University officials are working with neighbors on plan to increase building density of engineering campus
By: Marjorie Censer
Princeton University officials are working to respond to the concerns of neighbors about the proposed increased density in the university’s engineering quadrangle.
University Vice President and Secretary Robert Durkee presented to the Regional Planning Board of Princeton on Thursday the possibility of retaining the building now closest to residences on Murray Place, rather than demolishing that building to build one farther away. Murray Place, in Princeton Borough, borders the eastern side of the e-quad campus.
The university first appeared before Princeton Borough Council in February to discuss the addition of 100,000 square feet to the engineering campus. The original ordinance based on the expansion plan suggested increasing the landscape buffer between the e-quad and the neighbors, but decreasing the setback line for buildings. In May, the council referred the proposed ordinance to the Planning Board.
A revised ordinance is not yet on the table, but Mr. Durkee said the university is considering retaining Von Neumann Hall the building closest to the rear of Murray Place properties. The original proposed ordinance suggested changing the setback line from the residences from the current 250 feet to 150 feet; the new proposal would maintain the setback line.
Mr. Durkee said neighbors told the university they were comfortable with the building as it is and could be less comfortable if a parking lot were constructed in its place.
"That building is low enough, and it is a building they’re accustomed to," he explained.
Mr. Durkee said the university would be able to meet its expansion needs with an additional 100,000 square feet of space, even if the 250-foot setback line remains.
"Our hope is that will take us a long distance toward meeting the concerns the neighbors have expressed," he said.
Martin Schneiderman, a Murray Place resident, addressed the board on behalf of the e-quad neighbors and said the progress with the university has been encouraging. He emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue.
"The point is this evening that we are comfortable with the understanding that before (the ordinance) would go to Borough Council and before it would come back here, it would engage the community," he said.
The university also said it plans to continue to improve and evaluate its campus shuttle system. Mr. Durkee said a revised ordinance would include strengthened provisions for the shuttle’s certification and assessment.
"The proposal is that this site could accommodate more research space, that it could be far more attractive, and it could do that without putting more parking on the site … and without bringing more traffic to the area because of the shuttle system," Mr. Durkee explained.
The board voted to move the discussion forward to Borough Council, with the understanding that dialogue between the university and the neighbors will proceed.
For the proposed expansion to move ahead, the Borough Council must introduce an ordinance that would be referred back to the Planning Board for review. The council then would vote on the final ordinance.