Princeton Future focuses on Witherspoon St. redevelopment

Princeton Future, a citizen group concerned with the prosperity and development of Princeton Township and Borough, has announced its immediate building goals for the upcoming year. The redevelopment of Witherspoon Street and the possible relocation of the University Medical Center at Princeton (formerly Princeton Medical Center) have become the main priorities. "At first, we started with a focus on the development of the downtown area. However, now we are looking at the area north of Nassau Street as an area of change," Robert Geddes, co-chairman of the organization and former dean of the University's architecture school said.

"We have been instrumental in the building of the new public square and now the Township of Princeton has the addition of a library, apartments and open spaces."

The group's work comes during a time of rapid suburban development outside of downtown Princeton and opposition to further urbanization within the Borough.

Geddes said he recognized the need to provide places in the Borough and Township that can be used by University students. The new development on Witherspoon Street will be geared towards a younger audience, offering additions like cafes, restaurants and plenty of places to "sit and enjoy the atmosphere," he said.

"The improved Witherspoon Street will be more attractive for students and faculty. It will also help to improve town and gown relations by offering social opportunities to people associated with the University," Geddes said.

One of the biggest challenges for Princeton Future in the next year will be the possible move of the medical center, which has launched a review to decide whether to renovate its aging complex or move to a new location, possibly on Route 1. The decision of the medical center will affect any plans for development on the Witherspoon Street neighborhood surrounding the current complex.

The Unversity has expressed interest in purchasing the site if the hospital were to move.

The main focus of Princeton Future, however, continues to be community. Yina Moore '80, a graduate of the University's architecture school, believes that the organization has given people a voice in the development of their community. "It's allowed them to talk in an unstructured way about design and the character of neighborhoods, and it has sharpened our sense of community," Moore stated in Princeton Future's annual report in February.

Recent initiatives of the organization have included the construction of the new public library, the development of pedestrian walkways and the upcoming completion of a new public square and parking garage.

Princeton Future began four years ago, spearheaded by residents concerned about the lack of community involvement in plans for development of the downtown area. Launched as a nonprofit organization, the group has focused on the downtown area as its major concern.

Recently, however, the organization has branched out by working on projects concerning Witherspoon Street, as well as Alexander Street and areas of Route 206, in its plans for development.

The planning challenges that Princeton Future is prepared to face include, in addition to a possible move by Princeton University Medical Center, concerns about undeveloped space on Green Hill, residential space over Hulfish Garage and the expansion of the Princeton Arts Council's building at the northwest corner of Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place.