Princeton Civics completes youth service event
November 12, 2022 — Princeton Civics’ “Youth Community Service Launch Pad” was held this morning in conjunction with the Princeton Public Library. Several students and volunteers from multiple organizations attended the event, which taught students important skills for effective service in their communities.
Princeton Civics hosts event in cooperation with Public Library
October 2022 — Princeton Civics has announced a November 12 event that will be held at the Princeton Public Library, which worked with Princeton Civics to create the program. The event, called a “Youth Community Service Launch Pad,” was designed by founder Han Li and will prepare students in grades 6–9 to be “engaged, valuable volunteers in the community.”
Mercer County warehouse application faces public disapproval
August 2022 — In June, the West Windsor Planning Board approved an application to construct a large warehouse project at the intersection of Route 1 and Quaker Bridge Rd. As the application goes to the county level for further approval, public sentiment rises against the project due to projected increases in traffic that could negatively impact quality of life in the area.
Rally against gun violence held in Princeton
June 18, 2022 — On Saturday, June 11, a rally against increasing gun violence was held in Hinds Plaza as part of a nationwide day of action. The rally included appeals to support new laws that will reinforce New Jersey’s gun control; read about this and help express support under Announcements on the home page.
Princeton’s first AAPI 5K held
June 4, 2022 — On May 29, the area’s first AAPI 5K was held as a means for the public to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This signifies the growing awareness of AAPI history and is one of the first major celebrations of the topic in Princeton.
Princeton Council decides not to allow cannabis retail
May 19, 2022 — Following a protracted period of discussion, Princeton Council has decided not to allow cannabis retail in the municipality. This decision is not intended to be permanent, with the intention to return to the issue some years in the future. Councilwoman Eve Niedergang notes that discussion on the topic has proven “disturbingly…divisive,” this being a primary reason for the cessation of discussions.
New Jersey plastic bag ban in effect
May 4, 2022 — A New Jersey law banning plastic bags and similar items is now in effect. Plastic bags are now banned at all stores; paper bags are banned at large grocery stores but will remain available in certain other stores. Disposable Styrofoam dishware will no longer be sold.
For more information on the law, visit this link.
US Deputy Secretary of Education visits public schools
March 30, 2022 — Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten visited Princeton High School and Johnson Park Elementary School on March 29. The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate the use of funds from the American Rescue Plan, which were designated to support COVID-19 recovery at K-12 schools.
Permit Parking Task Force presents new recommendations
March 9, 2022 — Princeton residents have objected to previous plans to expand permit parking in various neighborhoods. As a result, the Task Force has revised its recommendations to reduce the affected area.
Princeton expresses solidarity with Ukraine
March 9, 2022 — As the war continues in Ukraine, Princeton has worked to respond with positive result. On March 3, over 200 people gathered for a Peace in Ukraine vigil.
Board of Health provides opinion on cannabis retail
March 9, 2022 — The Princeton Board of Health (BOH) has recommended that any action to approve retail sales of cannabis in Princeton be postponed pending additional planning and preparations to minimize possible negative effects.
Princeton celebrates Black History Month
March 7, 2022 — Throughout this February, Princeton has continued to honor Black History Month, with numerous events being held by such groups as Princeton University, the Arts Council, and the public schools. There were opportunities for all to learn more about black history in general and its role in Princeton’s history.
See here and here for some of the ways Princeton upholds black history.
Council meeting regarding cannabis retail set for March 29
January 19, 2022 — The Princeton Council has set March 29 as the date for its upcoming meeting regarding cannabis retail. The meeting will begin with an hour-long block allotted to Cannabis Task Force presentations. There will then be a public discussion time.
New Jersey legislature passes bill requiring AAPI education in schools
January 18, 2022 — S4021, a bill requiring school districts to “provide education on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” has been passed by the New Jersey legislature. The bill is in effect immediately and will first apply to the upcoming 2022–2023 school year.
Our January 22 blog post explores the history and the people behind this bill.
Princeton hosts events to celebrate MLK Day
January 16, 2022 — On January 12th, the Town Topics published a list of events in the Princeton community to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and fuel the spirit of service during the National Day of Service. The complete list and article can be found here.
Princeton Public Schools release details on upcoming PHS facilities referendum for vote on January 25th
January 16, 2022 — On January 25th, Princeton residents will vote whether to approve $17.5 million worth of bonds for facility repairs across the district’s public schools. Details for Princeton High School can be found here.
Princeton permit parking task force presents recommendations
January 11, 2022 — The Permit Parking Task Force has been studying parking accommodations in various Princeton neighborhoods. On January 11th, they presented their revised recommendations to the Princeton Council in this session.
Princeton Council meeting regarding cannabis retail postponed
January 4, 2022 — The Princeton Council has postponed a public meeting for the discussion of possible cannabis retail in Princeton. No exact date has been set, but the meeting will probably be held in March, according to Councilwoman Eve Niedergang.
Debates over opening of cannabis dispensaries in Princeton
Following the state legalization of recreational cannabis use, Princeton has been considering opening cannabis stores in the town. A group known as the Cannabis Task Force (CTF) has been advising the Mayor and Council on the topic, and has issued recommendations for the regulation of possible dispensaries. Part of the recommendation requires a mere 200 feet of “buffer” distance between a dispensary and any school, playground or public housing area. This is in violation of U.S. Federal law, which requires at least 1,000 feet of buffer space. The school district and Board of Education have stated concerns with the recommendations. In addition, independently conducted surveys show notable public opposition to the opening of dispensaries, along with concern regarding the negative impacts of public dispensaries near schools — and the CTF’s apparently complete disregard for such effects. Some have pointed out that the CTF includes cannabis industry consultants and three of the six Princeton Council members, without sufficient regard given to the opinions of the public or schools. An online petition has been created to enforce higher buffer distance, in accordance with federal law.