Residents fear University's expansion
University administrators clashed with Borough officials and residents last night in a heated public work session held to discuss the University's plans for expansion and address possible conflicts with the greater Princeton Community Master Plan.Led by University Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee '69, the University contingent met with members of the Princeton Planning Board.Citing the board's belief that Princeton "is not simply a college town and is not a town for one institution," chair of the Master Plan Subcommittee Marvin Reed said it is vital that the greater Princeton community and the multiple educational institutions that inhabit it ? including the University, Princeton Theological Seminary and the Institute for Advanced Study ? grow together cooperatively."It's an interesting community because it has one of the great universities but isn't a college town," Durkee said in an interview after the meeting.Chief among the Planning Board's concerns are proposed changes to the Dinky station, traffic flow issues, the impact of the University on the economic viability of businesses on Nassau Street and the overall continued expansion of the University. The Dinky, the Wawa, the Arts NeighborhoodThe Dinky station will be relocated 460 feet south, or approximately an extra two-minute's walk, said Neil Kittredge of Byer Blinder Belle, the consultancy firm advising the University on the project."The Dinky station is very important to the health, welfare and ability of this community to travel to any other part of the world," Reed said.Though the Dinky will be relocated southward, "we hope to significantly improve the amenities for those who use the Dinky station," Durkee said.