At a meeting on Oct. 27, the Princeton Town Council addressed concerns about short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnbs and announced the completion of the Princeton Shopping Center redevelopment project.
Councilmember David Cohen presented findings from the Short-Term Rental Working Group, which has narrowed options to two main approaches for non-resident operators. The first option included a 24-month phase-out of non-resident STRs, giving owners time to transition, and the second option included grandfathering existing STRs in indefinitely while banning new ones.
“We think we have about 150 short-term rentals in Princeton, total. Our guess is that about 100 of them may be operated by non-resident owners,” Cohen said. Cohen added that STRs generate $70,000–$100,000 in annual tax revenue but can also displace long-term housing.
Councilmember Leighton Newlin urged the adoption of the first option, arguing that permanent grandfathering could “turn STRs into private monopolies.” He asked, “Do we want Princeton’s housing market to serve investors, or do we want it to serve people — families, teachers, and workers who want to call this community home?”
Councilmember Leticia Fraga, discussing STRs, said, “I just want to make sure we’re not hurting people.”
Mayor Mark Freda added that a draft ordinance would be reviewed in an upcoming work session before any formal vote later this year.
Several announcements followed the discussion on STRs.
Recreation Director Evan Moorhead reported that the town provided $133,000 in financial aid this summer, helping 160 children, 50 families, and 30 adults or seniors access local programs. He credited strong partnerships with organizations such as Princeton Community Housing and Send Hunger Packing Princeton.
The developer of the Princeton Shopping Center, Edens, announced the completion of its multi-year redevelopment, which has added 18 new retailers, public art, and expanded community space. Edens Vice President of Development and Construction Ryan Leeming added that the final vacancy in the project will be filled by the 20th New Jersey location of fitness chain Fitness Factory.
The Council also unanimously approved Resolution 25-363, adopting the Racial Equity Toolkit — a policy framework created by the former Civil Rights Commission and Princeton’s Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity and Services to evaluate how municipal decisions affect equity and inclusion. Councilmembers Fraga and Newlin sponsored the resolution, honoring the late Tommy Parker, former commission chair, for his leadership in its development.
Leighton said that the Racial Equity Toolkit is “more than policy or procedure. It is a statement about who we are and who we aspire to be as a community.”
Resident Linda Oppenheim, representing Not In Our Town Princeton, expressed strong support and urged clear tracking of how the toolkit is applied.
“I’m gratified that there is acceptance of using [the toolkit] throughout the municipality.”
New Princeton Police Chief Matthew Solovay, who stepped into his position on Oct. 1, was also officially sworn in.
Mayor Freda praised the department as “one of the best in the entire state of New Jersey, probably one of the best in the entire country,” noting its professionalism and strong community ties.
Fraga also announced that the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1–3 p.m. at the shopping center.
Looking toward the future, the Council approved several public works and legal contracts, recognized the Marquand Park Foundation under the new Adopt-a-Park program, and announced upcoming hearings on parking regulations and minor site plan amendments in November.
The next major agenda item will be the public hearing on the short-term rental ordinance, as council members continue working to balance tourism, neighborhood character, and housing affordability. The next town council meeting will be on Nov. 10.
David Yun is a staff News writer for the ‘Prince.’ He is from Rochester, Mich. and can be reached at dy3599[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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