To the Editor:

“Princeton is special” is a phrase that is often invoked in discussions of contentious issues like parking, housing, and cannabis. Depending which side of an issue you are on, special can mean very different things, from safety to charm to high property values. Being explicit about what makes Princeton special is worth doing so that in the midst of these issues we can work to preserve and promote what we want the town to be.

To me, what makes Princeton special is three distinct things: strong institutions, vibrant business districts, and diversity.

Princeton has a unique and truly remarkable array of institutions that enrich the town: a world-class university, a regional theater, great public and private schools, civic organizations, a strong local government  . . .  the list goes on. I am particularly impressed with the openness, thoroughness, and civility that our town government brings to complex and emotionally charged issues — an often thankless task for which those involved deserve to be thanked. All of these institutions need to be valued, supported, and preserved.

Princeton’s downtown and the commercial districts extending down Witherspoon Street, up Nassau Street and at the Shopping Center stand in sharp contrast to the shopping areas on the sides of through-roads that characterize so many other towns. Being able to park, walk, and shop is a lure and a pleasure for residents, employees, and visitors alike. The number of empty store fronts we currently see is troubling. It is critical that we ensure that our local merchants can run viable, sustainable businesses. more

To the Editor:

When spring arrived in Princeton this year, we all had to do without the annual display of blossoms on the Bradford/Callery pear trees along Witherspoon Street. They had been removed for good reasons, such as being an invasive and superannuated monoculture. Nevertheless, many people expressed regret at the loss of a natural feature that had been part of our streetscape for decades.

Fortunately, our town will soon have replacement trees of appropriate species gracing Witherspoon Street. But we will still remember how the center of Princeton felt without its longtime leafy denizens. The many benefits that street trees bring to communities are well known; for instance, a bill introduced by our NJ12 Congressional Representative, Bonnie Watson Coleman — the SHADE Act [H.R .4166, with 55 co-sponsors — would support planting trees in low-income and/or minority communities throughout the country.

Among the invisible gifts of trees is that they absorb carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases generated by fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. This month, we observe the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, following the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report is long and thoroughly researched, but to summarize: It is time to redouble our efforts to stabilize the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  more

To the Editor:

Trees are on my mind! I lived in Princeton for many, many years and one of my memories has to do with that space next to the McCaffrey’s parking lot. When my children were growing up, a traveling circus would come to town once a year and where did they set up? On the space in the midst those now beautiful tall pine trees. For years those trees have serviced Princeton with their ever deepening roots sequestering much carbon and holding back more water from flooding the surrounding area. If they are mowed down now to make it more convenient for the builder to construct housing, much will be lost. Are we really interested in taking care of our environment? Then every old statuesque tree that we kill is one more action that declares hypocrisy. With a creative approach, these could be saved.

One more item: The current mulching methods used by the majority of landscaping services are actually killing your trees. Every year more mulch is piled up around the trunk creating an environment of extreme moisture that then breeds rot and insects that destroy the trapped bark. Placed four inches from the surface of the tree or bush and only to a depth of three inches will be safe to spread. The chemical formula used for the black and red dyed mulches is not available and can contain poisonous chemicals such as arsenic — as can the wood that is chopped up for the mulch itself.

Ah trees — one of our planet’s lifesavers if we take care of them and plant the ones that support our native pollinators.

Judith K. Robinson
Columbia Avenue, Hopewell

To the Editor:

As a physician practicing internal medicine for over 30 years, medicinal marijuana was suggested to me, but I was very reluctant to start the program. I felt that this would invite patients into my office who just wanted to use marijuana for recreational use. After some persistence from my office manager, I slowly started to introduce qualified patients requesting medicinal cannabis to my practice.

To my surprise, the patients requesting to participate in the program proved to be some of the most complex patients that I have ever treated: crippling back pain with multiple failed surgeries that opiates insufficiently treated, war veterans and rape victims with PTS, anxiety not responding to conventional treatments, crippling pain from shingles, neuropathy, and much more.

The patients ages have ranged from 15-98 years old. I have treated police officers, lawyers, physicians, state workers, therapists, university professors, politicians, and anyone who has failed conventional medical treatments. Many older adults have expressed their concern trying the program but came in because nothing else has helped them.

