Parking at the Princeton Junction train station in West Windsor has gotten a bit easier recently. With the opening of the “new” Vaughn Drive lot in early 2014, the West Windsor Parking Authority added 600 spaces to its sprawling surface lot.
Before this expansion, applicants for a permit would wait for as long as two years for a quarterly permit that now takes about two weeks to get. While reducing the waitlist was a noticeable milestone for the community, there was an even bigger benefit that has been much less talked about.
Wedged between the Trenton-bound train tracks and Alexander Road there was an abandoned dumpsite formerly used for municipal and household trash. This strategically located plot was not toxic, but needed a lot of improvements if it was ever to be reclaimed as a useful asset. Working with town officials, the Parking Authority agreed to invest in its care and leased the site to transform it into the surface lot that it is today.
Though now a bustling rush-hour commuter location, the lot is part of a 3,500-parking spot facility that mostly lies quiet on weekends. Only the Farmers’ Market, which operates every Saturday during the summer months, has capitalized upon the benefit of the location as a convenient destination.
“Building on that model is a logical approach to leveraging the unused portion of this valuable asset,” said Andy Lupo, Chairman of the Parking Authority.
The growing popularity of Food Trucks offers a significant opportunity for just that. This past winter, the Parking Authority began planning for its first ever community event, unveiled as the Father’s Day Food Truck Fete, with help from the Farmers’ Market, as well as the West Windsor Arts Council.
We have the ability to ignite a spirit of community right here in the heart of Princeton Junction, and we think the public can benefit from the work the Parking Authority and the Township have done to improve the landscape over these past several years.
On Sunday, June 21, the new Vaughn lot will host free parking for thousands of expected patrons. Starting at noon, 15 food trucks will begin offering dozens of delectable and unique dishes.
Admission of $3 per person (ages 2 and under are free) allows attendees to enjoy a wide range of children’s activities, music, and access to food and beverage stations throughout the lot. The location is perfectly situated for visitors who come by car, as well as by train, and is even within walking distance for thousands of local residents, including many hungry dads.
Accessible and abundant commuter parking for one of the busiest rail stations in the U.S. will continue to be an important asset for Princeton Junction and the West Windsor community. Building on the capacity to provide this key service, while improving on dormant and discarded land, was a big leap forward for commuters, taxpayers, and the environment.
Waitlists and dumpsites are no longer trademarks of Princeton Junction. Instead, on Father’s Day, this small commuter town will become known as the place to be for a family destination.
Lyle Girandola is vice chairman of the West Windsor Parking Authority.
Participating Trucks
Amandas Bananas — frozen non-dairy gluten free desserts.
Cow and the Curd — Wisconsin fried cheese curds.
Cupcake Carnival — artisan cupcakes.
Dump ‘n’ Roll — fresh dumplings, made to order.
The Feed Truck — breakfast/brunch inspired items.
KAMI — Korean American inspired cuisine.
My Hola Paella — seafood paella.
Oink and Moo BBQ — slow smoked bbq.
The Outslider — sliders (beef, crab, pork) and fries.
Pompier Catering — pierogi, kielbasa and more.
Samosa Deb — Indian food.
Surf and Turf Truck — lobster rolls, steak sandwiches, tofu rolls, fries.
Tico’s Smoothies — all natural smoothies.
