with early voting in progress since last Saturday, October 28, and continuing through next Sunday, November 5; Election Day polls open on Tuesday, November 7, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and vote-by-mail ballots due by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

There are seven local, county, and state contests and a school bond referendum on the Princeton ballot, and Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello emphasizes that every single vote can make a difference.

“Who represents you makes a huge difference in your taxes and in policies that you will live with,” she said in an October 30 phone conversation. “We have learned over the past few elections that who leads you does matter and does make a difference.”

She continued, ”I’ve seen elections where candidates have won by one or two votes. It happened in Princeton in the School Board. It happened in Trenton last year with the city council. I’ve seen it many times. Don’t think our vote doesn’t matter. It absolutely matters, and it’s important that we take advantage of this opportunity that has been fought for by many.” more

Since Forming Last Year, Experience Princeton Defines its Vision

By Anne Levin

In March 2022, Princeton Council passed an ordinance creating a special improvement district (SID). Now known as Experience Princeton, the organization — at first called the Princeton Business Partnership — is funded through fees paid by business owners in town.

The SID took the place of the Princeton Merchants Association, an all-volunteer, less formal organization of local businesses. Late last fall, Experience Princeton hired Isaac Kremer, former executive director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, as executive director. The organization’s first annual report is now at experienceprinceton.org/post/experience-princeton-annual-report.

Kremer, who gives regular, fast-paced progress updates to Council, said this week that efforts to fill empty storefronts, bring together the business community through monthly “meetups,” and more effectively spotlight the town are succeeding.

“One of the big accomplishments right out of the gate was to establish a discernible brand, with a new logo and website presence to help position us strongly, both locally and regionally, in the marketplace,” he said. “The new logo and website really describe the work we do as an organization. We have welcomed 20 new businesses to town, and have had 11 ribbon cuttings. We’re seeing the vacancy rates creep downward again. And I get five or six requests a month from businesses that want to move here. The process begins, and we try to find a good fit.” more

For Princeton Pianists Ensemble, Five Pianos are Better Than One

PIANO TIMES FIVE: The Princeton Pianists Ensemble turns playing the instrument into a collaborative activity, with up to 10 musicians performing at one time. The group comes to Richardson Auditorium on November 17.

By Anne Levin

Most piano recitals are performed by one musician at one piano. Less common are concerts for four hands — two pianists at one keyboard.

How about 10 pianists playing five pianos at the same time? That’s the idea behind the Princeton Pianists Ensemble (PPE) at Princeton University, which turns playing the piano into a collaborative activity. On Friday, November 17, the group of some 35 amateur yet accomplished pianists performs at Richardson Auditorium, in a program ranging from Debussy to the flying theme from the soundtrack of the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. 

“It’s something I don’t think you’ll see anywhere else,” said Roberto Lachner, a sophomore at the University and a member of the ensemble. Like his colleagues, Lachner was a serious piano student throughout his childhood. While there are a few music majors in the group, most are focused on other subjects. more

Livestrong Program for Cancer Survivors Is Back in Action at the Princeton YMCA

By Anne Levin

For survivors of cancer, regaining physical strength and stamina can be especially challenging. That aspect of recovery is the focus of Livestrong at the YMCA, a free, nationwide program designed to get adult cancer survivors back on their feet after treatment.

On hold during the pandemic, the Princeton YMCA’s 12-week Livestrong program is resuming on Wednesday, November 7, with daytime and evening sessions. The classes are 75 minutes each, taught by instructors specially trained in supportive cancer care. The program is free, and available from the day of diagnosis on.

Participants, who usually meet in groups of up to six, are given exercises and activities centered on cardiovascular and meditation techniques. But the goal is to strengthen the spirit as well as the body.

“The primary focus is building muscular strength and endurance,” said Kristin Leung, the group exercise coordinator at the YMCA. “But stepping out of that, we do expand to other modalities of wellness in general. It might be a yoga class, or water fitness. We’ve had people come in and do music therapy and art therapy. We had a survivor who brought in her chemo bottles and we decorated them. We made sushi one time. So I really welcome the staff at the Y to come if they have something special to share.” more

Peace Coalition to Hold Conference, Multifaith Service for Peace on Nov. 12

By Donald Gilpin

Archbishop John C. Wester
(Courtesy of Archdiocese of Santa Fe)

Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Lewiston, Maine — sad to say, the timing for the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action’s (CFPA) 44th Annual Conference and Multifaith Service for Peace could not be more appropriate.

