Princeton council advances land‑use change so high school can seek special‑use permit for field house

Princeton City Council on a first reading moved forward ordinance O‑25‑16, a change to the City of Princeton Land Development Code that would allow indoor and outdoor sports and spectator facilities in an Agricultural A zone by special use. The change is intended to create a path for the high school’s proposed field house to apply for a special‑use permit and site plan review.

Michael Zaring, speaking for city staff, told the council the ordinance "would keep the zoning the same on the land, but allow for a different use via a special use," and that approval of the ordinance would not itself authorize construction. Zaring said the facility was estimated at "50,000 to 80,000 square foot" and that any project would still require a public hearing before the planning commission and a subsequent council review.

Councilmembers asked about site specifics, including acreage and whether the property is inside city limits; staff answered that the tract is about 15 acres and lies inside the city. A school representative said the district is in a purchase agreement with Manucci Farms for the site and that construction and use by the public (walking track, court space and community access when not used by school teams) are part of the plan.

The council voted to advance O‑25‑16 to a second reading; staff scheduled the second reading for December 15. The ordinance, if approved at later hearings, would allow the school to pursue a special‑use permit and follow required notice and public‑input steps before any building or site work could proceed.