To the Editor:

Princeton Council is considering demolishing 31-33 Lytle Street, in the heart of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. Say “No” to Council: no demolition.

The lovely porch (1870-1880), which retains its original architectural details and roofline, should be designated an Historic Site. The historic home, owned and possibly built by an African-American who came from Virginia to Princeton after the Civil War, is eligible as part of an Historic District.

Who among us will endorse, now, demolition of yet another African-American building? — after white-skinned Princeton razed African-American Princeton homes (and displaced people) to establish Palmer Square, and then destroyed Jackson Street (with more people removed)? The house is community heritage.

The Historic Preservation Commission formally opposes demolition. Funds from The New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust can restore the house. Trishka Cecil, Council attorney, has given approval for using Princeton Open Space monies for historic preservation. Mercer County Open Space funding should remain available, prorated, for the area not covered by the house.

How should this beautiful porch and its building best be used? Affordable housing needs remain critical in Princeton: hikes in property taxes and school taxes have just been announced. Pressures on our economically challenged citizens intensify daily. Families are being divided, forced out. Princeton cannot promote our valued diversity without unswerving commitment to affordable housing opportunities.

The Lytle Street house could become two affordable units — for sale or rent, with resultant income to the appropriate municipal body. Concept plans have been generated. Despite extensive rehabilitation needed, reasonable estimates are less than the $250,000 cited by the municipal Administrator, Marc Dashield. A John Street house was rehabilitated for $150,000 (2012). Participation by Habitat for Humanity and Isles, together with volunteer labor, can reduce costs — particularly if the mayor and Council enthusiastically support the initiative and make the political effort.

If not affordable housing, what? As Councilwoman Butler proposed (March 23), the building can become part of the adjacent Mary Moss Playground, currently slated for expansion; building rehabilitation would be simpler, with restrooms and an indoor play area in inclement weather. (Only a small minority of speakers at the three Council sessions dealing with the park favored expansion, not affordable housing.)

More significant: the historic porch — the neighborhood is a “community of porches” — can become a public architectural focus to celebrate African-American life in Princeton. Booker T. Washington himself visited the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, as a photograph attests. If white Princeton celebrates Einstein’s birthday, why not Paul Robeson’s (April 9, 1898)? — or the constitutional amendments that legalized citizenship and suffrage for African-Americans? The first floor could become “passive” exhibition space documenting Princeton’s African-American community (Robeson House highlights Robeson himself). The expanded park on the house’s north side could include a community garden — environmentally sustainable, probably much cheered.

Council should buy the property and retain both porch and house. Otherwise, the owner-developer Roman Barsky would probably subdivide the lot and build two expensive houses that are not consistent with neighborhood values.

Daniel A. Harris

Dodds Lane