To the Editor:

One of the primary charms that encouraged us to re-settle in Princeton over 20 years ago is the proximity of so many interesting people from different backgrounds that help support a diversity of culture and commerce. We congratulate the Princeton Council, and the leadership of Council members Cohen, Lambros, and Sacks for realizing this goal via ordinances to make it easier for new middle-income housing units to be realized.

We were lucky that 25 years ago, there were a variety of housing options for people who a) could not afford $400K+ for an up-to-date, free-standing home, but b) wouldn’t qualify for subsidized housing. Princeton shouldn’t just be just for those who were lucky enough to buy in, or get on the right list a long time ago. We are a more diverse community when a range of housing for newcomers of all wealth levels is available.

This is why we applaud the plan for integrating both affordable and market-rate housing in the development on Franklin Avenue. Besides offering walking-distance homes for dozens of new families who can’t afford other neighborhoods, we will be saving fellow taxpayers over $4M by allowing market-rate housing to help pay for the development. Moreover, let’s try not to further stigmatize low-income families by economically-segregating them into 100 percent affordable housing developments.

We live nearby and walk, bike, and drive through the Witherspoon corridor regularly. Many of my neighbors have or had apartments with tenants. We like that the density of our community can support a variety of small businesses that employ and serve our neighbors.

Douglas and Adrienne Rubin
Laurel Road
(Formerly, Ewing Street, Franklin Avenue, and  Chestnut Street)