IAS "Immensely Pleased" by Planning Board Decision

The Institute for Advanced Study, which next to its campus, released a statement today:

“We are immensely pleased to receive unanimous approval for our faculty housing plans from the Regional Planning Board of Princeton," Institute Director Peter Goddard said. "This plan not only enables us to maintain the essential residential character of our community of scholars, but it will also enhance the Princeton Battlefield Park, which the Institute helped to create and expand. We plan to work with others to promote the improvement of the interpretative materials in the Park so that visitors might gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the Battle of Princeton. We look forward to partnering with local, state and regional bodies to this end.”

The Institute will create a 200-foot buffer zone next to Princeton Battlefield State Park, with another 10 acres adjacent to the Park to be conserved permanently as open space. 

The Institute will augment its own 2007 sites survey with an archeological process to detect, document and deposit of any remaining artifacts before and during construction.

The Planning Board's vote was unanimous in favor of the project, despite vigorous and passionate objections from those who claim the land in question was the site of Gen. George Washington’s counterattack and first victory against the British during the Battle of Princeton in 1777.

Bruce Afran, the attorney who represents members of the Princeton Battlefield Society and other objectors said he will appeal the decision.