The Township and Planning Board have been encouraging a renaissance of the downtown Princeton Junction area. This can be seen in recent completed projects such as the PNC Bank on 571 and Wallace Road and the new CDNJ building which houses Chase Bank on 571 and Sherbrooke Drive. West Windsor Township has numerous projects in-the-works for this area. Here are some examples of the improvements that will improve the daily lives of Township residents.
Princeton Junction Improvement Projects
Corner of Cranbury Road and County Route 571
The corner property and the adjacent property was purchased by the Rite Aid Corporation for development. Rite Aid went to the Zoning Board and was given approval for two buildings that would house the Rite Aid and other retail. Because the project was taking so long, and the existing buildings were being vandalized, the Township requested that the buildings be boarded up for safety. They have not been abandoned. Rite Aid has been working with the Township to develop its plans for construction consistent with the Zoning Board approvals. In recent days, the project has made significant progress and it is hoped that Rite Aid will break ground late summer/early fall.
The Windsor Plaza (aka ‘ACME’ shopping Center)
This property was held in trust by a grandfather for his grandchildren. The trust expired in May of 2009. The ACME decided not to renew its lease and left. The grandchildren reside in other states and decided to sell the property. One closing fell through but another closing was completed on May 7, 2010. The Township has met with the new owner, Cyzner Properties. The new owner has provided a concept of a new façade for the shopping center and indicated that new tenants will be forthcoming. The Shell Gas Station on the corner of Alexander Road and County Route 571 is undergoing assessment and remediation of any contaminants that might be affecting the Windsor Plaza property.
Valero gas station on the corner of Alexander Road and 571
In 2002, a court overturned a denial by the Township Zoning Board and allowed the owners of the Valero station to construct a convenience store on the property. The Township can only wait until the owner is ready to develop his property. The lot behind the gas station is owned by the Township and is intended to be a small park. This park will be developed after the station convenience store is completed.
Roadway between Clarksville Road and Cranbury/Wallace Roads
A redesign of County Route 571, submitted by the Township, was approved by the County for three lanes through Princeton Junction including one lane in each direction and a turn lane. The design provides for sidewalks and bike lanes making this area pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly. The project is currently assessing costs for right-of-way and determining sources of funding.
Intersection of Wallace Road, Cranbury Road, and 571
This intersection has also been redesigned with new pedestrian friendly crossings in agreement with the State, County, and Township. There will be crosswalks in every direction, countdown timers on traffic lights, and a dedicated left turn lane coming off of the bridge (eastbound) turning onto Cranbury Road.
Eastbound side of the 571 bridge
In addition, the State has approved using the eastbound side of the bridge as a pedestrian crossing with a sidewalk on the other side of the bridge leading to Station Drive and a crosswalk to get to the sidewalk on the south side of Washington Road. This project is being scheduled for construction by the NJ Department of Transportation this year. The plans have already been completed.
School bus depot on the corner of 571 and Wallace Drive
The School Bus Depot property, owned by the Township, is currently undergoing preliminary assessment for contamination under a grant from the NJ Economic Development Authority. The intent for this property is a park.