In a relatively short time of treatment, I started to observe real control of disease that I haven’t witnessed in over 30 years of using conventional medicine.  more

To the Editor:

Blooming in many people’s yards right now is a small yellow flower that, upon closer inspection, proves not to be a dandelion. Variously called lesser celandine or fig buttercup, its radical invasiveness triggers a predictable progression of emotions in the homeowner. Delight at its pretty flower soon turns to alarm as year by year it takes over the yard, spreading through flower beds, across lawns and into neighboring properties. What may start as a few scattered, harmless-seeming clumps quickly becomes the equivalent of a rash upon the landscape. Unlike the dandelion, lesser celandine also spreads into nature preserves. Poisonous to wildlife, it forms thick stands reminiscent of pavement. Over time, our nature preserves become less and less edible to the wildlife they were meant to support. Native diversity shifts towards non-native monoculture.

The solution to this aesthetic and ecological problem is straightforward. Learn to identify the plant’s flower and leaves, catch infestations early, then spot spray with a systemic herbicide that will kill lesser celandine’s tenacious roots. This simple prescription, however, often comes up against various romantic views of nature. There’s the let-it-be view that nature will take care of itself. This has been repeatedly proven untrue but has the enduring appeal of excusing the individual from taking action. There’s also the common, seemingly high-minded view that all synthetic pesticides are “poisons.” Yet organic means of controlling lesser celandine have not proven practical. Digging more than a few up is not only time-consuming but also means more trash headed to the landfill. So-called organic herbicides don’t kill the roots. It’s worth noting that most people who prefer organic foods also take synthetic medicines to defend the body from invasions. Those medicines invariably have toxicities, which we minimize by limiting the dose. The same holds for synthetic herbicides to mend nature. more

To the Editor:

The Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) would like to honor commission secretary Debra Mercantini, fondly known as Deb, who recently transitioned unexpectedly. 

Deb served as the PEC secretary for many years, but she was more to most of us than just a Commission secretary. Deb’s warm, kind manner was apparent in many ways as she performed her duties for PEC and went above and beyond in thinking ahead and doing what needed to be done — sometimes before being asked. Deb’s visible care for commissioners made us feel like family and her heart was full of compassion when personal concerns occurred. Whether it was warmly greeting you with a smile as you walked into the clerk’s office or remembering that you were on vacation and truly being interested in hearing about it upon your return, Deb’s kindness never failed. 

The PEC is struck by the loss of Deb and our hearts go out to Deb’s family during this difficult time. May we all reflect the kindness that Deb so easily exemplified on a daily basis, in spite of the whirlwind that oftentimes funnels us in forgetting just how far kindness can take us and those on the receiving end.

Tammy L. Sands
Chair, Princeton Environmental
Commission & PEC Commissioners

Eve Niedergang
PEC Council Liaison

To the Editor:

On April 2, the community came together at the Starry Starry Evening Gala at Bedens Brook Country Club to support the incredible work of Princeton Nursery School (PNS). The event raised funds for PNS and celebrated our community’s commitment to ensuring that all local children build strong minds, strong bodies, and strong connections. Exciting news about the school’s future was also shared, as PNS announced a new executive director, Leanna Jahnke, after a comprehensive search.

PNS was founded in 1929 by Margaret Matthews-Flinsch to help working mothers who felt forced to choose between supporting their families or caring for their children. Today, the school honors this history by helping children and families break the cycle of poverty through a successful start to their education. Through the hard work and the support of staff, volunteers, and board members, PNS has been able to continue its mission of empowering children through exceptional early education and supportive family services that are affordable for all. All the funds raised during A Starry Starry Evening will sustain essential services provided by PNS, including providing high-quality education, nutritious meals, and comprehensive family support. more

To the Editor:

I am a psychotherapist and an LCADC (a state Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) practicing in Princeton. Some years ago, I asked the social worker at a Princeton High School, “What do you see as the top three problems facing the kids we work with?” He replied, “Stress, stress, and stress.”

Our schools have heavy course loads. In our meritocracy, our teenagers are facing a competitive, high-pressure marketplace to get into good colleges. Marijuana is prescribed to adults to treat anxiety. Because it can relieve stress and anxiety, it is very seductive to youth. But with heavy use, it can also weaken motivation, and the ability to work hard.

People in general are not good at assessing their own capacity for addiction, teenagers even less so. Retail, on-street shops for selling marijuana, even though they will not sell to kids, will normalize its use and weaken our adult warnings about its risks. Youth use will go up. And with more kids using, more will get addicted. When you think about weed shops in town, consider their effect on the young.

