Planning Board Reviews Arts & Transit Ordinance

Princeton’s planning board spent three-and-a-half hours on Thursday reviewing a proposed arts and transit zone, but did not address a central question- whether or not the plan adheres to Princeton’s master plan.

Princeton University has asked both the township and borough to consider new zoning in preparation for its new arts development at University Place. The plan also calls for the Dinky to be moved approximately 450 feet south of its current location.

On Thursday, planning board members reviewed technical points of the draft ordinances – parking, building heights and setbacks and whether or not to include non-university owned parcels in the new zone.

At the end of the night, university officials were given time to comment.  

“I haven’t heard anyone say there’s anything in there that’s inconsistent with the master plan,” Princeton University Vice President Robert Durkee said.

The planning board has 35 days upon receipt of the ordinances to return comment to township and borough officials. The borough has extended that deadline, but the township has not.

By 11 p.m. on Thursday, board members decided to request a time extension from the township because it there is still too much to discuss.

Thursday was the second time the planning board has met to review proposed ordinances but the evening began with a fundamental disagreement about the board’s task.

Some believe this is an opportunity to review the vision for Princeton’s future.

Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman noted major changes for Princeton, including the state department of transportation’s plan to limit left hand turns into Princeton from Route 1 to only Alexander Road.

“I think there will be irreparable negative impacts on the Princeton community from Alexander Street alone and now is the time that we ought to visit the master plan” Trotman said. “We need to think about the big picture and not just concentrate on one development.

Other board members agreed.

But board Member Peter Madison became frustrated at the suggestions because he said the planning board reviews the master plan every five years.

“To say that we suddenly have all of these things happening in Princeton and have to look at the master plan again, I find that totally inappropriate,” Madison said.

He also said officials may be dragging their feet, despite telling the university they was willing to work with them on the process.

Board member Yina Moore said the whole process has lacked public input. 

“The community has not been heard,” Moore said. “They have been disregarded and we have a lot of work to do in engaging the community in what this area should be.”