Newsletter & Updates
From the Municipality of Princeton

Thursday, January 23, 2023
Table of Contents
  • Council Meeting Tonight, Monday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.
  • Princeton Awarded Forest Restoration Grant
  • Christmas Tree and Brush Collection
  • Help Keep Our Community Warm
  • New Residential Trash Program
  • PU Prepares for Historic Building Move
  • Engineering and Infrastructure Updates
  • Princeton Health Dept. Information
  • NJ FamilyCare Update
  • Wintersession 2023
  • Princeton Community Works Conference
  • Princeton Farmers Market
  • 2023 Princeton Environmental Film Festival
  • Invasive Plant of the Season
  • Recreation Department Updates
  • Join a Board, Commission, or Committee
  • Let's Stay Connected
  • Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
  • Calendar
Next Council Meeting - Monday, January 23
Council Meeting
Monday, January 23
7:00 p.m.

In-Person in the Main Meeting Room
400 Witherspoon Street

For more information about the meeting, including an agenda, click here. Past meetings are archived on the Municipal YouTube channel.
Princeton Receives $552,000 Grant for Forest Restoration
Princeton has been awarded $552,000 from the Climate Solutions Grant Program. With this grant, the municipality is partnering with Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) to do forest restoration across 45 acres at Community Park North. The project will reestablish a native forest community and reset carbon sequestration trajectories with resilient native vegetation in a degraded forest.
The forest restoration project will involve removing invasive species with a combination of contracted labor and FOPOS volunteers. Five thousand native trees and shrubs will be planted to replace the non-native species. Some plants will be protected by a large deer exclosure fence and others will be individually protected from deer browse until they are fully established. These plantings are expected to increase the amount of carbon sequestered by the forest in future years and make it more resilient to climate change. They will also provide better habitats for birds and other animals. Finally, the deer exclosure fence will provide an educational exhibit of the impacts of a high deer population.
(Photo of Anna Corichi, FOPOS Stewardship Director)
Christmas Tree and Brush Collection
The Municipality began weekly curbside Christmas tree and brush collection on January 3. Public Works trucks will continue to collect weekly through January 31. Be sure to remove all lights, garlands, ornaments, stands, tree bags and any other objects from the tree before placing it curbside. Click here for more information.
Help Keep Our Community Warm
Princeton Human Services is collecting warm gloves, scarves, hats, and socks for families in need this winter season. Please bring items to Princeton Human Services at 1 Monument Drive. This drive will run through January 31. For more information, please contact Human Services at Humanservices@princetonnj.gov or (609) 688-2055.
New Residential Trash Program
Princeton's new residential trash program begins February 2023! You will receive a new trash cart in late January through early February that you can use as soon as it is delivered. If you have trash cans that you would like to dispose of, please place them empty at the curb on your collection day the week of February 13, 2023, with a sign taped to them indicating "TRASH." While you can no longer use your old trash can on trash day for pickup beginning February 1, there are lots of other ways you can reuse your cans. Click here for a list of suggestions.

In addition, bulk waste will not be collected with regular trash after Feb. 1. Bulk pickup will be on Wednesdays and you will need to make a reservation for pickup online, by emailing wasteinfo@princetonnj.gov, or calling (609) 688-2566. Any questions, reach out to Public Works at (609) 688-2566 or email wasteinfo@princetonnj.gov.
Princeton University Prepares for 91 Prospect Building Move
91 Prospect Ave
Princeton University is preparing to move the building at 91 Prospect Ave. across the street to 114 Prospect Ave. In preparation for the move, a portion of Prospect Avenue between Olden Street and Murray Place will be closed beginning February 1. Some sidewalks will be detoured with this closure.
This move is expected to take three days. More information can be found here.
(Photo submitted with Planning Board Application)
Engineering and Infrastructure Updates
Infrastructure Grants Secured for Princeton Roads
Princeton was successful in securing grants for four projects to improve our road and bike infrastructure. Three of the grants are from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Local Aid and Economic Development for the following projects:

  • Improvements to Terhune Road from North Harrison to Grover Avenue. Princeton will receive $636,000 under the Safe Streets to Transit grant program. These improvements are in conjunction with improvements being made by the developers of Avalon at Thanet and The Alice. They include reconstruction of the road and shared-use path on the north side, addition of a dedicated bike lane on the south side, traffic calming by way of a raised intersection at Thanet Circle and the New Connector Road.

