Town board approves changes to Princeton Master Plan

In 2005, the University announced a campus planning initiative that mapped out campus expansion and construction to be completed by 2016. The 10-year plan, the final version of which was published in February 2008, not only includes the University’s efforts to expand through construction and acquisitions, but also outlines goals for sustainability and campus beautification.

The board’s amendment proposes that the loss in tax revenue to the Township caused by tax-exempt institutions, like the University, who purchase land be offset with some form of payment. The amendment also addresses concern over the impact of proposed building projects, calling for zoning regulations that take the scale of development projects into account.

The amendment also encourages the University to drive development away from Nassau Street and to direct campus traffic toward the southern parts of campus.

“The University’s campus plan is well aligned with the goals and principles of the new section of the community master plan,” Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee ’69 said in an e-mail to The Daily Princetonian.

“The Planning Board has been interested in all aspects of the plan, but there was particular interest in issues related to traffic and parking,” Durkee said, adding that the University has already begun to address the board’s traffic concerns.

“The University is taking a number of steps under the campus plan to mitigate impact on traffic in the community and to make adequate and appropriate provision for parking,” he explained.

Some traffic-reducing tactics the University has already implemented include expanding the campus shuttle system, handing out gas cards to carpooling employees and partially subsidizing costs for monthly train and bus passes, the Times reported.

“The new amendment provides guidance for the University and other educational institutions in the community as they plan future development, and in this respect is very helpful,” Durkee said. “The amendment was adopted with full awareness by the Planning Board of the campus plan and refers approvingly to many elements of the campus plan.”

Planning Board director Lee Solow was not available for comment.

The plan released in February 2008 called for the expansion of 2.1 million square feet to the campus between 2006 and 2016 at a cost of $3.9 billion. In November 2008, the University cut $300 million from the plan as a result of the economic downturn.

The plan’s main elements include the creation of an Arts and Transit Neighborhood on the west side of campus and the construction of new buildings for chemistry, neuroscience and psychology in a science neighborhood on the campus’ east side.