Volume LXXIX, Number 3
Lawrence Township News Pages 16-17 Kingston Historical Society Hosts Talks on Different Aspects of Town’s Heritage . . . . . . 5 Resolution Approved at Council Meeting is First Step in Community Park South Renovation . . . . . 8 Henry “Hank” Pannell Devoted His Life to Serving Princeton Community . . . . . . . . 11 PU Women’s Hoops Edges Harvard as Chea’s BuzzerBeater Makes the Difference In 52-50 Win . . . . . . . . 22 Stewart Comes Up Big On His Senior Night, Helping PDS Boys’ Hoops Top Willingboro . . . . . 27
www.towntopics.com
Preservation Commission Endorses Proposal for Witherspoon Project Following a review by Princeton’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) that stretched into two sessions last week, Hillier Properties LLC was given approval to take its application for restorations and construction of several properties in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood to the next step. The proposal will go in front of the Planning Board at a Zoom meeting on Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m., where there will be an opportunity for more public comment. Witherspoon Hall was nearly two thirds full at the initial HPC meeting on January 8. Architect J. Robert Hillier, publisher of Town Topics newspaper, gave an overview of the project, which involves the restoration of several houses and other buildings he owns — 15 on Witherspoon Street and one on Quarry Street — and construction of new buildings behind them. The goal is to preserve the architectural character of the existing buildings; the newer structures, which will contain apartments, would be in a more contemporary style. “We were told it would save money to tear all the [houses] down and start over,” said Hillier. “But we don’t want to do that, because there is history there.” The renovations and new construction, which will result in 74 units, are to provide studio apartments that would be affordable to the “missing middle,” he said. Elizabeth Kim, Princeton’s Historic Preservation Officer, praised the architecture firm for its years of work researching and preparing the proposal. But she asked if some of the new construction could be brought down in height. That sentiment was echoed by some members of the public, particularly the architects Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner and Areta Pawlynsky. Aubrey Haines, who manages five buildings in the area, said he understood the concerns about massing. “But the buildings in the back are what pay for the buildings in front,” he said. “This is a tremendous community service and I’m fully in support of it.” At both meetings, Maria Juega questioned what will happen to those who are currently living in the existing houses — many of whom are said to be sleeping on floors in overcrowded conditions. Hillier said he has met with the tenants to come
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Art . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 20 Books . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 30 Mailbox . . . . . . . . . 12, 13 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . 29 Performing Arts . . . . . . . .18
Police Blotter . . . . . . . . .10 Real Estate . . . . . . . . 30 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Topics of the Town . . . . 5 Town Talk . . . . . . . . . . 6
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Community Welcomes New PPS Superintendent Last week’s special meeting of the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE), which has grappled with more than its share of difficult issues over the past few years, was unusual in both tone and content. “Everybody is smiling,” said BOE Chair Dafna Kendal as she opened the meeting. “It’s my ninth year as a Board member, and I’ve never had a meeting like this. Thank you all for indulging me.” The upbeat mood continued for the full 33 minutes of the meeting as the BOE unanimously appointed Michael LaSusa as the next PPS superintendent before adjourning for celebratory cake and refreshments with the group of about 50 enthusiastic supporters gathered in the Valley Road administration building conference room. “One candidate rose to the top” with “a proven record of success in many administrative roles in the Chathams district,” said Kendal in describing the Board’s superintendent search. The hiring process, conducted in collaboration with a consulting firm, included numerous forums; a community survey; 37 applications received and read, including 17 from current school
DSCAPING RDSCAPING CAPING DSCAPING SCAPING CAPING NDSCAPING SCAPING MOVAL MOVAL EMOVAL REMOVAL Bob Dylan and the film A Complete Unknown Are the Subjects of This Week’s Book/Film Review . . . .15
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superintendents; and 16 candidates selected for interviews. “Princeton is a lighthouse district, and we know that Mike will make our light shine brighter,” said Kendal in introducing LaSusa, who was hired as a Spanish and social studies teacher in the Chathams more than 20 years ago and has been superintendent there for the past 13 years. “Mike is committed to the belief that all children can succeed,” Kendal continued. “We’re confident that he has the skills to make meaningful improvements
to the education of all of our students, and specifically students of color and students receiving special education and related services.” LaSusa, who had spent the day in Princeton visiting all six district schools and meeting many different staff members, came to the podium and explained to the Board and community members in attendance some of the factors that had drawn him to Princeton. He noted the diversity of the student body and “the fact
Next Monday, January 20 is a federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader and renowned proponent of nonviolent resistance in his quest for racial equality and justice. Many events and service opportunities will be held in the area, as Princeton and the U.S. celebrate King’s life, work, and beliefs. “As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that the dream he shared was not merely aspirational — it was a call to action,”
Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin wrote in a January 13 email. “Today, in the face of profound division, fear, and uncertainty, his words, and his work, demand more of us than ever before.” He continued, “Dr. King’s legacy teaches us not to surrender in the face of adversity but to rise above it. We shall overcome — not because it is inevitable, but because we are determined. We are winners. “Let us honor Dr. King not just in words,
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Service Opportunities, Cultural Events, Religious Services, and More on Tap for MLK Jr. Day
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CUSTOM POOLS • HARDSCAPING CUSTOM POOLS • HARDSCAPING OUTDOOR • LANDSCAPING OUTDOOR LIVING LIVING • LANDSCAPING COMMERCIAL SNOW REMOVAL COMMERCIAL SNOW REMOVAL
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QUIET ON CAMPUS: Princeton University’s Nassau Hall got a light dusting of snow on Saturday morning. Spring Term classes begin on January 27. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
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