Twenty-five percent Growth in Planned and Completed Dwellings Since 2022
We are pleased to share our updated Development Map, detailing all known and approved projects in Princeton. Originally published by PCRD in 2022, the map now reflects the latest data, showing a total of 1,240 housing units that have either been built or are at some stage of development—representing a 25% increase since 2022.Additionally, the map highlights several large, proposed developments that could add over 600 more units, that are still in the planning phase. These include:·
Butler Tract·
Italian American Sports Club·
Montgomery Parade (on Route 206, next to the airport)·
At this time, only 303 of the identified 1,240 units have been completed. The impact on Princeton of the remaining unbuilt units will be felt most acutely in the coming years.
Impact on Princeton
Beyond residential projects, the map also highlights major non-residential developments that will likely affect traffic and parking, two issues that continue to negatively impact the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Notable completed projects:
Graduate Hotel (180 rooms)·
Triumph Brewing Pub (located in the old post office building)
Upcoming:·
Princeton University’s New World-Class Art Museum (opening May 2025, expected to be a major regional draw)·
Westminster Choir College Site (future plans remain uncertain, but additional developer-driven housing initiatives are possible.)
Concentrated Development in the former Borough
More than 40% of Princeton’s residents live within the 1.8 square miles of the former borough, which makes up only 10% of Princeton’s total area. Yet, this is where the majority of new development is happening.The revised Master Plan aims to further increase density in these areas, despite the lack of available land. Developers favor Princeton because they can charge premium prices compared to other towns. Many of these developers request and receive tax breaks, which increases density and burdens local schools and services—without making an equivalent financial contribution. This is unfair to current residents that pay property taxes. While the idea that living near the town center reduces car dependency is appealing, the lack of basic daily amenities in the central business district forces nearly every household to own at least one car.
The Consequence: Declining Quality of Life
Without more thoughtful and responsible planning, Princeton residents will experience a deteriorating quality of life due to increasing congestion, infrastructure strain, and reduced affordability.
Who We Are
Princeton Coalition for Responsible Development (PCRD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May 2021. Since then, we have taken positions on various development projects across Princeton.We are NOT anti-development.We acknowledge that towns need to evolve and that redevelopment is necessary to keep a community vibrant. However, we believe in balanced development—one that respects the needs of property owners while preserving neighborhood character, ensuring environmental sustainability, and maintaining community input.PCRD was founded by Princeton residents to advocate for responsible development throughout the town. While developers have the right to build on their properties, large-scale projects impact the entire community. That is why we believe that neighbors and local stakeholders deserve meaningful input in the planning process.
Our Ongoing Legal Actions
To ensure community voices are heard, PCRD has filed two lawsuits:1.
January 2024 – Challenging the Planning Board’s approval of the new Master Plan & Reexamination Report.2.
December 2024 – Contesting the town’s approval of the redevelopment ordinance for the TRW site.
Your Support Matters
We appreciate everyone who has engaged with our emails and petitions urging the Planning Board to allow more public input before approving the Master Plan. Even if specific initiatives aren’t always immediately successful, active civic engagement ensures that elected officials remain accountable.
Help Us Continue Our Work
To paraphrase NPR: "Gifts of any size help fulfill our shared mission."
If you can contribute, your support will help us continue advocating for Responsible Development in Princeton.
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