Jones Lang LaSalle
Guidance sought for redevelopment
Sunday, February 26, 2006
By CHRIS STURGIS
Special to The Times
WEST WINDSOR -- The mayor and council have begun discussing creation of a committee to find a professional to guide the Princeton Junction redevelopment plan, said Council President Charles Morgan.
"We don't know if the person chosen will be a planner, but we need someone who will be conducting the orchestra, because this is going to be a complex group of people," he said.
Redeveloping 350 acres around the train station to facilitate better traffic circulation and host a "town center" of shops, services and residences will require professionals specializing in traffic, planning and architecture, Morgan said. And residents say they want someone forecasting the financial and environmental impact of the new development.
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh is suggesting a six-member search committee with two members of council, two members of the planning board and two representatives from Hsueh's administration.
When the council discussed this at a special meeting last week, council members Heidi Kleinman, Kristin Appelget and Franc Gambatese expressed interest.
But Morgan said maybe a couple of spots should be reserved for representatives of the public, and there should be some discussion about whether Kleinman is a good choice, since she's on both the council and planning board. "Do we really want three people from the planning board?" he asked.
Hsueh is also proposing changes to the township's pay-to-play ordinance to disqualify campaign contributors from competing for contracts in the redevelopment.
Hsueh is asking that the ordinance disqualify any individuals, companies or corporations that have contributed to any candidate for office in the township or to a political party in Mercer County from undertaking any redevelopment work in the township.
"The measure is aimed at preventing any private party from seeking some advantage by providing political contributions to public officials," Hsueh said in a press release.
Morgan said the council agrees with this principle and plans to discuss a draft ordinance at its work session meeting March 13.
© 2006
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Guidance sought for redevelopment
Sunday, February 26, 2006
By CHRIS STURGIS
Special to The Times
WEST WINDSOR -- The mayor and council have begun discussing creation of a committee to find a professional to guide the Princeton Junction redevelopment plan, said Council President Charles Morgan.
"We don't know if the person chosen will be a planner, but we need someone who will be conducting the orchestra, because this is going to be a complex group of people," he said.
Redeveloping 350 acres around the train station to facilitate better traffic circulation and host a "town center" of shops, services and residences will require professionals specializing in traffic, planning and architecture, Morgan said. And residents say they want someone forecasting the financial and environmental impact of the new development.
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh is suggesting a six-member search committee with two members of council, two members of the planning board and two representatives from Hsueh's administration.
When the council discussed this at a special meeting last week, council members Heidi Kleinman, Kristin Appelget and Franc Gambatese expressed interest.
But Morgan said maybe a couple of spots should be reserved for representatives of the public, and there should be some discussion about whether Kleinman is a good choice, since she's on both the council and planning board. "Do we really want three people from the planning board?" he asked.
Hsueh is also proposing changes to the township's pay-to-play ordinance to disqualify campaign contributors from competing for contracts in the redevelopment.
Hsueh is asking that the ordinance disqualify any individuals, companies or corporations that have contributed to any candidate for office in the township or to a political party in Mercer County from undertaking any redevelopment work in the township.
"The measure is aimed at preventing any private party from seeking some advantage by providing political contributions to public officials," Hsueh said in a press release.
Morgan said the council agrees with this principle and plans to discuss a draft ordinance at its work session meeting March 13.
© 2006
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
posted by Jones Lang LaSalle NJ News Blog at 9:48 AM
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