To the Editor:
The Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) would like to highlight some of our accomplishments from this year:

Related to development, PEC provided essential environmental recommendations through site plan reviews and the municipal master plan process as well as revising the Green Development Checklist (GDCL). PEC reviewed six site plans and continued providing recommendations for the new master pan up to its adoption. PEC believes that the new municipal master plan is considerate of protecting our natural environment and guiding growth in a responsible, sustainable, and equitable way as well as serving as the strongest commitment to sustainability and climate resilience that Princeton has the opportunity to own, live by, and grow by.

Additionally, PEC held Green House Tour (GHT) and video events in partnership with Sustainable Princeton and the Princeton Public Library. Videos remain accessible via princetonnj.gov/1462/2023-Green-House-Tour-Videos.

Related to open space, PEC supported the initial review of the Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) and is eager to continue supporting the ERI process. PEC believes the ERI is vital to the community and its integration in the new municipal master plan essential. Furthermore, PEC representation successfully advocated for stormwater management, which included native trees and vegetation, and maintaining a more walkable, bikeable town in the revision plans for Community Park South.

Considering climate responsible landscaping, PEC supported the education of invasive plants by publishing them for all four seasons. In an attempt to offset the removal of mature trees where housing is needed, PEC is pursuing a microforest project. A microforest will improve the soil quality, fight against air pollution, improve water absorption, and will help with the effects of flooding and erosion. Stay tuned for Princeton’s microforest location in the new year.

Waste transition and water quality continued to be addressed throughout the year. PEC representation helped initiate a food scrap recycling program for the municipality. PEC representation has allowed the commission to stay abreast of all water concerns and solutions. Moreover, PEC provided almost 20 resolutions, letters, and memos related to state, county, and local issues.

PEC continues its membership with the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). The PEC chair was invited to moderate Land Conversations: Underrepresented Voices, Indigenous Perspectives, presented by Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto at ANJEC’s 50th Annual Congress.

The PEC supported two community initiatives. The Annual Stream Cleanup in partnership with The Watershed Institute was held on Earth Day at Hilltop Park where 100 volunteers collected 722 pounds of trash and 58 pounds of recyclables. Also in April, at Hinds Plaza, members of the PEC supported the Shade Tree Commission and the Master Gardeners of Mercer County during the annual Porchfest/Arbor Day Celebration to distribute seedlings to the interested public. Lastly but not least, the PEC chair and council liaison were featured as two of Princeton’s Climate Crusaders in Princeton Magazine for the September issue.

We invite the community to join us for our 2024 meetings and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Tammy L Sands
Chair, Princeton Environmental Commission

Anne Soos
Vice Chair, and PEC Commissioners

Witherspoon Street