Community Corner
Resident Urges School Officials to Act on Valley Road School Proposals
Kip Cherry says her group is ready to get to work on building repairs before winter.
A resident who hopes to turn the former Valley Road School into a hub for local non-profits urged the school board on Tuesday to move forward with discussions on how to use the building.
Kip Cherry president of the Valley Road School Community Center, Inc., and a member of Valley Road School- Adaptive Reuse Committee said her group was scheduled to make a presentation to the board’s facility committee on July 14, but the meeting was canceled.
“We’re concerned about the delay, we want to start the dialogue,” Cherry said. “We would like to be part of the solution in terms of a new boiler for the winter.”
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She said her group has been working with the municipal engineer and mechanical engineers about the boiler.
“Please keep in mind this is a delicate building it will only deteriorate more over time,” Cherry said.
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The group is actively fundraising and hosting events. Members hope to host a brass band concert and a panel event to highlight the work of local non-profits.
School officials are evaluating what to do with the former school building on Witherspoon Street.
Cherry’s organization has submitted one proposal while borough and township officials have submitted another in the hopes of demolishing the former school to make room for fire and rescue facilities.
Princeton School Superintendent Judy Wilson said the facilities committee has read both groups’ proposals and will be sending written questions to both applicants this week.
She cautioned Cherry not to move too quickly.
“I feel the need to publically say ‘Don’t put the cart before the horse,’” Wilson said. “There has to be a nod from the board before you move forward with a lot of these things.
“We’re not going to move quickly, we’re not rushing,” Wilson added.
Under Cherry’s proposal, which would save the building from demolition, tenants could sign long-term leases, share space or rent one-time conference or performance space.
The building could also accommodate Corner House, a counseling center for teens and young adults combating substance abuse and family crises. The center is currently located in the former school building, but the lease will expire on Sept. 30.
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