The Plainsboro Historical Society, which used to operate the Plainsboro Museum out of the Wicoff House, will soon cease to exist. But Plainsboro’s history will be saved. “The historical society and the township have entered into an agreement,” said Mayor Peter Cantu. “The society will cease operations, and the township will become the recipient of their historical artifacts collection. The township will also take over the maintenance of Bethel Cemetery, which has historical significance to the town.”
“This is a good thing,” the mayor continued. “We will be ensuring that Plainsboro’s history will be preserved. In addition to maintaining the cemetery, we will be concentrating on the collection, and looking at ways to upgrade Wicoff House,” the 1880 structure still standing at the municipal complex. “It is likely that a committee will be formed to maintain and preserve our history.”
At its August 28 meeting the committee unanimously approved the agreement between the town and the historical society.
At that meeting Cantu also noted that the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has expressed interest in making its golf course, the Meadows at Middlesex, permanent open space, and plans on utilizing state open space funds for this purpose. “This will benefit Plainsboro because it is in our best interest to have this land remain open space, as envisioned in our master plan. Plainsboro will be supporting their efforts to secure open space permanency,” Cantu said.
Police Chief Guy Armour also addressed two public safety initiatives at the meeting. The first, a resolution supporting the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide crackdown, was approved by the committee. “This campaign is a nationwide effort to highlight the seriousness of drunk driving. We made five DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrests last weekend, during the campaign’s kickoff.”
In addition, the township has recently reduced the speed limit on Plainsboro Road to 25 miles per hour. “There was initially some angst about the change,” Armour said, “so we have started an educational awareness campaign. We have also put out speed trailers and other notifications along the roadway, and they will remain there for 30 days. During this time we will attempt to educate the public about the speed change, rather than just issuing speeding tickets. My officers have reported over the last several days, we are getting increased compliance.”
Lester Varga, director of the planning and zoning department, discussed the 2014 NJDOT local aid projects that his department would be submitting to the state for possible funding. “The first is our annual road project. For next year we are seeking the reconstruction of Plainsboro Road, from the intersections of Sullivan Street and Schalks Crossing Road to the Amtrak bridge, and then past the bridge to the gardens. The roadway is badly deteriorating, and this project is our priority,” he said.
“We are also seeking funding for our bikeway project. The bikeway that runs from Community Middle School to Coral Lane just stops there. We would like to continue the bikeway further. Finally, for our safe streets to transit initiative, we are looking to build bus shelters at the corner outside the municipal building, as well as the corner across the street. The bus stops at these corners already, so building shelters will provide additional protection” for bus riders.
Mayor Cantu suggested that, along with the proposals, a letter should be written to the town’s legislators explaining the importance of these projects, and asking for support. “Last year I was disappointed we did not receive our DOT allocation for the first time, and it is important that we get funding for these valuable projects.”
Finally, Cantu addressed the recent proposal to expand the Trolley Line Bike Trail and the Knight Trail, proposed by High School North student Alex Inkiow (WW-P News, August 16).
“I spoke with Alex and his mother and reviewed his plans, which are quite professional and well done,” said Cantu. “However, I explained to him that although we were supportive of the idea, PSE&G has already informed us that they would not agree to extend the trail. At the time the trail was constructed in West Windsor, we asked PSE&G to extend the trail into Plainsboro as well. We were told unequivocally that they would not agree to do another trail project.
“So Alex faces a huge hurdle here. He must get PSE&G’s approval before anything can even be considered. Nonetheless, I am very impressed with him and his project. It is refreshing to see someone his age so committed to doing something for the community,” Cantu said.
