To the Editor:
Alexander Bridge
A Traffic Portent
With the closure of the Alexander Road Bridge — and vehicles lined up along the connecting arteries throughout the day — we are getting a sobering look at what our future traffic will be like in West Windsor if the road network isn’t improved.##M:[more]##
West Windsor will experience substantial growth — regardless of what happens with the redevelopment at the train station. That is why we need to be proactive and make every effort to control the growth by adopting a comprehensive redevelopment plan for West Windsor NOW.
Redevelopment will not only create the tax revenue needed for a vast upgrade of the local road network, it will also help make the roads safer and more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. The planned improvements include a permanent connector on Vaughn Drive, rather than a haphazard cut-through in the station’s parking lot, plus an additional $30 million for other road improvements.
At a time when our local, county, and state coffers are dry, redevelopment is an opportunity for us to solve significant infrastructure concerns without putting an additional burden on taxpayers. It will also ensure that the Alexander Road bridge closure is a temporary inconvenience, rather than a permanent nightmare.
Libby Swanke Vinson
Varsity Avenue, West Windsor
Redevelopment’s Opportunities
I am writing to express my opinion on the redevelopment of West Windsor where I have been a resident for two years. I distinctly remember driving through town for the first time, as our realtor explained its merits and pointed out “hot spots” along the way. As anyone familiar with downtown West Windsor knows, there are no points of interest — only the disenchanting Acme shopping center and the traffic clogged train station. We bought our house in West Windsor because of the proximity to said train station (I commute to New York) as well as the highly touted school system.
Since moving in, we discovered there was a three-year waiting list for a parking spot at the train station. The price of gas has skyrocketed, and the countless trips to Nassau Park Shopping Center and Mercer Mall has taken a toll on our wallet. Suburban sprawl has ensured that much of the energy we consume (and money we spend) comes from our dependence on cars. Changing the layout of downtown and creating a walkable town center will allow West Windsor residents to become less dependent on cars — helping their pocketbooks and the environment at the same time.
Even though there will be no short term relief, I still want to see a future with a train station parking spot and walkable mixed-use town center. Inevitably, West Windsor will build and become built-up. But if we can somewhat control the end result — community meeting places and retail shops — and benefit from it with increased property values, then don’t we all win?
Eve Gelade
17 Hereford Drive,
Princeton Junction
More Condos May Not = More Parking
This is perhaps the cruelest myth. Everyone is aware that parking is tight at the West Windsor train station. And we’ve all seen the ads with a picture of a parking spot and the caption “Want One?”
The truth is that there is no direct connection between 1,”000 condos for Goldin and a parking spot for West Windsor residents. Parking is completely the responsibility of NJ Transit, the West Windsor Parking Authority, and to a small extent Amtrak. NJ Transit and the West Windsor Parking Authority will decide if any additional parking is to be created and they will build it on their land.
If Goldin builds 1,”000 condos, 10,”000 condos or 1 condo, it is not his company’s decision as to what parking is created in West Windsor. It is a false connection to link building 1,”000 condos to parking. You have equivalent power to Goldin to get more parking created in West Windsor — solicit NJ Transit and the West Windsor Parking Authority. But be careful what you wish for — more parking means more traffic from outside West Windsor racing down our streets to catch the train. This needs to be thoughtfully constructed.
Mike Baxter
Landing Lane, Princeton Junction
Keep Hsueh On WW Council Dais
West Windsor is fortunate to have Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh at the helm of the township. As a professional engineer, a licensed professional planner, and the former head of various state government programs dealing with water resources, planning, and environmental issues, Mayor Hsueh is recognized as a leading expert in his fields.
When the mayor speaks at council meetings, he is not only enlightening the members of the council but also the members of the public. Councilman Charles Morgan’s statement that the mayor is making political speeches at the council meetings is false. The mayor does not make political speeches at the council meetings. He addresses issues that arise and reports on his activities in his role as mayor of the township. This is the responsibility of the township executive, the mayor. His more than 30 years of state government, educational and research experience, and his long standing relationships with many state offices and Rutgers University have proven to be extremely beneficial to the township residents.
Many residents are very impressed with the mayor’s efforts and accomplishments and appreciate the fact that the mayor is communicating with them on so many different levels. The mayor is one of those rare individuals who not only campaigns for open government, but practices open government once he is elected.
Since Mr. Morgan has indicated his interest in running for the office of mayor, his discomfort in listening to the mayor addressing issues of vital interest and major concerns to the township is understandable. However, Mr. Morgan needs to recognize that his personal political aspirations must take a backseat to the interest of the all the residents of West Windsor Township.
Furthermore, characterizing the mayor’s remarks as political when they are clearly not is something that a great number of West Windsor constituents find totally unacceptable. While many of Mr. Morgan’s efforts have resulted in a community sense of heightened conflict and tension, Mayor Hsueh’s approach has been to guide us in township decision making that leads to constructive and practical results, not procedural mind games. The mayor belongs on the dais, not in the audience, at township council meetings. Keep him where he is and work together for the township and its citizens.
Richard Eland, James Moeller
Al and Janet Lerner
Eden Raises $40K
On behalf of the Eden Family of Services, and the individuals with autism whom Eden serves, I want to extend heartfelt thanks for the generosity of our community. On July 13 Eden held its fifth annual Eden Family 5K Race and one-mile Fun Run; more than 500 walkers and runners and nearly 60 volunteers helped to make this year’s race a tremendous success and raise $40,”000 in net proceeds.
A special thanks to Curt Emmich, who served as race director and provided support in numerous ways; our major sponsors, NRG Energy, Princeton Forrestal Village, Sanofi-Aventis, and Van Note-Harvey Associates; the 20 additional companies that provided major sponsorship and in-kind support; and the many individuals and businesses that contributed.
Thomas P. McCool
CEO, Eden Family of Services
We are deeply grateful to the dedicated Eden Family 5K steering committee that helped plan and organize this outstanding event; the many volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible; and to the walkers and runners who participated in the race and Fun Run. The funds raised from this event will help Eden continue its mission of improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
