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Author: Lisa Jacknow

Editor’s Note

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The sight of men and women begging for spare change at the border of Lawrence and West Windsor is a sign of today’s times. Inflation slowed in July, showing it’s now only up 8.5% for the year, versus the 9.1% peak we saw in June. That’s supposedly good news, but we’re still hovering at a 4-decade high inflation. Though gas prices have slightly decreased, high prices on consumer goods and services are having an impact on everyone’s lives. And it’s keeping money on everyone’s minds.

So, that’s what we’re talking about in the latest issue of Princeton Perspectives, Inflation’s Effects on the Princeton Area and How to Counter Them. Some locals luckily don’t have to change their ways, while others are unfortunately having to decide what they can live without.

In this month’s Pulse of Princeton, we asked people around Princeton how inflation is affecting their lives. Click on the video link below to see what it’s like for those around you.

Anyone with a car has noticed the effects at the pump, as prices soared up to around $5 this summer. For most, gas is not something one can live without, as we’re all so accustomed to driving everywhere. In Record-High Fuel Costs Benefit the Big Guys and Hurt Local Owners and Consumers we share with you the realities of what it’s like in the Princeton area today.

If you’re seeking to leave Mercer County but are finding transportation costs and the rise of other travel amenities to be unsurmountable, help is here. Our contributing writer, a long-time travel agent, offers suggestions for amazing vacations within driving distance or an easy flight in Traveling from Princeton Doesn’t Have to Stop, Suggestions to Vacation Near Home.

For some, you’ve already taken your family trip, or you aren’t able to get away for one, yet you still want to enjoy the rest of summer. Tips & Tidbits to Help You Enjoy NJ Despite the Current Economy tells the stories of some locals and their trials with today’s economy, while offering suggestions for food, outings and more at low cost or free this summer.

The fallout from the pandemic and high inflation is causing some to realize that you simply don’t have a handle on your personal finances. With baby steps and determination, you can learn how to manage your money to plan better for the future. Inflation is Here – Steps to Help You Get Through is written by those working in the business of personal finance education, a must-read to help you feel on steady ground.

In previous issues of Princeton Perspectives, we’ve shared with you information about technology being used as a tool to share history and the ways businesses turned to outdoor dining to get through the pandemic. Perspectives Revisited shares updated information about what the Mercer County Clerk’s office is doing to ensure you can access needed documents and the new legislation Gov. Murphy passed about outdoor dining. Read on to learn more!

As always, summer seems to be flying by, but there’s still some time left before the season ends and the school year begins. We hope the articles in our August issue help you understand our area a bit more and enjoy your time, despite the economy.

Please let us know if there are stories you want to hear about, or if you have a tip on something we should investigate…and share this issue with a friend! We appreciate your help to ensure that all people in the Princeton area are reading Princeton Perspectives!

The Pulse of Princeton: How is inflation affecting you?

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Record-High Fuel Costs Benefit the Big Guys and Hurt Local Owners and Consumers

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Regular gas prices across Mercer County are $1.10 more per gallon than one year ago, according to AAA, and the current cost per gallon is still amongst the highest statewide. Though we’ve seen prices dip a bit this month (prices were seen as low as $4.07 in Lawrence and W. Windsor) they continue to fluctuate. The cost of gasoline is having a rippling effect on our economy and is one of the main contributors to our current 4-decade high inflation.

THE REAL COST OF GAS

“It’ll go down a little, then up the next day. I recently had it go up 10 cents one day, then up again 20 cents the next, then 2 days later it went down 3 cents,” recalls Willie Rosso, owner of Princeton Sunoco on Nassau Street. “I don’t control the price. It’s the oil companies and they’re making the biggest profits ever.”

For individual station owners like Rosso, the fuel price is determined long before it arrives to fill their station tanks. There is zone pricing, higher in town and lower on highways, and the cost per gallon charged to customers is then based on what it cost at delivery. Sometimes only 10 cents per gallon goes into station owners’ pockets. At the end of July, Exxon Mobile, Chevron and Shell all shattered their profit records while the high cost of fuel in America was raising delivery costs and changing the way people live and do business.

“I have a lot of people I don’t even see any more like Door Dash drivers, they’d come by every single day, Uber drivers, landscapers,” shares Zakaria Bentaleb, who owns Noor & Son’s Gas Station with his father and sister, the Exxon station at Rt. 206 and Cherry Valley Road. “It’s not worth it for them to fill up $700 worth of gas, for example, for a landscaper that doesn’t get $700 for the day. Everybody is operating on smaller amounts – if he had 6 motors, he’s operating out of 2. If he had 7 trucks, he’s operating out of 3.”

CUSTOMER REACTIONS TO HIGH PRICES

Rather than filling up as most customers had in the past, Rosso and Bentaleb say they are often seeing people put just $20 in their tanks, some are even just coming over and pumping $5 to get by. Though the roadways are busy, by gas station standards people appear to not be driving as much, whether by choice or situation. Princeton Perspectives recently questioned people about the ways inflation is affecting them and several shared that the current state of inflation is causing them to think more when they fill up their tanks.

