Community members continue to ask questions about the status of the 108 Stockton Street redevelopment. The following provides an update on the legal process, ownership, funding, and other frequently raised concerns.

What is the status of the legal challenges filed by the Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD)?

PCRD has filed three legal challenges related to the 108 Stockton project:

1.      The redevelopment ordinance

2.      The Planning Board’s Master Plan process

3.      The 4th Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP)

Recently, a judge dismissed PCRD’s challenge to the redevelopment ordinance. While disappointing, this outcome was not unexpected. PCRD believes certain aspects of the decision — and rulings made during the proceedings — may provide grounds for appeal, and the organization is evaluating next steps.

Does the court’s dismissal mean the legal challenges are over?

No. PCRD is likely to appeal the redevelopment ordinance ruling.Additionally:

• The Master Plan challenge is still pending, and

• The 4th Round affordable housing matter remains active, with the court directing the parties to continue discussions.

Can the developer begin construction now?

Not yet. Construction could only begin if and when the Princeton Planning Board grants final site-plan approval and all required permits are issued. Ongoing legal proceedings and other regulatory reviews are independent of this process.

How are PCRD and Defend Historic Princeton related?

PCRD and Defend Historic Princeton are independent organizations formed separately.Both are concerned about:                                                                                                                          

• The scale of the proposed development,

• Its location in a historic neighborhood, and 

• Ensuring that Princeton’s planning decisions support long-term community well-being.

Neither group opposes development as a principle. Both support context-sensitive growth that reflects Princeton’s character and community needs.

Who is funding PCRD’s legal efforts?

PCRD is a coalition of local residents.Because attempts to resolve concerns collaboratively were unsuccessful, legal costs are now being covered through community donations.PCRD is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, and contributions are tax-deductible.Community support remains important, as three legal matters are still active.

Who owns the the 108 Stockton property currently?

Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) still owns the property.Herring Properties is the contract purchaser and designated developer.

Is PCRD opposed to affordable housing?

No. PCRD has consistently supported affordable housing.Early in the process, PCRD proposed a mixed-income development including both affordable and market-rate townhouses — a model aligned with the surrounding Mercer Hill/Institute neighborhood.The issue with the Seminary properties is not affordability — it is density, scale, and the long-term impact on historic context and municipal finances.

Will the $30 million PILOT granted to the developer affect property taxes?

Yes. Under a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement:

• Developers do not pay school taxes, and as a result that missing contribution is borne by taxpayers.

• Whatever contribution that is made, 95% goes to the municipality, the balance to the county. There is no clarity on what these additional funds are used for.

This shifts the cost of educating any new students and incremental impact from the development onto existing homeowners.Across multiple recent developments, PILOT tax-breaks are projected to reduce local tax revenue by approximately $130 million over 30 years.Those costs will be made up by current taxpayers, creating an effective property tax increase for residents.

How can I support this effort?

PCRD is a volunteer-led nonprofit. Our legal and community planning efforts are possible because neighbors contribute time and resources.

If you would like to support this work, donations are tax-deductible.

Ways to contribute:

• Online: PCRD.info  payment link

• By check: Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development

  mail to: 18 Hibben Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

• Email: info@pcrdprinceton.org for additional information