During the meeting, special counsel for redevelopment Joe Maraziti clarified the board’s role, emphasizing that it was to review the plan’s consistency with the master plan and that the governing body held final decision-making authority. The board could make recommendations. Jim Kyle presented the Redevelopment plan’s history and its provisions, which included a mix of multifamily and single-family dwellings, with a requirement for affordable housing units. The plan also outlined bulk standards, setback requirements, and parking provisions, all informed by a public consultation process.

The proposed Redevelopment plan aims to enhance the viewshed along Stockton Street, improve safety and visibility around the area, and implement stormwater management to address flooding concerns. Despite these objectives, the plan was met with opposition from some public members, who feared it contradicted the goals of the new Master Plan and the principles of responsible and incremental growth. Speakers during the public comment segment raised issues ranging from the development’s scale and form not blending with the existing residential neighborhoods, to concerns about the historic charm and potential damage to old-growth trees.

However, the plan also had its proponents. A speaker associated with housing initiatives supported the plan, citing the need for more downtown housing and its potential for social mobility and inclusion. The chairwoman of the Princeton Housing Authority similarly backed the proposal, advocating for a community that accommodates individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Affordability concerns were voiced by a former resident of Princeton community housing, who questioned whether the proposed housing units would truly serve middle-class families and the long-term implications for affordable housing units.

Safety and traffic impact were also dominant themes in the public comments. Concerns included sight lines, traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and the potential dangers posed by increased traffic, such as recent accidents involving pedestrians. The impact of the proposed development on the historic character of the neighborhood was mentioned, with calls for an in-depth traffic study and a need to change current traffic patterns to improve safety.

The Planning Board addressed some raised concerns, including the visibility of parking, the height of proposed buildings, and the requirement for a tree preservation plan. The sensitivity to preserving large, mature, healthy trees on the site was highlighted, alongside the benefits of more housing near downtown and transit. Moreover, the Board noted that the proposed development is consistent with Master plans adopted in previous years.

Another item discussed was the proposed redevelopment plan for the Princeton Junction train station area. Concerns included the impact on historic gateways, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and green spaces. The flexibility of the plan compared to existing zoning regulations was noted, with members discussing the duration of affordable housing units and the potential phase-out after 30 years.

The meeting also touched on the proposed ordinance’s consistency with the master plan, with recommendations to preserve mature trees and minimize regrading. The board passed a resolution regarding the proposed ordinance after a roll call vote.

In addition to the housing redevelopment plans, the meeting covered an application from the Trustees of Princeton University for a tree relocation associated with the art museum project. Updates to the tree replacement plan were presented, detailing the removal and replacement schedules and offsite planting locations. Board members expressed appreciation for the university’s efforts in tree planting and survival, with a motion approving the changes to the tree relocation condition passing unanimously.