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Palmer Square

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106-601: Palmer Square is a public square and planned development in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey across from Nassau Street and Princeton University that today forms a collection of shops, restaurants, offices and residential spaces. Originally built from 1936 to 1939 by Edgar Palmer, heir to the New Jersey Zinc fortune, the Square was created by architect Thomas Stapleton in the Colonial Revival style as

212-620: A humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps. The 2010 United States census counted 3,906 people, 1,958 households, and 897 families in the city. The population density was 3,386.1 per square mile (1,307.4/km ). There were 2,075 housing units at an average density of 1,798.8 per square mile (694.5/km ). The racial makeup was 91.30% (3,566) White , 1.95% (76) Black or African American , 0.20% (8) Native American , 1.31% (51) Asian , 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander , 4.12% (161) from other races , and 1.13% (44) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.75% (381) of

318-536: A township and a borough . The central borough was completely surrounded by the township. The borough seceded from the township in 1894 in a dispute over school taxes; the two municipalities later formed the Princeton Public Schools , and some other public services were conducted together before they were reunited into a single Princeton in January 2013. Princeton Borough contained Nassau Street ,

424-461: A 150,000-acre (230 sq mi; 610 km ) area around Lambertville was acquired for 700 Pounds by the Council of West Jersey and divided into smaller plots. The earliest European settler in present-day Lambertville was John Holcombe, who purchased a lot and built a stone home in 1744. Emanuel Coryell bought a property in the area in 1732, which was used for commercial purposes. He received

530-598: A charter to operate a ferry connecting what is now Lambertville and New Hope, and opened a tavern and inn to host travelers stopping halfway along the route between New York City and Philadelphia . The settlements on either side of the Delaware River were each called Coryell's Ferry. During the American Revolutionary War , George Washington and his colonial forces twice camped at the home John Holcombe built in 1744. The Delaware River and

636-531: A countywide basis are: Clerk Mary H. Melfi (R; Flemington , 2026), Sheriff Fredrick W. Brown (R; Alexandria Township , 2025) and Surrogate Heidi Rohrbach (R; Lebanon Township , 2028). As of March 2011, there were 3,053 registered voters in Lambertville, of whom 1,395 (45.7%) were registered Democrats , 569 (18.6%) were registered Republicans and 1,087 (35.6%) were unaffiliated . Two voters were registered as either Libertarians or Greens . In

742-413: A four-year term of office, serves as Princeton's chief executive officer and nominates appointees to various boards and commissions subject to approval of the council. The mayor presides at council meetings and votes in the case of a tie or a few other specific cases. The council consists of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in

848-565: A fully integrated mixed-use downtown that would act as a commercial complement to Princeton University. The plans included the playhouse, the Princeton Post Office, and even the Borough Hall, though this structure was never built. Over 75 years the different components of Palmer Square have come together, with a new addition or component being added approximately every decade since the 1930s. A centerpiece of Palmer Square

954-634: A level place to exercise and enjoy views of the canal and Delaware River in all seasons. Lambertville is also largely noted for its socially progressive culture, similar to the neighboring city of New Hope, Pennsylvania . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city had an area of 1.23 square miles (3.17 km ), including 1.08 square miles (2.81 km ) of land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km ) of water (11.46%). The city borders Delaware Township and West Amwell Township in Hunterdon County and New Hope and Solebury Township across

1060-486: A partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by Princeton is a " weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as

1166-782: A partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held each January, the commissioners select one member to serve as the board's Director and another to serve as Deputy Director, each for a one-year term. As of 2024 , Hunterdon County's Commissioners are: Zachary T. Rich ( R ; West Amwell Township , 2025), Director Jeff Kuhl (R; Raritan Township , 2024) John E. Lanza (R; Raritan Township, 2025), Deputy Director Susan Soloway (R; Franklin Township , 2024) and Shaun C. Van Doren (R; Tewksbury Township , 2026). Constitutional officers elected on

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1272-508: A relatively high number of speakers of Scandinavian languages (425 speakers), Italian (465 speakers), and German (1,000 speakers). Princeton is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on

1378-780: A shared high school in Lambertville. As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 827 students and 108.1 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 7.7:1. Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are South Hunterdon Regional Elementary School for grades PreK–4 (was Lambertville Public School, which had 221 students in grades PreK–6), South Hunterdon Regional Middle School for grades 5–8 (was West Amwell School, with 170 students in grades K–6) and South Hunterdon Regional High School for grades 9–12 (which had 417 students in grades 7–12). Lambertville

