On Monday, September 9, Princeton Council held a lengthy discussion about the future of Nassau Street. Consultants from ‘Arterial Street Design’ presented their concept plan about a proposed redesign of the sidewalks on Nassau Street. The project area focuses on the north side of the street between Chambers St and Moore St (map). This is very much Princeton’s “Main Street”, and includes the area next to Palmer Square, and in front of the famous Nassau Hall of Princeton University.
Lead consultant Dave Lustberg made a presentation outlining the proposals. The sidewalks would be relaid mostly in concrete, which would be scored to resemble bluestone pavers. Furniture including benches would be replaced, and new trash cans installed (see photo at top).
Sidewalks would be edged with a decorative granite stone trim, and granite curbs. Some of the curbs might be extended into the street to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross. Mayor Mark Freda expressed concerns that all the granite might be too costly, and that curb extensions encouraged pedestrians to step into the road at crosswalks, potentially impeding traffic and causing a safety problem. Council member Michelle Pirone Lambros and Council President Mia Sacks countered that the granite was important to make the best possible impression for visitors at this key location in the town.
Nassau Street is also State Route 27, and substantive changes to the street layout have to be approved by state authorities. As it is a historic district, the State Historic Preservation Office also provided feedback on the proposed redesign. The town recently got approval from the state to allow outdoor dining on Nassau St, so it is possible that restaurants will be able to put tables and chairs on the wide sidewalks there in the near future. The Nassau St receding will also include improved tree wells, fringed with granite, and 37 new bike racks in the six-block project area. The bike racks also drew some discussion from Council members. Council member Leighton Newlin expressed concern that people locked their bikes to the racks for too long. Council member David Cohen hoped for a more ornamental design than the standard “inverted-U” that is favored by most bicyclist organizations.
The street kiosks / bulletin boards that are covered with flyers and advertisements of various kinds could be replaced as part of the redesign. There was a major brouhaha in the town in 2013, which was the last time there was serious talk of taking away these kiosks. Municipal engineer Deanna Stockton clarified that no final decision had been taken about whether to change them. The new street design would certainly feature improved lighting, however, as well as ‘green’ features such as improved plantings, new street trees, and measures to increase absorption of stormwater.
In public comment, two local residents expressed concerns that the new street design did not do enough to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Engineer Deanna Stockton explained that the town had ongoing plans to improved safety on Nassau Street, in cooperation with Princeton University and the state. A raised crosswalk is likely to be installed across Nassau Street adjacent to “The Bent Spoon” ice-cream shop, potentially before 2027. Two other locations are under consideration for upgraded crossings, including, at South Tulane Street, and, potentially, connecting across Nassau Street between Palmer Square and the Nassau Presbyterian Church. These crosswalks may feature concrete pedestrian islands in the middle of the road, and possibly flashing beacons.
The final design of the Nassau St streetscape project is expected to be finalized in the coming months, through ongoing work between the consultants and municipal staff. Construction could start as soon as 2025, with a project cost estimated at around $6.5 million, depending on the exact scope and amount of granite used.
Related content (via princetonnj.gov):
walkableprinceton 
Haven’t we suffered through enough construction since the end of the lockdown? The endless disruptions and detours are turning Princeton into an unpleasant place to live, and visit.
These look like minor cosmetic changes, at a large cost in tax dollars and shoppers’ patience.