NYC Bike-share Launches; Misguided Residents Still Objecting

Sharable Bike, from Citibike NYC

Sharable Bike, from Citibike NYC

Many years in the coming, New York’s Citibike bikeshare program is finally launching. Similar to the Capital Bikeshare program that has existed in Washington DC since 2010 (and also similar programs in Montreal, Paris and London), the scheme allows users an economical way to borrow a somewhat clunky but surprisingly resilient bike for short trips between designated stations. Continue reading

Posted in Biking | 5 Comments

3 Out Of 4 Princeton Workers Live Outside Of Town

Data show that the vast majority of the Princeton workforce (79%) live outside of town.

Data show that the vast majority of the Princeton workforce (79%) live outside of town.

Have you ever asked your hairdresser, server or bank cashier where they live? The chances are, the answer is not ‘Princeton’. According to data collected by Ralph Widner, of the Princeton Traffic and Transportation Committee, and presented to Princeton Future (most recently on March 16, 2013), a large majority of the Princeton workforce live outside of town. Continue reading

Posted in Local, Princeton, Traffic | 11 Comments

Bike Ride To Prom!

Not only is May National Bike Month, for many local students it is Prom Season! In that spirit, check out this amusing video, prepared by TransForm CA, an advocacy group for transit and walkable communities based out of the Bay Area. Continue reading

Posted in Alternative Transportation, Biking, Local | Leave a comment

Why No Downtown Princeton Chipotle?!?

Chipotle: only available to Princeton people who are prepared to drive.

Chipotle: only available to Princeton people who are prepared to drive.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope you had fun! If you like Mexican food, or at least, a super-sized US-style take on Mexican food, you may like Chipotle Mexican Grill. With their jumbo-sized portions and highly-customizable build-your-own  burrito assembly-line, the Chipotle brand has swept the US and beyond. Continue reading

Posted in Downtown Vibrancy, Local | 10 Comments

Does Decreasing Oil Price Offer A Chance To Fix NJ Gas Tax?

Gas prices are dropping in New Jersey. Image from NJTV.

Gas prices are dropping in New Jersey. Image from NJTV.

Our local roads are in terrible shape. There are potholes everywhere, and if you suffer a blowout or automobile damage after hitting one, don’t expect the state to pay. Equally, where roads are insufficient to handle traffic volume, the New Jersey Department of Transport (NJDOTproposes sticking-plaster solutions, instead of looking for long-term infrastructure fixes. New Jersey roads are also set up for the 20th century, geared entirely towards cars with inferior provision for pedestrians or cyclists. Fixing these issues will require money and investment. Continue reading

Posted in Sustainability, Traffic | 5 Comments

At Communiversity, The Street Becomes A Canvas

Artists work with chalk on the street at Communiversity 2013

Artists work with chalk on the street at Communiversity 2013

One of the nicest things about Communiversity, which happened on Sunday, is that downtown Princeton becomes alive with people, all out walking and enjoying the town. Normally pushed onto sidewalks to allow cars and trucks to connect through the town, Communiversity is the day when walkers take over the streets. Continue reading

Posted in Events, Princeton, Walking | 2 Comments

Bike Month Begins Today, Time For A New Helmet?

Amazing R2D2 helmet, creation of Jenn Hall, via www.neatorama.com

Amazing R2D2 helmet, creation of Jenn Hall, via www.geekadelphia.com

Welcome to May! This is Bike Month! Greater Mercer TMA have got a bunch of events planned to make cycling fun this month, and we’ll be promoting these more as the month goes on.

Cycling to work is a great way to keep fit, fight climate change, and experience the pleasure of spring. Philadelphia-native Jenn Hall has also designed an amazing helmet, Continue reading

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Car-Share Vehicle Spotted at Westminster Choir College!!!

Wheels To Go: CarShare vehicle at Westminster Choir College

Wheels To Go: CarShare vehicle at Westminster Choir College

Even if you live a mostly walkable life, walking to work, gathering groceries from local stores, socializing in local bars and restaurants…you will likely realize that some jobs just require a car. Especially here in Jersey, your options are greatly expanded if you have some wheels, whether it is to quickly visit some friends in Hopewell, head to the shore for the weekend, or head out to Walmart for some friendly prices! Continue reading

Posted in Alternative Transportation, Princeton | Leave a comment

Deadline Approaching For Free Princeton U. Houses!

As Princeton house prices rocket once again, Princeton University can't even give these houses away.

Even as Princeton house prices rocket once again, Princeton University can’t give these houses away.

Remember those free houses that Princeton University wants to give away to anyone willing and able to take them? Well, the deadline for this amazing offer is tomorrow, Tuesday April 30. If you want one, you better hurry up and let the folks down at the University know soon! Continue reading

Posted in Princeton, Real estate | 2 Comments

Apartments Unlikely To Add Many Students To Princeton Schools

Community Park Elementary School, Princeton

Community Park Elementary School, Princeton: school site for new apartments on Witherspoon Street?

We love living in Princeton, but there are a few issues, and a high tax rate is certainly one of them! Municipal taxes, county taxes, school board taxes- it all adds up to a pretty hefty load on local residents. As we have noted before, compact walkable development in Princeton, in addition to providing a lot of customers to support downtown businesses, could generate a large amount of tax revenue. Earlier this week, we posted data from Sarasota County, Florida, which showed that taller buildings bring in substantially more tax revenue than low-rise residential development. We suggested that mid-rise buildings, built within the height of existing buildings around Palmer Square offer the best balance for providing much-needed tax relief while preserving the historic character of Princeton. Continue reading

Posted in Density, Princeton, Smart Growth | 5 Comments