AvalonBay Distorts Princeton's Record on Affordable Housing

To the Editor,

AvalonBay continues to mislead the press, the public, and now the New Jersey Superior Court about Princeton’s record on affordable housing units.

The truth is that (both) Princetons have built or designated 208 affordable housing units since 1990, 130 since 2001 alone (see "Housing Restricted to Low and Moderate Income Households in Princeton, N.J., 2012,"tabulation prepared by David N. Kinsey, January 9, 2012). Mr. Kinsey, a recognized authority on Fair Share obligations, has been appointed by New Jersey courts as a Master to adjudicate statewide matters of affordable housing.

Despite this public tabulation, AvalonBay has deceitfully and falsely claimed that Princeton’s Fair Share policy "has only resulted in the construction of six (6) COAH affordable housing units" since 1990 within a small and artificial boundary, the so-called Affordable Housing Overlay Zone. The coarse lie: "Princeton Borough has not created a realistic opportunity for its entire fair share obligations for decades" (AvalonBay Communities v. Princeton Planning Board, Princeton, and Princeton Mayor and Council, Verified Complaint, Mercer County Superior Court, February 19, 2013, pp. 9-10).

Why is AvalonBay lying---again? Do they mean to sway Judge Mary Jacobson by misleading and distorted information?

AvalonBay concealed evidence in the Environmental Impact Statement (as we all know). Their urban planner Jeromie Lang plagiarized 24 pages of his official report from their architect Jonathan Metz (cf. Planning Board transcripts, December 13, 2012, where Mr. Lang conceded under cross-examination that "The words are his [Mr. Metz’] but I agree with his opinions"). No one in Princeton should place any trust in this this buccaneer operation.

Another crucial truth about the affordable housing situation is that AvalonBay, actually chose to delay construction of 56 affordable housing units required by the ordinance for the MRRO zone—even as it now blames Princeton for not having built! When AvalonBay signed its contract with the hospital on July 28, 2011, it could have promptly moved forward to submit site plans. Instead, they chose to dicker with Borough Council, trying to get greater density (324 units)—and a lesser percentage of affordable housing (17.3%) than the 20% required by Borough Code.

So: AvalonBay finally filed plans on June 8, 2012---half a year later than they might have. They, not Princeton, are responsible for delayed construction of affordable units. Their brash hypocrisy should not go unchallenged.

Princeton’s attorneys Gerald Muller and Trishka Cecil must ensure that Judge Jacobson learns the truth about Princeton’s compliance with Fair Share obligations and Avalon’s patent distortions.

Princeton Citizens for Sustainable Neighborhoods (PCSN) stands firmly behind Princeton’s record in providing affordable housing. PCSN has been maliciously attacked by Anne Studholme, attorney for AvalonBay (letters to Gerald Muller dated October 24 and November 8, 2012) for impeding AvalonBay’s building of affordable units. But PCSN now has legal status as an "intervenor" in the lawsuit, joining with the other Princeton defendants. Bolstered by many contributions from the community, PCSN will fight back against Avalon’s malpractices. AvalonBay does not belong in Princeton.

Daniel A. Harris

Trustee, PCSNDodds Lane, Princeton