04:28The core focus of the meeting was the formal presentation and discussion of the updated ERRI, a detailed document that compiles data on Princeton’s natural resources and environmentally significant features. The inventory, last updated in 2010 by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, has been revised to include both former borough and township data, thus creating a single, consolidated resource. This updated ERRI is designed to support the master plan and inform decisions on conservation and environmental management moving forward.

The planner involved in the ERRI project provided an overview of the document, highlighting its role as a living document that offers critical data on surface water, groundwater, soils, wetlands, and wildlife. Notably, the ERRI does not include policy recommendations; instead, it serves as a factual resource to support planning decisions.

15:32During the presentation, questions were raised about the designation of certain neighborhoods as urban within the land use classifications. A member asked for clarification on how these classifications are determined, emphasizing the importance of understanding their implications for areas beyond Princeton’s downtown. The planner explained that the urban land designation includes developed areas, covering residential and recreational spaces, as classified by the Anderson land use classification system.

17:29The discussion also delved into specific updates in the ERRI, such as the mapping of farmland value based on environmental characteristics of soils and the inclusion of new subwatersheds around Princeton. The updated document reflects changes in surface water resources, utilizing hydrologic unit codes to define watershed and subwatershed maps. Additional topics included the wetlands dataset updated with 2020 land use data and discussions on stream categories related to water quality and flood mapping.

22:52Groundwater recharge potential was another focal point, featuring a map with disturbed soils, particularly in downtown Princeton. This section connected with the master plan regarding groundwater recharge and wellhead protection areas. The ERRI’s biological resources segment used 2020 land use data to categorize forests and wetlands, simplifying the presentation to avoid confusion. Discussion on species-based habitats, including vernal habitats, highlighted the potential role of local organizations and volunteers in updating the habitat map.

25:41Community involvement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Attendees acknowledged the importance of capturing data from local residents with environmental interests and the potential for citizen-collected data to be included in future ERRI iterations. The meeting also covered landscape project data, habitat ranks, and the addition of freshwater mussel habitat along Stony Brook.

36:11The built environment section of the ERRI presentation addressed known contaminated sites and included transportation, historic districts, and sewer service areas as part of built environment maps. A new air quality section, meeting Sustainable Jersey’s requirements, was introduced, highlighting regional climate focus and methodologies for monitoring air quality across the state.

38:07Climate considerations were thoroughly discussed, with references to New Jersey climate zones and updated plant hardiness zones. One member raised concerns about representing extreme weather events. This suggestion was met with support, as it was noted that the existing narrative touched on the frequency of extreme events, and a graph could enhance the document without changes.

41:59The procedural aspects of implementing updates to the ERRI were also discussed, with clarifications on whether substantial changes would require renoticing and another hearing. It was confirmed that minor adjustments, such as adding a graph, would not necessitate another hearing, though consultation with legal counsel was advised. Concerns about potential budget implications for updates were raised, with suggestions that contract modifications could facilitate necessary updates without financial strain.

47:59Finally, the meeting addressed the inclusion of recently acquired properties in planning documents, with a member advocating for certain properties to be included while cautioning against others not yet owned by the municipality. A discrepancy in geological zone labeling in the ERRI document was flagged.