Princeton Zoning Board Approves Hotel Project On Nassau Street

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Zoning Board on Monday voted unanimously to approve plans for an 180-room hotel at the corner of Nassau and Chambers Street.

The Graduate Hotel will take approximately 20 to 24 months to build.

Many residents from the historic Banks Street area in Princeton voiced their objection to the building of the hotel during the meeting. They expressed concern over the design and scale of the project, which they said could block light to their street and increase noise and traffic.

“It’s a very tough decision,” said Steve Cohen, Zoning Board Chairman. “I’m very disappointed that the applicant did not address why they need so many rooms... But again, as I said, the overall benefit to the community is a very important one.”

Former mayor Liz Lampert provided testimony during the meeting. She said the hotel has been a goal for the mayor and council for a while, as it would be important to Princeton’s downtown.

“It’s really important for our downtown because we lose so many visitors to town who are staying out on Route 1,” said Lampert. She said the hotel would ensure more people stay in Princeton and spend on local businesses, resulting in an economic boom.

“There’s no perfect spot. In my option this is as good as it gets and will be an economic boost,” she said.

Board member Harlan Tenenbaum said he agreed the project came with positives for the town, but at the same time acknowledged the concerns of Bank Street residents. “I think we have some kind of duty to protect the people on Bank street,” he said.

“I was under the impression that we have to look out not only for the entire community, but also for the people that are going to be most affected by this construction.”

Board member James Davidge said he wasn’t sure how the board could propose to improve the rear façade of the project which would face Bank Street properties.

“It is a bit monolithic... some sort of windows even if they are really high … would be advantageous,” he suggested. Board member Bernice Chen said that too she felt a lot could be done to improve the rear façade.

Cohen said he did not agree with the windows on the rear of the project as it would be an intrusion on Bank Street neighbors.

Board member Michael Floyd said he did not think the project would be “a substantial detriment to the public good.” He did acknowledge there was some detriment to the good of Bank Street residents.

“I don’t think it (project) substantially impairs the intent of the current zoning because it’s all screwed up anyway,” he said.

Town planner Michael LaPlace told the zoning board he thought the positives of the project outweighed the negatives. “This is an overwhelmingly positive project for the municipality,” he said.

Cohen went on to say that the project was a positive because it will take an “old and underutilized property” and upgrade it.

Chicago-based Graduate Hotels is planning to repurpose the building at Nassau and Chambers streets.

Tim Ryan, investment officer, said a “conservative estimate” is that the hotel could bring over $7 million a year in economic impact and create 100 jobs.

“The municipality is missing out on millions of dollars of tax revenues,” he said.

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