When the new West Windsor library opened in 1997, and a new post office opened in the old library’s space, I remember feeling excited about West Windsor’s future. It seemed like a real town center was finally taking shape. Now, almost 15 years later, it’s hard to point to much further progress. While the community park, farmers’ market, and new arts council space have been major improvements, they haven’t changed the fundamental problem in West Windsor –– there’s still no town.
Despite consistent efforts by our Mayor, the town center development effort has been stalled for years by obstructionist members of West Windsor’s town council. Luckily, with a new election in November, we have an opportunity to change that. The “West Windsor Moving Forward” team of town council candidates is poised to stop the small-issue wrangling that has mired the current town council and finally make West Windsor’s town center come to life. George Borek, Lindsay Diehl, and Kristina Samonte have been consistent advocates for smart growth in West Windsor, and they have the professionalism to get the job done.
We need to make progress on the town center for several reasons: First, and everyone agrees on this, having a town center would just be nice. Why can’t we bring the best experiences of Princeton –– reading in a coffee shop, stopping by a bakery, sitting outside at a restaurant –– to West Windsor?
Second, a town center would attract new residents (boosting home values). It’s true that people typically move to West Windsor to start families. But that doesn’t mean that they’re only looking for a bigger house and good schools. Why would a young couple settle for an extra bedroom and good schools in West Windsor when they can get those things plus fun restaurants somewhere else? West Windsor needs to stay competitive with nearby towns.
Third, developing a town center would jumpstart local entrepreneurship. West Windsor has lost many of the gems it once had. Lick It, Ace Hardware, and Chicken Holiday were friendly local businesses. While we still have a few, a town center boasting foot traffic and attractive commercial space could ignite a new boom.
Fourth, the town center will be tax-positive (i.e. free for taxpayers) and will have minimal impact on the schools. According to professional auditors, the project will generate new tax income for West Windsor rather than cost residents anything. Additionally, the new housing units are expected to generate, at most, 224 new students. The school board has indicated that it has the capacity for them.
Having a town center in West Windsor is about more than just adding restaurants and attracting residents. It would boost West Windsor’s sense of community and give its residents something to be proud of. Let’s make it happen by voting for the “West Windsor Moving Forward” team of George Borek, Lindsay Diehl, and Kristina Samonte on November 8.
Kemper Diehl
The writer is the son of candidate Lindsay Diehl.
