Institute's Housing Plan Gets Tough Introduction

The first hearing on a proposal to build 15 faculty dwellings on land adjacent to the Princeton Battlefield lasted nearly four hours on Thursday, and offered a preview of a contentious and drawn-out fight.

At least 200 people crowded into the main meeting room at the Princeton Township Municipal Complex for a hearing that included lawyers, sworn testimony and attorney cross-examination of Township staff.

The hearing will continue on Thursday Dec. 8. at 7:30 p.m. 

The Institute for Advanced Study hopes to build on land it owns that sits between the Institute and the Princeton Battlefield State Park.

But the planning board application is shaping up to be less about faculty housing and more about whether or not the land in question was the site of Gen. George Washington’s counterattack and first victory against the British during the Battle of Princeton.

A representative of Princeton’s Historic Preservation Commission testified Thursday that the Commission concluded the project would have no adverse impact on Battlefield Park, but recommend that if any military artifacts are found during construction, construction be halted.

Attorney Bruce Afran represents the Princeton Battlefield Society and several individuals who oppose the plan.

Thursday’s hearing included stories depicting the Institute’s role as a good neighbor, plowing sidewalks for residents, even paying to move a tree on its property not once, but three times, at a neighbor’s request. 

A lack of available land and skyrocketing home prices means fewer faculty live within walking distance of campus: from more than 60 percent three decades ago to fewer than 30 percent today, Institute Director Peter Goddard said.

Founded in 1930, the Institute fosters research into fundamental problems in the sciences and humanities.

“Our faculty housing plans before you tonight are essential if the institute is able to sustain its mission…for the benefit of future generations,” Goddard said.

Raoul Mallalieu, a Revolutionary War re-enactor from Midland Park, said the Institute should build faculty housing elsewhere, referencing several nearby fields as potential sites.

“That would be much better to use than land that was fought for by Americans who fought for that died in that spot fighting for the freedoms that we all value,” Mallalieu said. “I can’t stomach the idea of people who don’t have maybe any interest in our nation’s history, building dwellings with toilets for people to relieve themselves on the land that first U.S. marines fought and died on. That galls me no end.

“Sir, your designs are phenomenal, they are the KY Jelly to the sodomization of our nation's history,” Mallalieu said, addressing Robert Hillier, the project's architect.

The Institute’s proposes to build on six acres while 60 percent of the tract would be permanently preserved as public open space. The plan includes a 200-foot buffer between Battlefield Park and the housing, and in some cases, the buffer would extend to 350 feet. Three rows of trees would serve as an additional buffer. The homes would have flat roofs and constructed of all-natural materials.

“The whole plan is to make this entire site very natural and very low-profile,” Hillier said.

Zach McCarthy, a Mercer Street resident, said the Institute is an important part of what makes Princeton “Princeton.”

“One of my greatest childhood memories was actually seeing Dr. Einstein walk to the Institute,” McCarthy said. “Today the Institute sponsors concerts, opens its ground for visitors, and its housing plan, as (developer) Bob Hillier demonstrates, shows exceptional appreciation for its surroundings.  

“You as a board, the best way you can show your appreciation is to approve this application to provide housing for the Einstein’s of this century.”