1484-414: A smaller government structure. The merger was the first in the state since 1997, when Pahaquarry Township voted to consolidate with Hardwick Township The consolidation took effect on January 1, 2013. Princeton is located in the 12th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 16th state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 12th congressional district

1590-411: A struggle that lasted nearly fifty years. The first failed attempt to consolidate borough and township was made in 1953, with 63% of township voters in favor of a merger and 57% of borough voters opposed. Subsequent attempts were voted down by borough residents, in large part due to different zoning needs of the densely populated borough versus the more widely-spaced properties of the township (surrounding

1696-431: A three-year cycle, with the mayoral election in the third year. The mayor exercises executive power; presides over the council with voice and vote, but has no veto power; appoints council committees; appoints the municipal clerk, attorney, tax assessor, tax collector and treasurer, all with council confirmation. The council exercises legislative power and approves the mayor's appointees. As of 2023 , Lambertville's mayor

1802-418: A three-year cycle. The council has administrative powers and is the policy-making body for Princeton. The council approves appointments made by the mayor. Council members serve on various boards and committees and act as liaisons to certain departments, committees or boards. As of 2024 , the mayor of Princeton is Democrat Mark Freda, who is serving a four-year term expiring on December 31, 2023. Members of

1908-489: A tiger. Thomas Stapleton assembled a variety of styles including a bit of old Newport , Philadelphia , Annapolis and Williamstown . The plan of the Square however is a mini-version Rockefeller Center . The early plans for Rockefeller Center contemplated an Opera House at the end while Palmer had the Playhouse Movie Theater. Edgar Palmer's vision was to provide jobs during the depression and create

2014-536: A total of 18,049 registered voters in Princeton (a sum of the former borough and township's voters), of which 9,184 (50.9%) were registered as Democrats , 2,140 (11.9%) were registered as Republicans and 6,703 (37.1%) were registered as unaffiliated . There were 22 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . In both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, the Democratic nominee received over 80% of

2120-463: Is Democrat Andrew J. Nowick, whose term of office ends December 31, 2024. Members of the city council are Bendetta Lambert (D, 2023), Karen Kominsky (D, 2025), Evan Lide (D, 2025) and Steven Stegman (D, 2023). In December 2019, the council selected Madeline Urbish to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that Elaine Warner had held until she resigned earlier that month. In November 2018,

2226-404: Is 24 to 30 inches (610 to 760 mm) and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity. According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Princeton, New Jersey, would have an Appalachian Oak ( 104 ) vegetation type with an Eastern Hardwood Forest ( 25 ) vegetation form. As of the 2010 United States census ,

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2332-462: Is a major office building, home to J. Crew and PNC Bank (formerly Princeton Bank and Trust). The plaza in front of One Palmer Square is the main downtown bus stop, and includes a sculpture by Seward Johnson . Princeton, New Jersey Princeton is a borough in Mercer County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It was established on January 1, 2013, through the consolidation of

2438-566: Is a two-year public college serving Princeton residents and all those from Mercer County. Westminster Choir College , a school of music owned by Rider University since 1992, was established on a large campus in Princeton in 1932. Before relocating to Princeton, the school resided in Dayton, Ohio , and then briefly in Ithaca, New York . In 2012, Rider proposed a parking lot expansion on the Princeton campus that required cutting old-growth trees and

2544-665: Is assigned five of the nine seats on the regional district's board of education . In a September 2013 special election, voters from Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell Township passed referendums to dissolve the South Hunterdon Regional High School District and combine the three existing school districts from each municipality ( Lambertville City School District , Stockton Borough School District and West Amwell Township School District ), with majorities in each community passing both ballot items. A single combined regional Pre-K–12 district

2650-511: Is owned by Princeton University and is leased to the Princeton Historical Society for one dollar per year. The house has kept its original staircase, flooring and paneled walls. Around 70% of the house has been unaltered. Aside from safety features such as wheelchair access and electrical work, the house has been restored to its original appearance and character. During the most stirring events in its history, Princeton

2756-691: Is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D , Ewing Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 16th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Andrew Zwicker ( D , South Brunswick ) and in

2862-420: Is roughly equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia . It is close to many major highways that serve both cities (e.g., Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 ), and receives major television and radio broadcasts from each. It is also close to Trenton , New Jersey's capital city, New Brunswick and Edison . The New Jersey governor's official residence has been in Princeton since 1945, when Morven (in what

