Princeton Residents Discuss Seminary Redevelopment Process At Community Event

PRINCETON, NJ — On March 18, Princeton hosted a community roundtable to discuss the future planning of the Princeton Theological Seminary redevelopment project.

The Seminary’s Tennent/Roberts/Whiteley Campus has been designated as area in need of redevelopment.

The March 18 event gave residents an opportunity to learn more about the redevelopment process as well as to ask questions and offer feedback.

Steven G. Mlenak, of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, gave a brief legal overview of the redevelopment process as governed by New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis have been retained as redevelopment counsel for the Municipality.

He touched on the benefits of redevelopment saying there were greater opportunities for community participation and control over the site plan, as well as the ability for the town to negotiate benefits for the neighborhood.

“We just wanted to give a brief overview of the process so you understand what is to come eventually,” Mlenak said.

This was followed by James T. Kyle, AICP, PP of Kyle + McManus Associates, a Hopewell-based planning firm, who summarized prior efforts and steps taken on the site since it was designated as an area in need of redevelopment in October 2018.

He summarized Princeton’s planning goals and objectives from a community perspective as well as neighborhood concerns.

One resident asked Kyle what plans the township had for trees that would eventually come down to make way for redevelopment.

Kyle said the matter will be addressed in the redevelopment plan process. “We can provide specific standards above and beyond what the current ordinance requires. The intent is to preserve a lot of the London Plane trees that line the site,” Kyle said.

“Aside from that, there will be an effort to address the inclusion of additional trees, shade trees, and street trees in the plan.”

Princeton's approach towards the redevelopment plan will be informed by several priorities that include stormwater mitigation, maximizing green spaces, minimizing traffic impacts, preserving the historic character of the neighborhood and ensuring the site remains an attractive gateway to the town.

Princeton’s Planning Director, Justin Lesko said the community roundtable led to a “fruitful conversation” with neighbors.

“I look forward to continuing this conversation with the neighbors and residents throughout Princeton to discuss which benefits the community desires and how we can incorporate those benefits in this redevelopment process,” Lesko said.

The next community meeting will be held on May 6, 10 a.m. at 400 Witherspoon Street.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com