In a recent work session, the Princeton Council discussed the removal and potential replacement of existing kiosks on Nassau Street as part of the Nassau Streetscape project. The kiosks, originally designed as phone booths and newspaper vending boxes in the late 1980s, have become cluttered with flyers and are seen as an eyesore by many council members.

The primary focus of the meeting was to gather feedback on whether to remove the kiosks to facilitate sidewalk improvements scheduled for next year. Council members expressed a range of opinions, with some advocating for their removal due to concerns about aesthetics and functionality. One member noted that the kiosks interfere with pedestrian traffic, particularly at the Witherspoon intersection, while others highlighted the environmental impact of the paper waste generated by the flyers.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the implications of removing the kiosks on free speech. Some council members voiced concerns that transitioning to digital displays could limit public expression, as the government would control the content displayed. However, others argued that the current kiosks do not effectively serve their intended purpose and that digital alternatives could provide a more organized and environmentally friendly solution.

Ultimately, the council voted in favor of removing both kiosks, with the understanding that further discussions would be needed to explore potential replacements. The council agreed to revisit the topic of replacement kiosks in future meetings, emphasizing the need for community input on what features or functionalities might be desired in any new installations.

The session concluded with a consensus to prioritize the removal of the existing kiosks while allowing for a more comprehensive discussion on their potential replacements at a later date. The council plans to engage the community for feedback on future kiosk options, aiming to enhance communication and information sharing in the downtown area.