Medical Center site rezoning tops council agenda

Planning director to address nine outstanding questions

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   The Princeton Borough Council tonight will continue to flesh out rezoning plans for the University Medical Center at Princeton site, which is slated to be vacated by the hospital when it relocates to Plainsboro.
   Planning Director Lee Solow will be on hand to address nine outstanding questions regarding the site’s rezoning that were raised by council members during a February council meeting. One of the issues to be discussed is whether a medical facility will remain at the location after the hospital’s departure.
   There are opposing views on that issue — with some saying a clinic should remain in order to serve uninsured and underinsured populations. However, others counter that an excellent transportation system to take those residents to the fully equipped Plainsboro facility would be a more beneficial alternative.
   Members of the Princeton Regional Health Commission have said they are in support of a clinic.
   Last month, Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman proposed that UMCP appoint a task force to consider whether a clinic was necessary.
   In January, the Regional Planning Board of Princeton adopted a number of changes to the community Master Plan that pave the way for the site to consist of high-density mixed-use development, made up primarily of residential units.
   According to a memorandum sent to the mayor and council from Mr. Solow, other outstanding questions to be addressed with regard to the rezoning include:
   • How much age-restricted housing should be provided on the site?
   • Should there be a greater density for the adjacent Franklin Avenue lot?
   • Should there be a street through the property, as the planning group Princeton Future has proposed?
   • Is there a way to expand ratables without increasing municipal expenditures?
   Mr. Solow first addressed the Master Plan amendments made to the approximately 12-acre Witherspoon Street site during a Borough Council meeting in February. However, Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi said at the conclusion of that meeting, several questions and concerns remained unanswered, requiring a continuation of the talks.
   Tonight’s meeting, at which Mr. Solow will be present, will provide for such a continuation. According to the memo, Mr. Solow said he intends to explain in more detail the rationale for Master Plan recommendations by the Planning Board.
   Mr. Bruschi said the council will soon determine who will prepare the ordinance that would provide for the rezoning of the site. Mr. Bruschi said the borough is hopeful that "strong consideration" can be given to such an ordinance in early fall.
   Current zoning for the main hospital campus permits medical uses only.