Princeton board backs firmer stormwater rules

By: Courtney Gross
   The Regional Planning Board of Princeton endorsed several ordinances Thursday that were referred from the Princeton Borough Council and the Princeton Township Committee.
   With support from the Planning Board, the Borough Council could approve an ordinance creating stricter stormwater regulations for development as part of a requirement by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
   The ordinance would regulate any development that increases impervious surface by more than 200 square feet. It is intended to reduce flooding and pollution throughout the municipality.
   The board also endorsed an ordinance introduced by the Township Committee last week that amends an overlay zone for the University Medical Center at Princeton’s Henry Avenue parking garage.
   The ordinance incorporates criteria initially suggested by residents last year to keep the garage as is once the hospital relocates to Plainsboro. Several criteria address lighting, safety and open space.