Bridging town and gown

Last Thursday, University officials met with town residents to discuss the future of Princeton. The town voiced many concerns, including problems with the Dinky, the Wawa and other town and University institutions. Another major concern was that students are not spending enough money in the restaurants and shops of Princeton. It is certainly true that the famous bubble prevents many students from taking advantage of the amenities offered in the Princeton Township. This, however, is not solely the fault of students. If Princeton residents want students to take advantage of the town, they need to ensure that the students know what the community has to offer.

The best way to do this is through a "First Friday"-type event. First Fridays are currently features of many cities across the country that encourage people to come out, spend money and see what the town has to offer. As it stands, Princeton students know very little about the restaurants and shops in town. Restaurants and stores, in many cases, are expensive, close early and generally are not adapted to the college student lifestyle. A First Friday would be much like Communiversity, except that it would be oriented toward helping students familiarize themselves with the town.

An ideal event would include discounts for students at restaurants and stores. It could also include University bands, street vendors and other things to get students out of their dorm rooms. The restaurants and stores would stay open later, so the event could take place around the same time that students stop working and look for something to do. Restaurants could offer "sample meals" that featuring a mix of their best appetizers, entrees and desserts. Such a sampling may well encourage students to take advantage of opportunities previously unknown to them.

It is important that this event be planned not only by town officials and administrators, but also by students. The USG could play a major role in forming such an event. A student voice is absolutely necessary, for the obvious reason that it is students that the event aims to attract. First Fridays would be an excellent way to improve town relations and expand the University's social offerings beyond Prospect Avenue, benefiting both the University and the town.