By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
The derailed Arts and Transit project proposed by Princeton University had one strong ally on Monday night Gov. Chris Christie, who sent a letter of support for the project addressed to both mayors.
The letter, dated Jan. 31 and signed by Gov. Christie, states: “Princeton University’s plan to invest approximately $300 million of its own resources to transform the neighborhood in the vicinity of McCarter Theatre and the Princeton Station into a vibrant arts center for both the university campus and the Princeton community has my full support. … In my view that approval and implementation of the Arts and Transit neighborhood, with the substantial economic development and cultural benefits it would create, represents the best plan for the Princeton rail shuttle, both now and in the future.”
Gov. Christie is an ex-officio member of the board of trustees of Princeton University.
”We feel it is a good project, and we support all good projects,” said Kevin Roberts, spokesman for the governor.
The governor’s office issued this statement of continued support on Thursday afternoon in response to the university’s termination of the project: “The administration continues to strongly support the Arts and Transit project, in its original form, as a venture that will bring considerable investment and growth to the region. We will continue working with the township, borough and university to move the project forward, as we believe it is provides the best option for the future of NJT service into Princeton.”
Various members of the governor’s office have been working with the municipalities and the university during the four-year planning. Administration officials will remain involved with the project, and hope it will get back on track, said Mr. Roberts.

