Meanwhile, new site is sought for center
By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
Although Princeton University officials have not reversed a decision to move a $300 million Arts and Transit center from its proposed home at the Dinky station, they are at least willing to meet about a possible subcommittee to explore options to move forward.
”We had a good meeting on Friday with (Township) Mayor Chad Goerner and the university also has had conversations with other members of the Borough Council and Township Committee after last week’s meeting,” said Emily Aronson, university spokesperson. “The university is hard at work investigating alternative locations but it will likely be a while before we make a decision.”
The project at the original location would require zoning modifications from Princeton Borough and Princeton Township to allow construction of a new arts and education district at the Borough and Township border. Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman decided to locate the project elsewhere after a joint meeting with both governing bodies and the regional planning board last week when no indications of zoning approvals would be given.
”Our current position is as it was last week: without zoning we can’t move forward with the project and there was no indication last week, nor has there been any indication since, that the community is willing to put zoning in place to allow the project to continue,” said Ms. Aronson. “We have reached a point where we need to be able to move forward one way or another. If the community is willing to put the necessary zoning in place, then we would be prepared to proceed with the Arts and Transit project, which we continue to believe would be the best outcome for the university and the community.”
Mayor Goerner last week suggested a subcommittee try to reach a compromise.
”If there is community interest in trying to find a way to move forward, such as through the subcommittee proposed by Mayor Goerner, we certainly would be willing to participate,” said Ms. Aronson.
A subcommittee would focus on the transit portion of the project, which is the subject of great debate because the university is proposing to move the Dinky station an additional 460 feet farther from the downtown, which is a subject of debate in both municipalities.
”What I am proposing is that we initiate a process that has a finite end to it,” said Mayor Goerner.
One elected official is “glad the Dinky problem is solved,” according to a press release from Deputy Majority Leader Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton).
In it, he commended Ms. Tilghman’s decision to quash the project that would have moved the Dinky and made traffic improvements to the Alexander Road and University Place area.
”I applaud President Tilghman’s decision to honor the wishes of the Princeton community who want the Dinky to remain where it is,” said Mr. Gusciora. “While I wholeheartedly support the creation of the arts neighborhood, it should not be at the expense of moving mass transit options or expending state funds in this economic climate.”
However, no state funds or taxpayer dollars would be used during the project. Princeton University was planning to foot the entire bill.
”I want to be clear there was never any expectation that state funds would be expended as part of the project all of the costs of the proposed project were to be covered by the university, including all costs of relocating the Dinky,” said Ms. Aronson. “On the other hand, the project would have resulted in an infusion of more than $300 million and hundreds of jobs into the local economy.”
The assemblyman also supports the concept of moving the arts district to another location within Princeton Borough or Township. He noted that the university already has the Lewis Center for the Arts as well as the Jimmy Stewart Theatre at 185 Nassau St., and thinks this will be an ideal alternative place for an expanded arts village.
”Nonetheless, I have no doubt that the university can come up with a more creative and innovative place that will be completely supported by the Princeton community,” said Mr. Gusciora. “I believe that expanding the arts is an exciting opportunity not only for the university but the community at large. Moreover, by considering the community’s input, the university will ensure that the project will be a success.”
Mr. Gusciora has not been a fan of the proposal, which called for a new station with better services and more accessibility.
The university is disappointed with the lack of support from Mr. Gusciora.
”We are disappointed that the assemblyman is not supportive of steps that NJ Transit, the state Department of Transportation, and the governor have indicated would be the best way to ‘ensure continuation and even improvement of rail service from Princeton to Princeton Junction,’ and would represent ‘the best plan for the Princeton rail shuttle, both now and in the future,’” said Ms. Aronson.
Mr. Gusciora did not return phone calls seeking comment before The Packet’s deadline.