“With two hot wars underway; mass shootings in the U.S. averaging two per day; and nuclear weapon build-ups planned by the U.S., Russia, and China; this is an incredibly important period to educate the public about peace issues,” said CFPA Executive Director the Rev. Robert Moore.  “I encourage all interested people to attend the Multifaith Service and/or Conference for Peace to be more empowered to advocate for peace policies more effectively.”

Sponsored by the CFPA along with 38 area religious and civic groups, the November 12 event will feature Archbishop John C. Wester, leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe, preaching at the Multifaith Service for Peace at 11 a.m. in the Princeton University Chapel, followed from 1:30 to 4 p.m. by a hybrid Conference for Peace at Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane. Conference speakers will include Princeton University Senior Research Physicist and Professor of Public and International Affairs Emeritus Frank von Hippel; social justice advocate and co-founder of the women-led peace group Code Pink Medea Benjamin; and March For Our Lives Senior Policy Associate Elena Perez; as well as Wester. more

Do-or-Die Running and Writing on Stephen Crane’s Birthday

By Stuart Mitchner

The youth was not conscious that he was erect upon his feet. He did not know the direction of the ground. Indeed, once he even lost the habit of balance and fell heavily.

—Stephen Crane (1871-1900), from The Red Badge of Courage

According to R.W. Stallman’s biography, Stephen Crane claimed to be prouder “of his baseball ability than some other things” even after The Red Badge of Courage had made him an international celebrity at 25. Asked how he could write about war without seeing combat, Crane once again cited baseball: “The opposing team is an enemy tribe.” A Syracuse teammate recalled that Crane played ball “with fiendish glee.” On the field, “he was constantly in motion, agile on his feet, a fast base runner.” more

Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists Present Historically-Informed Performance of Bach

By Nancy Plum

McCarter Theatre is well into a season of diverse presentations, including the well-respected Classical Music Series. Last week, two renowned specialist Baroque performing ensembles came to Princeton for an evening of Johann Sebastian Bach. The London-based Monteverdi Choir and its companion English Baroque Soloists orchestra took the stage at Richardson Auditorium last Monday night to perform Bach’s 1749 Mass in B Minor, the 18th-century master’s extended setting of liturgical text.

Completed just a year before Bach’s death, Mass in B Minor was comprised of more than 25 choral movements, solos and duets, and was unique in its time for including the five major sections of the mass text, rather than the customary “Kyrie” and “Gloria.” Likely never performed in Bach’s lifetime, this piece has become one of the composer’s most enduring choral works. It is also one of the most difficult to perform, requiring a great deal of vocal stamina, and is an example of Bach’s innate tendency to write instrumentally, even for the voice.

There are as many ways to perform Bach’s music as there are ensembles worldwide. The evolution of choral societies in the 19th century led to massive choirs singing Bach with large orchestras and Romantic musical effects. The mid-20th century brought a renewed interest in presenting this music in the manner in which the music was originally conceived, an approach especially popular among European performers. The Monteverdi Choir, on the verge of its 60th anniversary, was founded to specialize in historically-inspired projects, with the Choir’s umbrella organization home to the younger but equally as influential English Baroque Soloists period instrumental orchestra. Dinis Sousa, associate conductor of the Monteverdi ensembles, led both the Choir and Baroque Soloists in their presentation of Bach’s towering work last Monday night. more

“Chicago the Musical” at State Theatre New Jersey

RAZZLE DAZZLE: Bob Fosse’s “Chicago the Musical” comes to the State Theatre New Jersey November 18 and 19. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick presents Chicago the Musical for four performances on Saturday, November 18 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40-$105.  

