Resident Asks Council To Seek Contributions From Lawrenceville School

Lawrence Township, NJ -- The recent settlement between Princeton University and a group of residents questioning the university’s tax exempt status could have ramifications in Lawrence Township.

Resident Peter Radice Jr. has asked Lawrence Township Council to consider seeking money from the Lawrenceville School, centraljersey.com reports.

The private school donated $35,000 to the township in 2013, but hasn’t made a donation since, according to the report. There are about 32 single-family homes on the school’s campus.

Councilwoman Cathleen Lewis said she would like to address the matter legislatively, as opposed to filing a lawsuit, according to the report. She said the League of Municipalities is looking into property tax reform.

Princeton University recently agreed to pay $2 million next year and $1.6 million for each of the next five years to a fund that will help lower income residents pay their property tax bills.

It will also make three contributions to the Witherspoon Jackson Development Corporation each year, and had agreed to extend an agreement with the town, although town officials have said their portion of the agreement is non-binding because they didn’t have a representative sit in on negotiations.