The three candidates for West Windsor mayor were asked to give a brief biography and provide answers to the questions below. Their responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
1.) Please summarize your background, career path, academic credentials, etc.
2.) What do you think should happen to the Wyeth/Howard Hughes land at Quakerbridge Road and Route 1? What steps would you recommend to achieve that result?
3.) A plan has been advanced to renovate the township office complex at a cost of several million dollars. What is your opinion of that expenditure?
4.) Several projects have been proposed to enhance the downtown area of West Windsor, including the pocket park next to the 7/11 and a proposal for landscaping the pond area in front of the Junction train station. Would you continue these efforts? Add other projects to the list? If so, how would they best be financed?
5.) What areas of township operations or infrastructure are most in need of immediate improvement?
6.) Do you anticipate a need to raise property taxes in the foreseeable future? Why or why not? Do you have a plan to lower taxes? How would you implement that?
7.) Long-term what are the biggest challenges facing West Windsor?
8.) Are there any other issues that you would like to raise?
9.) Is there a public figure or personal acquaintance you look up to as an inspiration or a role model?
Shing-Fu Hsueh
1.) I hold a PhD in chemical/environmental engineering from Rutgers and am a professional engineer and planner. I am a former administrator of the NJ Water Supply Administration, State Brownfields Redevelopment Program director, and adjunct professor of environmental engineering/science at Rutgers.
I have served on the boards of the NJ Health Care Financing Authority (1997-2002); Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (1998-2004); and NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers (2002-’05).
I am a current board member of the NJ Water Supply Authority (since 2002); RWJ Health Care Corp. Hamilton (since 2001); NJ League of Municipalities (NJLOM) Legislative Committee – Finance and Taxation (since 2002); NJ State Planning Commission (since 2007); NJ Conference of Mayors (since 2013); American Cancer Society-Asian/Pacific Initiative Advisory Board (since 2011); National Advisory Board of Smart Growth America Local Leaders Council (since 2012); and NJLOM Economic Development Task Force (since 2011).
I have served as West Windsor mayor/council president/council member since 1993, and I was a member of the West Windsor Board of Health, Environmental Commission from 1986-1993.
Additionally, I have been a volunteer Tai-Chi instructor in West Windsor for 19 years.
2.) I believe that the development of the Howard Hughes property should be mixed use with a major portion of the property occupied by quality business ratables. For any residential components, construction will be required to be done in phases taking into consideration available school capacity. A traffic circulation element is critical to minimize the impact on roads already stressed.
Together with the roads, and in keeping with the Township’s Complete Streets requirements, bicycle and pedestrian mobility must exist throughout the development, including bus and potential Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) facilities. The financial analysis must show positive tax revenue to support additional township services and operations. I would also like to see a number of recreational offerings for residents of all ages and a contribution of preserved open space as has been required of other developments.
The owner is currently conducting studies based on the results from the first public meeting and the focus group meeting held earlier this year to prepare a concept plan for Planning Board review. Soon after they submit the application, the board will have open public meeting(s) to discuss Howard Hughes’ proposals. The application package is expected to include general uses, traffic impacts, roadway improvements, financial impacts, school impact, public amenities, and open space preservation. Public discussions will be conducted in an open and transparent fashion. I want to make sure that all interests and concerns are answered.
3.) The space and facility analysis performed by Spiezle Architecture was completed in April. Phases for construction were provided. Preliminary costing was also provided and was multiple millions of dollars for the entire build-out of all phases together with an additional building for the Parking Authority as well as a separate garage for emergency services equipment. This study, along with a draft Climate Action Plan and a draft Energy Efficiency Audit funded by grants, will be reviewed by an advisory task force consisting of residents specialized in construction, architecture, and energy. The final recommendations will be reviewed and voted on by council based on the budget available from one-time revenue such as liquor license sales. No additional taxpayer money will be used.
4.) I envision that the pocket park will be a tranquil area for people to sit or walk. The beginnings of this park are already being used, and I believe that patrons of both the 7/11 and Windsor Plaza will enjoy bringing lunch or other purchases into the park to sit and enjoy. I have spoken with FOWWOS and set up a process where donations can be made to fill the park with benches and plantings. We have already received a donation of flowering trees and money.
Concerning the train station, I offered this as an idea at a Mayor’s Open Town Hall meeting. I would like the pond area of the station to be cleaned up a bit with benches so that commuters and visitors have a more pleasant welcome. For both projects, I would like to see volunteers assist in any clean-up or planting activities. I anticipate that more than these two projects will contribute to the beautification of our downtown. I do not see taxpayer money used except for in-house design and coordination efforts.
5.) The municipal complex (keep Post Office services) and improve a number of roads in the Township including Alexander Road, Canal Pointe Boulevard, County Route 571 and Route One.
6.) We are moving into the stage where a sustainable municipal portion of the property tax is possible. With the lowest municipal purpose tax in the region this year and one of the few townships where ratables improved this year, I believe that our tax situation will continue to be stable. Even though the township has grown in road miles, number of businesses, and number of residents, the staff and our operating budget has been held under the state cap.
7.) Long term plans for the Howard Hughes property; Route 1 improvements; Route 571 and downtown improvements; and implementation of the Sarnoff General Development Plan (including the Penns Neck bypass).
8.) Continue to enhance walking and cycling, including the Cranbury Road study. Continue to improve stormwater management in flood-prone areas. Secure more open space for preservation. Create more recreational opportunities. Continue to attract quality ratables.
9.) President Lincoln because of his humility and humanity.