Chicago tells a universal tale of fame and fortune, with show-stopping songs and dance numbers. With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Ebb, Chicago won six Tony awards, two Olivier awards, and a Grammy award. Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history and is the second longest running show in Broadway history, having surpassed Cats in November 2014. The Broadway production has over 9,500 performances.  more

Movement and Visuals In MOMIX’s “Alice”

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: The dance/illusionist company MOMIX brings “Alice,” based on “Alice in Wonderland,” to State Theatre New Jersey on November 2. (Photo by Sharen Bradford)

State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick presents MOMIX: Alice on Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. Created by MOMIX Artistic Director Moses Pendleton, Alice is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Tickets range from $29-$69.  

Alice blends illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy. “I don’t intend to retell the whole Alice story,” said Pendleton, “but to use it as a taking off point for invention.” Alice encounters time-honored characters including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises.  more

Zimmerli Gets $560K Grant From Access for All Initiative

“SPARK NIGHT”: The Zimmerli Art Museum’s celebration of  Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Thursday, November 2 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. will feature performances, art activities, music, and food. It is the first event supported by a recent grant from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All initiative.

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University – New Brunswick announced that it has received a $560,000 grant from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All initiative. Over a three-year period, the Zimmerli will implement new and augment existing efforts to reduce barriers by transforming it into a more fully bilingual museum. The grant funds will support programming and communication — such as signage, gallery labels, promotional materials — presented in English and Spanish. The museum’s efforts build upon prior offerings that have been well received by visitors of all ages.  more

“May You Be Happy” Dual Exhibit Coming to Arts Council

“CHIME 2”: This fabric, metal, wire, and found objects work by Hannah Fink is part of May You Be Happy, her dual exhibition with Jon Sarkin, on view at the Arts Council of Princeton November 11 through December 2. An opening reception is on Saturday, November 18 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) will show “May You Be Happy,” a dual exhibition by Jon Sarkin and Hannah Fink, in the Taplin Gallery November 11 through December 2. An opening reception is on Saturday, November 18 from 3-5 p.m.

Mental health issues, loneliness, and isolation are sadly all on the rise in our country, so much so that it’s been declared a “loneliness epidemic.” These two artists’ response is to find joy through their work. The joy in Sarkin and Fink’s pieces, and art’s overall power to bring us together, provides reason to celebrate. more

“Earth Song Refrain” Exhibit at Princeton Public Library

“ABUNDANCE”: This work by Nancy Lewis Shell is part of “Earth Song Refrain,” on view at Princeton Public Library through January 12. An opening reception is on Monday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.

Art Against Racism will host a presentation and opening reception for “Earth Song Refrain: BIPOC Artists on the Climate and Environment,” Monday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Princeton Public Library. The exhibit, on view through January 12, presents the perspectives of visual artists and poets of color on the climate crisis and environmental challenges threatening our planet. more

Top-of-the-Line Expert Design-Build Remodels are Hallmark of Black Bear Builders of Pennington

TEAM WORK: “People know they can count on us. Our reputation for experience, quality work, and service is well known.” Shown are members of the Black Bear Builders team, from left, project manager Rob Burke, owner Matt Bonacci, and designer Shelby Tewell.

By Jean Stratton 

Back Bear Builders is ready to turn your vision into reality! This respected design-build remodeling firm, headquartered in Pennington, has a long history of quality construction projects. Residential remodels and additions are its specialty, with a priority on first-rate service.

“We feel that our people and process differentiate us from our competitors,” says owner Matt Bonacci. “Having talented carpenters who are respectful and communicative is only the first step in running a successful renovation project. By focusing on cleanliness, communication, and setting realistic expectations, we hope to make what is inherently an inconvenient process more palatable.”

Bonacci’s introduction to the design-build business stemmed from his early interest in drawing, he reports. “When I was a boy growing up in Titusville, I liked to sit down and draw windows. That was fun.” more

Coming Off Historic Run to NCAA Sweet 16, PU Men’s Hoops Hoping to Draw on that Success

LOCKED IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco heads to the hoop in a recent practice. Senior star guard and co-captain Allocco figures to play a key role this winter for a Princeton program coming off a historic run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last winter. The Tigers open their 2023-24 campaign by renewing their rivalry with Rutgers as they face the Scarlet Knights on November 6 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Carving out a niche as the lovable underdog who has historically put scares into powerhouses in the NCAA tournament, the Princeton University men’s basketball team flipped the script last March.

