By Anne Levin

Princeton Council passed two ordinances at its Monday night meeting. One lowers speed limits on Witherspoon Street and John Street to 20 miles per hour; the other approves creation of a new affordable housing overlay zone along portions of Witherspoon Street.

Before those actions were considered, several members of the Princeton Police Department were sworn in, in front of numerous family members and colleagues. Chief Jon Bucchere and Mayor Mark Freda presided, swearing in four new officers and promoting four others to new positions. Sergeant Tom Lagomarsino is now police lieutenant. Corporal Don Mathews is now police sergeant. Patrol Officer Darwin Kieffer and Detective Eric Dawson were named police corporals.

The ordinance related to the affordable housing overlay zone was approved following several comments, some in favor and some not, by members of the community. Housing overlay zones are added layers on top of existing zoning ordinances that provide incentives for developers to build housing, particularly affordable housing, within specific districts.

Maria Juega spoke in support of the action, but expressed concerns about a possible negative impact to residents of properties along Witherspoon Street who could be displaced. “It inevitably raises the specter of urban renewal projects which are well intentioned but result in displacement of low-income ethnic minority populations,” she said.

Her concerns were echoed by Veronica Olivares, of the town’s Human Services Commission. “The neighbors have no idea this is happening,” she said. “I’d like Council to consider a plan to have additional conversations with the developers, and also have talks with residents, with a Spanish interpreter.” Resident Michael Floyd said he was worried about the 45-foot height allowance, urging Council to cap it at 35 feet.

Architect and resident Joshua Zinder applauded Council for the proposal. “This is a creative plan to improve our affordable housing situation and community landscape,” he said. “I would encourage endorsement.” Ingrid Reed, a policy analyst who lives in Montgomery Township but was a Princeton resident for many years, spoke in support,

as did Witherspoon-Jackson resident and historian Shirley Satterfield.

“The overlay represents the next phase in preserving the district’s historical designation,” Satterfield said, referring to Witherspoon-Jackson’s status as the town’s 20th Historic District. “It is a continuation of cultural and economic diversity in Princeton’s most welcoming and diverse community, and allows many to remain near their place of employment.”

Before voting unanimously in favor of the ordinance, Council members reassured the public that the well-being of the community was the town’s priority. Councilman Leighton Newlin, who has lived in Witherspoon-Jackson most of his life, said it is the most diverse neighborhood in Princeton. “It deserves a facelift. It is time we address Princeton on an equitable basis, and it is high time someone pay attention to the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood. It will bring more affordability and, yes, density. But if there is one neighborhood in Princeton that can take the density, it’s Witherspoon-Jackson.”

Council President Mia Sacks said, “As a Council, we are committed to improving and providing ongoing safe protection for the residents. We do believe this overlay provides us with the best possible avenue to do that.”

Council passed a resolution approving a one-year extension to the contract with Sustainable Princeton, of $90,000 for 2023. Additional resolutions approved continued the off-leash program for dogs at Quarry Park, and authorized a $52,500 professional services agreement with the Arterial street design company for the Nassau Streetscape Concept Plan. A resolution was also passed to condemn and combat antisemitism.

Responding to frequent complaints from residents that they aren’t informed of meetings and other activities, the town hired Taft Communications to study the situation. A representative of the company reported that he interviewed key stakeholders and people on the street, compared the municipality’s efforts at communication to others towns, and evaluated the newsletter that goes out twice weekly.

“We think the municipality does a good job of using tools like the website and the newsletter to communicate, but there are opportunities to strengthen,” he said, recommending a better-planned calendar and enhanced website. For the newsletter, there should be better headlines and fewer stories, and an overall new look. It should go out once a week instead of twice, with more engaging features and news.

Council meets next on Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m.