To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to express my strong opposition to the proposed plan for Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart to replace their grass fields with turf, add lights, and lease the land out to Princeton Soccer Academy. This issue will be heard at this week’s Planning Board Meeting taking place via Zoom on Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Our main areas of concern are that the impervious coverage the plan would allow water runoff; water pollution; light pollution; air pollution; land erosion; wildlife conservation, traffic, and speeding issues; and quality of life issues for our residents in the Ridge.

This new turf will increase the impervious coverage of their land by over 90 percent. I worry about flooding in this area.

At this moment there is no evidence of the effects of the rubber and plastic that will be used on the natural land and the land that is used for our children. Undoubtedly the downpours that we now experience will force some of the small granular turf to run off their property. What are the long-term effects of such man-made materials on our children’s or wildlife health?

The current plan asks for approval of 11 diesel light towers. These will be running from 5-9:30 p.m. every day and evening. The impact on the air quality and noise pollution is unimaginable. Air that our children and wildlife will be breathing every day. These light towers will also change the serenity of the area known as The Ridge. It will change the idyllic night sky for many who live here or drive through the neighborhood.

Traffic will also be a major issue with this installation and leasing of land. With soccer planned every evening and on weekends, the traffic in the area will become unbearable. As it is already, cars are constantly speeding down Great Road. A huge problem is the use of Heather Lane as a cut-through street on the corner of Cherry Valley Road and Great Road. Our children will be off from school at these times — walking the dog, riding their bikes. It is dangerous.

The necessity for this construction is ridiculous. Princeton and our surrounding towns have a great many parks and fields to play sports. This is not a necessity for youth sports in our area. In fact, it would be a detriment.

This proposal is unacceptable and does not take into account the quality of life or safety of our neighbors, our environment, or our local children.

Please do not allow this project to go forward. Please don’t allow flooding, air pollution, light pollution. Please preserve our idyllic Ridge.

Please stop this plan. Let your voice be heard.

Please log onto the Zoom meeting Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Jennifer Buono Bibro
Heather Lane