Princeton residents concerned about new parking complex

Published earlier this year, the Campus Plan is a comprehensive outline of University construction projects to be completed during the next decade.

Discussion at the meeting centered on the proposed expansion of the eastern end of campus to include a new parking garage on Fitzrandolph Road and the potential for increased traffic in that area. Residents were alarmed by the expected size and impact of the planned garage, which was originally intended to accommodate 750 cars but has since been expanded to hold 1,200 to 1,600 cars.

The University has yet to publish an analysis of the potential for the garage to increase traffic on surrounding streets, residents said, adding that they were especially concerned about the effects on the many young children in the area.

One homeowner, who said he consulted with a real estate agent, said that houses near the proposed parking garage are projected to devalue by 10 to 15 percent after the construction.

Residents suggested that the parking expansion be removed to the opposite side of Lake Carnegie, with a shuttle service to central campus, though this opposes the University’s stated goal of maintaining a walking campus over the coming years. Sites on Alexander Road were also suggested as alternatives.

The garage expansion conforms to [Borough] regulations requiring the University to make appropriate parking accommodations for new academic buildings outlined in the Campus Plan. The Office of Community and Regional Affairs has planned a meeting on May 7 to discuss the community’s input.

“We’re looking forward to meeting with the University on May 7 to speak with them on the potential expansion,” said Marty Schneiderman, coordinator of the discussion and Borough resident. “We’ve had very constructive dialogue with the University over the years and look forward to the same.”

The University’s Director of Community and Regional Affairs, Kristin Appelget, said in an e-mail that the University is “looking forward to having a conversation with the neighbors on that evening to review the campus planning effort, to discuss projects that are proposed for the eastern campus, and to hear their comments.”

“We have a long-standing dialogue with the neighbors in this area as a result of discussions that began several years ago regarding the rezoning of the E-Quad,” Appelget said, referring to the Borough’s 1990 effort to create stricter zoning regulations for University buildings. She was confident that an open dialogue with community members would continue through the upcoming expansion.

Others in attendance were less optimistic about meeting with the University. One resident said that past University growth has shown that “University construction is never beneficial to the surrounding community.”

Residents also were worried about that certain properties along Broadmead Street are subject to expropriation by the University if given three years notice. Another resident was skeptical of University commitments, stating that she “does not trust [promises regarding neighborhood integrity] until I see it signed, sealed and delivered.”