Borough Slated to Hire Special Counsel for Transit Issues

The borough council will vote next Tuesday night on hiring a law firm to advise the governing body on transit issues related to the Dinky station and Princeton University’s arts and transit neighborhood, Mayor Mildred Trotman said at the borough council meeting Tuesday night.

Sources have confirmed that the borough council will most likely appoint the Woodbridge-based firm of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP to represent the municipality.

The borough’s law firm, Hill Wallack, represents NJ Transit on some issues, officials said, and thus outside help is needed for arts and transit issues related to the Dinky station.

Princeton University wants to move the Dinky station 460 feet south of its existing location. Some residents of the borough object because the move puts the station further away from town and residents fear even a small move will discourage commuters. University officials say the move is necessary in order to create another access road to their large parking garage known as Lot 7.

Once the borough hires special counsel, officials will discuss in more depth issues raised recently such as creating a transit only zone, eminent domain, and the university’s 1984 contract with NJ Transit.

Attorney Robert S. Goldsmith will be the lead representative to the borough for the firm, sources said. Goldsmith is an expert in redevelopment, transit oriented development, downtown revitalization, green building and public-private partnerships.

A recipient of the 2009 New Jersey Future smart growth award, Goldsmith has served as counsel to numerous municipalities for redevelopment projects and special improvement districts. Goldsmith’s firm previously represented the borough in the Spring Street Garage redevelopment project.