Princeton Planning Board approves conditional-use for Community Park Elementary improvements

The Princeton Planning Board voted Oct. 16 to grant Princeton Public Schools conditional-use authorization for planned additions and site work at Community Park Elementary School, 372 Witherspoon St. (file P2525-685CO).

The approval covers two rear building additions that create a new courtyard, a new mulched playground, new walkways and an 8-foot-wide asphalt shared-use bike path that would run between Community Park School and the municipal pool and parking area. The project also includes a bioretention basin to manage runoff from the new buildings and pavement and new fences and secured gates around school courtyards. The board recorded the motion as moved by Councilman Cohen and seconded by Owen O'Donnell; roll call recorded affirmative votes from the members present and the motion passed.

Why it matters: the work is part of the schools' voter-approved capital program and affects public land and rights-of-way where the municipality will need to take additional steps (for example, council approval is required for the shared-use path where it crosses municipal property). The project proposes physical changes that affect school security, pedestrian and bicycle access, tree protection and stormwater controls for adjacent public open space.

What the board and applicants presented: planning staff reviewed the municipal conditional-use standards the board must apply, and the schools' team — architects and engineers…