Princeton Board Weighs 98-Apartment Build Against 150-Year-Old Tree

Residents of downtown Princeton face a decision on November 5 regarding a new development at 245-247 Nassau Street. The plan calls for a mixed-use building containing 98 apartments, retail space, and underground parking on a one-acre lot behind Jay’s Cycle store. The board will vote on whether to approve the application for the site.

The residential portion of the project includes 18 studios, 44 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units. Of the total units, 19 are designated as affordable housing. The building design features red thin brick, hexagonal shingle roofs, and limestone cladding. Amenities include a 1,620-square-foot fitness center, a coworking space, and a 11,500-square-foot green roof.

Consultant Dan Dobromilsky identified the removal of 86 trees as a primary concern for the board. The site plan requires cutting down a Ginkgo tree with a 54-inch diameter that has stood in Princeton for approximately 150 years. Dobromilsky noted that the tree shows signs of damage from previous construction. He also stated that more than half of the existing trees are invasive species, including Norway maple and Tree of Heaven.

The Princeton Shade Tree Commission and the Princeton Environmental Commission both submitted reviews opposing the removal. They argued that clearing the trees contradicts the town's goal of expanding its tree canopy. Both commissions suggested reconfiguring the building to preserve more of the existing vegetation.

Mark Cifelli, the civil engineer for the applicant Hopewell-based firm 245 Nassau, LLC, stated that the developer will plant 108 replacement trees to meet municipal code. Forty-six of these will go on the building's western side and green roof. The remaining trees will be planted off-site or funded through the municipality's tree fund. The replacements will include shade, ornamental, and evergreen varieties.

Mayor Mark Freda expressed skepticism about the replacement plan during the meeting. He questioned the logic of replacing a single 54-inch diameter tree with four trees that are only two-and-a-half inches in diameter. Board member Claudia Wilson Anderson proposed a condition requiring that removed deciduous trees be replaced with deciduous trees off-site, rather than evergreens.

Chairwoman Louise Wilson suggested that the developer attempt to preserve existing trees and plant replacements within the same neighborhood. The board may approve the application with additional conditions attached to the final vote. The review is scheduled for November 5.