Slow progress on arts center plans

As summer arrived, the University’s proposal for a $300 million arts and transit center south of McCarter Theatre (rendering above) was moving toward a decision by municipal officials. Zoning ordinances to permit the construction had been introduced by mid-June by the Princeton Borough Council and the Princeton Township Committee. After a review by the planning board, the two governing bodies would take a final vote on the ordinances.  

“We’ve made progress, but it’s been much slower than we had hoped,” said Robert Durkee ’69, University vice president and secretary.

The University’s plan to move the Dinky station 460 feet to the south as part of the project continued to concern some borough officials. At a June 8 meeting, New Jersey Transit officials said the University has the right to relocate the station under a 1984 contract and that the planned move would not harm ridership.

Durkee said that University officials were continuing to plan for an alternative site for the arts center in case the Alexander Road location is rejected, but declined to give further details.