“I put a financial limit when I fill up at the gas station. Otherwise, it feels out of control, stressful, and anxiety-inducing. I guess it’s my way of exerting control,” one person shared anonymously. “How much do I feel I can actually spend on gas this week? I try to limit my trips where I can. Do I really need to go to the store? Can I work from home today?”

This is a mindset we also heard from others.

“I fill up only every 2 weeks when I get paid. So, I have to budget where I go. Long trips or coming and going are not an option now. It is like $80 to fill up when I used to pay $40,” explains Princeton local, Ana P. “It is also very important to note that these prices don’t help with summer activities like taking my kids to the beach etc., because you know it will be very costly for outings like that.”

Nearly 30% of the 85 people we surveyed shared they are conscious about gas prices, but they aren’t yet limiting themselves. Grace Z. explained that her family is financially comfortable but having an understanding of finances, as a Certified Public Accountant, she thinks about the cost of gas and how to cut back so that her family can use their money towards other things.

“We wanted to go to a NY state sculpture park, Storm King Art Center, but it will take two hours to drive there. Then we chose our local Grounds for Sculpture instead,” she shared. “And I try to combine all the errands and shopping into one big trip to save time and gas. We still do sightseeing and driving on country roads, but we want to make sure the trip is really worth the gas price.”

Rosso recalls what it was like back in the 1980s and 90s, when cars were less fuel efficient, and the economy was good. Pumping 3,500-4,000 gallons a day was common. He notes it was about 20 years ago that things started to shift and today, with more fuel-efficient cars, several people switching to EV and avoiding gas all together and people driving less due to the current state of work and the economy, he says business is down about 20% over the past 4-5 months. Bentaleb says he’s suffered a nearly 35% loss.

Some concede the war against Ukraine is to blame for the shift in gas prices, while others say it was a natural expectation as the costs of everything has gone up. Peoples’ needs for gasoline are adjusting as some are trying to create a more carbon neutral footprint and rely less on fuel

“As a family we’ve been focused on living more and more sustainably for quite some time, so we were already walking and biking when possible and driving an electric car,” one local shared when taking our survey. “Higher gas prices have caused us to walk and bike even more and drive our electric vehicle whenever possible, although there are still times when we need to use the old, gas-guzzling ‘people mover’.”

Ana P. noted that she’s now chosen closer locations to buy food and groceries so that she can walk or bike yet another local explained alternatives are not an option, as she simply doesn’t live close enough to work or shops to avoid driving there.

THE TOLL ON STATION OWNERS

While it does appear that everyone but the oil companies are making concessions, our local gas station owners are thankful that there is more to their businesses than just pumping gas – and that is what’s keeping them afloat.

“I would be 6 floors under if it was just a gas station operating itself and I’d be 5 floors under if the customer service wasn’t the same. The store is helping me out and my customer service is helping me out,” explains Bentaleb, whose station offers a convenience store as well as gas. “Our gas station is completely different. You come here, we offer you water (for free, of course) and we talk to our customers. We don’t just fill up and go – because it’s a family business. We treat you the right way because it’s our business.”

If it’s just gas you want, Rosso admits local station owners will never be able to compete with the prices you can find at places like Wawa or Costco. But, he shares, as long as locals continue to trust him with their car care needs, his shop is what keeps his doors open.

Providing what your customers need and making them feel welcome is essential for business. And customer loyalty is a big part of what keeps these local businesses open. If you don’t have a regular spot and simply need to find the best option around, there are apps and websites such as GasBuddy which allow you to see local gas prices. If you put in “08540” you’ll immediately be presented with a list of nine gas stations in our area – around Princeton, in Skillman and Kendall Park. You can also click “view map” to see where these locations are in proximity to you.

Until long term relief comes at the pump, remember this…though gas prices hit an all-time high this summer, we thought we’d seen what would be the highest ever back in July 2008, when gas prices averaged $4.10. We never thought we’d welcome back prices like that!

Tips & Tidbits to Help You Enjoy NJ Despite the Current Economy

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Are you living your life, perhaps noticing rising costs but still spending? Or perhaps you’re making more conscious choices about what you need versus what you want? Maybe you have stopped eating out and are now working on a strict shopping list and budget when you get to the market? While some are being forced to make choices between what they need today and what they must go without.

Everyone is experiencing today’s 4-decade high inflation in different ways. Princeton Perspectives surveyed 85 locals, and 61% shared that today’s inflation is affecting the decisions they’re making this summer in their day-to-day lives. If you were an adult back in 1981, you may remember a time like this, but for others, this may be a first.

Housing Initiatives of Princeton helps low-income families avoid homelessness, and for their clientele, today’s economy is having a huge impact.

