The controversy over the planned demolition of the flyer kiosks on Nassau Street dominated the public comments segment, as several residents expressed their disapproval of the council’s decision. Anna Conva and Kira Gusos, residents of Bank Street, were particularly vocal, highlighting the cultural and communicative significance of these kiosks. They contended that the kiosks serve as critical platforms for community expression and free speech, arguing that their removal would sever an essential connection for public interaction. Conva criticized the council’s aesthetic judgments, calling them subjective and not reflective of the community’s desires. Gusos further questioned the environmental and pedestrian concerns posited by the council, challenging the rationale behind replacing kiosks with digital displays, which could carry their own drawbacks.

Hunter Acrid and Lucas Fry echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the community’s longstanding opposition to previous removal attempts and the lack of sufficient public consultation. Acrid referenced a Princeton traffic and transportation committee report from 2013 that found the kiosks posed no threat to pedestrian flow, urging a more data-driven decision-making process. Fry called attention to the absence of prior announcement in the work session, arguing that community opposition had consistently been significant. Throughout the comments, a clear theme emerged regarding the cultural value and necessity of the kiosks as community fixtures.

Following the contentious kiosk discussion, the council shifted focus to a presentation on the Harrison Street project, which involved a multimodal corridor study aimed at enhancing safety. The study, presented by Pete Kramer and Tom D’Biasio, revealed troubling data indicating a rise in pedestrian and cyclist crashes, with 249 recorded incidents in the corridor over the past five years. The presentation underscored the need for traffic calming measures, particularly through the implementation of roundabouts and a “road diet” to repurpose roadway space for bicycles and pedestrians. The presenters highlighted the risks associated with vehicle speeds, noting a decrease in pedestrian fatality risk when vehicle speeds are reduced.

The council also deliberated on proposed changes to trash pickup times in the central business district, with discussions centering on the potential impact on businesses and residents. The proposed ordinance aimed to streamline trash collection hours, but concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of outreach efforts and the clarity of the ordinance’s provisions. A council member expressed worries about the community’s understanding of the proposed changes, citing feedback from local businesses and residents. The council ultimately voted in favor of the ordinance.

Each resolution was met with motions and seconds, allowing for efficient voting and passage.