The last few years have seen several new apartment buildings rising in Princeton, but one that a lot of people may not have noticed is the new ‘Floyd House’ at Princeton Community Village. Located in the existing Sassafras Row neighborhood (map), the new building opened in September 2023, and offers 25 apartments, a mixture of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. It is named for Jim and Fannie Floyd, two renowned community leaders. Jim Floyd, the first Black mayor of Princeton Township, was a founder of Princeton Community Housing. Trustees at Princeton Community Housing worked for over 6 years using contributions from local people and the town to complete the project, which includes a comprehensive set of neighborhood enhancements, including a new pavilion, and improvements to the community clubhouse.

Inside, the Floyd House offers many of the advantages as other modern apartment communities, but all of these homes are designated as ‘affordable’. There is a mixture of apartments for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. Rents are set based on a resident’s ability to pay, and income limits apply. This development was the first to be completed to help the town of Princeton meet its 2019 fair housing settlement.

The apartments are spacious, with fully-equipped kitchen and hook-ups for in-unit washer/dryers. All of the units are fully adaptable to provide handicap accessbility. Heating, cooling, and appliances are fully electric, contributing to the development meeting Enterprise Green energy efficiency standards.

The new building is set in a landscaped area with 42 new trees, 450 native plants and shrubs, and improved stormwater management measures. Charging stations are provided for electric vehicles, adding further to the building’s sustainability features.

Many of the apartments feature views over the Herrontown Woods Arboretum, a protected green space with walking and nature trails.

Parking is available, but Princeton Community Village is also served by NJ Transit buses and the Princeton municipal shuttle, seen below, providing car-free options for getting in and out of the town.

The new property adds to the existing community at ‘The Village’, which includes more than 250 affordable homes. In addition to the community clubhouse next to the new Floyd House, both preschool and after-school programs are available at the Marcy Crimmins Learning Center. Princeton Community Housing also provides additional social services coordination and enrichment activities through its ‘PCH Difference’ program.

Although affordable homes are in high demand in Princeton, some units at the Floyd House may be available. People who are interested are encouraged to contact Princeton Community Housing at the following link, for details about how to apply: https://www.pchhomes.org.