“If you are part of the ‘working poor’ the hit is huge – everything costs more, and you haven’t gotten a pay increase to mitigate. These are families where there was no stretch in the budget to begin with,” shared someone close to the organization.

Some people have a little stretch and are not limiting themselves when it comes to food or gas but nearly 30% of respondents shared that they are holding back on extras like new clothes, shopping or vacations.

“Inflation has helped highlight the difference between wants and needs and, like many people, we’ve been shopping more carefully, passing up expensive coffee drinks and eating out a little less often – although we still want to support our local restaurants, stores and shops,” one local shared.

“I have not necessarily changed my spending habits to any significant degree because you have to have the things you have to have,” shared a Princeton resident. “However, for those of us in Princeton who are not wealthy, the fact that even if only temporarily, the high costs for everyday items adds stress and dispirits our quality of life, our comfort level, and the way we interact with others on a daily basis. This I believe is true even if we don’t realize it.”

So, how can one make the best of things despite the current situation? Thankfully, there are options nearby to help you get the things you need for less, or possibly even enjoy the day or evening at no cost at all.

THE BLISS OF SUMMER PRODUCE

Let’s start with food, since this is a necessity. Nearly 30% of those we surveyed shared that they are conscious about prices while buying things like groceries but aren’t limiting themselves.

“Watching for sales and using coupons. Stocking up on sale items,” is how one respondent shared they are getting through these times, while another admitted “I am limiting the type and amount of food I purchase and feed my family.”

Local supermarkets are doing their best to keep prices down, despite rising transportation costs and more, but your weekly trip for groceries is likely adding up. That’s why summer is a great time to live in the Garden State! You can cut out the middleman, fill up your salad bowls and fruit plates with in-season treats, enjoy farm-fresh dairy and more all within a short drive from home.

Princeton is lucky to be located in the midst of several farms, some that offer their own farm stands and others that take their weekly crop and sell it to you at organized markets. Though not a comprehensive list, there are several farms nearby you could pop into for on-site shopping. By purchasing what’s in season, and not necessarily what you typically buy week-to-week, you can experience something new and save a little money in the meantime. Buying seconds (the not-so-pretty produce) and shopping just before closing can also help you score great items for less. A few farm markets in the area include:

Great Meadow Farm on Princeton Pike, which farms with organic practices, sells its fresh produce and creations to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays at the farm.

Cherry Grove Farm south on 206, a sustainable dairy farm and creamery, that offers cheeses and meats in their store, is open daily through December. You can also take a moment to watch how the cheese is made, or picnic on some goodies amidst the flower gardens.

Terhune Orchards farm store is open year-round in Lawrenceville, selling not only fruits and vegetables but also baked goods, their fresh apple cider and their homemade wines. Make it a day by exploring the farm, picking your own in-season fruits and more.

Blue Moon Acres sells organic produce (microgreens, rice and other produce) and other locally made foods at its pop-up market on the Pennington farm every Friday.

Every Thursday, the Dinky Train Station lot off Alexander Road becomes home to the Princeton Farmers Market from 10am-2pm. There you can find a collection of 20 vendors, coming from up to an hour away. Fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers, baked goods, nuts, granola, olive oil and homemade items are amongst what you’ll find walking through. Started in 2009, the location shifted this summer due to the Witherspoon Street construction project, but the few hundred people that stop by are appreciating local, healthy foods and supporting local farmers. Some vendors take credit card, but also Snap Cards are accepted, and they double it, up to $10.

“It’s just nice to come out in the sunshine, see all the local vendors and to know your farmer, to know how the stuff you’re eating is grown,” explains Natalie Fiorino, Market Manager of Princeton Farmers Market. “When you go there, you only get things that are in season. It’s a nice vibe, something nice to do.”

Additionally, Trenton Farmers Market (located in Lawrence) boasts 40 vendors which sell the traditional produce, meats and poultry but also on-site prepared foods, seafood and other snacks. You can shop there Wednesdays through Sundays. West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning at the Princeton Junction Train station and also features locally grown oats, pastured pork, eggs and many other options to round out a meal.

TAKE YOUR FOOD AND HEAD TO THE SHORE

Summertime is high time for picnicking at the beach. If you get your food from a farm market, pack it up and go, you can have healthy, fresh options on the sand. Unlike during the height of the pandemic, beach entry fees are back at many locations, but you can make this a less expensive outing if you plan ahead and go to the right spot.

Beach tags this season range in price. Some of the most popular destinations from Princeton, such as along Long Beach Island and at Point Pleasant will cost you $10/day while Spring Lake and Lavalette are up to $12. Thanks to Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to make NJ state parks, beaches, forests and recreational areas free again this summer, Island Beach State Park has no day rate. But you must head over early, once the parking lots are full, you can’t get in!

17% of respondents told Princeton Perspectives they are seeking out less expensive outings than they normally would. A great time to find other beaches that have no entry fee including Atlantic City, North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Sandy Hook, Strathmere and Corson’s Inlet State Park (though this one does not allow swimming).

