Environmental Commission members concerned about proposed 140-unit project on Bunn Drive.
By: David Campbell
The Princeton Environmental Commission expressed concern Wednesday night about extensive tree loss and other environmental impacts from a proposal by developer K. Hovnanian to build 140 units of age-restricted housing off Bunn Drive on the Princeton Ridge.
However, commission members said their misgivings do not signal their lack of support for senior housing in Princeton. The advisory body does not view the matter as "an either-or decision of the environment versus senior housing," according to Chairman David Breithaupt.
"Princeton Environmental Commission has always been very supportive of senior housing in the Princetons," Mr. Breithaupt said. "A few years ago, in working with the seniors’ representatives, we had suggested many alternative sites that would work well for seniors and have less impact on the environment."
The environmental commission is concerned about potential destruction of 1,700 trees, virtually all the trees on the site, the chairman said.
Also of concern is the intensity of the development on the environmentally sensitive ridge; safety and environmental hazards from rock blasting and construction in close proximity to the transcontinental gas pipeline that runs through the site; and impacts on wetlands and steep slopes.
The commission also cited noninclusion of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles in the buildings, which it believes could lead to long-term savings for seniors on fixed incomes, Mr. Breithaupt said.
Princeton Township Deputy Mayor William Enslin, who is the Township Committee’s liaison to the commission, cautioned the group to balance its message, which it plans to send by letter to the Princeton Regional Planning Board, with a recognition of the need for senior housing in Princeton.
"We’ve been trying to get senior housing in this community for well over 15 years," Mr. Enslin said. "This is the first glimmer of hope that we have had. My plea to the commission is, make your case, but at least balance your presentation with an understanding of the social need that has to be met."
Commission member Rosemary Blair said, "Our responsibility is to defend the environment."
Grace Sinden, the Princeton Regional Health Commission’s liaison to the environmental commission, said, "For us to squelch the environmental commission from speaking to the environmental issues is not appropriate," and said some "consciousness raising" on the Planning Board is in order.
Mr. Enslin said he was not trying to "muzzle" the commission, rather to raise its concerns, but in a balanced way.
Last month, the Planning Board reviewed a concept plan by Hovnanian for 140 units of age-restricted housing off Bunn Drive. The proposal is the first to come forward under zoning overlays approved by the Princeton Township Committee in 2001.