  • Reconstruction of Dickinson Street and Resurfacing of Alexander Street and University Place. Princeton will receive $724,820 under the Municipal Aid grant program to reconstruct Dickinson, resurface Alexander and University, improve the sidewalks, and updated curb ramps.

  • Cherry Hill Road Shared-Use Path Extension. Princeton will receive $750,000 under the Local Bikeways grant program to extend the shared use path on Cherry Hill Road from where it currently ends at Foulet Drive up to Crestview.

In addition to the state grants, Princeton will receive $750,000 in federal funds for the improvements to Witherspoon Street. This money, secured by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman through the omnibus bill signed by President Biden in late December, will be used to offset the cost of improving Witherspoon Street in the next two phases of the work, which extend from Green Street to Valley Road.
Witherspoon Phase 1 Work To Resume
Princeton’s contractor will be returning to Witherspoon Street to complete the first stages of the work on January 9. The existing sidewalks that remain will be removed and replaced with concrete pavers. Work will continue on this project for the next 6 months, with the next stages north of Spring Street beginning in February.
Witherspoon Street Project Updates
Please visit the Phase I Witherspoon Street Construction Webpage for all of the latest project information and to sign up for updates.
New Jersey American Water Company (NJAW) Water Main Projects Update
NJAW’s contractor will be replacing the water main and services on Loomis Court beginning this month, weather permitting. Additional 2023 NJAW water main and services projects include Nassau Street (Markham Road to Queenston Place) and Terhune Road (North Harrison Street to All Saints Road).
Utility Pole Replacements on Witherspoon Street
This month, PSE&G will begin the first phase of work to replace 19 utility poles on Witherspoon Street. Starting on Monday, January 9, Nelson Tree Service will be removing or pruning trees between Valley Road and Green Street, as approved by the Engineering and Infrastructure Operations Department and the Municipal Arborist. PSE&G will be sending out letters to residents and businesses along the corridor regarding the replacements and anticipated service disruptions.
PSE&G Gas System Modernization Program Work Delayed
PSE&G Gas will be replacing 12 miles of gas main throughout Princeton in 2023. Work was slated to begin this month, but has been delayed until February. The gas mains and services in the area shown on the following map as thick, bold lines are slated for replacement. PSE&G will be sending out letters to residents and businesses who will be affected by this project. Click here for more information about the entire project.
Princeton Health Dept. Information
Princeton Health Department’s COVID-19 Report is updated regularly at https://princetonnj.gov/282/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information. If you have questions about boosters or upcoming clinics, email Julie Venema at jvenema@princetonnj.gov.

Princeton University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated regularly here. Questions? Contact the COVID Connector hotline (609-258-7000) Monday through Friday or email covidconnector@princeton.edu.
Free COVID Tests
The federal government has reinstated the free, over-the-counter antigen test distribution program at: https://www.covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov. You must order these tests online and each household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
NJ FamilyCare Update
As of January 1, 2023, children under 19 may now apply for NJ FamilyCare regardless of their immigration status. All other requirements for NJ FamilyCare still apply.
New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid, and Medicaid expansion populations. That means qualified NJ residents of any age may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare coverage that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services, and even hospitalization.
Individuals ineligible for NJ FamilyCare can find information on other insurance affordability programs at www.getcovered.nj.gov.
Wintersession 2023 Begins January 16
Princeton University’s Office of Campus Engagement invites the public to take part in Wintersession 2023, a series of educational and cultural events held around town and on campus from January 16-29.