If you like lake swimming, you can go for free to 9 state parks. Belleplain State Forest, Round Valley Recreation Area and Swartswood State Park are open daily, while Atsion Recreation Area, Cheesequake State Park, High Point State Park Hopatcong State Park, Parvin State Park and Wawayanda State Park are all closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Lifeguards are at the lakes usually daytime on Wednesday through Sunday.

You can also jump on your phone before you go and check out the Viply app. 24 New Jersey beaches have made it possible to purchase your beach badges in advance, avoiding lines and giving you the chance to see the prices on your mobile device before you arrive.

ACTIVITES INLAND

If the beach isn’t your thing, the summer weather creates other opportunities that can make for a memorable day without costing a thing.

Why not make it a Philly day? There are so many opportunities to learn about people and the past all around Independence Mall. After being closed for over two years due to the pandemic, the newly reimagined Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History reopened in May. You must register to visit Thursdays to Sundays, but the museum is offering free general admission to everyone! While in the area, take a walk past the Liberty Bell. This historic artifact can be seen at no cost, but you may have to wait your turn in line (so get there early). You can also enter Independence Hall (and get a guided tour) for free, but tickets are first-come first-served and only a limited number of tickets are given for each tour, so this also requires an early start (ticketing begins at 8:30am). For the summer, however, between 5-7pm there are no tickets required for the tour! Additionally, the nearby Philadelphia Art Museum is pay-what-you-wish the first Monday of the month and every Friday evening.

Back in NJ, the Hillsborough Promenade off Rt 206 will become home to the Hillsborough Rotary Fair every evening from August 16th-20th. Entry is free, leaving the cost up to you, whether you want to partake in the carnival games and rides. There will be an expo of local businesses and free fireworks on the 19th.

August 24th-28th you can travel over to the Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair at the county fairgrounds in Ringoes. The fair is free to enter (but you may want to carpool, as there will be a parking fee), and you can wander the grounds, see the animals and exhibits or enjoy the music and other performances. If you do want to go on rides, a wristband will be a charge.

If you prefer something a little more active, Mercer County Park Commission holds free outdoor walks, like Watson Woods Walking Club. Meet Wednesdays at 10am in the Tulpehaking Nature Center Parking Area at Roebling Park to explore the trails and observe seasonal changes.

Look up to the sky…on Tuesday August 23rd beginning at 11am, the performers for the Atlantic City Air Show will be rehearsing. Best viewing could be from one of the free beaches mentioned above or along the boardwalk, where you can see performers including the Full Throttle Formation Team, F-18 Super Hornet, and USAF Thunderbirds practicing their moves. Or head out for the full event on August 24th and keep a radio nearby tuned to 95.5 FM or 1040 AM to hear the commentary.

The Mercer County Park Commission will be offering free movies in the park beginning with Moana at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds on August 20th. Movies will be held there on Aug. 27th and Sept. 17th as well, with Rosedale Park (Sept. 3), Thunder Stadium (Sept. 10th) and South Riverwalk Park (Sept. 24th) also hosting.

OTHER WAYS TO CUT BACK AND SAVE

Beyond food and daily activities, there are other things that people are thinking about this summer when it comes to finances. Some are putting off house renovations and other property improvement projects, while others are putting real estate purchases on hold until interest rates stabilize. The realities about money have led to new discussions.

“We have talked in the family that we need to ‘optimize’ our expenses, reducing or cutting out non-essentials,” shared one local that took our survey.

If you want to indulge but think now is not the right time for you, take a tip from one Princeton-area resident who shared, “I put things in online carts but don’t buy them: retail therapy without spending!”

We know these times can be tough, but hope you’re hanging in there and, with some of our advice above, can still enjoy the great food and activities our area has to offer. If you are finding it difficult to make ends meet, you can find a list of local support services here to get the assistance you need.

Editor’s Note

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For most, summer flows at a different pace than the rest of the year. Schools are out, summer camps are in, and many families use this time to take a vacation or time off to enjoy loved ones and the weather. Summer is also a time that more people spend outdoors rather than cooped up inside, which means people notice a lot more of what’s going on around them.

In this month’s Princeton Perspectives, we take a closer look at some of the actions and realities you may see locally in the issue Nuisance or a Necessity? Physical Changes You May Encounter Around Princeton.

Of course, we wanted to know what changes local residents are noticing around Princeton this summer. You can see what people shared in this month’s Pulse of Princeton. Perhaps you agree with them?

Whether you’re going to the beach or to the office, you’re likely noticing the traffic or other vehicles on the roadways with you. Are There More Trucks and Traffic Coming at You From Every Direction? This article looks at what is happening in town and nearby in both West Windsor and Montgomery, sharing today’s realities and a look into the future.

