With 2 Resolutions, Princeton Starts Work On Affordable Housing Obligation

PRINCETON, NJ – During the meeting on Dec. 11, Council adopted two resolutions paving the way for 160 housing units on Franklin Avenue.

Of the 160 units, 80 have been earmarked for affordable housing family rental and 80 for workforce housing.

The workforce housing is the Municipality’s attempt to address the “missing middle” housing that is in short supply in Princeton.

During discussion, Municipal Redevelopment Attorney Kevin Van Hise came on Zoom to speak about the two resolutions.

“As we are working through all of our compliance obligations, these are two pro forma items that need to get done so that we can proceed with continuing satisfaction of our court obligations,” Hise said.

“The Franklin Maple Project was included in our plan and at the time one of the lots was owned by Princeton Housing Authority and the Municipality owned two other lots.”

The timeline for the project is 10 years, according to the resolution, but Hise said it would not take that long.

Community Investment Strategies, Inc. Will “construct, develop, own, finance, operate and manage a new mixed-income rental community,” according to the resolution.

Princeton has committed $500,000 towards the construction of the project.

During the public comment section resident Michael Floyd asked what role would the task force’s recommendations have on the project.

Councilman David Cohen responded saying the task force was asked to give design recommendations and guidelines to the developer “with the expectation that they will inform the design.”

“I certainly will be looking at the design as it moves forward along with the Redevelopment Committee. I don’t think there was an intention to have a broad public process overseeing the design,” Cohen said.

To see the meeting, click here. For the two resolutions, click here.

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