To the Editor,

We are writing to you to express our serious concerns and strong opposition regarding the proposed plan set out by the Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart to replace their grass fields with synthetic turf, add 11 diesel-operated light towers, and lease out their land to the Princeton Soccer Academy (PSA). 

As owners of property on Heather Lane, this proposed project would have a significant negative impact on our quality of life, for our family and our neighborhood. Our greatest concerns are the negative impact of increasing the impervious coverage that would lead to extensive water runoff and pollution, the additional light and air pollution, increased traffic in the area, and the detrimental impact on our quality of life and safety.

This project will result in a net increase in impervious surface on 4.2 acres, increasing the existing impervious coverage by almost 90 percent and 50 percent more than the maximum allowable. It has been a constant battle dealing with drainage issues and the storm water runoff from the ridge. The new synthetic turf and removal of the existing 46 mature trees (some with diameters of 3 feet) would only further exacerbate the runoff issues we face causing more drainage issues and harmful pollutants onto our property.

The proposed 11 diesel-operated light towers will cause increased noise levels and blinding light at night through 9:30 p.m. with increased traffic in the area that will become a safety hazard and intolerable. The truth is there are long-term irreversible consequences at stake that will have a lasting impact on our quality of life.

Chris and Rachel Chan
Heather Lane