Coffee Roasting Facility Application Moved To June 28 In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — The application for a coffee roasting facility in Princeton has now been carried forward to June 28.

Sakrid Coffee, which has a coffee shop on Nassau Street, seeks to open a new outlet at 300 Witherspoon Street and is proposing to install a coffee roaster in the first-floor space adjacent to the retail takeout space.

While neighbors don’t have any issues with the coffee shop, it is the roasting facility that has caused concerns.

During last week’s Zoning Board meeting, more than 50 residents attended, with an aim to provide comment on the proposal.

The Board deferred voting on the application to June 28.

Residents fear that the facility, which is located close to Community Park Elementary School, would release volatile organic compounds into the air and create an unpleasant smell.

They were especially concerned about the volatile organic compound diacetyl, that’s present in the roasting process.

Richard Ludescher, professor emeritus from Rutgers University and consultant in the food science industry testified during the meeting, saying that all plants emit diacetyl. This compound poses a risk only with long-term chronic exposure.

“At the site of roasting, when the diacetyl is generated, very little of that actually escapes the bean,” Ludescher said. “Even in the immediate vicinity where the bean is roasted, there is a fairly low level. It does often exceed the recommended level, but it's not high.”

He noted that the proposed roasting time, around 2.5 hours a week, would result in barely discernable levels.

Co-Owner Jonathan Haley and attorney William Hare told the Board that in response to residents’ concerns, they did more research and decided to install a new system called the VortX which would clean the air. The VortX burns no gas and produces zero methane and carbon monoxide.

Sakrid currently uses a roasting facility in Moonachie, NJ and by being able to roast coffee in the Municipality the owners hope to eliminate trips.

Resident Susan Caime said she was excited to see a “niche, local” coffee shop coming to the neighborhood. “I’m thrilled that it’s closer to this part of town. But I really feel like it’s going to elevate and expand what Princeton has to offer,” Caime said.

Kip Berman, whose daughter goes to Community Park Elementary School, said he welcomed more restaurants, bars, shops and coffee shops. However, he was opposed to a coffee roastery.

“We bought out home in a residential neighborhood and wish it to remain as such. We already have all the garbage trucks and construction vehicles in our backyard,” Berman said. “While that’s a necessary thing for Princeton’s well-being, adding more air pollution and foul smell is not.”

Zoning Board Chair Steve Cohen said the meeting was moved to June 28 and it will begin with public comment.

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