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Princeton adopts Special Improvement District budget after small correction; some property owners push back on map
Summary
After a clerical correction increased the SID assessment to $483,597.01 (net positive $15,347.01), Princeton's mayor and council adopted the Special Improvement District 2026–27 budget and assessment roll. Experience Princeton leaders outlined expanded staffing and outreach; several nearby property owners said they were surprised to find their parcels included and asked for more targeted outreach.
Princeton's mayor and council on June 22 adopted the Princeton Special Improvement District (SID) budget for fiscal year 2026–27 after councilmembers approved a motion to amend the assessment total to $483,597.01, reflecting a formula correction that turned a projected deficit into a $15,347.01 net positive.
At the public hearing, Robin Lapides, executive director of Experience Princeton, said the organization plans to add staff and create a more visible storefront to support downtown businesses and better coordinate marketing and wayfinding. "We need more help," Lapides said, listing priorities including expanded outreach across the SID's several business districts.
Councilmember Michelle Sachs introduced the amendment to correct a calculation error, which staff described as a double-counted occupancy cost and the omission of modest repair and travel expenses. "The bottom line is the net change was a positive $35,497.01," Sachs said, with the resulting net income recorded as $15,347.01 rather than a $20,150 loss.
Property owner Mark Sanino told the council he discovered his Spruce Street property is included on the SID sub-area map and said he does not see work or improvements on his block. "I should not be assessed for this," Sanino said, urging the council to explain why the map includes his parcel and asking how to be removed from the assessment roll. Councilmembers and Experience Princeton leaders responded that the new executive leadership will prioritize outreach to under‑served business districts and that adjustments to the SID's programming and map would be considered outside the night’s vote.
Michael Monarca, who identified himself as the new president of Experience Princeton, said the board intends to extend programming beyond the Nassau Street core to districts such as Witherspoon Jackson and the Dinky Corridor and to meet with stakeholders in the coming months. "We're really excited about the direction of the organization," Monarca said.
After public comment closed, the council moved and passed resolutions to adopt the SID budget and accept the assessment roll by roll call vote.
The council also noted that the SID budget change included adding the Nassau Club to the assessment roll and framed the corrected figures in the budget materials that will be part of the official minutes. Experience Princeton will hold a presentation on a proposed parking-fee plan for business owners on July 15 at the public library, the council said.
The council did not take further action on property-owner requests to remove parcels from the roll at the meeting; officials said those are not handled on the night of adoption and encouraged owners to engage with Experience Princeton staff and municipal finance staff for next steps.
