Impending gypsy moth problem on top of Borough Council agenda tonight

Naming of new plaza near library to be discussed

By: Courtney Gross
   From moth infestations to memorial designations, the Princeton Borough Council is scheduled to discuss issues tonight that have emerged and re-emerged on the agenda over the past several months and years.
   Although the last outbreak was 15 years ago, the state Department of Agriculture has notified borough officials that gypsy moths — notorious for defoliating trees — are expected to pay Princeton a visit next spring, Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi said. In response to the possible outbreak, the council will decide whether to move forward with a suppression program — one that includes, according to a letter from the state, the allocation of borough funds and the appointment of a borough representative to attend a regional meeting.
   Mr. Bruschi said he intends to recommend the council authorize borough officials to move forward in participating in the state plan. The 36-acre area infested with gypsy moth eggs spans parts of Marquand Park, Route 206 and Elm Road, borough Community Forester Sean Burns said.
   According to the letter from the state, the borough could receive federal funding. For participating municipalities in 2006, the treatment cost was $39.44 per acre followed by a 25 percent reimbursement, the letter states.
   Also tonight, the council will rekindle a discussion on choosing a formal name for the plaza in front of the Princeton Public Library.
   As Princeton-area groups continue to submit suggested names for the downtown public space, Mr. Bruschi said, the council decided to open a roundtable discussion to bring the issue back to the surface. Previously, Mr. Bruschi added, the council decided to let the plaza’s name work itself out.
   Mr. Bruschi said he did not expect formal action on any proposed name.
   Rehashing a study endorsed by both the Regional Planning Board of Princeton and the Princeton Township Committee, the council is also expected to consider a resolution supporting the concepts within the Route 206 Joint Vision Plan and Traffic Calming Study this evening — a proposal funded by the state Department of Transportation.
   The study, which proposes numerous roundabouts and pedestrian islands for Route 206, intends to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment along the heavily traveled corridor, as well as reduce the amount of congestion.
   When the matter was previously discussed by the council, some Princeton residents cautioned against a full-fledged endorsement, because of several proposed new roadways — one of which would cross an interment garden and parking lot at Trinity Church.
   The council’s proposed resolution is cautionary and reserves judgment on any further study.