Lucy Harman, LCSW, LCADC
Broadmead 

To the Editor:

Local Cannabis store proponents base their arguments on appeals to democracy, safe supply, and social justice. However, all of these arguments are flawed.

1) The majority of Princeton voters did vote to legalize cannabis possession and use in New Jersey. I was one of those voters. However, while I supported cannabis decriminalization because of racially biased enforcement of prior laws, I oppose the siting of stores in town within walking distance of schools. Decriminalization and siting are two separate issues, and the latter has not been voted upon.

2) I agree that legalization improves the quality of cannabis supply. As a result, users already have several, safe options available including home delivery, a large dispensary conveniently located (a 15-minute drive) on Route 1 near Quaker Bridge Mall, and up to 10 shops (including small businesses) in Trenton. Most Princeton residents cannot walk to a competitively priced grocery store to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Why should they expect to walk to a cannabis store? more

To the Editor:

I agree that filling empty storefronts on Nassau Street should be a big priority for the town. But how should we fill those empty spaces?

In addition to pot shops, why not add vape shops and smoke shops as well as more liquor stores? Would Nassau Street then be a place all residents and visitors find more appealing and welcoming?  Not me. 

Cynthia Moorhead
Clover Lane

To the Editor:

Washington and New York have their cherry trees to mark the arrival of spring. For the more than 30 years I have been a Princeton resident, the beginning of spring was marked by the glorious flowering of the pear trees lining Witherspoon Street in the center of town. For the remainder of the spring, summer, and fall, the trees provided beautiful shade along the sidewalks.

Now, we have come to learn that their time is past, and we are told that their invasive behavior rivals their beauty, not that we have all been outside digging up little wild Bradford pear trees from our backyards. While the species is known to be brittle in severe weather, I know other members of our tree canopy have their own significant vulnerabilities, such as the elm (Dutch elm disease) and the ash (emerald ash borer). No, I think we can agree that the greatest offense of our Witherspoon pear trees is that we have decided (collectively) to remodel downtown Witherspoon Street, and the trees would not survive the reconstruction.

This, at least, we can all understand and perhaps accept. Before we consign the pears to the dustbin of history though, we should at the least recognize the beauty and function they have provided us in Princeton for many years. The pear trees were a beautiful part of spring in Princeton, and we thank the designers and planners who created the Witherspoon streetscape years ago. We collectively recognize it is time to move on, but there is no need to blame the trees in retrospect as an “invasive species.” The trees more than served their function, and now it is time to pay our respects and give our thanks.

Don Denny
Nassau Street

To the Editor:

I would like to continue the discussion, sparked by the March 23 letter to the editor and the response from last week’s paper, about planned development in Princeton.

When I first read the letter by the Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development [“Widespread Development Will Have Broad, Lasting Impact Across Princeton,” Mailbox, March 23], I was confused by its timing.  Why was this group choosing the spring of 2022 to raise an alarm about current real estate projects and those that had already been approved and are either in progress or imminent? The fact is that all of the residential projects referred to in the March 23 letter have been part of a growth plan that two different mayors and various occupiers of Council seats have been working on for at least four years. 

Princeton’s obligation to provide affordable housing under the Mt. Laurel doctrine was fully litigated in the courts and was fully covered by our local press. The actual Settlement Agreement outlining the exact number of housing units Princeton would need to provide in order to fulfill its obligation was signed December 18, 2019. 

Rather than being “actively at work” with developers as the letter implies, what Council has been doing these last two years during the pandemic is implementing the plan that was thoroughly considered and vetted. It’s worth noting, in fact, that Council has been working to do myriad things such as: 1) keep cars off our streets, 2) place new development in locations that will have minimal impact on existing residential neighborhoods, and 3) require high performance buildings with enhanced storm water management. For example, much of the planned residential development will be near the Princeton Shopping Center so residents can walk to one of the main economic centers of our town. more

To the Editor:

The debate over cannabis dispensaries in Princeton has at times characterized many Princeton residents as “for” or “against.” I think we should be fair to all sides and “for” or “against” is not the most productive way to have a discussion with our neighbors. Some people in town are excited but some of us are concerned and I’m sure a few are both. I would like to address those concerns — two in particular: our children and our neighborhoods.

As a father of two daughters in the district I am extremely concerned about marijuana in Princeton schools, particularly Princeton High School. The truth is there is marijuana in Princeton High School right now — without any pot shops — it’s there in a student’s backpack or locker. When I was in high school I knew who had it and I knew what students would share it with you. Our kids do too.

