To the Editor:
I have lived in Mercer County for over 50 years, 32 of those in Princeton. Over that time, I have watched many families build their lives here, including my own. My daughter, son-in-law, and two twenty-something grandsons all live in town.
However, Princeton has become increasingly unaffordable for the very people who make a community thrive. Many who work here can no longer afford to live here. The types of modest homes that once allowed middle-class families to put down roots are disappearing, and with them, the diversity and vitality that has always defined Princeton.
Marina Rubina understands that affordability is not an abstract policy issue. It is about whether the next generation can live in the communities they serve. She recognizes that Princeton’s land-use rules are outdated and actively prevent the kinds of smaller, more attainable homes that once existed in neighborhoods throughout our town.
Just as importantly, Marina brings professional expertise as a planner and architect who understands how land-use policy works. She has spent years studying the regulatory barriers that prevent starter homes and other attainable housing types from being built. The ordinances we have today, adopted in the 1960s and 70s, envision Princeton as a collection of suburban subdivisions. Fifty percent of existing residential properties are on lots that do not conform with current zoning rules because they are smaller, narrower, or shallower than required. As a result, homeowners seeking even minor changes must engage in prolonged application processes that often involve hiring attorneys and facing lengthy delays.
This year, our municipal government has embarked on a comprehensive rewrite of our zoning ordinances. For this project to succeed in creating a land-use regimen that makes sense today, Princeton needs leaders who can translate complex planning rules into practical solutions. Marina is that leader.
Marina also recognizes that the way we design our streets affects our safety, our health, and our sense of community. Princeton should be a place where kids can safely bike to school, neighbors can comfortably walk to shops, and our streets serve people rather than just cars. By prioritizing safer sidewalks, better bike infrastructure, and people-first streets, Marina is advancing a vision of Princeton that is both healthier and more sustainable.
My support for Marina is informed by my own professional experience as an attorney representing state level land-use agencies. I know that well-crafted regulations can provide the homes and business opportunities people need while protecting the environment and preserving open space.
Marina Rubina offers a rare combination of expertise, vision, and courage. For the future of Princeton, I strongly support Marina Rubina for Council.