Princeton (NJT Station) - Relocation Controversy

Relocation Controversy

The relocation of the Princeton Railroad Station has been a matter of controversy since at least 2006, when the university announced its intention to construct a new arts center calling for the replacement of the current station house, the shortening of the trackage right-of-way (ROW), and the creation of a new terminus 460 ft (140 m) to the south. Rail advocates fear that access to the new station would be less convenient, resulting in decreased ridership that would "threaten the train's existence." The proposal has prompted protest from residents, students, faculty, and alumni and led to the creation the organization Save the Dinky In October 2010 the Princeton Regional Planning Board passed a resolution supporting the continuation of train service. On October 3, 2011 Save the Dinky and residents filed suit against the university and NJT to stop the move. Soon after the borough, township, and university agreed on a memo of understanding in which the school promises to fund a transit study and provide other benefits in exchange for rezoning for the combined arts/transit project. The station house has been the property of the university since 1984, when it purchased it from NJT, with guarantees of public use. That year it was listed on the state (ID#1742) and national registers (thematic survey) of historic places. In 2012 NJT requested abandonment of that public use from the State Historic Preservation Office.Save the Dinky contends that the move would breach the original agreement when the property was transferred, would cause inconvenience, and is poor planning. The university believes it is necessary improvement for redevelopment of the neighborhood. In December 2012, approval was given by the regional planning board for the project to proceed. A Princeton alumnus and director of Railroad Development Corporation has expressed interest in purchasing the line and has said that while relocating the station from the market would lose passengers it is a part of the agreement between NJT and PU.