Council approves conservation restriction for Community Park North reforestation project

The Princeton Council on May 11 approved Ordinance 26-19, authorizing a term deed of conservation restriction to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Community Park North reforestation project.

Staff told the council the restriction is intended to preserve, protect, maintain and monitor the project area for a set term to ensure the environmental benefits of the grant project. The restriction’s full terms and requirements will be in effect for five years from project completion, which staff anticipates will be in October 2027. The ordinance states no development would be allowed within the project area until 2050. Community Park North is already encumbered under the Green Acres program; staff said the deed restriction will not change public use of the park.

Councilmember Brian described the project as an important step toward the municipality’s five-year goal to restore tree canopy from 59% to 65% as outlined in the community forestry management plan and praised the effort to address invasive species and tree loss. Another councilmember noted ecological benefits beyond canopy, including habitat for birds and animals.

The hearing closed and the council approved the ordinance by roll call vote. Staff indicated the reforestation project is expected to be completed by October 2027 and that the term restriction will run for five years after completion.

Next steps: project implementation under the terms of the grant, monitoring and maintenance under the conservation restriction, and continued reporting to the council as required by grant conditions.