PRINCETON — The battle of the Princetons is over; the township and borough officially became one government Tuesday after consolidation efforts that stretch back to the Eisenhower era came to fruition.

More than 100 people packed into the meeting room at the Princeton Municipal building for the first meeting of the new consolidated government Tuesday morning following a reception. The newly sworn-in mayor, Liz Lempert, said she looked forward to the work she and the council could do for a united Princeton.

“This is a new year and a great opportunity for the town,” Lempert said.

Voters approved this consolidation in 2011, which created today’s borough government. The new six-member council came together after a 13-month planning process and an election last fall.

The same day Congress wrestled over policy while falling over the fiscal cliff, the new council got through its first meeting largely harmoniously. The council members had a back-and-forth over the agreements with the township’s attorney and other contractors.

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller said she wanted to hold off on the contracts until council could have the time to review the documents before deciding on them, but was voted down. She said the council still needed to finalize how it would work with the attorney and needed to keep an eye on contracts’ costs.

“I just pledged to do my homework and I am uncomfortable on this,” she said

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