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Shopping Center Getting a Makeover? Advisory Board Recommends Changes
Matthew Hersh
Princeton Shopping Center, the 50-year-old shopping facility on North Harrison Street, could get what is viewed by some as a much-needed makeover --- the first in nearly 20 years.
The Regional Planning Board's advisory panel, the Site Plan Review Advisory Board (SPRAB) last Wednesday voted to recommend the approval of a plan that envisions significant changes to existing structures on the 25-acre site. The plan, however, does not call for new buildings, further development, or restructuring of the current parking layout.
The proposal, which is likely to be heard by the full Planning Board in December, calls for various facade improvements, new lighting, skylights, awning upgrades, the removal of the fountain at the center, and the addition of planters on the walkways that face the parking lots.
The general color scheme, which includes the the awnings, would be transformed from the Shopping Center's trademark green to a more amber color, according to the plan's architects, Paul Rosen and Anthony Johnson of the Manhattan-based Rosen & Johnson Architects.
The most notable element, however, is a plan to increase pedestrian circulation with cross paths that cut through the green central area bordered by the main pedestrian loop.
Overall, the plan is reminiscent of the Shopping Center's original look before the redevelopment that occurred nearly 20 years ago, said architect Paul Rosen.
While the walkways received general approval from SPRAB members, the original plan had called for the removal of 24 trees in the courtyard area. The Township's engineering department has recommended that tree removal be kept to a minimum, and some members of SPRAB vocally objected to the idea of altering the gardens.
"Princetonian after Princetonian says 'look at those flowers, aren't they wonderful?'" said SPRAB member Anne Neumann. "Everybody universally thinks the flower gardens as they are now are the reason people go there." SPRAB member Barbara Trelstad agreed, adding that the garden that lies along the walkway between the New York Sports Club and the Cafe, is "wonderful," and should not be compromised during the proposed alterations to the facility's entry points.
Ms. Neumann acknowledged that the removal or alteration of any of the gardens could arouse a negative reaction. She recalled the Princeton Public Library's relocation from the Shopping Center to return to its original spot on Witherspoon Street. "People in Princeton had a cat-fit when the Library left, and you can imagine what the reaction will be losing the dahlias, the roses, and the black-eyed Susans."
While this hearing was only to address aesthetic features, William Wolfe, SPRAB chairman, revisited the idea that the entire sight could be improved if the Mobil station were moved to a different location, allowing the Shopping Center's main entrance to be seen from Harrison Street.
Mr. Wolfe encouraged Shopping Center owners "to talk to the Planning Board about the location of the gas station," adding that there has been opposition to any relocation, but that it "would be good to the community as a whole."
Some possible areas for gas station relocation would be the current drive-through PNC Bank at the northwestern end of the site, or the southwestern corner, near the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad headquarters. The latter spot is what has historically troubled residents, especially those living on Clearview Avenue, because of a gas station's proximity to private residences.
Dana Comfort, of George Comfort & Sons, the Shopping Center's management agent, declared that no structural or major physical changes are imminent.
