PRINCETON: University takes project to Planning Board

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   Princeton University went before the Regional Planning Board last week seeking approval for its $300 million arts and transit project, which includes moving the Dinky train station.
   Consultants for the university spent the night reviewing plans for the board, which was minus members Wanda Gunning and Borough Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller, who recused themselves before the hearing started.
   The project, generating local protest because it involves moving the terminus of the Dinky line by 460 feet south, calls for constructing four inter-connected buildings known as the Lewis Center for the Arts.
   The proposal, six years in the making, also calls for turning the current train station into a café and a second station building into a restaurant. There is also parking and on street changes designed to improve traffic flow.
   ”The spaces on this site for music, theater, dance and other arts permit the university to expand its offerings to its students and the community,” said Princeton Vice President and Secretary Robert K. Durkee in remarks to the board. “It creates indoor and outdoor spaces where the arts can be rehearsed, performed and displayed in close proximity to McCarter and Berlind theaters. And it provides the parking spaces, dining options, easy access for mass transit and other amenities that can help the arts to thrive.”
   ”I know there’s a lot of questions whether we at McCarter are happy about the Lewis Center or not,” said Emily Mann, the artistic director at McCarter, during public comment. “We are huge, huge supporters of the Lewis Center. We’re thrilled by the potential for what it can be for McCarter and for Princeton.”
   Earlier in the night, traffic consultant Georges Jacquemart testified about the improved traffic flow that will result. He also highlighted a feature, called a roundabout, that will be at Alexander Street and University Place and make things safer for pedestrians. There will be 308 parking spaces dedicated for the public as part of this as well.
   The hearing, stopped around 11 p.m., was continued to Nov. 1.
   The project, spanning parts of the Borough and the Township, requires no variances. Local officials in both towns separately adopted ordinances last year creating new zoning to allow the university to do the development, although opponents have sued, challenging those actions.
   ”They changed the law just for them,” said Attorney Bruce Afran, who represents clients opposed to moving the Dinky station and the alleged “spot zoning.”
   Mr. Afran said Friday that he intends to present expert witnesses, in particular one to demonstrate the negative consequences moving the Dinky line will have on ridership.
   At the hearing, Mr. Durkee reminded board members the relocation of the Dinky was not an issue for them.
   ”I know you recognize that the location of the Dinky terminus does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board,” he said.
   He added that NJ Transit, based under terms of a 1984 agreement with the university, is responsible for moving the Dinky.
   While Ms. Gunning recused herself because her husband is a university professor and the couple own property within 200 feet of the impacted area, Ms. Crumiller’s recusal was a little different. Through word and deed, Ms. Crumiller has been vocal in seeking to save the Dinky.
   She said Friday that she had grown concerned this year when she noticed someone with an IP address from the university’s law firm was looking at a pro-Dinky post she had put on her personal website in June. She contacted borough attorney Maeve E. Cannon, who advised her to recuse herself from the case when it reached the Planning Board.
   Borough Mayor Yina Moore, also a Planning Board member, expressed some concern, since Ms. Cannon’s firm, Hill Wallack, represent NJ Transit. The firm has recused itself from handling any borough matter involving that agency. Ms. Cannon did not return a phone call seeking comment.
   Ms. Crumiller watched the meeting from a seat in the audience. She said she intends to attend future hearings but would not comment at them.