To the Editor,

I am writing this letter to express concerns about Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart’s proposal for a variance to increase their maximum permitted total impervious coverage from the allowable of 14 percent to 21 percent. This is part of their proposal to develop and rent sports fields for year-round, nightly sports events.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart is located in a wetland area. It adjoins forested properties and sits higher than adjacent roads and private property. The proposed increase of 4.2 acres of impervious surface will increase storm water runoff due to the large proportion of ground that is already saturated. Excess runoff is likely to damage root systems and forests, as well as create more dangerous road conditions during storm events. In addition, the new, impervious surface would be part of a project that also includes diesel powered lights. Some of the pollution generated by these lights will settle in the immediately vicinity, wash into local streams and waterways, and further degrade the habitat for local species.

The impact of storm water is only one concerning aspect of this project. In addition, by eliminating a large tract of soil and replacing it with an artificial material, it will disrupt an ecosystem that serves a wide variety of plants and animals. The strong lights may negatively impact nocturnal species as well as bird migration pathways.

The current zoning exists because this is a unique and vulnerable part of Princeton that should be protected. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and storm water management must be considered. Princeton already has many accessible parks and soccer fields.

I strongly urge the Council to deny the requested variance by an out-of-town soccer organization at the expense of the local ecosystem and the quality of life of the local residents who will also experience more noise, light, air pollution, and traffic.

Randye Rutberg
Stuart Road