To the Editor:

There is, we should be reminded, a national housing crisis. We see it in the segregation of our towns into enclaves of the wealthy and enclaves of the less well-to-do. But its saddest consequence is the disillusionment of young people whose reasonable hopes for family life in a welcoming community are simply beyond their reach.

In an admirable act of governmental vision and determination, Princeton — a progressive town with a long history of doing what it can for lower income families — adopted a plan to do more to advance our overall social and economic diversity. In particular, to lay the groundwork for zoning adapted to advance these aims.

Since its inception in the 1920s, zoning — the regulation of land use in the name of the general welfare — has been a powerful instrument of owners to protect their property. For sure, land use regulations have also protected the environment, saved historic resources, and created some admirable communities. But zoning per se has all too often served the interests of a wealthy few.

As we know from our lived experience, family life, work patterns, and cultural expectations are far different in 2023 than in the days when a house on a grassy lot in the suburbs was the dream of many — the days when “large lot” zoning was a norm in advancing and protecting the family life as it was known then.

If you step back and view the Princeton Master Plan as a whole, you see a vision that comports with contemporary family and community life and expectations. The vision embraces a vibrant downtown, abundant culture and recreation, extensive green spaces, better mobility, and a diverse range of housing opportunities to accommodate a more diverse population.

Inevitably, there are criticisms and objections, many fair, some not. Traffic? Yes, but with garages, busses, and pedestrian-friendly streets, Princeton is setting a national standard for traffic management. Loss of trees, green spaces, historic neighborhoods? Is there any town more protective of these than Princeton, and is that likely to change?

Lack of public engagement? But what of more than 18 months of community meetings? The builders will take over the town? Not if construction laws are well-crafted and public boards and civic groups remain vigilant.

Beneath the most strident objections lies a fear that something referred to as “up-zoning” will diminish property values. For my part, I doubt the value of my house and lot would in any way be impaired if some of my neighbors — building under strict site constraints and construction regulations — were to add a few units on their lots. I would even hope that my neighborhood might become livelier and more interesting — perhaps even some young families.

Property values are buoyed upward by the high quality of community life in our town. People simply want to be in Princeton because it is a great place to live. Let’s give the Master Plan the chance it well deserves.

Sam Hamill
Edgehill Street