Borough considers using underground wires during local street reconstruction

Princeton Borough is investigating the possibility of placing utility wires underground in some historic areas as streets and sidewalks face upcoming construction.

Mercer Hill Historic District first approached the Borough about placing the utilities underground to preserve the authentic nature of historic areas while they undergo street maintenance.

Borough Mayor Marvin Reed said the Borough agreed to fund half of the preliminary study cost, while residents and local institutions supplied the remainder of the money. The University was among the institutions to make a donation.

It was a community response, Director of Community and State Affairs Pam Hersh said. Her office made a $100 contribution toward determining the cost of burying cable, telephone and electric wires.

Though the donation is insignificant compared to the overall $5,330 cost of the project, Hersh said, the University's goal was to act as a good neighbor.

According to the initial estimation conducted by Public Service Energy and Gas, placing utility wires underground will cost between $7 million and $9 million. However, these preliminary indications seem highly inflated, Reed said.

Urban Engineers, Inc. has been hired to perform a more extensive preparation of construction cost estimate, as decided at an October 1 council meeting.

Though the Borough agreed to supply half of the $5,330 needed to fund the initial estimates, there has been no pledge that the township will pay for the actual procedure. The Borough is currently unable to pay the money necessary for completing the job and is examining ways to reduce the cost, Reed said.

It is possible that the community will do the trench digging as a part of the road construction, he said, adding that the Borough is researching such options.

Road construction in the Mercer Hill Historic District, which was scheduled to take place last year, will be delayed until the completion of the utility study.