March 27, 2013

Author Ifa Bayeza Comes “Home” At Library Reading and Book Signing

FAMILY REUNION: Author and playwright Ifa Bayeza, right, shares a moment with her cousin, former Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore, at a recent reading and book-signing at Princeton Public Library. Ms. Bayeza co-wrote the book “Some Sing, Some Cry” with her sister, Ntozake Shange. Photo courtesy of Princeton Public Library.

FAMILY REUNION: Author and playwright Ifa Bayeza, right, shares a moment with her cousin, former Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore, at a recent reading and book-signing at
Princeton Public Library. Ms. Bayeza co-wrote the book “Some Sing, Some Cry” with her sister, Ntozake Shange. Photo courtesy of Princeton Public Library.

Ifa Bayeza had a homecoming of sorts at Princeton Public Library on Friday night, March 22. The author, artist, playwright and professor, who was born in Trenton and graduated from Lawrence High School, read a selection of her latest book Some Sing, Some Cry, to an audience that included

family and old friends.

Representing the family in the library’s Community Room were Ms. Bayeza’s Aunt Vera, and her cousin, former Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore. Several of her late mother’s old friends took up a row of seats and looked on proudly as Ms. Bayeza read from the book on which she collaborated with her older sister, Ntozake Shange, famous for her play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf.

Ms. Bayeza was Wanda Williams and Ms. Shange was Paulette Williams when they were growing up, two of the four children of physician Paul T. Williams and his wife, social worker and college professor Eloise. Asked after the reading why she changed her name, Ms. Bayeza, who graduated from Harvard University and teaches at Brown, said she and her siblings came of age during the black cultural revolution.

“Part of it was claiming our heritage, our own rite of passage,” she said. “I was embracing an Africanness that I didn’t know, but I felt. But I still keep the essence of Wanda.”

Ms. Bayeza’s appearance at the library is the culmination of its programs focused on the Emancipation Proclamation and Women’s History Month. “This ties everything together,” said programming director Janie Hermann, before asking Ms. Moore to introduce her cousin. Obviously proud to have the opportunity, Ms. Moore recalled the Williams household as “a home filled with love, joy, and absolute intellectual fervor.”

Some Sing, Some Cry is a 600-page novel that spans 200 years and seven generations of women in an African-American family. The sisters wrote sporadically over a 15-year period, and included stories they had learned as part of family lore. “It’s a story of music, family, relationships, and a lot of young love,” Ms. Bayeza said before reading. “It’s also a story of movement, of dance, of African people through space and time.”

She and Ms. Shange divided the book into eight parts, some of which they wrote together but most of which they did separately. Asked about the challenges of tying so many decades together, she said, “Each section could have been a novel. We had to edit the characters.”

Ms. Bayeza chose to read a section of the book “in honor of coming home,” about the great migration, the Harlem renaissance, “and something my parents loved to do, which was throw a party,” she said. An animated performer, she sang, imitated a little girl making “choo choo” noises, and took on a Russian accent as she portrayed various characters in the chapter.

The author of the acclaimed play The Ballad of Emmett Till, Ms. Bayeza has been enmeshed in drama since childhood. Asked by the audience what kinds of voices influenced her most, she said, “My mother was a fantastic storyteller. We went to drama all the time. My dad was an amateur magician. I did my first play in fourth grade. I read Our Town at 12, and the fact that a writer had created a universe in an empty space was a marvel to me.”

Another play that left an impression on her was Brecht’s Mother Courage, which she saw at McCarter Theatre. “I thought, ‘Wow! You can be political!’,” Ms. Bayeza recalled. While McCarter was the subject, Ms. Moore took the opportunity to ask her cousin about the possibility of The Ballad of Emmett Till being staged there. The play has been produced in several places and will be staged at a theater festival this summer, Ms. Bayeza replied. Getting to the point, she said, “I have had a number of conversations with Emily [Mann, McCarter’s artistic director]. But I’m waiting for another one.”

 

December 26, 2012

Planning Board Approves Arts & Transit, Citizens Are Considering an Appeal

Concluding six years of discussion and dispute between Princeton University, the governing bodies, and citizens of the town, the Regional Planning Board December 18 voted to approve the University’s $300 million Arts and Transit proposal. Borough Mayor Yina Moore was the only member of the Planning Board to cast an opposing vote.

