Princeton council creates Affordable Housing District 14, approves Chestnut Street affordable projects and related financing

The Princeton Mayor and Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to adopt an ordinance establishing Affordable Housing District 14 (AH‑14) and to approve related resolutions authorizing a development agreement for an affordable housing project on Chestnut Street and related financing steps. Why it matters: The measures together move Princeton closer to meeting court‑mandated affordable‑housing obligations by authorizing a for‑sale project that municipal leaders say will add 17 affordable for‑sale homes in town and trigger construction financing options. Council members debated whether state rules limit the town’s ability to require parity of finishes and full intermixing of affordable and market‑rate units. The council opened discussion on Ordinance 25‑15, described in the agenda as an amendment to the municipal land‑use code to create AH‑14 “in furtherance of the Fair Housing Act.” After a public hearing with one speaker in support, councilmember Leighton moved the ordinance and councilmember Leticia…