To the Editor:

I applaud Princeton Council’s initiative in taking the first step to improve how our town handles stormwater. On June 12, the Council adopted a new ordinance that requires at least some degree of modern stormwater management for any new development and for any increase in impervious cover to existing developments.

As the demand for larger homes continues to impact many Princeton neighborhoods, we have seen developers bulldoze away smaller homes to make way for larger homes. The upshot is greater flooding and pollution, not to mention wet basements and soggy yards for the neighbors.

The Council’s unanimous approval of the ordinance is a step in the right direction, but it only addresses new or expanded development. Unfortunately, most of our excessive runoff is from older developments that were constructed before we fully appreciated the consequences to downstream communities, to water quality, and to aquatic wildlife. We need to better control stormwater runoff from our existing commercial and residential developments by requiring that any redevelopment incorporate modern stormwater management measures. Based on the public testimony, the town is eager to start soon on a second-phase strategy.

We must be mindful of finding ways to allow water to soak into the ground, recharge the aquifer, and prevent flooding downstream.

The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association should also be commended for its research and advocacy on this important issue. The association and council are both to be commended for forward-thinking action on the recently approved stormwater ordinance.

Scott Sillars

Patton Avenue, Member Board of Trustees for the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association