The approval allows the University to begin planning construction of the 22-acre complex in earnest. “We hope to start the early stages of the project as early as February, if not, then certainly by March,” said Bob Durkee, University vice president and secretary, late last week. “This is a multi-stage process and things need to be done in sequence, so the sooner we can get started clearing the site and working on the utilities, the sooner we can eventually get to the new buildings.”

But a group of citizens opposed to the project will likely file an objection to the Planning Board’s decision. Representing Walter Neumann, Christopher Hedges, Dorothy Koehn, Anita Garoniak, and Marco Gottardis, attorney Bruce Afran said in an email last week, “The Planning Board decision represents a failure to consider the greater needs of the community and an abandonment of any balance in our governmental dealings with the University. In contrast to the AvalonBay project, the Board virtually rubber-stamped the Arts project, raced through the application, asked virtually no questions as to this massive development and entered its resolution on three hours notice in a clear violation of state law. The approval is almost certainly illegal and subject to reversal by the courts and an appeal is being considered.”

Three lawsuits over the project are already pending in the courts. Those represented by Mr. Afran, along with other citizens, have expressed opposition to the part of the plan that requires moving the Dinky train terminus 460 feet south of its present location. Some residents at the meeting pleaded with the Planning Board to vote the proposal down, saying the relocated station will remove an important gateway to the town and make it difficult for those with disabilities to reach the new station. They also complained that the University has not listened to their comments.

But Princeton University Architect Ron McCoy said the University has taken complaints from residents into account over the past few years and studied alternatives to the plan for the Dinky move. None of those alternatives work, he claimed.

Concerns were also raised by citizens about traffic safety and environmental issues. But Planning Board member Julie Nachamkin praised the plan for its walking paths, landscaping, reduction of impervious coverage, and energy efficiency. “And it brings the community to an area of the town where no one spends any time,” she said.

Board member Peter Madison said he is looking forward to the implementation of the plan. “I have lived here for 33 years and have seen a lot of changes, and just about all have been very good,” he said “Unlike someone who sees this as the glass half empty, I see a lot of potential here.” Mr. Madison added that while the existing rail line will never be extended through the campus to Nassau Street, a new light rail line could come in with an alternative route and stops added between Carnegie Lake and Route 1. “I don’t see this as a negative thing,” he concluded. “I understand there are trade-offs.”

Brian McDonald, who heads McCarter Theatre’s Board of Directors, was enthused about the project, specifically for its plan to turn the existing Dinky station buildings across from the theater into a restaurant and cafe. “Better parking and a dining options are two of our patrons’ greatest concerns,” he said. The eateries could help bring additional revenue at a time of struggle for arts organizations.

Before casting the lone vote against the proposal, Borough Mayor and Planning Board member Yina Moore suggested approving only the arts portion of the plan. As a transportation expert who once worked for NJ Transit, Ms. Moore said there has not been enough research done on the moving of the Dinky. Board members Marvin Reed and Janet Stern cast their votes for the plan “with regret.”

Mr. Durkee said the filing of an appeal against the Planning Board will be “another example of imposing costs on the community because the community will then have to defend the process. I think it will be an easy process to defend, because the Board has worked very diligently on this project. There is little likelihood that the appeal will make any headway at all, but it will cost the community money to defend against it.”


November 14, 2012

Princeton University Forum On Search for President Hears From Community

At an open forum this past Monday evening that focused on the search for Princeton University’s next president, members of the local governing bodies and a handful of community residents made clear their hopes for a leader with a heightened sensitivity to town/gown relations.

While all who spoke to eight representatives of the 17-member search committee expressed gratitude for the opportunity, few minced words when describing outgoing president Shirley Tilghman’s interactions with the local community. Ms. Tilghman, president of the University since 2001, announced her intention to step down at the end of the current academic year.

“Fear and intimidation has become a common theme on and off campus with the present administration,” said resident Joseph McGeady. “Tilghman apparently views the community only as an obstacle to the University’s plans.” Mr. McGeady was among the speakers who referred to a contentious Borough Council meeting in January, 2011, when Ms. Tilghman requested approval of the University’s plans for its Arts and Transit neighborhood. David Goldfarb, a former member of Borough Council, urged the committee to view a videotape of the meeting.

Led by University trustees Laura Forese ’83 and Kathryn Hall ’80, the forum was designed to hear input from local residents rather than to answer questions. Earlier in the day, the search was the topic at a gathering of the Council of the Princeton Community. Further meetings on the search are scheduled with members of the University faculty, staff, and students this week.

