To The Editor:
Let’s be frank, Councilman Newlin’s letter to this paper was a plain assertion that citizens of this town who display the “Defend Historic Princeton” signs are closeted racists and bigots whose motivation is to ensure that affordable housing should be available, just as long as it is as far away from their homes as possible. This is ugly, disgusting, and insulting rhetoric that couldn’t be further from the truth and holds no place in this discourse.
It is clear to me this proposed housing project has nothing to do with affordable housing – it is just a way for the town to increase its tax base.
If affordable housing is the most crucial reason this project must move forward, why then does it only call for the bare minimum of units to be designated as such? Why does this designation then lapse after 30 years? Why would the town not consider alternate proposals which were calling for the whole complex to be considered affordable housing?
Clearly it is because the affordable housing units in this plan were just a hurdle that must be complied with but at the same time a useful marketing tool to be used against all those not in favor of putting this new complex right in the middle of a historical neighborhood. As soon as any protest is lodged, they can turn to: “What do you mean you don’t want the apartment complex built, this must mean you are anti-affordable housing, diversity, and inclusion.” These baseless retorts may silence some, but I am confident most people can see right through them.
Princetonians not in favor of this project are not evil bigots, rather, they are concerned citizens who are trying to be good stewards of this town, their fellow citizens, and the historical elements that make Princeton so unique.
It is disappointing to see that instead of listening, as Councilman Newlin is so famous for, and addressing the real concerns regarding this project he would rather just hurl insults at the very citizens he is tasked with looking after all because they don’t agree with something he wants.