Princeton Wants Residents To Share Ideas On The Future Of Kiosks

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's downtown kiosks are set to undergo significant changes, but not without careful consideration of community feedback.

During Monday's Council meeting, officials discussed the future of two existing information stations located at Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue, and Nassau and Witherspoon streets.

The immediate need for discussion arose as an upcoming capital improvements project necessitates removing the current kiosks during sidewalk reconstruction.

Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton presented a proposal that recommends permanently removing the Witherspoon Street kiosk while transforming the Vandeventer Avenue location into a hybrid information space featuring electronic signage and traditional flyer posting areas.

“The Witherspoon and Nassau Street corner has become very congested with the new traffic signal equipment that has been placed there by DOT. A kiosk the size we currently have is a little bit unmanageable in that location," Stockton said.

“The real estate we have have at Vandeventer and Nassau is larger and it can accommodate the kiosk much better and allow for people to mill around and look at the information that’s provided on it.”

Council members were mindful of public sentiment around the kiosks, emphasizing its importance as a platform for community communication.

Councilman Leighton Newlin said initially he was in favor of removing the kiosks but after his "Leighton Listens" sessions, revealing residents' strong attachment to analog communication methods.

"I think we need to go back and listen to the public. Young people are all about this digital age, but people my age and a lot younger than me are not for 100 percent digital,” Newlin said.

“People want the freedom to put up and take down what they want – this is an important issue for many people in Princeton.”

Councilman Brian McDonald echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the kiosks' role in fostering community engagement and preserving free speech.

Although Councilwoman Leticia Fraga felt the current kiosks were an eyesore, she said they shouldn’t be taken down, but a compromise can be reached.

Council President Mia Sacks further emphasized their cultural significance, noting the diverse range of postings – from emotional well-being resources to educational and political announcements – that contribute to Princeton's society.

Historically, the kiosks have evolved from public phone booths and newspaper box receptacles in the late 1980s to community bulletin boards.

Despite previous attempts to modify or remove them, public resistance has consistently demonstrated their value to residents.

Stockton welcomed creative input, acknowledging Princeton's abundance of architectural talent. She invited residents to participate in the redesign process.

Residents interested in contributing ideas are encouraged to email engineering@princetonnj.gov with their suggestions for the future of Princeton's community kiosks.

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