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Former fire chief warns preservation risks as Princeton Community Housing pledges to retain firehouse memorabilia
Summary
A former Princeton Engine Company No. 1 chief urged the town to preserve artifacts and the building footprint if the Chestnut Street firehouse is reused for affordable housing; Princeton Community Housing representatives said they are coordinating to keep memorabilia prominent in any reuse.
Bill Shields, who identified himself as a former chief and president of Princeton Engine Company No. 1 and a West Windsor resident, used the Historic Preservation Commission’s public‑comment period on Nov. 17 to press for preservation of the Chestnut Street firehouse’s artifacts and history if the building is repurposed for affordable housing.
"The integrity of the building, the preservation of historical records, and the memories of impact on our community must be taken into account before any changes are made," Shields told commissioners, describing decades of memorabilia and artifacts, some dating to the 1800s, stored in the building.
Shields said he presented similar concerns to the council months earlier and that he is working with state preservation contacts to try to preserve the building’s historical material. He added that it should be possible to balance the need for affordable housing with preservation through "thoughtful planning, community engagement, and above all respect."
Later in the meeting a representative working with the housing authority and Princeton Community Housing told the commission that preservation concerns had been heard and that they are coordinating with Ed Tricelli of Princeton Community Housing "to make sure that the memorabilia is prominent in the reuse and the adaptive reuse of that building." The representative said, "We hear him loud and clear, and we understand the full importance of having a footprint there." (speaker identified in the transcript as Speaker 12.)
Commissioners thanked Shields for speaking and noted that any reuse proposals would be scrutinized by multiple bodies; one commissioner disclosed a recusal because a spouse serves on the Princeton Community Housing board.
Why it matters: The reuse of municipal buildings for affordable housing can yield credit in planning calculations and expand housing, but it also raises questions about how to preserve local history and artifacts. The exchange shows both community concern and a pledge from housing partners to incorporate historic materials into reuse plans.
Next steps: Project proponents and Princeton Community Housing will continue planning and outreach; the commission and council will weigh proposals as they are formally filed.
