The council’s work session on municipal transit services introduced Taos Advisors, tasked with developing an implementation plan for a new bus route. This initiative, informed by the Nelson Nygard study, is designed to improve local mobility, particularly for residents of multifamily developments and commuters using the Dinky. The proposed express bus route will connect key locations, including Princeton station, the Dinky Stop, downtown Nassau Street, and the Princeton Shopping Center. Operating from Monday to Saturday, the route aims to run with a 45-minute frequency, providing a sustainable transit option that reduces reliance on personal vehicles. The estimated cost for a 12-month pilot program is $400,000, with funding identified from non-taxpayer sources. The council emphasized the pilot’s success as a determinant for future service expansion.

In parallel, the council delved into the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs), focusing on the potential impact of these rentals on neighborhood character and housing availability. The discussion addressed the principal residence requirement, with several options considered to balance property owners’ interests with community integrity. Among these, a phased approach allowing a grace period for compliance garnered attention, offering property owners time to adjust to new regulations. The council also explored the revenue potential from STR occupancy taxes, noting that accurate projections hinge on effective monitoring systems.

The council’s attention to these topics underscores a broader commitment to sustainable community development. The bus route initiative aligns with goals of reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the STR discussion reflects a nuanced approach to maintaining neighborhood cohesion and ensuring housing affordability amidst rising property values driven by short-term rental demand.

In addition, the meeting included a public hearing on a parking ordinance amendment to establish a no-parking zone at Pelum and Harrison intersection. The council unanimously supported this change.

Further, the council handled routine resolutions efficiently, including authorizing the sale of surplus property, approving budget adjustments for professional services, and awarding contracts for environmental legal services and telecommunications facilities. These resolutions passed without dissent.

Public comments highlighted diverse community concerns, notably the Vote 16 initiative advocating for lowering the voting age in school board elections. Speakers argued that enfranchising 16- and 17-year-olds would bolster civic engagement and ensure their perspectives are considered in educational decisions. The council acknowledged this advocacy, recognizing legal constraints but expressing willingness to explore potential pathways for change.

Additional public input addressed challenges faced by the Princeton High School varsity fencing team, emphasizing the need for better support and student representation in decision-making. Concerns about accessibility for deaf individuals at municipal meetings were raised. Transportation issues also surfaced, with calls for more efficient services to meet growing community needs.