Panel concludes modifications reduce impact on neighbors; Planning Board to make final decision.
By: David Campbell
A Princeton advisory board recommended approval Wednesday of a revised proposal by developer Barsky Brothers to construct four new houses behind an existing historic residence on the north side of Nassau Street across from Princeton Avenue.
But the Site Plan Review Advisory Board of the Princeton Regional Planning Board made its recommendation on condition that a subcommittee of the advisory board sign off on concept plans currently being finalized.
Barsky Brothers Holdings LLC earlier proposed building two new two-family residences with attached garages, with a total floor area for each building of about 5,016 square feet or greater. The advisory board expressed concern about the large structures creating an imposing and negative view for neighbors, and the developer agreed to revise its concept.
The earlier proposal was part of an application for major subdivision and minor site plan approval to create three new lots from two existing lots on the 1.4-acre site. Access to the parcels would be by way of a new 18-foot-wide access drive that would be built along the western property line using an existing curb cut off Nassau Street.
The developer also proposed to convert an existing three-story frame house, previously subdivided for apartments, back to a single-family residence.
The two new lots behind the historic house were to become flag lots under the earlier proposal, which the advisory board expressed some concern about because, the board had said, the lots would violate Princeton Borough zoning for lot-width requirements. Flag lots typically are set back from the street and accessed by a right-of-way in a land configuration resembling a flag on a flagpole.
Advisory board Chairman William Wolfe said the Planning Board attorney has advised that the subdivision issue is beyond the advisory board’s jurisdiction, and the matter was not much discussed Wednesday.
Mr. Wolfe said the revised concept is "much improved" over the former plan. He said the four distinct new houses now being proposed would result in a reduced building footprint and less of a visual impact on neighbors.
The Planning Board will make the final decision on whether or not to approve the proposal.