2968-871: Is the oldest and only coeducational Catholic school, joining Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart (K–8, all male) and Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (coed for Pre-K, and all-female K–12), which operate under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton . Schools that are outside of Princeton but have Princeton addresses include the Wilberforce School , Chapin School in Lawrence Township , Princeton Junior School in Lawrence Township,

3074-617: Is the post office, which sits in the square's most prominent position. Built during the New Deal , it is known for its mural, Columbia Under the Palm , painted by Karl Free for the Section of Painting and Sculpture . The mural has come under criticism for its depiction of European settlers bringing learning to enlighten the indigenous peoples. The caption of the mural reads: America! with Peace and Freedom blest, Science invites, urged by

3180-533: Is well-known as having a gay friendly vibe, along with its neighboring community of New Hope , Pennsylvania , situated across the Delaware River . Lambertville is known for an array of dining opportunities, ranging from casual family-owned to eclectic and upscale options. Lambertville has several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The James W. Marshall House

3286-536: The 2000 United States census there were 3,868 people, 1,860 households, and 939 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,408.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,316.1/km ). There were 1,961 housing units at an average density of 1,728.1 per square mile (667.2/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 94.65% White , 1.94% African American , 0.34% Native American , 1.06% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 0.90% from other races , and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.10% of

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3392-463: The 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 71.8% of the vote (1,684), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney 's 26.7% (627), and other candidates' 1.5% (35), among the 2,361 ballots cast by the city's 3,296 registered voters (15 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 71.6%. In the 2008 presidential election , Obama received 71.1% of the vote (1,744), ahead of Republican John McCain 's 26.8% (658) and other candidates' 1.4% (35), among

3498-548: The 2024-2025 session , the 15th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Shirley Turner ( D , Lawrence Township ) and in the General Assembly by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D, Trenton ) and Anthony Verrelli (D, Hopewell Township ). Hunterdon County is governed by a Board of Chosen Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large on

3604-463: The American Revolutionary War . The borough is the home of Princeton University , one of the world’s most acclaimed research universities, which bears its name and moved to the community in 1756 from the educational institution's previous location in Newark . Although its association with the university is primarily what makes Princeton a college town , other important institutions in the area include

3710-466: The Borough of Princeton and Princeton Township , both of which are now defunct. As of the 2020 United States census , the borough's population was 30,681, an increase of 2,109 (+7.4%) from the 2010 census combined count of 28,572. In the 2000 census , the two communities had a total population of 30,230, with 14,203 residents in the borough and 16,027 in the township. Princeton was founded before

3816-638: The Delaware River in Bucks County , Pennsylvania . The Delaware and Raritan Canal flows through the western half of Lambertville, parallel to the Delaware River. Sections of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park are in the city, including trails and bridges. Lambertville's climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cold winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lambertville has

3922-688: The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission . U.S. Route 202 is the most prominent highway to pass through Lambertville. Other major roads that pass through include Route 29 , Route 165 and County Route 518 . No interstate highways pass through, but there are several nearby, such as Interstate 78 in Franklin Township and Interstate 295 in Hopewell Township . The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission operates

4028-422: The Delaware and Raritan Canal were instrumental in the early prosperity of Lambertville. In June 1834, the opening of the canal was celebrated with a barge ride from Trenton to Lambertville. The canal's completion was not without hardship. 4,000 Irish immigrants were hired to dig the canal with pick and shovel. During the construction, an epidemic of cholera broke out in 1832 and dozens of men were buried along

4134-399: The General Assembly by Mitchelle Drulis (D, East Amwell Township ) and Roy Freiman (D, Hillsborough Township ). Mercer County is governed by a County Executive who oversees the day-to-day operations of the county and by a seven-member Board of County Commissioners that acts in a legislative capacity, setting policy. All officials are chosen at-large in partisan elections, with

4240-457: The Institute for Advanced Study , Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory , Princeton Theological Seminary , Opinion Research Corporation , Bristol-Myers Squibb , Siemens Corporate Research , SRI International , FMC Corporation , Educational Testing Service , The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , Amrep , Church and Dwight , Berlitz International , and Dow Jones & Company . Princeton

