To the Editor:

As the work to update Princeton’s Community Master Plan nears conclusion, we would like to provide some information and context that we hope is helpful.

The Community Master Plan document is available in its entirety at engage.princetonmasterplan.org. The plan consists of an introduction that presents a vision, assumptions, and guiding principles, followed by multiple “elements,” distinct but interrelated sections covering specific subjects related to land use. Each element contains goals and recommendations.

The plan is a Planning Board document developed by the Planning Board with the help of a consultant and a Steering Committee of community leaders. A robust public engagement process unmatched since consolidation has been both a distinguishing feature of the plan update process, and immensely helpful in crafting the plan.

The updated plan reaffirms familiar community priorities related to historic features and character, open space and recreation, a vibrant downtown, arts and culture, and outstanding educational resources.

Importantly, the plan also recommends that the community move away from some policies and practices that have contributed over many years to suburban sprawl, traffic congestion, tear-downs, segregation, and the troubling wealth gap.

In keeping with strong public consensus around climate resilience and social equity, the plan recommends restoring the kind of housing diversity that used to be a hallmark of the community and which can still be found but are less prevalent: single family homes side by side with duplexes, triplexes, and other multi-family accommodations that are more affordable to rent or buy. By virtue of proximity to jobs, education, services, and recreation, these diverse housing choices enable more affordable, sustainable, healthy, and car-limited living. It provides a framework for an even more vibrant downtown, and recommends prioritizing the safety and mobility of pedestrians and cyclists of all ages, as well as better-coordinated public transit.

The proposed plan suggests a way for Princeton to grow responsibly, incrementally and equitably, recognizing the importance of fit and scale. It envisions not simply more housing, but housing that is available at a wider range of prices, especially in areas accessible to transit, jobs, schools, and cultural and retail amenities.

Most important, the Community Master Plan does not rezone Princeton, nor does it signal or lay the foundation for uncontrolled population growth. The plan is a policy document — a very important one, to be sure — but it does not by itself transform local laws or practices. The authority to adopt changes to zoning and to devote municipal resources to implement the plan rests entirely with Princeton’s elected leaders, the mayor, and Council.

There is more to the plan than we can summarize here, and we encourage all who are interested to dive into the details and feel free to pose questions and express your views at the November 9 public hearing. We hope you find much to like in the draft but even if not, we look forward to hearing your views.

Louise Wilson
Chair, Princeton Planning Board
Lytle Street

Tim Quinn
Vice Chair, Princeton Planning Board
Chair, Master Plan Subcommittee
Wilton Street