PCSN Explains Decision to Withdraw Opposition to AvalonBay

Alexi Assmus, a trustee with Princeton Citizens for Sustainable Neighborhoods, submitted this statement on behalf of the organization following last week's withdrawal of opposition for the AvalonBay development in Princeton. For more information on last week's event, click here. 


First and foremost PCSN thanks its many community-wide supporters over a 17-month period—including dozens of speeches at the Planning Board and many letters to editors. PCSN’s decision to withdraw as objectors before the Planning Board was not easy. The Trustees could no longer justify our mounting legal and professional fees. The Trustees continue to carry a significant legal financial responsibility for full payment of debts. Presenting a case at the Planning Board meeting on July 18th would have involved yet further, sizable attorney and expert fees. In addition to PCSN’s overall accomplishments, we should all be proud of PCSN’s work in securing AvalonBay’s commitment to provide 13% very low income units that will house families in 7 units of the 56 affordable units if AvalonBay’s Plan B is approved by the Planning Board. The inclusion of very low income units in a private development is unprecedented in Princeton.   PCSN supporters should be equally proud that PCSN has secured AvalonBay’s commitment to donate $70,000 to the Princeton Arts Council - funds that will be dedicated to the acquisition and placement of public art throughout the AvalonBay development if AvalonBay’s Plan B  is approved by the Planning Board. We acknowledge that some may be disappointed by our decision.