Resident Linda Sipprelle suggested that the new president come from the business world rather than academia. “An ideal candidate could be found among the many accomplished alumni of Princeton who have contributed to the success of business or finance,” she said. “A president with experience in the real world can best lead the University successfully into the 21st century both locally and nationally.”

Borough Council member Kevin Wilkes, who entered Princeton University in 1975, described the town of that time as very different from today. “The equilibrium has changed,” he said, referring to its metamorphosis from quiet college town to an “extraordinarily hyper” destination. “The new president should be aware and open to issues of growth,” he said. “Friction has developed as the University has grown. I would hope the new president would be open to mutual planning strategies.”

Borough resident Chip Crider, also a graduate of the University, said, “We need a new president who is the kind of guy who you’d invite over to your house if you were grilling. And we don’t have that.” He added, “The case can be made to get a president who didn’t come from an academic background. It should be someone who can get respect.”

Princeton mayor-elect Liz Lempert said she hoped the new president would be someone “interested in working on this relationship in earnest.” Princeton “could be a model for town/gown relations,” she added. “To have someone interested in engaging in that partnership is something I’d like to see.”

Borough Mayor and Princeton graduate Yina Moore described Ms. Tilghman’s attitude toward the community as “nothing but destructive” and said she “has expressed only a disdain for elected officials and the democratic process.” Ms. Moore was referring not only to the struggles over Arts and Transit, but also to a pending Assembly bill that would allow private universities and colleges to expand without municipal approval. A president who is “not dictating to the town, but in a relationship, a partnership, is much more what the community needs,” she said.

About 25 people attended the forum, which was held in a room in Robertson Hall. Bob Durkee, University vice-president and secretary, said the committee was prepared to move to a larger room if an overflow crowd had attended. While future forums are a possibility, the University is urging the public to express their views on the selection of a new president by logging onto the website princeton.edu/presidentialsearch.

“We’ve already had members of the community who have found their way to that website, and we hope more will,” he said Tuesday. “If we don’t see comments coming through, one option would be to have another conversation of this kind, or a more general one where community members and others will participate. Yesterday’s were the first. We’re just getting started and we’ll see how things go.”


November 6, 2012

Princeton Acting as One During Storm

Borough and Township police have been acting as a single entity in responding to storm-related conditions. At noon Monday, after consultation with the Borough and Township Police departments and administration, Borough Mayor Yina Moore and Township Mayor Chad Goerner declared a state of emergency in the two communities and authorized the opening of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the Princeton Township Police Department. This will be in effect until further notice. All declarations that have been issued by the Federal, State and County are in full effect.

In collaboration with Borough Captain Nicholas Sutter, Township Sergeant Michael R. Cifelli advised area residents that:

Any communications from the respective Departments about the storm or emergency services activity during the storm would be sent out jointly to ensure that all information that is sent out is consistent. Mr. Cifelli emphasized that here is no need to contact both departments for information as they will be together during the duration of the storm.

The joint Emergency Operations Center (EOC) includes the Princeton Fire Department (PFD) , Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Princeton University Public Safety, and both Township and Borough Department Public Works departments.

Princeton Fire Department noted that they will be unable to pump basements during the storm, so residents are asked not to call them.

Social media are live streaming for the duration of the storm via the Township PD Facebook and Twitter accounts. This includes road closures and other activities that need to be posted in the interest of public safety. These postings also include road closures and activities that occur in Princeton Borough. Known power outages will also be posted. Residents are asked not to call the police departments with reports of power outages. Calls should be directed to PSE&G at (800) 436-7734.

Both the Princeton Borough and Princeton Township government websites are being updated periodically with storm related information.

October 17, 2012

Residents Share Concerns At Borough Council Forum On Land Use Laws

At a public forum focused on a pending Assembly bill that would exempt private colleges and universities from municipal land use laws, panelists warned that passage could set a precedent enabling other non-profits, such as hospitals and private schools, to bypass local zoning regulations. The forum was held at a meeting of Princeton Borough Council last Tuesday, October 8, and attended by about 50 people.

Borough Mayor Yina Moore, who has been closely involved in organizing opposition to the proposed legislation, commented this week that she was encouraged with the response to the event. “I’ve heard from a lot of people,” she said. “I know that a lot of people who weren’t there watched it on TV. It was very informative. Now, we’re ready to act.”

