Discussion On Princeton University's Prospect Ave. Plan Thursday

PRINCETON, NJ – The Planning Board is set to meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday to discuss Princeton University's controversial Prospect Avenue Plan. After a four-hour-long discussion on Sept. 23, the Planning Board did not reach a decision and proposed to continue the debate on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Princeton University plans to move the Court Clubhouse, a former eating club on 91 Prospect Avenue, across the street to the site of the three nineteenth-century homes. The Court Clubhouse land will then be used as part of the Environmental Science (ES) and School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).

During the Sept. 23 meeting, Save Prospect Coalition made a presentation of an alternative approach to the University's plan, which included moving 91 Prospect around 30 feet east to create a wider road into the new ES-SEAS complex, while also allowing the University to add the Theorists Pavilion. This would save the three Victorian homes from demolition, said Clifford Zink, architectural historian, who presented the plan on behalf of Save Prospect Coalition.

However, Christopher DeGrezia, the attorney representing the University, said the designs presented by Save Prospect Coalition do not meet the University's programmatic needs.

The University also provided an alternative and determined that the building on 116 Prospect Avenue can be saved and rehabilitated. Ronald McCoy, University architect had said according to the University's revised plan there is an opportunity to save two of the four buildings.

Over 100 people attended the meeting last month, and attendance is expected to be high at Thursday's meeting as well. The University has submitted its plans, which can be found here.

The Planning Board hopes to make a final decision during the Thursday meeting.

Related Coverage:

Petition Urges Princeton U. To Not Demolish Three Historic Homes

Princeton U. Prospect Ave Plan Not Endorsed At Special Meeting

Princeton U. Defends Prospect Avenue Plan As Resistance Mounts

Princeton U. Says Will Demolish 91 Prospect If Plan Not Approved

Princeton Residents Form Coalition For Responsible Development

No Outcome As Princeton Prospect Ave. Plan Discussion Continues

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