Dear Editor:

I am a resident of Yardley, Pa., but work at a research center in Princeton. For many years I have attended talks at the Institute for Advanced Study, walked in its woods, and enjoyed simply sitting and reading by the pond. I would like to think that I am an objective and neutral observer, with no vested interest in the fight between the Institute for Advanced Study and the Princeton Battlefield Society beyond a desire to preserve the ability of this intellectual hub of history, social science, mathematics, and physics to continue and to improve. But I cannot get past the thought that the Battlefield Society does itself more harm than good by continuing to obstruct what is an historically sensitive, well-reasoned, and ultimately well-within-its-rights proposal, put forth by the Institute.

Let’s look at the facts. The IAS project is on its own land. It seeks only one minor variance, to do away with street lights, which will also benefit its neighbors. The Institute was assured years ago by the State of New Jersey that it could build faculty housing in the location it now proposes. Do we not honor commitments any longer? It is undisputed that the Institute’s contribution of land to the existing Battlefield Park has made the park the large tract it is today. Moreover, the Institute has agreed to a compromise brokered by Congressman Holt and offered by noted historians James McPherson and David Hackett-Fisher that enhances battlefield commemoration. What more can one ask from an applicant?

And still, the Battlefield Society persists in its obstruction, causing endless public hearings and cost. Does it care so little for its reputation that it now turns to challenging the Institute over feigned wetlands issues? Having failed to persuade even preservationist scholars, what’s next, the proverbial kitchen sink? Enough. We are all suffering from battle fatigue. May the Battlefield Society finally come to its senses and embrace the compromise, lest it snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I encourage the Princeton Regional Planning Commission to approve the Institute’s Faculty Housing Plan. It’s time to put this to rest.

Howard Rees

Yardley, Pa.