PRINCETON: AvalonBay files for approvals

By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
   AvalonBay, the proposed developer and buyer for the former University Medical Center of Princeton, filed preliminary and final site plan approval requests with the Princeton Regional Planning Board for the redevelopment of the former hospital site on Witherspoon Street.
   There are minimal variance requests and any of those requests relate to the sign that will be out front.
   ”We have virtually a 100 percent conforming plan,” said Ron Ladell, senior vice president, AvalonBay communities. “It’s exactly what we said we were going to do.”
   The Iselin-based developer is seeking to raze the now-vacant hospital building and replace it with 280 apartments. There is no retail component to the project.
   An archway will be a signature feature facing Witherspoon Street. Plans also call for two courtyards, open space and a pool.
   The submission, which took place on June 8, of the application freezes the zoning in place.
   Sale of the property, which includes the hospital building, Lambert House, homes on Harris Road and the parking garage, is contingent on planning board approval. The medical office buildings at 277 and 281 Witherspoon St. are not part of the sale.
   No hearing date has been set and they are going through compliance review.