If you like to look back in time, Princeton is home to sites of some very influential moments. The history of America was outlined by decisions made at sites like Princeton Battlefield, and many efforts have been made to ensure visitors can learn and experience them.  What is Needed to Make Princeton Battlefield an Historic Destination takes a look at what’s been promised and what hopes to get done.

As the decades progressed from revolutionary times to modern day, so have people’s needs. Marvels of engineering and technology keep everyday life flowing, literally. But recent recognition of the state of the local sewer system means changes need to be made to improve it and prevent major problems going forward. Princeton’s Necessary Sewer Improvements Could Come at a Cost to Users explains the situation – one you likely never even thought much about.

To the contrary, hardly a day goes by where you don’t think about the ladybug-looking critters strolling among your property. They’re Quieter and Prettier Than Cicadas, but Spotted Lanternflies are a Nuisance details the state of these bugs today and what you can do about them.

Perspectives Revisited provides current updates to stories we’ve shared with you in the past. This month, we’ll highlight the latest about traffic safety and the elimination of charges to make medicinal marijuana more accessible.

We hope that you are taking advantage of the warm weather and sunshine. Read this issue while sitting on in your yard or relaxing at the Community Park Pool. And let us know if there’s something you want us to write about in future issues by emailing us here. Stay safe and enjoy. Next month we’ll be back to share more about what matters to Princeton.

The Pulse of Princeton: What changes are you noticing around Princeton this summer?

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Are There More Trucks and Traffic Coming at You From Every Direction?

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Have you noticed many new things while working from home, such as birds chirping, lawn machines roaring or your neighbors habits? Working from home rather than commuting to an office also means that residents are often on the roadways at times that differ from traditional rush hour. This not only creates changes in traffic patterns, but it also causes people to be around to see things they may not have seen as often in the past. In January, in the article Working to Ensure Roadways are Safe for All Who Use Them, we described how traffic in and around town had drastically decreased the first year of COVID, but it has bounced back. With work-from-home still a reality and construction projects on the rise, there are vehicles on our roadways at times and places not as recognized as in the past. And it may get worse.

“There’s a great deal more construction taking place not only in Princeton but in the county and entire state. In 31 years, I’ve never seen as much construction and development as I’ve seen in the past 8 months to a year,” shares Sergeant Thomas Murray, Princeton Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau Supervisor.

PRINCETON ROADWAYS

This summer, Princeton has major construction projects taking place on Witherspoon Street and Chambers Street in the heart of downtown. The demolition of Thanet Circle is underway in the Littlebrook section and work is set to begin at the south end of Princeton Shopping Center. Additionally, projects that had been put on hold due to the pandemic and home construction plans add to the mix. Whereas Princeton ordinances have generally kept large trucks off local streets, these projects are requiring trucks to travel in and out of places and at times that locals may not be used to.

“There’s a 4-ton weight limit, however the ordinances have exceptions if that load is going to or from a local roadway,” Sgt. Murray explains. “Terhune Rd, for example. Terhune has a 4-ton weight limit, but those trucks are exempt because of the construction site at Terhune and Thanet. And, you have to allow them to get to that roadway.”

While it may appear that more trucks are traveling along State Highway 206 or through Nassau Street/NJ Rt. 27 as well, Murray suggests it may simply be that more eyes are out and about spotting them. Princeton also is unique in the fact that there is no bypass around town. So, there aren’t many other options to travel from North to South and vice versa.

Large trucks have a harder time getting around, whether trying to navigate low-lying trees or traveling over roadway imperfections. If a large truck gets stuck, everyone notices because traffic in and around the area gets affected. But Sgt. Murray says there’s other vehicles busying our roadways as well.

“There’s definitely been an increase in smaller vehicles like Amazon, Fed-Ex and UPS, which have probably doubled or tripled since pre-COVID times,” notes Sgt. Murray. “And the extra amount of traffic on the roadway from Uber Eats, Door Dash and others. The makeup of the volume of traffic has changed immensely in the past 2-3 years. It’s just not the trucks.”

WEST WINDSOR FUTURE CHANGES

If trucks are a concern for you, be prepared, as many more will be traveling nearby in the coming years. On June 29th, the West Windsor Planning Board granted final site plan approval for the first phase of development of Bridge Point 8 Industrial Park, a new 5.5 million-square-foot warehouse complex to be located on the site of the former American Cyanamid property on Quakerbridge Road. It sits opposite the Quakerbridge Mall, adjacent to Route 1 on the west and the Northeast Corridor Railroad tracks on the east. The property straddles Clarksville Road. A 61.85% increase in traffic is anticipated in the area.

Traffic consultants, focusing on peak periods of the day, indicated they expect approximately 75% of the traffic to travel on Quakerbridge Road and Route 1. 25% of the traffic is anticipated to flow on Clarksville Road, though concerns have been voiced those trucks will take it to use 571 to the NJ Turnpike. The study focused on rush hour periods and cited an estimated influx of 60 trucks in the morning and 90 in the evening during phase 1 of the project.

