Hospital Zoning Decision Expected Tonight

Princeton Borough Council is expected to vote tonight on whether or not to approve several zoning changes requested by AvalonBay Communities, the group which hopes to redevelop the hospital site on Witherspoon Street.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, located at One Monument Drive.

Last week, the Princeton Regional Planning Board endorsed some of the requested changes, including installing signs, adding a leasing office, adjusting an internal lot line and allowing loft apartments.

The board said a proposal to add 44 rental units – in addition to the 280 units currently allowed- is inconsistent with Princeton’s master plan and does not have the board’s recommendation.

AvalonBay is under contract to buy the hospital site and hopes to demolish the seven-story, 500,000-square foot building and build rental apartments.

The company had previously requested build less than 20 percent affordable housing at its development at the 5.6 hospital site. The company withdrew that request last week, saying it now intends to allocate 20 percent of the units as affordable.

AvalonBay plans to rent its market rate units- which includes studio to three bedroom apartments- for between $1,600 to $3,200 per month.

Princeton Planning Director Lee Solow said the additional density is inconsistent with Princeton’s master plan. The Site Plan Review Advisory Board  also opposes the request for increased density.

The Princeton Environmental Commission said it is opposed to the increased density, provided that AvalonBay comply with energy-saving certification, preferably LEED standard.