Eisgruber Outlines University Initiatives, Sidesteps Dinky Concerns

Princeton University's new President Christopher Eisgruber met with municipal officials on Monday to discuss University initiatives and ways to improve town-gown relations. 

"I really do hope that this can be the beginning of a more constructive relationship between town and University," Eisgruber told Council and about 50 residents at Witherspoon Hall. "I know in the course of that relationship we will disagree…but I hope that we can have those disagreements within a context that is simultaneously respectful."

When it came time for public comment, residents seem focused on one issue: the Dinky. 

"I have one simple point to make, which is really a request," former Princeton Borough Mayor and Princeton graduate Yina Moore said. "Please reconsider the plan to eliminate our closer to in-town train station, with its easy pedestrian, vehicular and mass transit access from University Place, a public street.    

"The temporary station—now 1200 feet to the south—is already massively difficult for pedestrian users of the train and confusing to reach by automobile," Moore continued. "According to the latest report from New Jersey Transit, ridership of the Dinky decreased by 11% in the period July to September.”

Moving the Dinky station south by several hundred feet has been a point of contention, because it means a longer distance for commuters traveling from downtown Princeton. Moving the station came at the request of Princeton University officials as part of the new arts and transit project.

Anita Garoniak. president of the grassroots organization "Save the Dinky," echoed Moore's comments, saying the station "is a public asset that Princeton University should restore, not destroy." 

Eisgruber did not address the Dinky move specifically, but said he is aware of the "ruptures" and "scars" that have affected local town-gown relations. 

Anton Lahnston, chairman of Princeton's Consolidation and Shared Services Study Commission, praised Eisgruber and the Council for a positive first step to repair town-gown relations.

“I think (the relationship) has been fractured and I think we have a huge opportunity ahead of us,” Lahnston said.

Eisgruber discussed some University initiatives, changing demographics, diversity of faculty, staff and graduate students and increasing the socio-economic diversity of undergraduates.

He is also tasked with continuing initiatives launched by past-President Shirley Tilghman. Those include international partnerships, the arts and transit project and a new childcare facility, among others. 

“It’s a time of transition, both for you, the University, and for Princeton as a town,” Mayor Liz Lempert said.

She wanted to know what the municipality could do to cultivate a more constructive relationship with the University.

“You having me here today is certainly a large part of that,” Eisgruber replied, adding that discussions outside of pressing, urgent issues can only help each side understand the other’s concerns and priorities.

He’s open to ways to partner with the town, be it more youth opportunities like the Dillon League, or expanding hiring networks to reach more local residents.

As for future initiatives, he said there is a clear need for campus building renovations. Also, University officials will likely begin to discuss the circumstances under which is might expand its undergraduate admissions. It’s a conversation that has not yet begun and will take years, he said.

Eisgruber and the Council expressed a desire to coordinate efforts on future initiatives as applicable.

“It does seem to me right now, as a town and as University, we produce a community that has depth and texture that makes it a very attractive place to live,” he said. “The combination of cultural activities, diversity, a sense of home and a sense of place, make this a special place in New Jersey. I would hope that we could continue to develop in ways to meet those challenges and allow us to grow…”