Click here for a full list of events, dates and locations including Coloring In: Paul Robeson’s Civil Rights Legacy; MLK Day Gallery Show and Reception - Expressions, Character, and Life: Portraits of Civil Rights Heroes; Life and Leadership with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson (’03); The Music of Julius Eastman with So Percussion; Orchestrating Change: A Film Screening; Community Chamber Jam: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony; A New Museum for a New Age; Panel Discussion: Samuel Fosso and African Postcolonial History; Unexpected Conversations featuring Award-winning Poet Dr. Joshua Bennett and Imam Khalil Abdullah; and Growing Together: A Film on Family and Disability.
Princeton Farmers Market
2023 Princeton Environmental Film Festival
The PEFF is scheduled for March 24-31, 2023. Films will be presented in public screenings and also available to stream online, on demand. More details appear on this form under Selection and Notification. The submission deadline is January 23. Click here or more information or email us at peff@princetonlibrary.org.
Invasive Plant of the Season
This season's featured invasive plant is the porcelain berry. First brought to this country as an ornamental ground cover in the 1870s, porcelain berry overtakes other vegetation and can shade out native shrubs and trees. It can form thick monocultures which reduce species diversity and wildlife habitat. Related to grapes, this plant is now banned in states ranging from Massachusetts to Minnesota, although still legal in New Jersey. The fruits are edible for humans but are described as “slimy and bland”.1 These vines are widespread in New Jersey and are regarded as highly threatening. Click here for more information.
Recreation Department Updates
Recreation is Hiring for the Summer Season
The Recreation Department is hiring for the summer season.
  • Day Camp Counselor
  • Teen Travel Camp Counselor
  • Day Camp Supervisor
  • Seasonal Maintenance
  • Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

More information is available on our website
Sports balls
Programs and Events
Empowerment Program: Open to girls in grades 3-5 and 6-8.

Dillon Youth Basketball League - Open to boys & girls Grades 4-10; Princeton Residents and non-residents who attend school in Princeton.

Teens & Adults Adaptive Yoga: Coming back in January 2023! Check princetonrecreation.com for updates.
 
Kids Adaptive Yoga: Coming back in January 23! Check princetonrecreation.com for updates. 

The courts are open from dawn to dusk (weather permitting) on a first-come, first-served basis! Reservations are not required and the courts are FREE to use. The courts are located behind Community Park Elementary School and Community Park Pool, near the tennis wall. Trial period runs until April 1, 2023.
Join a Board, Commission or Committee
Are you interested in local government? Consider becoming actively involved by serving on a Board, Commission or Committee (BCC). The Municipality of Princeton is looking to fill vacancies. Applicants must be residents of Princeton and be willing to attend regularly scheduled meetings. Click here to view descriptions of the various BCCs and click here to access the application.
Tools and Resources to Stay Connected
Website Updates
Princeton residents can sign up to receive email or text alerts from Notify Me® and stay updated about a variety of current issues. Click here to get started and choose from a list of categories.

SeeClickFix
For all non-emergent issues such as potholes, road sign issues, missed trash, etc., use Princeton’s SeeClickFix portal and report the issue online here. If you have an issue that needs immediate attention, please contact the Police Department at (609) 921-2100.
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Visit princetonnj.gov/Jobs for more information about the full and part-time jobs listed below. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of new career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me button.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Meetings are virtual unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23
Municipal Court Session, 1:30 p.m. More Info
Historic Preservation Commission, 4:00 p.m. More Info
Council Meeting (In-person), 7:00 p.m. More Info

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
Municipal Court Session, 9:00 a.m. More Info
Shade Tree Commission, 5:00 p.m. More Info

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting #6, 2:00 p.m. More Info
Corner House Board Reorganization, 4:00 p.m. More Info
Princeton Fire Department Meeting (In-person), 7:00 p.m. More Info
Environmental Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. More Info
Zoning Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. More Info
Are there topics you would like to see included in the Princeton Municipal newsletter? Email accessprinceton@princetonnj.gov for consideration.
We are all in this together.

Mayor Mark Freda, Council President Leticia Fraga and Council members David Cohen, Eve Niedergang, Mia Sacks, Michelle Pirone Lambros
and Leighton Newlin
Municipality of Princeton | (609) 924-4141 | www.princetonnj.gov