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Princeton board backs rezoning for mixed-use affordable housing at 245–247 Nassau Street
Summary
The Planning Board recommended that Council find Ordinance 2026-01 (creating AH10 at 245–247 Nassau St.) substantially consistent with Princeton’s master plan; the rezoning would allow up to 95 units with at least 20% affordable units (minimum 18) and 3,300 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space.
The Princeton Planning Board on Feb. 5 recommended that Borough Council find Ordinance 2026-01 — rezoning 245–247 Nassau Street to create Affordable Housing District AH10 — substantially consistent with the town’s master plan.
Staff member Justin reviewed the proposal and told the board the zoning would permit a mixed-use inclusionary building with up to 95 multifamily apartments, up to 3,300 square feet of leasable ground-floor commercial space and a requirement that at least 20% of units be designated affordable, “no less than 18 affordable units.” Justin said the rezoning reflects a concept plan in the fourth-round housing plan and would help meet Princeton’s fourth-round fair-share obligations under the state framework.
The ordinance’s bulk standards, Justin said, include up to 90% impervious coverage and a parking requirement of 0.75 spaces per residential unit. He noted the lot is currently occupied by two-story professional office buildings and is adjacent to businesses including Jay Cycles and food-service uses on Nassau Street.
Two residents who identified themselves as volunteers with Princeton Grows spoke in support. “I really appreciated, Justin, your memo and your summary of why this is consistent with the master plan,” said Chris Sturm, noting she walked the site and asked the board to prioritize preserving the mature street trees. Dipali Desai, also a Princeton Grows volunteer, said the proposal would help make Princeton “future ready” for younger residents and families.
Board members repeatedly praised the rezoning’s consistency with the housing element adopted as part of the fourth-round plan and asked staff to keep trees and the desired Nassau Street streetscape in mind as the site plan is refined. The planner clarified that while a landscape buffer for on-street frontage is not required under the proposed zoning, a five-foot buffer would exist between the adjacent Jay Cycles property and the new building and there are minimum rear-yard buffering requirements.
Chair Wilson moved that the board find the ordinance substantially consistent with the master plan, adding a reference that the board hopes the developer will preserve street trees and respect the streetscape. The motion carried on a roll call with all members present voting yes.
The council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the ordinance on Feb. 9; the board’s recommendation will be included in the record.
