New Affordable Housing Overlay Zone Established In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — Council on Monday passed an ordinance establishing a new Affordable Housing Overlay Zone (AHO-7) along portions of Witherspoon Street.

The ordinance creates a new affordable housing overlay zoning district along portions of Witherspoon Street lying between Green Street to the north of Henry Avenue.

A housing overlay zone is basically added layers on top of the existing zoning ordinance that provides incentives to developers to build within a specific district, affordable housing included.

While the ordinance was generally met with praise from community members, some expressed concern over the prospective developments and the possible displacement of the low-income population.

Longtime Princeton resident and historian Shirley Satterfield said for years the Witherspoon corridor from Paul Robeson Place to Birch Avenue was neglected for the repairs of homes, sidewalks, streets and lighting.

“The AH0-7 overlay represents the next phase in conserving the district's historical destination. Preserving the unique character of the neighborhood will prove affordable living and a continuation of cultural and economic diversity, and will allow many to remain near their place of employment,” Satterfield said.

Architect and resident Joshua Zinder applauded the Council and municipal staff for working on the ordinance. “I believe this is a creative plan to improve our affordable housing situation and our community landscape,” Zinder said.

While speaking in support of the ordinance, resident Maria Juega also expressed concern about the negative impact the ordinance could have on current residents.

“Many residents of properties along this portion of Witherspoon Street are low-income residential tenants who work in the local service sector and a handful of small businesses. There's a significant and clear need for the rehabilitation of this area,” Juega said.

“Inevitably it raises the specter of urban renewal projects which were well-intentioned but may have resulted in the gentrification, displacement of low-income, ethnic minority populations.”

Resident Veronica Olivares-Weber from the Princeton Human Services Commission told Council that many families in the area live paycheck-to-paycheck and may not be able to afford to move to another location. She said many residents and businesses in the area were still unaware of AHO-7.

“Therefore, I would like for the Council and mayor to consider additional conversations with the developers to assure that residents are notified in writing at least eight months in advance in Spanish and English and also have talks with residents with a Spanish interpreter,” Olivares-Weber said.

Before voting on the ordinance, Council assured community members that they were committed to mitigating the negative impacts on current residents in the neighborhood.

“We are committed to improving and providing ongoing safe protection for residents,” Councilwoman Mia Sacks said. “We feel confident that the needs of existing residents will be prioritized.”

Councilman Leighton Newlin said that since the 50s, Witherspoon Street has seen nothing but decay and neglect. “Gentrification in Princeton is changing; the demographics are changing. But the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood is still the most eclectic and diverse neighborhood and it deserves a facelift after all these years,” Newlin said.

“It’s time we address Princeton on an equitable basis and it is high time that somebody pays attention to the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood because it’s Princeton’s brand.”

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros said the ordinance was a “remarkable move” towards creating economic development for Princeton. She said the ordinance will give the Municipality a chance to bring more affordability.

“If we don’t move forward, we won't have the opportunity for workforce housing, middle-income housing and affordable units,” Pirone Lambros said.

Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

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