Decision on cost study of burying utility wires delayed

Mercer Hill Historic District Association seeking contributions to pay for half of estimated bill.

By: Jennifer Potash
   The Princeton Borough Council left hanging the unresolved issue of burying utility wires underground on Mercer Street for at least a week.
   The Mercer Hill Historic District Association asked the borough to fund an independent, $5,330 study of the expense involved in laying the electric, cable TV and telephone wires underground as part of a planned road reconstruction project slated for next year.
   The council voted Sept. 10 to table discussion of the request so the Mercer Hill residents could decide if they are willing to split the cost with the borough.
   Carolyn Robertson, president of the association, requested a one-week delay for additional time to solicit contributions from residents, Mayor Marvin Reed said at Tuesday’s council meeting. The council is now expected to consider the issue Sept. 24.
   The residents of Mercer and Alexander streets as well as nearby Bank Street have long sought relief from the overhead wires they say mar the appearance of their neighborhoods and represent some safety concerns.
   A preliminary review by Public Service Electric & Gas Co. found the cost of burying the wires on Mercer Street and adjacent streets would be in the range of $7 million to $10 million. The utility said in July a more detailed study, including construction plans, would cost $50,000. PSE&G’s project estimate did not include the costs associated with laying other wires, including telephone and cable TV, underground.