Princeton Residents Push Back Against Draft Master Plan ⋆ Princeton, NJ Local News %

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Draft Master Plan for Princeton

Introduction

The town of Princeton has been experiencing significant changes in recent years, particularly in terms of development and construction. With Princeton University’s ambitious expansion plan underway and the addition of luxury apartments, residents have expressed concerns about the future of the town and its affordability. In response to these concerns, the town has developed a draft master plan that aims to address issues related to housing, infrastructure, and sustainability. However, there are differing opinions on the plan, with some residents expressing support and others raising questions and objections.

Concerns about Housing Diversity and Affordability

• While the draft master plan acknowledges that it may create more diversity in terms of housing types, there are concerns that it may not necessarily lead to affordable housing.

Inadequate Input from the Princeton Historic Preservation Commission

• The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission had little opportunity for input on the draft master plan before its public release, leading to concerns about inaccuracies and omissions in the document.

Support from Builders and Developers

• Builders and developers have expressed their support for the draft master plan, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and development.

Upcoming Meeting and Future Direction

• The next meeting to discuss the draft master plan is scheduled for November 30th.
• The planning board chair has emphasized the importance of not changing course on the draft plan, stating that “the perfect is the enemy of the good.”

The Nov. 9 Hearing

The public hearing on the draft master plan took place on November 9th, with planning board members and residents expressing their opinions and concerns.

Questions and Concerns about the Master Plan

Residents raised several questions and concerns about the draft master plan, particularly regarding its impact on housing affordability, historic preservation, and the capacity of public schools.

Diversifying Princeton’s Housing Stock and Affordability

The draft master plan aims to increase the diversity of housing stock in Princeton, which could address the housing crisis and provide more affordable options. However, there are doubts about whether smaller units will truly be affordable and concerns about the impact on property taxes.

Environmental Concerns

Residents and environmental advocates expressed concerns about the preservation of green spaces, the impact on the tree canopy, and the need for sustainable transportation options.

Disconnect between Master Plan and Princeton Historic Preservation Commission

The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission raised concerns about inaccuracies and omissions in the draft master plan, particularly regarding historic sites and districts. They called for a meeting with the planning board to address these issues.

Builders and Developers Support the Plan

Builders and developers expressed their support for the draft master plan, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and development. They believe that increasing housing density will lead to smaller, more affordable units.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

Residents raised numerous questions during the public hearing, but many of them were left unanswered. The planning board chair emphasized the need to incorporate clarifications and corrections into the draft plan, but it is expected to be approved at the next meeting on November 30th.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
• Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: planetprinceton.com

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