The Senate version of Assembly bill A2586 passed 26-8-6 last June and is now in the hands of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee. A group of citizens and local officials is planning to attend the Committee’s November 8 meeting in Trenton to express opposition to the bill, “whether or not they have the item on the agenda,” Ms. Moore said. “We have a pretty broad representation, including some Princeton University students, though the administration seems less interested. There will be quite a bit of involvement.”

Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman, responding to a letter last month from Ms. Moore asking that the University oppose the bill, declined, saying the University “would never jeopardize the well-being of the community.” Those in support of the legislation say it will speed up the process of construction projects and give private institutions parity with public universities, which currently pursue development without review by local zoning and planning boards.

“They call it a parity bill. We call it a disparity bill,” said panelist Michael Cerra of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. “We don’t accept the argument that it is a parity bill. It creates an unequal playing field. It puts local governments at a disadvantage.” Mr. Cerra called the amount of opposition to the bill by citizen groups across the state “astonishing.”

Charles Latini Jr., resident of the American Planning Association’s New Jersey chapter, said the legislation would exist to promote the partnerships of large-scale universities such as Princeton with developers and could have a “devastating effect” on communities. “You may lose control of your town,” he said. “And for the other towns that do not have colleges or universities: Be concerned.”

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said large, private universities might not mean to hurt the community, but they might not understand the bill’s implications. What communities should watch out for, he added, are partnerships between the private educational institutions and biotech research firms.

While Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) said he is tracking the bill closely and predicted it will be defeated by a slim margin, his colleague Reed Gusicora (D-15), who has a letter in this week’s Mailbox (page 14), was not as optimistic. “I think this is pretty much wired to pass,” Mr. Gusciora said. “I think it’s a power play by developers and private interests. It’s throwing land use out the window. I think we have a long way to go.”

Several local residents spoke at the forum, none of whom were in favor of the bill. Resident Todd Reichert asked whether the universities had been invited to the forum, “because I’d love to hear their arguments.” He added, “Good fences make good neighbors. And the good fence of a municipal land use law provides the kind of protection that I as a non-17-billion-dollar endowed resident would like to have on my side, since I don’t have those dollars and powerful people on my side.”

Ms. Moore said that Princeton University, Rider University, the Institute for Advanced Study, and Princeton Theological Seminary were invited to the forum. Princeton and Rider universities declined the invitation, while the other two institutions did not respond.

Resident Heidi Fichtenbaum, an architect, said that lots of “back of house” buildings have to be built on campuses for storage and other uses. She used the example of a massive book storage facility that Princeton University is building in the Forrestal complex to illustrate what could happen if the municipal land use laws were not being followed. “If something like that went up in the middle of Princeton, people would be aghast,” she said. “We would lose complete control with this law.”

Resident Kip Cherry said there is reason to believe the bill is unconstitutional. Marvin Reed, former Township mayor, said, “Good town/gown relations depend on good planning and good zoning, and that’s what we have to keep in place.”

Ms. Moore urged citizens to make their voices heard regarding opposition to the bill. “If you think taxes are bad now, you haven’t seen anything if this bill passes,” she said, encouraging people to attend the November 8 meeting of the Higher Education Committee in Trenton. But Mr. Tittel urged people to take action immediately instead of waiting for the meeting. “Get to members now,” he said.


October 3, 2012

Bill A2586: Council Forum Drawing Battle Lines

Princeton Borough Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, October 9 will be dominated by one issue: Concern about a bill pending in the State Assembly that would exempt private universities from municipal land use law. Mayor Yina Moore, who along with Township Mayor Chad Goerner has been active in a statewide effort to prevent the bill known as A2586 from passing, said that a special town forum on the subject is being held to help inform the public about how they can help defeat the measure.

“We’re inviting mayors from other towns who share our circumstance of having land owned by a private college or university,” she said. “During the council meeting, we’ll have [representatives from] the New Jersey League of Municipalities, the American Planning Association’s New Jersey Chapter, who wrote the petition and extensive paper on the problem; legislators, and other organizations who have opposed the bill and therefore support our position that it is not fair to municipalities or citizens.”

The mayors invited to the forum are among 17 municipalities in New Jersey that contain property owned by private universities. Invited speakers include Michael Cerra, senior legislative analyst; and Charles Latini Jr., president of the American Planning Association’s New Jersey Chapter.

