By Geena Molinaro, Special Writer
WEST WINDSOR — The Township Council approved an ordinance last week allowing the use of vacant warehouses for sports and recreation businesses, based on the experiences of the owners of Princeton Pong, which opened this month.
The ordinance amended the zoning portion of township’s land use code but does not allow new buildings intended as recreational facilities on land within research office manufacturing zones.
Council President Bryan Maher said he wanted to recognize residents and owners of Princeton Pong, Flint and Kathy Lane, who helped bring the idea of using vacant warehouses as sports and recreation facilities to the zoning board.
"(The Lanes) did a phenomenal job of taking a vacant warehouse and turning it into an excellent recreational (facility, Princeton Pong)," Mr. Maher said.
Princeton Pong encourages a "community of table tennis enthusiasts" by offering a place for all players to "embrace their passion for the sport, develop their skills and compete in a friendly atmosphere," according to the company website.
Mr. Lane is an avid ping pong player, and his wife signed him up for lessons with David Zhuang, a six-time USA Table Tennis Champion and Pan American Games Gold medallist, as a birthday present, Mr. Lane said.
He and others who enjoy ping pong were using locations to play, and Mr. Lane thought it would be a good idea to open up a facility of his own.
He and his wife settled on a vacant warehouse building because it was the best space to play ping pong, he said.
The company is located at 745 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction and offers open play, leagues, lessons, tournaments, camps and birthday parties in its 10,000-square-foot facility. The facility is equipped with 14 table tennis tables, custom sport flooring and high ceilings, according to the website.
Before they could open up for business, the Lanes had to go through a process with the township to change the zoning on the warehouse so it could house a recreation facility. They spent a lot of time and money to negotiate the zoning change, Mr. Lane said.
Other business owners approached Mr. Lane about how they could also do this, he said.
When Monday’s ordinance is enacted, these zoning changes will not have to be made on an individual basis.
The new ordinance is more business friendly said Land Use Manager Sam Surtees on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Surtees said a fencing company and a gymnasium had already approached him about using the warehouse facilities.
Business Administrator Marlena Schmid said the ordinance allows idle space to be put to use and is a "win-win" for the township and businesses.
Resident Alison Miller said on Monday night she thought the ordinance increased flexibility for people and businesses in West Windsor, and it was also important because the ordinance came from the public, rather than a developer or planning department.
Of Princeton Pong, Mr. Maher said, "I’ve been there and utilized it, and it’s really fun."
Since the Lanes opened Princeton Pong in August, they have had a steady stream of customers, Mr. Lane said, with approximately 40 to 50 people coming to play when they are open.
Princeton Pong also hosted camp sessions this summer and had many children learn to play ping pong, he said.
Mr. Zhuang is the head coach at Princeton Pong and was a three-time participant in the Olympic games, Mr. Lane said. Mr. Zhuang is also a member of the U.S.A. Table Tennis Hall of Fame, according to the company website.
Mr. Zhuang is joined by several U.S.A. table tennis certified coaches, Mr. Lane said.
He also said Princeton Pong is hiring former coach of Ecuador’s national team Fabian Vallejos.
Beginning in September, Princeton Pong will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday and on Friday. On Saturday Princeton Pong will be open from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Sunday it will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Adult membership fees are $39 per month or $400 per year and junior membership fees for people ages 18 and under and senior membership fees for people ages 60 and over are $29 per month or $300 per year. Up to five family members can also register for $800 per year. There are also guest fees available for those who want to play at Princeton Pong without committing to a membership.
The company will have a grand opening celebration on Sept. 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
