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Princeton council approves new trash receptacles and Hines Plaza seating; bench purchases deferred pending placement plan
Summary
Council authorized ordering new solid‑top trash receptacles and approved added seating for Hines Plaza and bike parking improvements, while deferring final bench purchases and placement on Nassau Street until staff returns with location proposals and timing to avoid conflict with planned sidewalk construction.
Princeton—On March 9 the mayor and council agreed to move forward with a package of targeted streetscape improvements that includes replacing open‑top trash receptacles with a solid‑top model, repairing and cleaning kiosks, strategic plantings, removal of unlicensed newspaper boxes and adding seating at Hines Plaza; council asked staff to return with siting plans and bench counts for Nassau and Witherspoon Streets.
Staff (municipal engineer Deanna Stockton) said the proposed trash receptacle—the darker, solid‑top unit with locking side access—had been prototyped on Nassau and received positive feedback from DPW. Lead time for the receptacles is a matter of months; benches will require a public bid process and have an estimated lead time of about 20 weeks.
Council concerns: Mayor Frida and other council members emphasized timing: installing new benches ahead of planned Nassau Street construction would create costs and logistical issues if items later need removal and storage. Several councilmembers urged equity in bench placement (Witherspoon should have seating as nice as Nassau) and additional seating for seniors along Witherspoon where residents requested more benches with backs.
Newspaper boxes and legal process: Staff explained the clerk's office and municipal attorney will send notices to owners of unlicensed newspaper boxes; owners have seven days to apply for a permit or face potential municipal‑court enforcement. Nassau Street has special state permitting because it is a state highway; staff are evaluating enforcement authority and potential code amendments.
Council action: A motion to proceed with ordering the trash receptacles, pursue Hines Plaza seating and strategic kiosk repairs, and to begin bench procurement planning (with final locations and numbers returned to council) was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will order the tested trash receptacles, prepare bench location plans and cost estimates for Witherspoon and Nassau (returning to council for approval of siting and total quantities), pursue code amendments and notifications related to newspaper boxes, and coordinate planting plans to avoid trampling and utility conflicts.
Sources: Staff presentation by Deanna Stockton; council discussion and the formal motion recorded in the meeting minutes.