The Senate version of the bill passed 26-8-6 last June. The Assembly version has been referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee. The bill would exempt private colleges and universities from complying with local zoning codes under the Municipal Land Use Law. As of Tuesday, October 2, 956 people had signed a petition on the American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter’s website opposing the measure. A group called Coalition for Safe Neighborhoods has created a flyer that was mailed to local residents, and is currently airing a radio spot expressing opposition to the bill.

While local officials are opposed to the bill, representatives of private colleges and universities have said that it would put them on equal footing with public institutions in the state. Last month, Mayor Moore sent a letter to Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman asking that the University issue a written statement opposing the bill.

“Princeton Borough strongly believes that no developer in Princeton should be exempt from the salutary controls established by the State Legislature in the Municipal Land Use Law,” she wrote. “Those controls include land use planning procedures and law designed to protect communities from a wide variety of threats, including to public safety and health, to the local economy and quality of life, and to the environment. Exempting institutions from those controls could seriously damage the interests of Borough residents in neighborhoods adjacent to a proposed developer as well as the interests of Borough residents as a whole.”

Ms. Tilghman responded in a letter: “Given Princeton University’s 250-year history of being both a responsible developer and a very good community citizen, I was astonished by the belief of Princeton Borough that the adoption of Assembly Bill No. 2586 could subject the community to ‘a wide variety of threats, including to public safety and health, to the local economy and quality of life, and to the environment.’ Princeton is our home and will always be our home, so whether this legislation is adopted or not, we would never jeopardize the well-being of our community. If the legislation is adopted, we would continue to consult with local officials and residents before proceeding with any major project, and would continue to try to address community needs as well as university needs as fully as we can.”

The October 9 forum will be divided into four segments: Short, prepared remarks by speakers, statements by a panel of representatives from impacted communities, and questions from the audience concluding with drafting of an action plan “to more vigorously oppose the legislation,” according to a press release issued by the Borough this week.

Ms. Moore hopes members of the public will attend to ask questions and offer comments. “We have a core contingent,” she said. “We hope to get a good showing, and we want to hear from the public. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get a couple of mayors or representatives from towns that already have public colleges and universities, so we can understand what that experience is about.”


April 25, 2012

Historic Sites Council Approves NJ Transit Plan For Removal of Track

Following several comments from the public for and against NJ Transit’s proposal to abandon the current Dinky easement, the New Jersey Historic Sites Council voted to approve the measure last Thursday during a meeting in Trenton. The 5-1 vote sends a recommendation to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection that the transportation agency be permitted to take up sections of the track once the Dinky station is moved 460 feet south, which will make room for Princeton University’s planned $300 million arts complex.

At the beginning of the meeting, Historic Preservation Office administrator Dan Saunders explained to the Council that since the University is a private owner, the Council’s influence is limited concerning the tracks, which are still owned by NJ Transit. Even if the Council did not vote to approve the proposal, the easement would automatically be abandoned five years after the station is moved to its new location.

“They don’t need our permission to move it,” Mr. Saunders said. “It would not require an application. NJ Transit can go ahead and do it. Imagine the DEP compelling someone to continue using some historic building for a particular use. Since 1986, we’ve never done such a thing.”

Princeton University plans to design a new station for the Dinky, which connects commuters to the Princeton Junction stop on the northeast corridor line. The existing building, which is across from McCarter Theatre, would be turned into a restaurant or cafe.

Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore was the first to urge the Council to reject the proposal. Citing Smithsonian Magazine’s recent naming of Princeton as the twelfth most desirable small town [out of 20] in America, she said the Dinky line contributes to local quality of life. “Please prevent this abandonment by NJ Transit and vote no,” she said.

Also opposed to the proposal and to relocating the Dinky terminus, Borough Council member Jenny Crumiller said that NJ Transit and Princeton University’s justification for moving the Dinky is “because we can. The heart of the matter is that each time we take the Dinky, we connect with the past,” she added. “It if was a restaurant it would become just another pretty building with a plaque.”

Among those speaking in favor of the proposal were McCarter board president Brian McDonald and Lori Rabon, general manager of the Nassau Inn and a member of the Princeton Merchants Association and the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. “We anticipate a new restaurant and cafe would allow guests to dine in the neighborhood of McCarter Theatre,” Ms. Rabon said. “No doubt the University will preserve both the architecture and history of the building. Why would we wait five years? Now is the time to move forward.”

Kip Cherry, a member of the citizens’ group, Save the Dinky, and a professional planner, urged the Council to put off the decision until two pending lawsuits by Save the Dinky regarding the University’s move are resolved. “The arts building can go forward,” she said. “We need the five years to allow other operators to take over the Dinky line.”

University student Josh Shulman sided with those opposed to the measure, saying he was one of 100 students who have signed Save the Dinky’s petition. Moving the station would interfere with its historic significance, he said. “We’ve been completely left out of these plans that the University is shoving down our throats.”

University vice president Bob Durkee countered by saying the issue had been discussed extensively with students on campus. Mr. Durkee also said the University’s plans include links between the old station and the new one, with commemorative markers providing information about the Dinky’s history.

Backed by a video of her husband walking to the site of the new station, Borough resident Anne Neumann told the Council that approving NJ Transit’s request “will lead to the death of the Dinky.” Pete Weale of West Windsor also urged the Council to vote against the proposal because removing the track would eliminate the possibility of the train being extended north to Nassau Street. “NJ Transit is doing the bidding for Princeton University,” he said. “The Princeton University campus is all about empire-building.”

Bruce Afran, lawyer for Save the Dinky, said making a decision on moving the tracks would be premature because litigation will take years to resolve and a certified site plan for the planned arts district does not yet exist. Mr. Afran added that the station building “is a pristine structure, not in need of rehabilitation.” Designed by noted railroad architect and engineer Alexander Shand, he said it contains the first high-level train platform built outside of a city in the United States.

Regarding history, Tom Clarke, regional manager of government and community relations for NJ Transit, said, “We get it.” The University’s 1984 purchase of the Dinky station saved the Dinky from going out of service, he said, helping subsidize the train service for the next 20 years instead of letting it lapse. Letting the proposal pass “allows NJ Transit to work with the University to improve multi-modal transit for the Princetons and the region.”

 

April 4, 2012

Republicans Enter Race for Mayor, Council

Former Township Mayor and Borough Council President Richard C. Woodbridge, a Republican, has announced his candidacy for mayor of the consolidated Princeton. Mr. Woodbridge joins current Council member Kevin Wilkes and Township Committee Deputy Mayor Liz Lempert, both Democrats, in the race. Ms. Lempert was endorsed last month by the Princeton Community Democratic Organization {PCDO}.

Current Borough Mayor Yina Moore, who had opted to run for Council rather than mayor, did not file a petition by the April 2 deadline to be a candidate in the Democratic primary. At press time, Ms. Moore had not commented on whether she is dropping out or will choose to run as an Independent.

In the Council race, Republican Geoff Aton announced his candidacy this week and is running unopposed. Mr. Woodbridge has been endorsed by the local Republican Municipal Committee, and will run unopposed in the Republican mayoral primary.

“After hearing from many on both sides of the political aisle and listening to numerous citizen concerns, I have decided to enter the race for mayor,” Mr. Woodbridge wrote in a press release issued last Friday. “I believe now is the time for Princeton to elect someone with experience and fresh thinking, who believes in true inclusiveness and non-partisan cooperation.”

On Monday, Mr. Woodbridge spoke further about his decision to run. “I’m doing this largely because of friends suggesting I do so,” he said. “It probably was inspired by some editorials that were out there in early February. People said, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a really contested race here?’”

A 1965 graduate of Princeton University, Mr. Woodbridge became a patent attorney and has maintained a patent and trademark practice in Princeton since 1973. He is currently a partner with Fox Rothschild LLP. Raised here, he attended the Nassau Street and Valley Road schools before graduating from The Lawrenceville School.

“I’m probably the only candidate who has seen Albert Einstein in the flesh,” he said, recalling the time his father -pointed out the famed scientist walking across the Harrison Street bridge.

His familiarity with the two municipalities is among his qualifications for the job, Mr. Woodbridge said. “I grew up here. I went to local schools. I know the town and have seen a lot of changes,” he said. “I think change is good and change is inevitable, but this period of change with consolidation is really as dramatic as we’ve ever seen. There are a huge number of special issues that go along with this kind of change in government.”

Consolidation is not the only challenge that would come with the role of mayor. “You can’t spend all your time just fighting fires,” Mr. Woodbridge said. “You have to think beyond that. There are financial challenges as well. The town has gotten so expensive that it’s hard for families to stay here. Taxes and expenses are so high. But we also have to look forward to where we want to be. So it’s dealing with the day-to-day stuff as well as looking to the future.”

Mr. Woodbridge is a 20-year veteran of the Princeton Fire Department. He has served as Police, Public Works and Fire Commissioner, among other municipal posts. “I have had the pleasure of working for both towns, seeing changes and knowing the context of all those changes,” he said. “My interest is trying to take us to the next level.”

Mr. Aton, a member of the Township Zoning Board, was a candidate for Township Committee in 2011. Married to a Democrat, he said in a statement, “It is a new era in Princeton. It is also time for a new approach to government. It is time for an end to partisanship. pettiness, and bickering. It is time for a responsible government that puts the people of Princeton above politics.”

The candidates running in the Democratic primary for six seats on the new Council are current Council members Jenny Crumiller, Jo Butler, Heather Howard, and Roger Martindell; Township Committee members Bernie Miller and Lance Liverman, and newcomers Tamera Matteo, Scott Sillars, and Patrick Simon.


March 28, 2012

Mayors’ Transition Task Force Request To Be Taken Up at Next Joint Meeting

A request by the mayors of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough asking citizen members of the Transition Task Force and Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission to sign a conflict-of-interest document was a source of much discussion during a meeting of the Task Force last Wednesday. The document would prevent Task Force citizen members and those serving on subcommittees from seeking employment in the consolidated Princeton for two years.

Members of the Task Force and Consolidation Commission received letters last week from Borough Mayor Yina Moore and Township Mayor Chad Goerner, with an attached legal opinion from Township Attorney Edwin W. Schmierer. Titled “Consolidation Process: Avoidance of Conflict of Interest,” the memo states, “The work of the Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission and that of the Transition Task Force and its various sub-committees will shape the new Princeton for many years to come. Therefore, it is critical that we avoid any appearance of conflict or non-objectivity whatsoever.”

The letter goes on to ask the recipients to agree that no one in a member’s immediate family be permitted to contract services or be employed by Princeton for two years once consolidation goes into effect.

Task Force member Jim Levine expressed concern that time spent discussing the issue was non-productive. “We have so much important stuff to do,” he said. “Anyone running for something should recuse themselves.” Hendricks Davis disagreed. “These are important issues that should be raised,” he said. Scott Sillars, who is vice-chairman of the Task Force, said, “We are breaking new ground here and we have to make sure we are acting like adults. Everyone should know they are dealing with people who are honest.”

The matter will be taken up at the April 3 joint meeting of Borough Council and Township Committee.

Also at the meeting, the Task Force heard presentations from various departments of the Township and Borough that will be affected by consolidation. Gary J. De Blasio, executive director of Corner House, said that the organization devoted to the health and well-being of young people is a joint agency of the Borough and Township that will continue to operate as it is. “But we’re excited about the possibility of moving out of the Valley Road [School building],” he said. “We would like to be considered for a move. We would need at least 6,500 square feet, but 10,000 would be ideal.”

Wayne Carr, director of the Borough’s Department of Public Works, told the Task Force that his department does not have the facilities it needs. “We have stuff all over the place,” he said. “Storage is outside at the PSOC [Princeton Sewer Operating Committee].” Donald R. Hansen, Public Works Director of the Township, said storm water and the collection of leaves and brush are major issues. Since the Borough and Township handle the leaves and brush collection differently, cross-training will be necessary when the departments are combined.

Township Engineer Bob Kiser and Borough Engineer Jack West gave a joint presentation, including a possible infrastructure of what would be called the Community Development department. Other testimony at the meeting came from the Sewer Operating Committee and Recreation Maintenance.

The next meeting of the Transition Task Force is tonight, March 28, at Borough Hall starting at 7 p.m.


March 14, 2012

Field of Candidates Grows as Yina Moore Enters Council Race

Princeton Borough Mayor Yina Moore will not run for mayor of the consolidated Princetons, but will instead be a candidate for the council that will govern the combined municipality.

“First, I think we have the opportunity to elect a mayor who has broad experience, has contributed to the Princeton community outside of the political arena, and who has the vision and fortitude to lead our community in a new era,” Ms. Moore said in an email Tuesday. “Second, I decided to run for office one year ago to bring my experience, leadership, and clear purpose to bear in addressing a myriad of community issues. Although I have been in office only 70 days, I have put forth several initiatives that I want to focus on for the next few months as mayor without the distraction of a mayoral campaign.

“Third, I want to continue the implementation of these initiatives and contribute to decision making as a voting member of Council to ensure that benefits of consolidation accrue to the entire community,” she concluded.

