Two towns will save $3.2 million when the consolidation is fully implemented, panel reported
A sign on the border of Princeton Township, NJ and Princeton Borough, NJ on Harrison Street simply reads "Welcome to Princeton." A vote to consolidate the Township and Borough is scheduled for today. MERCER COUNTY — Voters in Princeton Borough and Princeton Township approved merging the two towns tonight, the first consolidation in New Jersey in 14 years, when the seven residents of Pahaquarry township were folded into Hardwick.
A panel studying the effects of merging found the two towns will save $3.2 million when the consolidation is fully implemented. They already share 13 government services.
Consolidations usually face resistance from voters, and in this instance borough residents feared they would lose their influence on the new town council since the township has a larger population. In addition, some residents were concerned that during the year the merging was taking place, day-to-day government services would be disrupted.
The consolidation had the endorsement of Gov. Chris Christie, who has said he supports merges as a way to bring down property taxes.
Related coverage:
• Times of Trenton: Princeton voters approve consolidation of borough, township into one municipality