To the Editor:

We are writing as residents and taxpayers of Princeton, N.J. Andrew and I reside at 75 Heather Lane, Princeton where we have lived for the past 18 years. We are extremely concerned about the Minor Site Plan application filed by Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart (Princeton Academy).

Heather Lane has long suffered from water runoff problems and the proposed replacement of grass with 4.2 acres of impervious surface will only exacerbate this situation. It is our understanding that the Princeton Environmental Commission has recommended this variance be denied because of the synthetic turf’s negative impacts on the environment. The Princeton Ridge has long been considered a fragile ecosystem. The removal of 46 mature trees will further degrade the environment and add to the deforestation we are already experiencing in Princeton from the demise of the ash trees due to disease and insect infestation. 

The addition of 11 diesel-operated light towers and increased traffic caused by ball fields in continuous use will also diminish the quality of life for families in the surrounding area. We are also concerned about the certain all-evening light pollution. The noise from the generators will be a significant annoyance as well. Another concern that we have is that the addition of ball fields will inevitably lead to a requirement for more parking which will lead to more development of the site. This important point has not been addressed in the plan.

We question the need for additional artificial turf ball fields in the Princeton area as we often pass athletic fields that are not in use. It is our understanding that these Princeton Academy fields will be rented out to another organization. Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart enjoys tax-free status in the town. Renting out their fields for monetary gain appears to be evasion of tax laws by a not-for-profit organization and would set a very bad precedent for our community. This tax avoidance allows Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart to earn income on the backs of their neighbors. Noise, light pollution, environmental impacts, excessive storm runoff and increased traffic will reduce our property value as well as the enjoyment of our home in order to allow a tax-exempt organization to earn income. 

We are asking the Planning Board to deny this usage and would like to bring the issue to the attention of our fellow neighbors and Princeton residents.

Carol and Andrew Hollingsworth
Heather Lane