Week in Review: Legal Challenges to Housing on Battlefield and more

Water Main Break Affected Local Customers

New Jersey American Water customers in Princeton Borough and Township were advised to curtail water use early in the week when a water main broke in Manville. Normal water usage resumed Wednesday.

Borough to Put Open Space Tax Before Voters

Princeton Borough Council approved an ordinance to put an open space tax question on the November ballot. The same measure was approved the week before in Princeton Township. Each town currently has an open space tax in a different amount but when the municipalities merge in January they will share a 1.7-cent tax per $100 of assessed property value if voters approve the question in the fall.

Battlefield Housing Plans Challenged

The Princeton Battlefield Society mounted a legal challenge to Planning Board findings that could permit faculty housing to be built for the Institute for Advanced Study on land the Society says has historic significance.  The site was recently designated one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Several Route 1 Jughandles to Close in August

A New Jersey Department of Transportation pilot project to restrict left turns and U-turns on Route 1 at Washington Road and Harrison Street in West Windsor will begin on Monday, Aug. 6, with barriers going up by that weekend. NJDOT seeks to reduce congestion at those intersections where the rightmost of three lanes becomes crowded with motorists waiting to make left turns. The 12-week pilot project may become permanent if it is successful.

Police Seek Suspect in Knife-Point Robbery

A pedestrian reported a robbery at knife-point near Witherspoon Street and Torrey Lane, according to police. The man reportedly asked for money but no property was taken. Police released a description of the individual on Wednesday.

Fire Damages Province Line Road Bridge

A bridge over Stony Brook at the borders of Lawrence and Princeton townships was damaged Wednesday in a fire that authorities said may have been sparked by repair work on the bridge. The partially wooden structure has been out of service for decades for vehicles but is still used by pedestrians and cyclists.

New Preschool, Daycare in Princeton

A Princeton Borough resident opened the Princeton Community Family Learning Center in the building formerly used by the French American School of Princeton this summer, partnering with local businesses to provide food for students up to age five.