“The real problem is when you have 5.5 million-square feet of warehousing, there are trucks coming throughout the day. With an office complex or shopping plaza you can anticipate when the peak traffic is. They did take an estimate of commuter traffic but that doesn’t do it for the entire day, and you could literally have a stream of tractor trailers running up and down,” shares Allen Schectel, one of the two members of the Planning Board that voted against the approval. “My primary concern is Clarksville Rd, that’s where the schools are.”

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South (WWP South) is located at the corner of Rt. 571 and Clarksville Road, a little more than three miles north of the site, while Maurice Hawk Elementary School (MH) is one block south of the high school, directly on Clarksville Road. More than 80 conditions were added to the plans in order for the developer to receive approval.

“The Planning board conditions prevent trucks from travelling toward MH and WWP South,” states West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe. “The township will work with the county to put weight restrictions on Clarksville Road. The county has done it on other roads where it was too dangerous for the trucks to travel. Given how unsafe it would be for the truck to turn onto Princeton Hightstown Road from Clarksville near the high school, the county should restrict trucks over a certain length or weight as they have done in Hamilton and Hopewell. This will address truck traffic concern for a majority of residents.”

Traffic was only part of the concerns voiced by many West Windsor residents who pushed back against the approval. Environmental impacts to the town were also highlighted. The property under consideration has been a constant point of discussion for the past 30 years, with past possibilities including relocation of Quakerbridge Mall or Princeton Hospital. All previous ideas were rejected.

“I wish they had made that choice so we will not be having this debate. With the fourth round of affordable housing coming up in 2025, the township faced a very difficult decision whether to take a chance of having more than 2,500 apartments constructed on this site or find an alternate use that is acceptable to the owner,” Mayor Marathe explains. “The owner agreed to warehouses as one of the possible uses and I reluctantly agreed.”

Marathe expects trucks will take the shortest route, therefore coming from the port near Newark Airport most will often take the NJ Turnpike to Route 18 to Route 1, while those coming from Delaware or Philadelphia will likely travel 295 to Route 1, limiting the truck traffic through town. But residents like Schectel worry the county may not put in all the proper measures to limit through-town travel, such as prohibiting a left turn from Clarksville Rd. onto Rt. 571.

“There are 2 culverts going to be replaced that restrict truck traffic on that road. If they’re going to do new construction which will support the weight of tractor trailers, why would anyone think the county will prohibit a left-hand turn? I don’t have confidence in that,” Schectel shares. “Then there are unintended consequences of the no left turn, where does that traffic go? None of this was really studied to any degree.”

Over the past 15 years, changes have been made by the intersection of 295 and Route 1 to help the flow of traffic. Time will tell how that fares if more tractor trailers start utilizing this route to get to the new warehouse. But you won’t see anything immediately. It is expected to take at least three years before a warehouse is built, because a permit for construction can’t be granted until approval is given for a connection from the site to Route 1, which some suggest could still the take DOT another 1-2 years.

MONTGOMERY PASSAGEWAYS

If you’ve driven north on State Highway 206 out of Princeton into Montgomery, you’ve likely seen signs for new shopping plazas for years and a lot of active construction. The first, just north of the Princeton Airport, has long been anticipated, but nothing yet has been noticeably done on the site.

“The project, known as Montgomery Promenade in its current iteration, is still underway. The planning board is currently reviewing the latest revisions to the plans and will consider the most recent revisions to the project at an upcoming planning board meeting,” shares Lori Savron, Montgomery Township Planning Director. “Significant roadway and intersection improvements are planned to US 206 and County Road 518 as part of the project.”

Improvements at those intersections are also expected to address additional traffic anticipated from Village Walk at Mongtomery, home to Jersey Mikes, Orange Theory and more on the lot across from the Shoprite plaza. So far, thanks to improvements at the existing traffic signal controlling cars at Village Drive and the Shoprite driveway, this plaza is developing less traffic than the original center had when it was fully occupied.

When completed, there will be 62,00 square feet of retail and restaurant space at Village Walk, behind which 52 residential apartments are being built. Residents of these apartments will have their own parking area and can come and go from either loop road.

One block up 206 and across the street (directly north of the Shoprite plaza), demolition of the existing building is leading way to 155 residential apartments to known as the Country Classics development. Residents and visitors will be able to enter and exit just north of the Shoprite light but there will also be an exit-only access at the light.

“The project will result in minor increases in peak hour trips compared to the previous office use of the property,” explains Savron.

THE TRAFFIC LOWDOWN

Time will tell if traffic changes are being caused by current construction or, if once completed, the construction projects will drive more traffic, but overall, traffic is being highly considered across the area, from Montgomery through Princeton and over to West Windsor, as projects are anticipated and underway. If you find it disruptive, you may find a need to shift your travel times or plan for a few extra minutes to get from here to there.

