Hun School Rezoning Request Gets Princeton Council Nod

Princeton NJ

15 June, 2022

2:27 PM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — Council on Monday approved The Hun School's request for a zoning map change. But the vote came after much discussion over some changes made to the ordinance, just a few hours ahead of the meeting. Councilman David Cohen even suggested moving the vote to a later date, but Council finally decided to vote on the existing ordinance and address the changes later. On June 2, the Planning Board approved the school's request to rezone the Mall and Mason House from R-2 (residential) to E-4 (educational). Read More: Princeton's Hun School Gets Rezoning Approval From Planning Board The application had come before Council last year but was "defeated" due to a vote tie. It was brought back again this year. Read More: Princeton's Hun School Ordinance 'Defeated' Says Official Review The rezoning allows for a larger floor area ratio (FAR), giving the school more space to meet regulations for additions and improvements to existing facilities. Over the past few years, neighbors have expressed concern over the school's rezoning request citing traffic, noise and environmental concerns. But the school and neighbors finally reached a compromise. Under the compromise, there will be no construction on the Mason House lot for five years, the school will limit construction to 10,000 square feet of floor area ratio, and a footprint no larger than 3,333 square feet. Attorney Richard Goldman, representing Hun School, said he prepared a declaration of covenants and restrictions to be filed with the Mercer County Clerk "if the ordinance is adopted." Council members praised residents and the school for reaching a compromise on the matter. "I want to commend the neighbors and the school for reaching an agreement and proposing that to the town, it's so refreshing to see that sort of an agreement," councilwoman Mia Sacks said. "I hope that more neighborhoods in town can follow your model." Councilman Leighton Newlin said the neighborhood saw the benefit of "we, we, we" instead of "me, me, me." "The school and neighborhood are dependent on each other for the feeling of ambiance, streetscape and community," Newlin said. What a novel occurrence it has been, to see a Princeton institution and the neighborhood who are and have been dependent on each other, come together to address mutual interests in the area." As anticipated changes are planned for development in Princeton, Newlin encouraged "continued neighborhood dialogue." The last-minute changes added to the ordinance have to do with how setbacks are measured in the E-4 zone. Currently, under the code, it provides that all of the setbacks are measured from the zone boundary. The proposed amendment would be to change that the setbacks are measured either from the zone boundary or from the edge of the right of way, if the lot abuts a public road, explained Municipal attorney Trishka Cecil. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected]