Battlefield Significant to History and Heritage

To the Editor: 

The advice of others to the Princeton Battlefield Society to focus its efforts exclusively on the needs of the battlefield and Clarke House prompts my letter.  I am a Society trustee, but I write to you because I have a personal commitment to protection the Princeton Battlefield.

The Society’s challenge against IAS’ housing development on historically significant battlefield land, and the money the Society is spending, was a result of actions and disrespect by the IAS. The Society had no other recourse if we were to fulfill our mission to protect, preserve and promote the Princeton Battlefield, the Clarke House and the Revolutionary War Heritage of both.  (On the same point, I question whether a housing development is contained in IAS’ mission.)  A housing development on this land was and continues to be unacceptable.  If some consider our stance at Planning Board meetings as obstruction, I accept that statement. The alternative is to give in to a housing development. I refuse to accept that.

Who else stepped up to take on the challenge to protect battlefield land, determined by study and testimony to be historically significant to the outcome of the battle?  There are no fast food restaurants on Little Round Top in Gettysburg, so why should we stand by as a housing development is built on Princeton Battlefield land?  Our challenge continues because this land is significant to American history and to our Revolutionary War heritage.

Yes, we have invested money, generously donated by people from Princeton, from New Jersey and throughout the United States, in our challenge.  We continue to welcome their support.  We would have preferred to invest in other ways, but the decision to build housing on this land was not ours. To step aside without a challenge to the IAS’ plans was unacceptable.  Again to the point, what has been the financial drain on IAS funds for lawyers, architects, and others to plan and defend their housing development?

I continue to ask:  Is this housing development necessary on this land?  Wouldn’t another location be as suitable to the IAS’ purposes and respectful of the historic land in question?

The land we are fighting to protect is critical to our American Revolutionary War heritage and for the future.  I ask the IAS to respect the significance of this land and to help us protect it.

Bill Marsch

Princeton