In regards to the former UMCP hospital site, new
zoning codes which include design standards, environmental standards for
sustainability and neighborhood friendly aspects were all written into the
master plan for any future development on the site.
AvalonBay’s site plan violates Borough Code on multiple counts. It is
non-compliant with the 2006 Master Plan on multiple fronts. Since March 2012, Princeton
officials, municipal staff, and the public know that AvalonBay has threatened
lawsuit after lawsuit if the Planning Board does not approve their
non-compliant application. Municipal governing bodies that fear lawsuits from
corporations will not create and maintain the standards, neighborhoods and
future that successful and thriving communities require, need and deserve.
The Princeton Boro Council, Planning Board and UMCP must hold all potential
buyers to the codes and standards that Princeton requires. The Citizens of
Princeton must strongly communicate to our public officials that this assault
on Princeton’s commitment to recreating the hospital site in a sustainable,
creative and ethical manner will not be tolerated.
AvalonBay has presented a plan and filed an application that DOES NOT:
• Adhere to design and construction standards as mandated by code including LEED certification, building height limits, public open space for all Citizens
and many other requirements.
• Completely analyze and ensure that any and all environmental hazards are identified
and remediated in a thorough and professional manner.
• Offer a substantial and complete analysis of economic, safety, traffic, noise
and population impact on Princeton.
An opportunity exists to create a thriving new community in the heart of
combined Princeton. A new community that all can point to that shows the spirit
of Princeton as a thriving and growing community that believes in doing things
the right way, not the fastest or most profitable way. Any development on this
site will impact ALL residents of Princeton, now and in the future. A private
closed-off, poorly constructed 4-story monolith in the heart of Princeton is
not what we want or deserve.
We, the undersigned, request that all parties involved honor and follow the
requirements for old UMCP site. Anything short of complete compliance with the
Princeton Master Plan will be considered a breach of responsibility and trust
by the Princeton Boro Council, Planning Board, the University Medical Center at
Princeton and AvalonBay. The Citizens of Princeton have spoken and made their
requirements, desires and needs clear.