Princeton’s Necessary Sewer Improvements Could Come at a Cost to Users

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Mini systems, trunk lines, pump stations. You may not be familiar with these terms, but they all refer to aspects of our sewers. Most people don’t notice sewers (if they’re working right) as they’re not pretty or fun to talk about. But they are an essential part of many Princeton resident’s everyday lives. In fact, almost all homes outside of the northwest region of town are serviced by public sewers, that’s nearly 80% of Princeton homes. And while one may normally get bleary-eyed and tune out upon discussion of sewers, if you’re going to be paying for it, you may want to know what you’re paying for.

If the sewers aren’t kept in tip-top shape, that could lead to unnecessary problems and expenses. It’s recently been assessed that leaks in the pipes (which are intended to be water-tight) are allowing rainwater and groundwater to seep into the sewer system and 40-50% of the total flow is coming from that unwanted water. That means local sewer users are paying to treat water they are not generating. Deferred maintenance and age (Princeton’s system is significantly older than our neighboring communities) got us to today, where many parts of the Princeton sewer system need to be addressed. It appears some things hadn’t been tended to properly in the past, but today’s municipal administrator and staff are keenly on top of what’s wrong and needs to be done.

“We know that when it rains, our sewer flows are greater than when it doesn’t rain. We also know that when groundwater, for which the Stony Brook flow is a proxy, is higher, we get higher flows and when the Stony Brook is low, we get lower flows. Therefore, we know that rainwater and groundwater are leaking into our system,” shared Chair of the Princeton Sewer Committee (PSC), David Goldfarb, in response to questions posed by Princeton Perspectives at their July meeting. “We know there has been deferred maintenance. We know there have been needs that have not been met. We’ve identified them. That’s why we are where we are.”

At the June 13th Council meeting, an informational presentation was made by Goldfarb and Andrew Filippi, Sewer Engineer, which laid out a proposed Sewer Plan Investment through 2031. The plan shows an approximate $7.25m cost per year for the next nine years to replace mains, repairs and Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) reduction, replace “trunklines”, repair and replace pumpstations, and to replace vehicles and equipment. There is also another $3m per year needed to “catchup” on deferred maintenance and replacement work. Though not approved through a formal vote, the Mayor and Council gave the go ahead for PSC to make and present future plans.

“The annual repair plus the catchup expenses, it is a lot of money, it’s no question. But the sewer business is an expensive business,” Goldfarb explained. “Sewage collection and treatment is not cheap. We have calculated the reasonable lifetime for our pipes and what it would take to maintain them on a responsible schedule. We’ve identified the amount that is necessary to ramp up to that point. These are not just shots in the dark, they’re based on construction data that is fairly standard across the industry.”

The 2022 fee for the average single-family sewer user in Princeton is $435. If things go as planned, every year until 2031, that bill will increase approximately $40-50 to cover debt service and operations and maintenance needs, which will be in addition to the Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority treatment fees traditionally charged. By 2031, the average fee could be $841. This assessed fee, added to the tax bill, is only paid by those homes served by sewers.

Princeton has a sewer system that extends approximately 130-150 miles and much of the pipe used has not yet been converted to PVC, now the industry standard. The town’s underground also consists of a lot of hard rock (compared to West Windsor’s sandy soil consistency) which allows water to accumulate, making it more likely to leak into the system.

“Nothing lasts forever, everybody knows that. The plan we presented to the Mayor and Council gets us to a point where it’s reasonable to expect that we will be able to continue indefinitely investing at that level and maintain our system, so pipes are replaced before they create problems and at the end of their useful lifetime,” Goldfarb added.

Though a future nine-year budget has been laid out, that does not mean the finances and project allowances are set in stone. Each year, the current Council must approve both a 6-year capital plan and a plan with capital spending for the coming year. That will give the department the go-ahead to put projects out for bid. The town only legally commits to go through with them once Mayor and Council approve the bid awards for each project.

It is expected that once the town catches up on all the deferred maintenance by 2031, the annual budget will be reduced to approximately $6.5m to allow for continued regularly needed work. The Princeton Sewer Committee discussed at the July meeting that if the roadways were in the condition our sewers are currently in, residents would be pressuring council to make an investment.

“It’s just one type of infrastructure. Our roads are one type, they get more attention. They get potholes, it gets attention, it gets fixed, but the sewer is much more invisible,” Councilwoman Eve Niedergang noted. “We see it remotely in data flows or occasionally when there’s a break, but we don’t observe it in the same way.”

Last month Council approved approximately $5m in capital for 2022 sewer projects. Over the next month or two, pump stations across town that are near or have reached their end of life are being analyzed to figure out the best technological options for replacement. The six included are All Saints, Crooked Tree, Herrontown, Mercer, Winfield and Pretty Brook. Once analyzed, a full design and specifications will be configured with hopes of being ready to award a contract later next year.

