Letter: IAS Needs Zoning Variance

To the Editor:

The hearing for the IAS application to build affordable faculty housing on a portion of the Princeton Battlefield is scheduled on Feb. 16 at City Hall. So many people have written in on both sides of the issue and there is still much confusion and, sadly, division.

The IAS application concerns land that was part of the battle in 1777. It has survived all this time relatively untouched, used as farm fields. The land was the focal point of Washington's counterattack. The parcel of land is owned by the IAS.

To use the land in question, requires permission for a zoning change . The Institute indicates that they have complied with all the regulations associated with the change and should be granted permission.

The Princeton Battlefield Society had attorney Bruce Afron check whether the Institute complied with the regulations. Mr. Afron examined the application and asked experts to review. The cluster regulations require a certain amount of land be used to meet the unit requirements and that land be free of wetlands. The IAS did not meet the minimum requirements free of wetlands. For the IAS to pursue this application would be a waste of money and increase the cost associated with their wish to provide affordable faculty housing.

I do not know who wrote "let us be judged by what we leave behind", but it applies to this situation. I know that the IAS wishes to build and I know that the Battlefield Society and our neighbors have offered alternatives. I would rather extend my hand across the aisle and aid the IAS to find an alternative, than continue down this destructive path. What we leave behind could be "judged" a greater good and that would be welcome by all. 

Joe Carney

Glenwood NJ

Joe Carney is a member of the Princeton Battlefield Society.