The most notable agenda item was the application for a lot line adjustment involving properties on Mount Lucas Road and Turhune Road, owned by Louisa Clayton and her neighbor, respectively. This adjustment sought to transfer approximately 0.3 acres from the larger parcel to simplify the property boundaries and reduce maintenance ambiguities. The board reviewed the application, which included a comprehensive aerial photo presentation and a tax map marked as Exhibit A1, delineating the properties in question.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the proposal did not involve any changes to the historic district’s geographical boundaries. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) chair and the historic preservation officer had expressed no objections to the subdivision application, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historic district’s integrity. The proposal, which did not request any variances, garnered support from board members, aided by a recommendation from staff who confirmed the application presented no planning concerns.

Discussion ensued regarding the historical context of the lot’s shape, with inquiries about its peculiar extension toward Mount Lucas Road. Although no definitive explanation was provided, it was suggested that former member Wanda Gunning might have insights into the historic designation’s origins from the 1980s. Nonetheless, the adjustment was deemed straightforward and necessary for simplifying property lines.

As the presentation concluded, no public comments were forthcoming during the open hearing segment. Subsequently, a motion was proposed, seconded, and unanimously approved by the board, endorsing the lot line adjustment along with two checklist waivers related to fire protection and site improvement notes. The procedural comments highlighted in the engineering and zoning memo were also addressed, none posing concerns.

After addressing the lot line adjustment, the board transitioned to an executive session to discuss the housing element of the master plan, linked to ongoing litigation regarding the calculation and fulfillment of housing obligations. The executive session focused on understanding the new system for calculating these obligations, a step in satisfying state housing requirements.

Upon reconvening, the board provided updates about the upcoming public hearing on the housing element, scheduled for June 25th at 7 p.m. This hearing will be an essential platform for discussing plans and obligations related to housing within Princeton.

Additionally, the meeting included announcements about job openings within the planning department, aiming to fill positions such as an assistant director of planning, a general planner, and an administrative coordinator. These roles are vital for supporting the department’s ongoing projects and initiatives.

In an administrative note, the board acknowledged a clerical error related to a resolution of approval that was incorrectly sent to members. It was clarified that this would be corrected in the agenda for the next meeting. Furthermore, the board addressed another application from LDM, Inc., concerning a minor site plan with variance on Nassau Street, which was continued to a later date without the need for renotification.