By Anne Levin

Concerned about the direction of future development in Princeton, a group of residents has formed the nonprofit Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD).

The goal is “to advocate for and enable a more effective and collaborative approach to land use development and redevelopment in Princeton,” according to a press release announcing the move. Those sponsoring the PCRD say they have heard from more than 100 residents who want to ensure that their voices are taken into account as decisions about development in Princeton are being made.

The idea of forming a coalition stemmed from Phase 2 of the development of Princeton Theological Seminary’s (PTS) Tennent Roberts campus, said Tom Chapman, a PCRD committee member. “A number of us live in that vicinity, and we made the wise decision to get our group together so we have one voice and not a lot of upset residents,” he said on Monday. “Then, we decided to put it in a broader context, because it’s not just us. There may be a need to address a number of things, broader than just Tennent Roberts.”

A plan to build new apartments on the PTS campus along Hibben Road and Stockton Street was scrapped by the Seminary in October 2019. As part of the plan, the campus had been designated a redevelopment zone, which proponents said provides for more control over design specifics than the traditional zoning process. But during neighborhood meetings held between residents, planners, the municipality, and the Seminary, there was pushback from some residents who were concerned about density and increased traffic. PTS sold the campus to local developer Herring Properties last January. Final plans have not been announced.

According to Brad Middlekauff, one of the Coalition’s founders, “Our objective is to protect and enhance the unique character, livability, and quality of life in our many varied neighborhoods. Shared interests are at the heart of responsible development. So we will strive to collaborate with real estate developers and town officials throughout the planning process to achieve creative solutions that benefit all parties for decades to come.”

The release cites a recent survey among Princeton residents revealing the importance of factors such as traffic and parking, open space, historic structures, and appealing gateways into town where development projects are being considered. “PCRD’s intention is to help ensure confidence that these and other factors, such as appropriate density and the Area in Need of Redevelopment statute, are addressed and amicably resolved during the planning process through open dialogue with all stakeholders,” it reads.

Chapman added, “Residents must be mindful of the greater community needs. PCRD wants to foster open, honest exchange between the developer, Princeton officials, and residents to find the common ground essential to achieving creative, enlightened solutions that work for all, both now and well into the future.”

Coalition organizers said Princeton’s Master Plan establishes responsible development guidelines for all parties involved in the planning process. “For example, it calls for the developer to create plans that ‘preserve the scenic quality of Princeton’s principal gateways; encourage preservation of historic buildings and sites; and preserve and protect the character of established neighborhoods.’ It requires the Planning Board to enable ‘proactive public participation’ during the planning process.”

“In turn, concerned residents need to recognize the interests and inputs of town officials and the developer,” said David DeMuth, a founder of PCRD. “And they must be transparent and specific in articulating the principles that underpin public benefits they envision as essential to responsible development, which reflect a reasonable level of consensus.”

To join PCRD or be put on the mailing list, email contactus@pcrd.info.