To the Editor:

The use of hyperbole, exaggeration, and false conclusions in David Keddie’s letter promoting AvalonBay style high-density apartments for Princeton (“We Should Welcome Increased Population,” Town Topics, Jan. 23) is the kind of free speech that should not be taken seriously by readers or political leaders concerned about Princeton’s future. Does the notion that increased population density is “the best thing we can do for our tax base” mean taxes will stabilize or decline? On the contrary, taxes will rise and the quality of life in the town will decline because increased density brings with it the need for more government services, increased traffic, accidents, and higher crime rates. The idea that traffic problems will be solved by enabling “hundreds and thousands” of people to walk the streets is a frightening scenario for pedestrians and current residents alike. The solution to housing needs careful planning implemented by improved zoning and architectural design that sustains the unique character of Princeton. We don’t need high density apartment houses designed and built by sardine can factories like AvalonBay.

Louis Slee

Spruce Street