To the Editor:
During the 45 years I have resided here, Princeton has evolved in response to the desires and demands of an increasingly complex society. Planning professionals and others agree that increased density is beneficial to open space, walkable towns, and environmental preservation. Numerous projects during the past years have benefited Princeton with affordable housing and accessibility to downtown resources. We have made individual compromises, sometimes begrudgingly, that ultimately were recognized as a benefit to all of Princeton. These could include the hospital relocation, the significant addition of affordable housing, Smoyer Park, and the additional parking with the Dinky relocation, among others.
It is time to realize that we all must compromise for the benefit of the community. During my tenure on the Princeton Planning Board, there were too many NIMBY objections disguised as traffic congestion, child safety, environmental degradation, noise issues, Central Business District parking, historic preservation, and as inappropriate locations for affordable housing density. Princeton and this country will never come together if we continue to place self-interest above the needs of all its residents.