Princeton Planning Board approves shopping-center monument sign, directory signs and transformer with conditions

The Planning Board of Princeton on a recorded vote approved a preliminary and final major site plan with variances for new freestanding signage and a proposed electrical transformer at the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison St., filed as P2424-506P by Princeton Edens LLC.

The vote granted variances to permit three larger directory signs, a 99-square-foot shopping-center identification monument sign along North Harrison, and a transformer sited inside the required 50-foot setback from adjacent residential zoning (the transformer would be at 29 feet). The board approved the application with conditions including a lighting study to be added to the site plans, replacement plantings for trees from an earlier approval, and landscaping or an art treatment around the transformer.

Why it matters: The shopping center has been redesigned and partially redeveloped in recent years; the owner and tenants told the board the site needs clearer wayfinding for motorists and pedestrians. The new signs and electrical upgrades are intended to improve on-site circulation and to support additional leasing and storefront visibility on the Grover Park side of the center.

The applicant and witnesses presented testimony on design, safety and technical compliance. Ryan Leeming, vice president of development for Edens, told the board the project "is the final piece of our redevelopment project" and that "the center could use a little bit of help in letting people…