The real issue is normalization. If there’s a store, conspicuously renting retail space, in the fanciest part of our town will our kids believe us when we tell them people who smoke pot are morally bankrupt or destined for failure? Of course the answer is “no,” but unfortunately they already don’t believe it. This generation is too smart for that. Every high schooler already personally knows a kind, Ivy-bound fellow student who sneaks off to smoke pot in the woods. When we try to say otherwise, we only hurt our own credibility. To be clear, that student shouldn’t be sneaking off to smoke weed, but she is. We must have tough conversations with our children about responsible use, appropriate ages for experimentation, and resistance to peer pressure. Tough conversations are part of parenting, and we should not try to use zoning ordinances to shirk that responsibility. more

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the recent letter to Town Topics [Mailbox, March 30] and the request to the Princeton mayor and Council to rescind the “area in need of redevelopment” (ANR) designation for the 10 non-contiguous properties owned by Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS).

This designation of an ANR for these properties essentially represented a “gerrymandering” of 10 lots of property, all owned by PTS, for the purpose of creating a residential campus, consolidating their existing accommodation across Princeton.

That project was abandoned by PTS in 2019 as a result of escalating cost and a change in priorities.

Furthermore, PTS has decided to sell five of the 10 lots classified under the ANR to a developer. Given that the original reason for granting the ANR no longer exists, and that some of the properties are to be sold or used piecemeal, it appears reasonable to request that the ANR be rescinded. more

To the Editor:

I am writing as a longtime (now retired) Princeton Board of Health member and resident acknowledging the many letters to Town Topics, etc. on the question of recreational cannabis retail stores in Princeton.

1) Numerous compelling resident expressions have given good reasons why we should not move forward with retail cannabis for a variety of public health, safety, and other factors. The Princeton Board of Health and health officer, as well as our police department’s, responsibilities and input are important in this matter. For example, I do not believe we have an accurate “on the spot” test, such as the alcohol Breathalyzer to measure (DWI) Driving While Impaired (Intoxicated). This is relevant to comparing the existence of liquor stores and initiating recreational retail cannabis. The decisions about alcohol sales were made in a different era and less complex world.

2) Promotion of retail cannabis via local government’s allowance for zoning changes can be expected to create additional health problems. These include increased smoking, motor vehicle accidents, and related impairment incidents. This is especially true with cannabis products, the dose of which cannot always be verified (in cookies, etc.).

3) A large number of New Jersey municipalities statewide, including those close to Princeton, have rejected retail cannabis. Princeton should do likewise. Otherwise, it could become a regional supplier. This would worsen already serious traffic (including air quality) and parking problems, more so with soon expected increased population density in Princeton. more

To the Editor:

Council has heard a lot of comments about cannabis and kids. Nobody wants our kids to be drunk or high, but the issue at hand is about cannabis stores in Princeton.

These stores are serious about customers being over 21. They have an entry room with security cameras where you show your ID, which they add to a database. (It’s more big brother-y than license plate readers or buying alcohol.) Only then are you allowed through a locked door into the showroom.

Who will be selling weed to kids? Not the stores. Kids will still be able to get cheaper, non-boutique weed from a friend of a friend, sometimes 0 feet away from a school.

Opponents say, “drive to another town,” but some folks can’t drive, or want to shop locally. Opponents say, “just get it delivered,” but given the wide choice of new products, knowledgeable retail salespeople are almost required.

Council’s power is to either allow these new small businesses, or not. The three new cannabis shops will help fill storefronts, help local retail activity in general, and help the adults who choose to buy there. The stores won’t sell to teens, who will still get weed elsewhere. We might increase the 500 feet buffer and share the tax with the schools, as School Board members recommended, but let’s proceed.

Bob Schwartz
Grover Avenue

To the Editor:

After months of reading about conflicting points of view and listening to the Princeton Council meeting on March 29, one thing is clear: residents are polarized about the social, medical, and financial implications of having cannabis dispensaries in Princeton.

We need to separate people’s vote to legalize cannabis from equating to people also supporting a local dispensary. We used a referendum to vote to legalize cannabis in the state, so why not use a referendum to decide whether to bring dispensaries into our town? Let’s be clear about what question we are asking, then let residents vote.