Ms. Moore’s decision leaves the field open to two Democrats, current Township Committeewoman Liz Lempert and Councilman Kevin Wilkes, who are currently seeking the endorsement of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO). The PCDO will meet on Sunday, March 25 to endorse a candidate for mayor and decide which of the 10 Democrats vying for council seats to approve.

Meanwhile, the Princeton Republican Committee is seeking potential candidates for both mayor and council, as well as membership in the new Committee, which will be chosen from each of the 22 new voting districts in Princeton in the June primary. Chairman Dudley Sipprelle has issued a statement urging interested parties to contact him at princetongop@yahoo.com or (609) 497-740.

In addition to Ms. Moore, the Democrats running for seats on the combined council, which will begin governing the consolidated Princeton in January 2013, are current Borough Council members Heather Howard, Jo Butler, Jenny Crumiller, and Roger Martindell; Township Committee members Bernie Miller and Lance Liverman; and newcomers Tamera Matteo, Patrick Simon, and Scott Sillars.

Ms. Matteo ran an independent home and design store in Palmer Square and later in Princeton Shopping Center, for more than 10 years. Mr. Simon serves on the Princeton Joint Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission, and Mr. Sillars is vice-chairman of the Transition Task Force.

January 11, 2012

Politicians Turn Out For Final Reorganization Of Borough Council

In front of a packed house of local politicians and special guests, Princeton Borough Council held its last annual reorganization meeting as an independent municipality on Tuesday, January 3. U.S. Representative Rush Holt, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, and several county freeholders were on hand to witness the swearing in of new Mayor Yina Moore, new Council President Barbara Trelstad, and new Council member Heather Howard. Outgoing Mayor Mildred Trotman delivered a farewell speech, as did outgoing Councilman David Goldfarb, who did not mince words in his criticism of Princeton University.

After praising Princeton Theological Seminary for its community values, Mr. Goldfarb said the University would be wise to learn from that example.

“With financial resources that dwarf those of virtually all other colleges and universities in the world, Princeton University still demands that the residents of our town subsidize it,” he said. “On top of that, its president threatened to reduce its inadequate contribution in lieu of taxes if the town didn’t comply with the University’s wishes. When President Tilghman presented us with her ultimatum last year, we should have called her bluff. Instead, the leaders of our town capitulated, emboldening the University to make similar threats in the future.”

Mr. Goldfarb concluded by saying he hopes the town and the University “will work together to restore the mutually respectful relationship that we enjoyed under prior University administrations,” suggesting that leaving the Dinky in place instead of moving it 460 feet south would be “an excellent place to start.”

Ms. Trotman spoke of 2011 as a productive year for Princeton Borough, citing a zero percent tax rate increase for the third year in a row, the on-schedule renovation of the Community Pool, and passage of the ordinance to create an arts and transit neighborhood despite unanimous support for leaving the Dinky station in place. She also paid tribute to Michael Kenwood, the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad EMT/Rescue Technician who died while attempting a rescue during Hurricane Irene.

In her speech, new Mayor Yina Moore said she will be proposing new initiatives to create a Downtown Neighborhoods Commission and an Institutional Relations Committee. The Neighborhoods Commission will include representatives of businesses and neighborhoods in the downtown business district. “It will be charged with elevating common and disparate concerns to better address these issues through our shared community values,” she said. “The Institutional Relations Committee, made up of citizens, elected officials, and a cross section of the Princeton University community, including students, faculty, alumni and administrators, is intended to create a new conversation amongst all parties in a new forum to identify, discuss, and address our mutual concerns.”

Ms. Moore also said she will be asking the Affordable Housing Committee to expand its vision to look beyond its role in administering the former Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) program and policies.

Later in the week, Ms. Trelstad, who replaces Councilman Kevin Wilkes as Council President, spoke of her new challenges. “The biggest one is to, hopefully, enable us to all work together toward consolidation,” she said. “The road map has been laid out, but we need to do it right. And by that, I mean we need to do it collegially and set an example. Because I think New Jersey needs to think about doing more of this. If we can do it, and do it in the time frame laid out, more or less, and do it well, that’s good.”

Ms. Trelstad added that the Memorandum of Understanding between the municipalities and Princeton University needs work. She also hopes to help Ms. Moore as she transitions into her new post. “I’ve had six or seven years on Council, so I hope I can make it easier for her,” Ms. Trelstad said. “I want to make sure we all work together, because that will help her.”