Dinky group debates university proposal
By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Princeton University’s $300 million arts and transit neighborhood project is on track for a vote by the Princeton Regional Planning Board in two weeks.
The board on Thursday wrapped up its second hearing on a proposal calling for the new Lewis Center for the Arts, a new train station and street and other improvements in parts of what are now Princeton Borough and the Township. But opponents are upset because the project calls for moving the terminus of NJ Transit’s Dinky line about 460 feet south.
The university has proposed building a replacement train station, although a group known as Save the Dinky has sued to stop the relocation of the Dinky. The group kept up its opposition at last week’s Planning Board hearing.
Alain L. Kornhauser, a transportation engineer testifying on behalf of the group, said the university could design the project without having to move the Dinky. Among other things, the university has said it needs to move the terminus to provide direct access to its Lot 7 garage from Alexander Street.
But Mr. Kornhauser, who is also a Princeton University professor, said there are other options, including a below-grade access to the garage.
Later in his presentation, Mr. Kornhauser pointed to details in the 1984 agreement when NJ Transit sold the Dinky station and other property to the university. He stated an easement in the deal stipulates development of the 3.5 acres must be for “public transportation purposes.”
Bruce Afran, the lawyer for Save the Dinky, touched on that point in his remarks to the Planning Board.
”It’s going to be our contention that the board has no jurisdiction over a development application where the property is encumbered by a deed restriction or an easement,” he said. “The board cannot ignore or authorize development where an easement binds a property.”
”A private easement has no impact on the Planning Board,” said Richard S. Goldman, attorney for the university, after the hearing.
The university has made it clear this project is a priority.
In his remarks to the Planning Board at the start of the hearing, university Vice President and Secretary Robert K. Durkee said the school’s plan complies fully with the zoning for the site. He called it a “carefully engineered, highly integrated project that promises to transform a major gateway to both community and campus while signifying the value this community attaches to exceptional architecture, exceptional design of outdoor space and the arts.”
He cited some of its benefits, including converting the current station buildings into a restaurant and a café. He also reminded board members that the relocation of the Dinky terminus does not fall under their jurisdiction.
”The site plan we are asking you to approve is one that we and NJ Transit believe will enhance the Dinky experience and, at full fruition, will encourage more ridership,” he said.
Representatives of the local business community, speaking during public comment, also voiced their support for the project.
”We all know this project has gone through many years of planning, many discussions and public conversations,” said Peter Crowley, president and CEO of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “From the chamber’s point of view and from our point of view, we ask now that that conversation stop and that the decision from this board be to make the application move forward, and we propose you move forward with it judiciously.”
”We are enormous beneficiaries in this town, both culturally and commercially, from the proximity to the university,” said David Newton, vice president of Palmer Square Management.
The next board hearing is set for Dec.18.

