Council Votes To Acquire Over 34 Acres Of Open Space In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — Council on Monday voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance that authorizes the acquisition of more than 34 acres of open space between Ridgeview Road and Cherry Valley Road.

The land is currently owned by the Princeton Ridge Homeowner’s Association, Inc. It was put into preservation sometime ago and is limited to passive recreation, according to Municipal attorney Trishka Cecil.

“All that’s really happening here is that private open space will now become publicly held,” Cecil said.

The property will be used for passive recreation and conservation purposes, including walking, birdwatching, bike riding, the study of plants and similar activities.

It will form part of Princeton’s “Emerald Necklace” which aims to connect open spaces throughout the town and provide greater access to a more diverse group of community members.

Ahead of the vote, Wendy Mager, president of Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS), urged Council members to vote in favor of the ordinance.

She said the acquisition has been in process for eight to nine years.

“I’m very excited to see this gift to the town of private open space finally come to fruition,” Mager said. “It’s going to be a lovely asset for the community.”

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