Rebecca Feder
Moore Street

To the Editor:

On March 28, my neighbors and I submitted a request to the Princeton mayor and Council to rescind the “area in need of redevelopment” (ANR) designation for the 10 non-contiguous properties owned by Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS).

This designation process for these properties began nearly four years ago as part of an effort to meet the strategic priorities of PTS. As neighbors, we entered a process hopeful that there would be a win-win-win outcome for the institution, the neighbors, and the town. We were led to believe there would be improved pathways and lighting, traffic mitigation, improved storm water management, and dedicated open space. However, no redevelopment plan was ever developed or approved, and after a number of community meetings, PTS paused the process and ultimately announced that their priorities had changed. Subsequently, we learned that PTS has a contract buyer, a private developer, for five of the 10 properties. All efforts to begin a dialogue with the private developer have been rebuffed.

Recently, PTS announced that Dr. Craig Barnes, president of PTS, would be stepping down next year. Shane Berg, the former executive vice president of PTS and our primary point of contact during our preliminary discussions with PTS, has left the organization. Planning Board Chair Wanda Gunning has stepped down, and the chair of this ANR Ad Hoc Committee, Gail Ullman, also retired. Of the elected officials who held office when the ANR designation was adopted, former Mayor Lempert, and former Council members Crumiller, Howard, Liverman, and Williamson all chose not to run for re-election. more

To the Editor:

In the March 23 issue of the paper, a letter raised an alarm about development in Princeton [“Widespread Development Will Have Broad, Lasting Impact Across Princeton”]. It cited an eclectic group of projects — University housing, a new hotel, a relocated restaurant, affordable housing, elder housing — as cause for concern. Claiming to simply “bring attention” to these projects, the letter ends by asking “What impact will all of these projects have on our streets, on our neighborhoods, on the environment, and in our schools?” (italics are mine). Implied in this question is the assumption that the increase in visitor and residential population in Princeton will be harmful to us, those who have already settled here, by bringing more traffic, less parking, more students in schools, and myriad other problems.

There was no mention of the value of these projects to the community. Yet the continued health and vitality of Princeton depends on not just tolerating but welcoming growth that helps encourage a diverse population to live, learn, work, and visit here.

More notably absent was any consideration for the implied them, the people who would benefit from these projects: the students and faculty, the visitors to the town, the merchants, and, most critically, those who wish to find a home here but can’t. Are we really going to choose ease of parking, speed of travel, and comfort with the status quo over the things that allow more people to live and work here in a satisfying and healthy way?

I believe that such priorities need to be examined and realigned.

Meg Davis
Shadybrook Lane

To the Editor:

As we approach National Library Week (April 3-9), we’re pleased to acknowledge the Princeton Public Library. Recently, Library Journal magazine awarded our library its highest rating, Five Stars.

This recognition is significant for three reasons:

1. Our library is the only one in the state to receive this rating;
2. This is the sixth year in a row our library has achieved this rating;
3. PPL was ranked No. 1 nationally in its budget category.

Many factors contribute to such excellence. Thank you, municipality. Your ongoing financial support recognizes that many consider the library our community’s living room and their favorite place in Princeton.

Thank you, patrons. Your respect for, embrace of, and participation in all that our library offers — print and online resources; a range of programs; a peaceful, vital oasis in a bustling downtown; a locale that enhances opportunities to build community — confirm why our library is the second most-popular destination (after Princeton University) of folks who visit Princeton.

Thank you, Friends and Foundation and donors. Your support allows us to provide materials that engage our diverse population and sponsor events that enhance, celebrate, and challenge our patrons’ lives and intellect. more

To the Editor:

On behalf of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos, we would like to thank the many people who contributed to a successful March 24 fundraising event, Notable Words: An Evening with Susan Choi.

We greatly appreciate our ticket buyers, sponsors, and corporate sponsors Stark & Stark, NRG, Lear & Pannepacker, Taft Communications, and Beaumont Investments, who made possible the celebratory evening. Your donations sustain our programs!

Princeton Unitarian Universalist Church, the event venue, provided a gracious space and staff, and delicious food was provided by Emily’s Catering. Thank you to the local businesses that contributed to the silent auction.

We are grateful for our guest speaker, author Susan Choi, who made the trip from Brooklyn on a rainy evening. Choi’s insightful words, reading and the discussion that followed, encapsulated the power of stories and the very human experience of sharing them. This has been the heart of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos programs for the past 50 years.

Charlotte Friedman
Andrea Honore
Board Co-Chairs, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos
Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrenceville