To the Editor:

During my regular visits to Princeton, it is impossible not to notice all the new homes under construction near the Princeton Junction train station. This transit-oriented redevelopment, which alone will provide 132 affordable homes for families in the region, is due in large part to the fair share housing process that has delivered over 20,000 affordable homes across New Jersey since 2015. The housing shortage facing New Jersey — over 200,000 units at least — can sometimes feel overwhelming, but at this train station and all around Princeton, we have visible signs of progress.

There’s Avalon Princeton on Harrison which has brought 200 new homes to Princeton, 36 of which are now included in the municipality’s stock of affordable housing, all on what used to be a perpetually empty surface parking lot.

There’s the redevelopment on Thanet Road that will provide 221 homes in total, 11 of which will be reserved for low and moderate-income households, including five homes for neighbors with special needs. This development also includes the 100 percent affordable Princeton Senior Living development which will provide 80 homes for our senior residents.

There’s the expansion of Princeton Community Village, a landmark site originally built by local affordable housing steward Princeton Community Housing, which will provide an additional 25 homes for neighbors earning low and moderate incomes.

These homes would likely not exist without Princeton’s fair share planning and forward-thinking policies, which not only advanced desperately needed affordable housing, but also smart, sustainable growth by redeveloping land that is walkable and accessible to public transit. This is good progress to build upon as Princeton approaches its fourth round of fair share obligations. Thanks to New Jersey’s fair share process, we have an opportunity to do our part by providing critically needed homes in contrast to communities in other states that are building little to no housing whatsoever. Amidst the calamity caused by the federal government, it is important to embrace opportunities where we can make progress. This is one of those opportunities.

Consider the many possible sites for more affordable housing and smart growth in Princeton. Think of the underused surface parking lots that could instead host affordable housing for our seniors wishing to age in place. Think of the public transit accessible corridors like Alexander Street by the Princeton train station that could easily accommodate more housing for households of all incomes without requiring much parking or driving. Think of land owned by public or nonprofit anchor institutions like Princeton University’s Butler Tract that could also accommodate more housing for our neighbors.

Princeton residents are fortunate to live in a place teeming with possibilities and room for growth – in population, yes, but also community vitality. This is not a burden – a larger and more diverse population will be a boon for the community. Let’s put our collective energy toward maximizing this opportunity for everyone’s benefit. I encourage you to visit princetongrows.com to find out more about how to get involved in this effort.

Matt Mleczko
2350 Washington Place NE, Washington, D.C.

The writer previously served on Princeton’s Affordable Housing Board and is the founder of Princeton GROWS, a volunteer pro-housing advocacy group in town.