Princeton Residents Form Coalition For Responsible Development

PRINCETON, NJ — A group of Princeton residents has come together to form a coalition to advocate for “responsible development,” after a spate of redevelopment plans met with resistance from residents.

The Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD), is a non-profit organization formed recently to advocate and enable an "effective and collaborative approach to land use development and redevelopment in Princeton.” They hope to foster open, honest exchange between developers, township officials, and residents.

“We are not opposed to new development and redevelopment in our town; that said, we do believe in smart, eco-friendly development and redevelopment that will respect and build upon Princeton’s unique character and reflect the voices of its residents,” the group said in a statement.

The coalition is chaired by Jo Butler, with Karen O’Connell serving as vice-chair. David DeMuth has been appointed treasurer, Brad Middlekauff the secretary, and Jack Kerr serving as executive committee chair.

The coalition was formed after a spate of redevelopment projects in Princeton met with resistance from residents, most notably Princeton University's plan for Prospect Avenue. The University plans to relocate the Court Clubhouse, a former eating club currently on 91 Prospect Avenue, to the site of three nineteenth-century homes.

The Court Clubhouse land will then be used as part of the Environmental Science (ES) and School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).

Read More Here: Princeton U. Says Will Demolish 91 Prospect If Plan Not Approved

PCRD said it was concerned by the University’s “disregard” for key provisions of the Princeton Community Master Plan. “Each degradation of this lovely part of town becomes yet another step toward further undesirable changes throughout Princeton in the future, thus diminishing, building by building and lot by lot, what makes Princeton so attractive to those who live here,” the coalition said.

The group said historic buildings in Princeton “deserve protection.” Additionally, it was important for the township to consider the environmental impact of demolition and sustainable development. Although PCRD supports the ES+SEAS project, they’ve asked the University to “use its considerable talent and resources to find a solution that protects the historic streetscape and community.”

Read More Here: Princeton's Humbert Street Project Moves Forward

In their statement, PCRD said that town officials should take a holistic look at all cases of development and redevelopment. They listed a number of projects around town that have faced resistance from residents including, the new Graduate Hotel to be built near Bank Street; the Princeton Shopping Center plan, and the “poorly-thought-out plan to add considerable parking to our neighborhood streets.”

Read More Here: Princeton Council Adopts Ordinance For Housing Redevelopment

Read More Here: Princeton Council Special Meeting Focus On Franklin Avenue Plan

“Each of these projects engendered strong reactions from neighbors and other concerned Princeton residents. Each of these projects has felt rushed to accommodate the desires of the developing party, without sufficient public input,” PCRD said.

The group has asked those involved in the projects to “listen to each other, seek common ground and areas for compromise (including through an updated Master Plan), and ultimately reach decisions that can be supported by all parties involved.”

“With the wealth of talent and creativity that courses through town, we can do better than our current practices.”

To join PCRD or be included in their mailing list, email contactus@pcrd.info

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