Knocking off second-seeded Arizona and seventh-seeded Missouri, the 15th-seeded Tigers advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson knows that the Tigers won’t be going under the radar in the wake of last year’s success.  more

Boasting a Mix of Key Veterans, Talented Newcomers PU Women’s Hoops Primed for Another Big Season

HANDS ON: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, guards a Penn player last season. Senior star Mitchell, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, is looking to diversify her offensive game as she heads into her final campaign for the Tigers. Princeton tips off its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Duquesne on November 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the last two years, the Princeton University women’s basketball team has come excruciatingly close to making the NCAA Sweet 16.

Last season, Princeton fell 63-56 at Utah in the second round of the NCAA tourney and it got edged 56-55 at Indiana at the same stage of the 2022 March Madness.

As the Tigers head into the 2023-24 campaign, Princeton senior forward Ellie Mitchell acknowledged that getting over that hump is a goal, even if it is on the back burner as the Tigers prepare to tip off their 2023-24 campaign by hosting Duquesne on November 6.

“Day to day, we focus on the little things, the little pieces that get us in that position,” said Mitchell, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, who averaged 5.8 points and 11.3 rebounds a game last winter as the Tigers went 24-6 overall and 12-2 Ivy League. “We know that once we earn it, we are excited. We are confident, we can break into that Sweet 16 this year. It is our year.” more

Featuring Stifling Defense, Explosive Passing Plays, PU Football Tops Cornell, Remains Tied Atop Ivies

COOL HAND LUKE: Princeton University star receiver Luke Colella races upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, junior Colella made three receptions for 44 yards with a 33-yard touchdown catch to help Princeton defeat Cornell 14-3. The Tigers are now 4-3 overall and 3-1 Ivy League and tied with Harvard atop the league standings. They will look to stay in first place when they play at Dartmouth (3-4 overall, 2-2 Ivy) on November 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into its matchup last Saturday at Cornell, the Princeton University football team sensed that it could produce some big plays against a stingy Big Red defense.

“They really have a high volume of different things that they do, it puts an onus on you,” said Princeton head coach Bob Surace. “You just have to give them a lot of stuff as well. We went into the game thinking if we do that, we may have a few opportunities.”

Sure enough, Princeton seized opportunity as quarterback Blake Stenstrom hit wide receiver Tamatoa Falatea with a 77-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter as the Tigers went ahead 7-0. After the Big Red narrowed the gap to 7-3 with a second quarter field goal, Stenstrom rifled a 33-yard scoring strike to Luke Colella in the waning seconds of the half to put Princeton ahead 14-3 at intermission. more

Encouraged by the Resilience That it Showed Last Winter, Princeton Men’s Hockey Fired Up for Opener at Harvard

MURPHY’S LAW: Princeton University men’s hockey player Ian Murphy controls the puck in a game last season. Senior forward Murphy figures to trigger the Tiger offense this season after leading Princeton in scoring last year with 30 points on 15 goals and 15 assists. The Tigers start their 2023-24 season by playing at Harvard on November 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Bouncing back from a rough start last winter, the Princeton University men’s hockey team caught fire in the middle of the season.

Putting together a 9-6 stretch after losing six of its first eight games, Princeton posted a number of notable wins in that span, including victories over Colorado College, RIT, No. 12 Providence, Clarkson, and Dartmouth. An injury to star goalie Ethan Pearson hampered the Tigers down the stretch, but they were still able to defeat Union in the first round of the ECAC Hockey playoffs on the way to a 13-19 final record.

As Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty looks ahead to the 2023-24 campaign, he believes his returning players can build on that solid stretch heading into this winter. more

With Former Lawrence Star Schenck Coming Up Big, PU Field Hockey Edges Yale, Earns Spot in Ivy Tourney

STANDING TAL: Princeton University field hockey player Talia Schenck, left, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Friday, sophomore star Schenck, a former Lawrence High standout, scored a goal to help Princeton defeat Yale 2-1 in overtime in a winner-take-all game for the fourth and final spot for the inaugural Ivy League Tournament. The Tigers, now 7-8 overall and 5-2 Ivy, are seeded third in the tourney and will face second-seeded Cornell at Harvard on November 3 in a semifinal contest. The victor will advance to the final on November 5 against the winner of the Harvard-Penn semifinal with the champion earning the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Talia Schenck and the Princeton University field hockey team have been through ups and downs.

Last Friday was definitely a high note.

Schenck scored the first goal of the game for the Tigers who went on to win a must-win game, 2-1, in overtime at Yale on a goal by Bridget Murphy. The winner of the game earned the fourth and final spot for the inaugural Ivy League Tournament, while the loser’s season was finished. The champion of the tournament will receive the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament.

“We’re really excited to rewrite what’s happened this Ivy season because we want more for ourselves than to be third,” said Schenck, a sophomore who starred at nearby Lawrence High before coming to Princeton. “We’re excited to have another chance to prove ourselves. That’s what’s so great about having the Ivy tournament introduced this year.” more

Sparked by Senior Star Matese’s Stellar Play at Center Back, PHS Boys’ Soccer Posts 2 Shutouts in Making Sectional Semis

NICK OF TIME: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Nick Matese, left, battles a foe in a game earlier this season. Senior center back and co-captain Matese has helped PHS get off to a superb start in state tournament action. Competing in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament, the top-seeded Tigers defeated 16th-seeded Montgomery 4-0 in a first round contest on October 25 and then blanked eighth-seeded Jackson Memorial 3-0 in a quarterfinal last Saturday. PHS, now 18-2, hosts fourth-seeded Monroe in the semifinals on November 1 with the victor advancing to the sectional final on November 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Nick Matese was frustrated when the Princeton Hugh boys’ soccer team got edged 2-1 by nationally-ranked Pennington in the Mercer County Tournament final on October 21, he saw the squad’s performance as a plus going into the state tournament.

“After the game we were really disappointed but we were really proud with our effort, especially in the second half,” said PHS senior defender and co-captain Matese. “I was really impressed, especially with our midfield. They went toe-to-toe with those guys, it was unbelievable. We played some of the best we have played this year. We want to be snowballing wins going into the playoffs, but having that kind of confidence boosting that we can play with the best of the best  was a good thing.”

As the top-seeded Tigers hosted 16th-seeded Montgomery last Wednesday in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional, Matese and his teammates were determined to take care of business and get back on the winning track. more

After Rolling to 2nd Straight BCSL Championship, PHS Girls’ Volleyball Primed for Big Run in States

RISING FORCE: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas follows through on a hit in recent action. Last week, sophomore star Lygas helped PHS defeat Notre Dame 2-0 (25-19, 25-15) in the Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament final. Lygas contributed 11 kills and eight digs in the October 24 match as PHS improved to 25-1. The Tigers will now start play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 tournament where they are seeded first and were slated to host ninth-seeded Colts Neck in a quarterfinal contest on October 31 with victor advancing to the semis on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Rolling to a 2-0 win (25-10, 25-15) over Northern Burlington in Burlington  County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament semis, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball was primed to close the deal when it hosted Notre Dame in the final last week.

“The girls have been in a good place, we have two months of matches under our belts,” said PHS head coach Patty Manhart. “We were happy with how they played against Northern Burlington.”

But Manhart was not happy with how the Tigers started in the final against Notre Dame, a team it had already defeated twice in regular season. more

Senior Standout Salzano Looking to Go Out with a Bang, Starring as PDS Girls’ Soccer Makes Non-Public Quarters

FINAL PUSH: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Adriana Salzano, left, controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior star and Monmouth commit Salzano tallied a goal and an assist as fifth-seeded PDS topped 12th-seeded Donovan Catholic 4-1 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A tournament. The Panthers, who improved to 14-3-1 with the win, were slated to host 13th-seeded Mount St. Mary in the quarterfinals on October 31 with the victor advancing to the semis on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Adriana Salzano, her stellar career with the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team reached the do-or-die stage last Friday as the squad started play in the Non-Public A South Jersey tournament.

