Council authorizes preliminary redevelopment investigation of Westminster site and approves $21,000 planning contract

The Princeton mayor and council on Nov. 24 approved a resolution directing the planning board to undertake a preliminary investigation of two municipal properties — 27 Franklin Avenue and 101 Walnut Lane (designated on the tax map as Block 7301, Lot 1 and Block 31.01, Lot 105) — to determine whether the parcels qualify as noncondemnation redevelopment areas under New Jersey law.

Redevelopment counsel Herb Stevens told the council the investigation is an initial, fact-finding step under the local redevelopment and housing law and would identify what statutory tools could be available if the municipality later proposes a redevelopment plan. “These resolutions are being presented for council consideration in connection with the next step of that planning process, which is to determine whether or not these properties qualify under the New Jersey local redevelopment and housing law,” Stevens said, adding that designation would not itself adopt any redevelopment plan.

Council also approved a professional-services agreement with Topology NJ LLC for a preliminary investigation, not to exceed $21,000, to support the planning board’s work. Staff said the step is meant to inform options for future planning and partnership opportunities, including potential coordination with cultural or institutional stakeholders interested in part of the site.

Next steps: the planning board will conduct the preliminary investigation and report back to council; any decision to use redevelopment tools would require additional public processes and a redevelopment plan before council action.