Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variance for new Cherry Hill home with strict tree and wetlands conditions
Summary
The Princeton Zoning Board approved a C1 hardship variance allowing construction of a new single‑family house at 288 Cherry Hill Road while requiring arborist‑approved tree removal/replacement and a town engineer review to determine if a wetlands field delineation is needed.
The Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 13 approved a C1 hardship variance for 288 Cherry Hill Road, allowing the Walker family to demolish the existing dwelling and build a two‑story single‑family home, with conditions aimed at protecting nearby natural resources. The board voted to approve the application with conditions after hearing technical testimony and public comment.
The project proposed a five‑bedroom house, a pool, a relocated driveway and associated site work. Civil engineer Kevin, accepted as an expert by the board, testified that the existing lot is undersized — roughly 106,387.6 square feet compared with the 174,240 square feet required in the RA zone — and that the proposal otherwise meets bulk and setback requirements. The application includes removal of 35 trees and a stormwater‑management plan sited to limit disturbance and avoid triggering higher‑level commission review.
Neighbors and conservation advocates urged the board to limit tree loss and ensure replacement. Wendy, president of Friends of Princeton Open Space, said the property borders John Witherspoon Woods, recently added to an Old Growth Forest network, and warned that “replacing a 20‑inch tree with a 3‑inch replacement is a step backward for the forest.” Resident Michael Winkler also asked the board to minimize impacts to the ridge canopy.
Applicant attorney Ryan Kennedy said the Walker family and their design team have met with the municipal arborist and will work to reduce tree removals where feasible. Kennedy said the proposed driveway relocation improves safety and that the team aimed to minimize disturbed area when siting stormwater infrastructure.
During deliberations board members debated whether to require a full environmental impact assessment. The board instead adopted specific conditions recommended in staff review: the applicant must secure any and all required permits for tree removal and replacement from the municipal arborist before a zoning permit is issued; the town engineer will determine whether a professional wetlands field delineation or a letter of interpretation is required based on NJDEP/GIS data and the engineering department's review; and tree replacement should be coordinated with the arborist to prioritize species appropriate to the adjacent open space when feasible.
On a roll call the motion passed (majority; Miss Coulson recorded a dissenting vote during the polling). The board's approval includes the staff‑recommended condition that stormwater and tree‑removal permits be obtained and that the applicant return administrative evidence of compliance before building permits are issued.
The board's action resolves the variance application but leaves follow‑through to administrative departments: the municipal arborist and town engineer will review permit details and monitor compliance. The Walkers said they plan to replant trees and work with the town to minimize long‑term impacts.