4346-436: The U.S. state of New Jersey . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's population was 4,139, an increase of 233 (+6.0%) from the 3,906 recorded at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 38 (1.0%) from the 3,868 counted in the 2000 census . Lambertville is situated on the banks of the Delaware River in southwestern Hunterdon County, directly across the river from New Hope , Pennsylvania . In

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4452-644: The section on "government and politics" for more details about the 2011 merger of borough and township. Princeton is located just south of a long, curving ridge known as Princeton Ridge. As Princeton is in a low-lying area, there have been issues with cell phone signals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , Princeton had a total area of 18.41 square miles (47.69 km ), including 17.95 square miles (46.48 km ) of land and 0.47 square miles (1.21 km ) of water (2.53%). Cedar Grove , Port Mercer , Princeton Basin, and Jugtown are unincorporated communities that have been absorbed into Greater Princeton over

4558-471: The 1,795 ballots cast by the city's 3,036 registered voters, yielding a 59.1% turnout. As of May 2010 , Lambertville had 16.67 miles (26.83 km) of roadways, of which 12.77 miles (20.55 km) were maintained by the municipality, 0.70 miles (1.13 km) by Hunterdon County, 3.09 miles (4.97 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 0.11 miles (0.18 km) by

4664-511: The 11,000 square foot facility. Those efforts intensified in 2011 when employees were informed that the office would relocate to a smaller space, but that sale was blocked by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office. The building was finally sold in 2013 to LCOR Ventures and plans were announced to open a new post office behind a proposed 7-11 store at 259 Nassau Street. Palmer Square has evolved into

4770-413: The 18th century, the area was named after various operators of ferries across the river to Pennsylvania, ultimately becoming known as Coryell's Ferry, after its owner, Emanuel Coryell. Coryell's Ferry was the western terminus of the New Jersey portion of York Road , which became U.S. Route 202 , connecting New York City and Philadelphia . The community was named Lambertville in 1810, when the post office

4876-443: The 2,453 ballots cast by the city's 3,099 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.2%. In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 68.1% of the vote (1,495), outpolling Republican George W. Bush 's 30.8% (677) and other candidates' 0.5% (15), among the 2,195 ballots cast by the city's 2,738 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.2%. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Democrat Barbara Buono received 54.7% of

4982-468: The 20th best high school in New Jersey in its 2018 rankings of the "Top Public High Schools" in New Jersey. The school was also ranked as the 10th best school in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report . Niche ranked Princeton High School as the 47th best public high school in America in its "2021 Best Public High Schools in America" rankings. In the early 1990s, redistricting occurred between

5088-470: The 564) statewide and is available to municipalities with fewer than 12,000 residents at the time of adoption. The government comprises the mayor and the four-member city council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis in the November general elections. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a three-year term of office. Council members serve a term of three years, which are staggered so that two seats come up for election in two years in

5194-698: The Borough Act of 1894, which required each township to form a single school district; rather than do so, Princeton Borough petitioned to be separated. (The two Princetons combined their public school systems in the decades before municipal consolidation.) Two minor boundary changes united the then site of the Princeton Hospital and of the Princeton Regional High School inside the Borough, in 1928 and 1951 respectively. See

5300-525: The Borough of Flemington canceled the service agreement to share Business Administrators with Lambertville. Lambertville is in the 7th Congressional District and the 15th state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For

5406-650: The British to evacuate southern New Jersey. After the victory, Princeton hosted the first Legislature under the State Constitution to decide the State's seal, governor and organization of its government. In addition, two of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence— Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon —lived in Princeton. Princetonians honored their citizens' legacy by naming two streets in

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5512-667: The City of Lambertville celebrates the return of the shad , a fish that supplied the Lewis Island Fishery in Lambertville as of 1888. The festival launched in 1981 and is organized by the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce. Featuring vendors' booths focusing on the area arts community, the ShadFest supports local nonprofits that support Lambertville-area residents and businesses. Lambertville

5618-570: The College of New Jersey and relocated to Princeton ten years later, Princeton University's main campus has its historic center on Nassau Street and stretches south from there. Its James Forrestal satellite campus is located in Plainsboro Township , and some playing fields lie within adjacent West Windsor Township . Princeton University was featured at the top of U.S. News & World Report ' s national university rankings for

5724-520: The Community Park and Johnson Park School districts, as the population within both districts had increased due to residential development. Concerns were also raised about the largely white, wealthy student population attending Johnson Park (JP) and the more racially and economically diverse population at Community Park (CP). As a result of the redistricting, portions of the affluent Western Section neighborhood were redistricted to CP, and portions of

