To the Editor:
In her letter to the editor defending the Stockton Street project [Mailbox, October 15], Michelle Pirone Lambros impugns the motives of Defend Historic Princeton by stating, falsely, that we are really out to prevent construction of “the first mixed-use housing proposal ever in the wealthiest part of town.” As Lambros is aware, residents have repeatedly made it clear to the Council that they desire more affordable (which is to say mixed use) housing than the luxury project she supports, a project that, in reality, provides only a handful of affordable units.
DHP invites her to engage in an honest public discussion, in a suitable open forum, about the real issues, especially the $30 million windfall PILOT she and her colleagues have awarded the developer, which her letter evasively casts as a great public benefit.
More urgently, Lambros’ letter to the editor fails to disclose that she has received at least one major campaign contribution, including a donation in kind, from James Herring, the principal owner of the developer in question, as Election Law Enforcement Commission records show. Nor does her letter disclose that she and Herring sit on the board of directors of Experience Princeton, the upbeat name of a district management corporation in which nearly half of the business members on the board either are or represent private real estate developers.
For any elected official, even the appearance of a conflict of interest can be as disturbing as an actual one. By omitting any mention of her connections with the developer, Lambros has created such an appearance. Regrettably, because she is up for reelection next month running unopposed, she faces no political accountability.
Lambros would be well advised to issue a full explanation about both her relationship with this developer and her failure to disclose it, to reassure her constituents and restore public confidence.
Caroline Cleaves