Category Archives: Smart Growth

Princeton Must Build Thousands Of New Homes. Where Can They Go?

The town of Princeton announced at the end of April that it will settle a court case about how much affordable housing the town will add through 2025. Six weeks on, the terms of the settlement are still shrouded in … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, Density, Placemaking, planning, Princeton, Real estate, Smart Growth, Sustainability, Transit, Walking, Zoning | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

A Walk Around ‘The Yard’ At Rutgers-New Brunswick

Earlier this semester, Rutgers University opened a significant new addition. ‘The Yard‘ replaced a parking lot at Hamilton St and College Ave in New Brunswick. Imagined as a ‘front porch’ for the campus, the project features a mixture of stores and … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, Density, Downtown Vibrancy, Local, Placemaking, Smart Growth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Princeton Council Should Strike The Right Balance On Witherspoon Street

Princeton’s Council members indicated earlier this month that they will create a new historic district in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. The measure drew significant support, particularly from members of the African-American community, who have historically made up the largest share of residents. … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, architecture, Complete Streets, Placemaking, planning, Princeton, Smart Growth, Zoning | Leave a comment

Bayard Lane Duplex Plan Torpedoed Amid Neighborhood Protest

A plan to construct three duplexes off Route 206 near Birch Avenue was withdrawn after a hearing at Princeton’s Zoning Board on Wednesday night. The proposal from West Windsor Real Estate was for six private residences arranged as three duplexes, … Continue reading →

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Apartment Conversion Of MacLean Street Masonic Hall Approved After Marathon Meeting

Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment has approved required variances for a planned conversion of the old Masonic Hall on MacLean Street. The building will now be converted to ten apartments, including a mix of studios and one- and two-bed units. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, architecture, Density, Princeton, Smart Growth, The Parking Question, Zoning | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Angry Signs Protest Walkable Apartment Proposal at Princeton’s MacLean Street

In January, Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment was scheduled to rule on whether a proposal to convert the old Masonic Hall at John and MacLean St into apartments could go ahead. The hearing was postponed, and is now set to … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, Alternative Transportation, Density, Downtown Vibrancy, planning, Princeton, Real estate, Smart Growth, Zoning | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Princeton’s Mt Lucas Road Land Purchase: A Potentially Costly Deal

Princeton’s Democratic Council members are at loggerheads over a potential open space purchase off Mt Lucas Road. Proponents argue that the purchase is necessary to prevent development of 20.4 acres of land, and to provide a link between existing open space … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, planning, Princeton, Real estate, Smart Growth, Sustainability, Trails, Zoning | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Princeton To Hold Hearing On Proposed Walkable MacLean Street Apartments

This Wednesday, January 27, Wednesday, February 17 the Princeton Zoning Board will have a hearing on a proposal to bring 10 new apartments to the old Masonic Hall at John Street and MacLean Street. The new apartments would potentially allow … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, architecture, People, Princeton, Real estate, Smart Growth, The Parking Question, Walking, Zoning | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Will Princeton’s New Housing Goals Promote Walkability and Diversity?

Princeton’s Planning Board is revising the Housing Element of the Community Master Plan. As part of this effort, they have developed a list of ‘goals’ that are intended to guide plans for housing. The goals appear to be a worthy effort … Continue reading →

Posted in Affordability, planning, Princeton, Smart Growth, Sustainability | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Fact Check: Where Is Princeton’s Affordable Housing Concentrated?

Princeton Planning Board continues to discuss their response to recent court decisions focusing on affordable housing. According to one estimate, Princeton needs to build 1,000 new affordable units. At a recent joint meeting of the Planning Board and Princeton Council, … Continue reading →

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