PRINCETON: Traffic, parking plans set for Communiversity

By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
   The 2009 edition of Communiversity is expecting a crowd equal in size to last year’s estimated 35,000 attendees, according to members of the Arts Council of Princeton, one of the organizers of the event.
   ”It’s the largest cultural event of the year in Princeton,” said Jeff Nathanson, the executive director of the arts council, which sponsors the annual event along with Princeton University, the Borough of Princeton, and many downtown merchants and businesses.
   People motoring into Princeton for the Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. arts festival will find road closures on Nassau Street between Washington Road and Chambers Street, as well as on Witherspoon Street, starting at the intersection with Paul Robeson Place.
   Portions of Hulfish Street, Spring Street, Wiggins Street, and Paul Robeson Place will remain open, with the open portions of Spring Street and Hulfish Street providing access to downtown parking garages for motorists looking for convenient parking.
   Besides the downtown garages — on Chambers Hulfish and Spring streets — two free Princeton University lots off of Washington Road and William Street are available, as are metered spots on borough streets surrounding the downtown.
   Among the many booths lining downtown streets and parts of the Princeton University campus will be a Princeton Borough Police Department booth, near the Nassau Presbyterian Church, which will provide public safety assistance during the event.
   Also, Princeton University Public Safety personnel are expected to be out in full force on campus areas hosting Communiversity revelers.
   The Town Gown Stage at the intersection of Nassau and Witherspoon streets is the site of the event’s kick-off event, set for noon on Saturday. Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman, Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman, Princeton Township Mayor Bernie Miller, and other local dignitaries will be in attendance, according to Mr. Nathanson.
   Traffic delays on Princeton-bound roads are expected, especially around the event’s start and end times.
   ”But it’s well worth the effort,” Mr. Nathanson said.
   For more information about activities and general event information, please visit http://www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
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