5830-948: The French-American School of Princeton, the Laurel School of Princeton, the Waldorf School of Princeton, YingHua International School, Princeton Latin Academy in Hopewell , Princeton Montessori School in Montgomery Township , Eden Institute in West Windsor Township , and the now-defunct American Boychoir School in Plainsboro Township . Lambertville, NJ Lambertville is a city within Hunterdon County in

5936-503: The Princeton Council are Council President Mia Sacks (D, 2025), David F. Cohen (D, 2023), Leticia Fraga (D, 2023), Michelle Pirone Lambros (D, 2025), Leighton Newlin (D, 2024) and Eve Niedergang (D, 2024). In 2018, Princeton had an average property tax bill of $ 19,388, the highest in the county, compared to an average bill of $ 8,767 statewide. People in the township tried unsuccessfully to merge borough and township in

6042-618: The Township of Princeton voted on November 8, 2011, to merge the two municipalities into one. This was the first referendum when university student voters were encouraged and allowed to register to vote locally, and that likely contributed strongly to the measure passing, as the students were not home owners concerned with zoning matters, and they all counted as part of the borough and not the township. In Princeton Borough, 1,385 voted for and 902 voted against, while in Princeton Township 3,542 voted for and 604 voted against. Proponents of

6148-611: The Voice divine, Pant for true Fame and scorn inglorious rest, Exert thyself till every Art be thine. As Princeton expanded, and especially the use of its name as a mailing address for areas of surrounding towns, a new main Princeton post office was opened at 213 Carnegie Center in West Windsor, New Jersey . The Palmer Square post office was first put up for sale in 1997 as the Postal Service sought to downsize from

6254-406: The area by James Leonard, who first referred to the community as Princetown when describing the location of his large estate in his diary. The community was later known by a variety of names, including: Princetown , Prince's Town and finally Princeton . The name Princeton was first used in 1724 and became common within the subsequent decade. Although there is no official documentary backing,

6360-442: The area in the late part of the 17th century, arriving from Delaware to settle West Jersey , and from New York to settle East Jersey , with the site destined to become Princeton being amid the wilderness between these two boroughs. The first European to find his home in the boundaries of the future municipality was Henry Greenland. He built his house in 1683 along with a tavern, where representatives of West and East Jersey met to set

6466-586: The banks of the canal and the Delaware. Lambertville was originally incorporated as a town by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 1, 1849, from portions of West Amwell Township . It was reincorporated as a city on March 26, 1872. In the 19th century, due to its proximity to the canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad , Lambertville became a factory town. The range of products extended from underwear to rubber bands. After

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6572-539: The borough and township had a combined population of 28,572. According to the website Data USA, Princeton has a population of 30,168 people, of which 85% are US citizens. The ethnic composition of the population is 20,393 White residents (67.6%), 4,636 Asian residents (15.4%), 2,533 Hispanic residents (8.4%), 1,819 Black residents (6.03%), and 618 Two+ residents (2.05%). The most common foreign languages are Chinese (1,800 speakers), Spanish (1,429 speakers), and French (618 speakers), but compared to other places, Princeton has

6678-413: The borough). An attempt to consolidate in 1979 passed with 70% support in the township but failed in the borough by 33 votes, a result that was upheld after a recount. Although township voters again supported a 1996 merger referendum by an almost 3–1 margin, about 57% of borough voters rejected the consolidation proposal, marking the sixth such failure. The residents of both the Borough of Princeton and

6784-402: The boundaries between the two provinces. Greenland's son-in-law Daniel Brimson inhabited the area by 1690, and left property in a will dated 1696. Then, Princeton was known only as part of nearby Stony Brook . Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, a native of the town, attested in his private journal on December 28, 1758, that Princeton was named in 1724 upon the making/construction of the first house in

6890-652: The brick, Federal-style exteriors and Colonial-era structures of the immediate Palmer Square environment. Plans for the Residences came together over a three-year period and the Princeton Regional Planning Board had significant input into the exterior design. The residential component's proximity to the Palmer Square retail and other Princeton attractions resulted in a 95% walkbility score from walkscore.com . One Palmer Square

6996-431: The city council appointed Julia Taylor to fill the seat expiring in December 2019 that became vacant following the resignation the previous month of Steven M. Stegman, who left office to focus on family issues. In the 2020 City Council primary elections, incumbents Asaro and Urbish lost to Democratic challengers Stegman and Benedetta Lambert, who went on to win in the general election on November 3. On January 19, 2021,