With PDS having lost 1-0 to Steinert in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and having been edged by the Blair Academy in a shootout in the quarterfinal round of the Prep state tourney, senior star midfielder Salzano was down to her last competition as a Panther when the team hosted Donovan Catholic last Friday to open play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A tournament.

“This is knockout, win or go home; we knew that we needed to come out here and kill the game immediately,” said Salzano. “That was our main goal, come out with fire and intensity and get it done.” more

PDS Girls’ Tennis Places 2nd in Prep B State Tourney As 2nd Doubles Pair Earns Title to Provide Highlight

FRESH APPROACH: Princeton Day School girls’ tennis player Prisha Tiwari smacks a forehand in a match this fall. Last week, freshman Tiwari advanced to the third singles final at the Prep B state tournament, helping the Panthers take second in the team standings behind champion Montclair Kimberley Academy. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With powerhouse Montclair Kimberley Academy returning to the Prep B state girls’ tennis tournament this fall after not competing in the event last year, the Princeton Day School squad faced a challenge as it went after the title.

While MKA, ranked third in the state by NJ.com, advanced to final in all five flights of the competition, PDS was not far behind as made four finals.

Unable to overcome the Cougars’ advantage, the Panthers did produce a major highlight as the second doubles pair of Kavita Amin and Zarna Kalra won their flight. MKA totaled 14 points to win the team title with PDS amassing 10 to take second in the competition which wrapped up last Wednesday at Wardlaw-Hartridge. more

Writing in Favor of Concept Plan for Development of Former PTS Property

To the Editor:

Recently, the Princeton community was invited to a presentation at Town Hall to learn about Herring Properties’ concept plan for the development of the former Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) property. The concept plan reflected the efforts by Herring and team of engaging with stakeholders in smaller discussions to solicit input and learn concerns. The plan was truly the culmination of what was heard and reflected genuine responsiveness to much of the feedback. One might attribute this thoughtful approach to Herring’s own tenure as a Princeton resident.

The graduated heights of the buildings will create visual harmony with the heights of the surrounding structures. The exterior style of the project reflects the traditional look of the neighborhood and much of Princeton. Placing the majority of parking underground reduces the impact of street parking in the neighborhood. The number of parking spaces, just over one car per residence, reflects the properties’ proximity to the Dinky, the town, the University, and local employers and will allow residents to walk or bike. The lot layout and design locates the buildings such that the green spaces are graciously visible from the street. It highlights some beautiful public spaces which will create a comfortable relationship between cars, pedestrians, houses, and greens. When possible, the effort to retain existing trees, especially those at the street, was made and is clear and appropriate.  more

Hubbard, Bierman, and Obregon Will Change the Status Quo for the Better

To the Editor:

I write as a concerned parent of three current Princeton Public School students — a junior at PHS, an eighth grader at PMS, and a fifth grader at Riverside Elementary. On November 7 I will be enthusiastically voting for Eleanor Hubbard, Adam Bierman, and Rene Obregon Jr. for the Board of Education, and I urge others to join me in supporting them.

As any Princeton resident who follows the local news knows, in recent years the Princeton public school system has been afflicted with numerous serious problems and extraordinary turmoil. While it would be unfair to place all of the blame for these problems on the current Board of Education, it also seems clear that the community and our students would be well-served by a change from the dysfunctional status quo.  more

Proposed Master Plan Suggests Way for Town To Grow Responsibly, Incrementally, Equitably

To the Editor:

As the work to update Princeton’s Community Master Plan nears conclusion, we would like to provide some information and context that we hope is helpful.

The Community Master Plan document is available in its entirety at engage.princetonmasterplan.org. The plan consists of an introduction that presents a vision, assumptions, and guiding principles, followed by multiple “elements,” distinct but interrelated sections covering specific subjects related to land use. Each element contains goals and recommendations.

The plan is a Planning Board document developed by the Planning Board with the help of a consultant and a Steering Committee of community leaders. A robust public engagement process unmatched since consolidation has been both a distinguishing feature of the plan update process, and immensely helpful in crafting the plan. more