Jennifer M. Coffey of Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
Contrary to The Packet’s coverage in its last issue, dozens of Princeton residents filled the seats at the last Planning Board hearing on the Westerly Road Church, to speak passionately for the environmentally sensitive Princeton Ridge. This region surrounding Herrontown Woods, is the township’s last remaining forested habitat. The church’s proposed development will level the apex of the Ridge, clear cut more than 450 trees, and threaten surrounding waterways.
Articulate residents and experts pleaded with the Planning Board for hours to deny the church’s application and require the church to redesign its plan to protect the environment. Those speaking out for the environment included several LEED-certified architects, a licensed Stormwater Engineer, a pastor, hikers, bicyclists, Township officials, and lifelong Princeton residents.
It was clear from the testimony and from questions by Planning Board members, that there is uncertainty about whether the development application complies with New Jersey’s and Princeton’s stormwater regulations. Stormwater regulations are technical engineering calculations, which require protection of water quality in surrounding streams and prevention of additional flooding.
No matter what your religious beliefs or practices, it is undeniable that there is precious little land which remains as it was created. This site is a rarity, because it has remained untouched. We must protect these last remaining parcels of undeveloped land for future generations. As staunch environmentalist John Muir said: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.”
Please come to the next Planning Board meeting on June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at 400 Witherspoon and wear green to show your support for the environment.
Jennifer M. Coffey, policy director
Stony Brook-Millstone
Watershed Association