7102-423: The city was $ 52,647, and the median income for a family was $ 80,669. Males had a median income of $ 47,313 versus $ 40,369 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 36,267. About 4.5% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over. Lambertville is the only city in Hunterdon County, and describes itself as one of

7208-807: The district's high school as part of a sending/receiving relationship . As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of six schools, had an enrollment of 3,740 students and 341.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.0:1. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Community Park School with 332 students in grades K-5, Johnson Park School with 329 students in grades PreK-5, Littlebrook School with 342 students in grades K-5, Riverside School with 289 students in grades PreK-5, Princeton Middle School with 803 students in grades 6-8 and Princeton High School with 1,555 students in grades 9-12. New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Princeton High School as

7314-545: The downtown area after them. On January 10, 1938, Henry Ewing Hale called for a group of citizens to establish a "Historical Society of Princeton." Later the Bainbridge House, constructed in 1766 by Job Stockton, would be dedicated for this purpose. Previously the house was used once for a meeting of Continental Congress in 1783, a general office, and as the Princeton Public Library. The House

7420-589: The early 1980s, with pioneers including the Jonsdottir art gallery, Hamilton Grill and the Lambertville Station eatery (a hotel soon followed), the city began to attract artists and other creative types. These days, much of the town's 18th- and 19th-century flavor remains, including many restored houses. The town has become a tourist destination, with many shops, galleries, restaurants, and B&Bs . The canal path offers cyclists, joggers and walkers

7526-1085: The executive serving a four-year term of office while the commissioners serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. As of 2024 , the County Executive is Daniel R. Benson ( D , Hamilton Township ) whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Mercer County's Commissioners are: Lucylle R. S. Walter (D, Ewing Township , 2026), Chair John A. Cimino (D, Hamilton Township, 2026), Samuel T. Frisby Sr. (D, Trenton , 2024), Cathleen M. Lewis (D, Lawrence Township , 2025), Vice Chair Kristin L. McLaughlin (D, Hopewell Township , 2024), Nina D. Melker (D, Hamilton Township , 2025) and Terrance Stokes (D, Ewing Township, 2024). Mercer County's constitutional officers are: Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello (D, Lawrence Township, 2025), Sheriff John A. Kemler (D, Hamilton Township, 2026) and Surrogate Diane Gerofsky (D, Lawrence Township, 2026). As of March 2011, there were

7632-521: The future of the campus and its academic programs. As of 2023, Princeton is paying Rider $ 1,000 per month to lease overflow parking at the Choir College; the town then sells the parking rights for $ 30 per month to businesses, residents and non-residents. The Choir College parking is a few blocks' walk from downtown. The Princeton Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade . Students from Cranbury Township attend

7738-690: The high school programs offered by the Mercer County Technical Schools , a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at its Health Sciences Academy, STEM Academy and Academy of Culinary Arts, with no tuition charged to students for attendance. Private schools located in Princeton include The Lewis School of Princeton , Princeton Day School , Princeton Friends School , Hun School of Princeton , and Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science (PRISMS). St. Paul's Catholic School (pre-school to 8th grade) founded in 1878,

7844-515: The initial phase of construction was completed, and were not realized until the 1980s, along with an expansion of the Nassau Inn . The Nassau Inn , which was formerly located directly on Nassau Street, was the centerpiece of the development. A small park sits in front of the Inn, which includes the Borough's Christmas tree. Between the park and Nassau Street, a smaller square holds a bronze statue of

7950-470: The introduction of motorized vehicles made the canal obsolete, the factories began shutting down. Some lasted into the 1970s. The railroad continued to serve as a vital freight carrier until the mid-1970s. Later, the Black River and Western Railroad acquired the line into town and operated short-distance local freight trains and scenic tourist passenger excursion trains into the late 1990s. Starting in

8056-410: The legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to

8162-408: The main commercial street, most of the university campus, and incorporated most of the urban area until the postwar suburbanization. The borough and township had roughly equal populations. Other major streets include Harrison, Witherspoon, Nassau, Bayard, Washington, and Stockton. The Lenape Native Americans were the earliest identifiable inhabitants of the Princeton area. Europeans settled into

