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Princeton HPC recommends no objection to 6 Evelyn Place despite 2-foot setback error
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the zoning board accept a two‑foot front‑yard variance for a nearly finished house at 6 Evelyn Place after testimony from the applicant’s counsel and architect about unique lot geometry and tree preservation.
The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 17 recommended that the zoning board accept the as‑built placement of a new single‑family house at 6 Evelyn Place, which sits 31 feet from the street rather than the 33‑foot prevailing setback.
The advisory recommendation followed testimony from the applicant’s attorney and architect that the lot’s unusual cul‑de‑sac geometry and efforts to preserve existing trees led to the placement. Ryan Kennedy, attorney for the applicant, said the developer stopped work when the discrepancy was discovered and will seek a 2‑foot variance from zoning.
Jeff Fleischer, the project architect who was sworn in to give testimony, told the commission the site is unusually tight and that the house was intentionally sited to avoid a mature tree. “It would be very difficult to take that corner off without affecting the building and the design,” Fleischer said, describing the clipped corner that created the 2‑foot difference.
Staff reported the property is in the Jugtown Historic District, identified on the tax map as Block 34.01, Lot 7, in the R‑3B borough zone. Elizabeth (staff) summarized prior approvals: the house was reviewed by HPC in concept and approved with conditions in 2024; the current filing is a zoning‑board variance request for the 2‑foot relief discovered during construction.
A neighbor, Maggie of 333 Nassau Street, spoke in favor of the finished house, saying she walks by the property and that the house “fits in the neighborhood.”
Commissioner Roger moved that the HPC recommend the zoning board have no objection to the placement (or recommend approval subject to prior HPC conditions); David seconded. A roll call recorded multiple yes votes and the chair announced the motion passed. Staff will prepare an advisory memo to the zoning board and may include the Oct. 2024 HPC resolution and the conditions of approval for the record.
Why it matters: the commission framed the issue as a narrow, pragmatic variance request tied to a construction‑stage discovery rather than a broader design change. The decision sends the question to the zoning board with HPC’s advisory position rather than blocking continued construction.
Next steps: the applicant will file for the 2‑foot variance with the zoning board; HPC’s memo and the previously adopted conditions will be part of the advisory record.