“The purpose of the study and design phase is to evaluate the current technologies as well as evaluate the current resiliency that our pump stations have when faced with the hazards of some of the recent storm events we have had (Tropical Storm Ida most recently). Reconstructing our pump stations to be more resilient is critical in being able to operate our collection system in the most efficient way possible,” explains Princeton’s Sewer Operations Manager, Dominick Itzi.

As the Witherspoon Street Improvement Project takes place, the town is also taking advantage of the timing to evaluate the sewers and perform necessary replacement. Clay pipes are being laid here, which is known to be more environmentally friendly. This is currently happening in the area between Nassau and Springs Streets while simultaneously, the portions laying under Phases 2 and 3 of the construction project, are being evaluated.

You may have also noticed work underway along Mt. Lucas Road, known as the Mini System 35 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. All residents in that area have and are being kept abreast of what’s happening, as the amount of water entering the system (Inflow and Infiltration) was studied. It’s been determined that there has been too much groundwater inflow, and so work is ongoing to try and grout the cracks and joints as well as do repairs and replacement of the sewer mains, as needed. Nearby Mini Systems 36 and 36A are up next for evaluation and improvements. These projects, like all going forward, are being planned to have minimal impact on the local community.

“A lot of our I&I reduction work is going to be minimally disruptive because it’s not going to require excavation. We have a lot of work that is not in municipal roadways, it’s in easements and unpaved right of ways where we’re not going to be disruptive to traffic because it’s not in the road. That accounts for a very significant amount of our projects,” Filippi details. “The work we will do that is in the roadway in terms of replacement, excavating manholes, we’re going to try and time those as much as we can with road reconstruction projects that are going to happen so that we can get all of our infrastructure repaired and replaced together, to create as little disruption as we can.”

The goal is to coordinate with other underground utility work as well, so that if roads are being opened, any work needed in that area is completed before the road is closed back up.

Using flow-metering data from 2017-2019, the sewer department is also now figuring out which areas of town need to be rehabilitated first and this will be the basis of the next 6-year plan.  While the rehabilitations and repairs take place, you may encounter some roadway and household disruptions, but they’ll likely pale in comparison to what could be, should the town not take these actions. And now, going forward, you’ll think about and be grateful for updated mini systems, pump stations and trunk lines each time you flush your toilet.

Editor’s Note

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Has it been a bit challenging lately to find your calm? Chances are high you could name five people you know who have had COVID in the past month. It sometimes feels like it’s spreading like wildfire. Despite the most careful following of safety protocols by some, they are getting it, too. Similarly, if you have money invested in the stock market, it can be harrowing to watch it hit new lows day after day, even if you take great care to invest responsibly.

These and many other things in life we simply can’t control, no matter how careful we are. Yet, if you can’t simply throw up your hands and throw caution to the wind, there are some things you can manage more than others. That’s what this month’s Princeton Perspectives is all about. In Finding Comfort and Healing in the Things You Can Control, we share multiple ways to find happiness, calm, better health and positive summer days with local perspectives on how to achieve them all!

What do your neighbors, schoolmates, friends and other locals do when they need a moment of calm? Watch this month’s Pulse of Princeton to get tabs on the ways those around you are finding comfort and healing.

Did you know that music is scientifically known to release endorphins in the brain, which bring about a feeling of excitement? To help control your mood a little better, read Finding Joy and Comfort in Local Musical Opportunities and make plans to listen to some rock, jazz or classical performers soon.

If you are a planner, you might find solace in figuring out what to put into your body to help you feel your best. How to Nourish Your Immune System with Real Food provides some simple choices you can make. Whether you start with just one or do them all, every little bit can help.

Having friends nearby or being part of a local community helps to give one a sense of purpose, it reduces stress and makes one happier. Take Control of Your Life by Surrounding Yourself with Good People shares many ways in our area to meet others, whether you’re still searching for your community or you’re looking for something more. The more opportunities you give yourself, the more likely you’ll find your people.

Often times, lifelong friends come from an immersive time in your life, like college or summer camp. It’s a time to just be you, and to relax and have fun with others. Choosing Summer Camp for Kids Can Create Beneficial, Meaningful Experiences details some of the many ways summer programs bring comfort to kids. Whether you opt for a sleepaway experience or a local recreational program, the opportunities are there.

Lastly, in this month’s Perspectives Revisited we provide you timely updates on some stories we covered in the past. We’ll share some new information about a bill in the NJ Senate to ensure technology keeps people well informed and not ill-informed and a new tool created by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to help track pollution locally.

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have thoughts about something we’ve covered or you’d like to see us cover, please email us here. And, if you want to expand on those thoughts with a Letter to the Editor that we can post for all readers, you can submit that here.

Schools are ending, and that “Summer is Here!” feeling is starting to spread! Despite COVID and the stock market, there things you can control. Take advantage of the many ways to enjoy yourself. We hope this issue helps you to move forward in a more optimistic way.

The Pulse of Princeton: What brings you calm? What can you control?

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