8268-520: The merger asserted that when the merger is completed the new municipality of Princeton would save $ 3.2 million as a result of some scaled down services including layoffs of 15 government workers including 9 police officers (however the measure itself does not mandate such layoffs). Opponents of the measure challenged the findings of a report citing a cost savings as unsubstantiated, expressed concerns about differing zoning needs between borough and township, and noted that voter representation would be reduced in

8374-498: The municipality is said to be named after Prince William of Orange . Another theory suggests that the name came from a large land-owner named Henry Prince, the son-in-law of a well-known English merchant, but no evidence backs this contention. A royal prince seems a more likely eponym for the settlement, as three nearby towns had names for royalty: Kingston , Queenstown (in the vicinity of the intersection of Nassau and Harrison Streets) and Princessville (Lawrence Township). Princeton

8480-459: The nineteenth century. According to the 2010 census , Princeton Borough had 12,307 inhabitants, while Princeton Township had 16,265. The numbers have become stagnant; since the arrival of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, in 1756, the town's population spikes every year during the fall and winter and drops significantly over the course of the summer. In the pivotal Battle of Princeton in January 1777, George Washington forced

8586-735: The ninth consecutive year in 2024, as well as topping comparable lists by Forbes and The Wall Street Journal . Princeton Theological Seminary , the first and oldest seminary in America of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has its main academic campus in Princeton, with residential housing located just outside of Princeton in West Windsor Township. The Institute for Advanced Study maintains extensive land holdings (the "Institute Woods") there covering 800 acres (320 ha). Mercer County Community College , not actually in Princeton but in nearby West Windsor ,

8692-591: The old Borough), 08543 ( PO boxes ), and 08544 (the University ). Under the Köppen climate classification , Princeton falls within either a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ) if the 0 °C (32 °F) isotherm is used or a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) if the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm is used. During the summer months, episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above 100.0 °F (37.8 °C). On average,

8798-432: The population were under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 36.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 93.6 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

8904-427: The population. There were 1,860 households, out of which 18.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.5% were non-families. 38.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. 3.7% have unmarried partners. The average household size

9010-418: The population. Of the 1,958 households, 15.3% had children under the age of 18; 36.0% were married couples living together; 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 54.2% were non-families. Of all households, 41.4% were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.72. 13.7% of

9116-583: The primary dining and shopping destination in downtown Princeton. Seasonal events take place throughout the year on The Green. A collection of residences has been added to Palmer Square, effectively completing Edgar Palmer's original vision. Located on Paul Robeson Place between Chambers and Witherspoon Streets, The Residences at Palmer Square include single-level condominium flats and multi-story townhomes. Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners of Lambertville, NJ mimicked Thomas Stapleton's original Colonial Revival style with new elevations that complement

9222-563: The racially and economically diverse John Witherspoon neighborhood were redistricted to JP. The Princeton Charter School (grades K–8) operates under a charter granted by the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education . The school is a public school that operates independently of the Princeton Regional Schools, and is funded on a per student basis by locally raised tax revenues. Eighth grade students from all of Mercer County are eligible to apply to attend

9328-672: The smallest cities in the United States. It is governed within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal charter Law) under the Small Municipality form of government (Plan C), which is available only for municipalities with a population of under 12,000, and was implemented in Lambertville by direct petition as of January 1, 1983. This form of government is used by 18 municipalities (of

9434-499: The southern boundary of the former Borough and the Delaware and Raritan Canal was added to Princeton Township in 1853. Princeton Borough became a separate municipality in 1894. In the early nineteenth century, New Jersey boroughs had been quasi-independent subdivisions chartered within existing townships that did not have full autonomy. Princeton Borough received such a charter in 1813, as part of Montgomery and West Windsor Townships; it continued to be part of Princeton Township until

9540-505: The toll-free New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge which stretches 1,053 feet (321 m) across the Delaware River , connecting PA 179 in New Hope, Pennsylvania , with NJ 179 . Constructed in 1904 as the third bridge on the site, the bridge stretches 1,053 feet (321 m) across the Delaware River . The original bridge, designed by Lewis Wernwag , was constructed in 1814 and destroyed in 1841. A second bridge completed in 1842

9646-442: The town's complement to Princeton University , which sits directly across Nassau Street from the Square. In order to build the original Square, Baker Street was removed in 1929 and its houses, the center of the original African-American neighborhood of Princeton, were moved to Birch Avenue. Construction of the Square was delayed until 1936 by the depression, and plans to extend the Square past Hulfish Street were put on hold after

9752-407: The vote (4,172 cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 39.2% (2,780 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (145 votes), among the 7,279 ballots cast by the municipality's 18,374 registered voters (182 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 39.6%. Princeton University , one of the world's most prominent research universities, is a dominant feature of the community. Established in 1746 as

9858-430: The vote (798), ahead of Republican Chris Christie 's 43.4% (633), and other candidates' 2.0% (29), among the 1,501 ballots cast by the city's 3,231 registered voters (41 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 46.5%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Democrat Jon Corzine received 59.5% of the vote (1,068), ahead of Christie's 31.2% (560), Independent Chris Daggett 's 6.6% (118) and other candidates' 0.7% (12), among

9964-433: The vote. In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 75.4% of the vote (9,461 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 23.0% (2,882 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (205 votes), among the 14,752 ballots cast by the municipality's 20,328 registered voters (2,204 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 72.6%. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Democrat Barbara Buono received 58.8% of

10070-521: The wettest month of the year is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below 0.0 °F (−17.8 °C). The plant hardiness zone at the Princeton Municipal Court is 6b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −0.9 °F (−18.3 °C). The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total

10176-650: The years, but still maintain their own community identity. Princeton borders the municipalities of Hopewell Township , Lawrence Township , and West Windsor Township in Mercer County; Plainsboro Township and South Brunswick Township in Middlesex County ; and Franklin Township and Montgomery Township in Somerset County . United States Postal ZIP codes for Princeton include 08540, 08541 ( Educational Testing Service ), 08542 (largely

10282-427: Was $ 71,532 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 7,040) and the median family income was $ 100,952 (+/− $ 14,554). Males had a median income of $ 57,596 (+/− $ 17,671) versus $ 53,869 (+/− $ 30,408) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 47,684 (+/− $ 6,399). About 2.3% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over. As of

10388-410: Was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.82. In the city the population was spread out, with 15.4% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males. The median income for a household in

10494-403: Was a wide spot in the road; the boundary between Somerset County and Middlesex County ran right through Princeton, along the high road between New York and Philadelphia, now Nassau Street. When Mercer County was formed in 1838, part of West Windsor Township was added to the portion of Montgomery Township which was included in the new county, and made into Princeton Township; the area between

10600-842: Was constructed in 1854 and closed in September 1960, and has since been the subject of various legends described in Weird NJ . Eighth-grade students from Hunterdon County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District , a county-wide vocational school district that offers career and technical education at its campuses in Raritan Township and at programs sited at local high schools, with no tuition charged. Annually, in April,

10706-466: Was created, with property taxes levied under a formula in which 57% is based on property values and 43% on the number of students. The executive county superintendent appointed an interim board of education for the new regional district, which was responsible for implementing the merger. Before the creation of the South Hunterdon district, students had attended Lambertville High School , which

10812-472: Was described by William Edward Schenck in 1850 as having attained "no very considerable size" until the establishment of the College of New Jersey in the town. When Richard Stockton, one of the founders of the township, died in 1709 he left his estate to his sons, who helped to expand property and the population. Based on the 1880 United States Census , the population of Princeton comprised 3,209 persons (not including students). Local population has expanded from

10918-460: Was destroyed by flooding in 1903. The South Hunterdon Regional School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell Township . Each of the three municipalities had its own school through sixth grade until the Stockton school was closed after the 2017–18 school year; public school students in 7th through 12th grades attend

11024-469: Was established, in honor of John Lambert , a resident who had served as United States senator and acting governor of New Jersey , and who was responsible for the opening of the post office. In June 2022, The New York Times described Lambertville as a gay-friendly travel destination with a quieter vibe than New York's Fire Island . Originally settled by the Lenape (Delaware) Native Americans ,

11130-428: Was strenuously opposed by neighbors. In 2019, Rider (which is located in Lawrence Township ) attempted to sell the choir college campus in Princeton to a Chinese company, resulting in a public outcry and the prevention of that sale. In 2020, Rider moved all activities of Westminster Choir College from Princeton to its Lawrenceville campus; the Princeton campus is now largely unused while legal wrangling continues about

11236-489: Was then Princeton Borough) became the first governor's mansion. In 1982, it was replaced by the larger Drumthwacket , a colonial mansion located in the former township, but not all have actually lived in these houses. Morven became a museum and garden, owned and operated by the New Jersey Historical Society . Throughout much of its history, the community was split into two separate municipalities:

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