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Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Designating Certain Real Property Located at 1-10 Franklin Avenue, Identified as Lots 2, 26 and 27 in Block 21.04 on the Tax Map of Princeton, As a Non-Condemnation Redevelopment Area Pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq., and Directing the Preparation of a Redevelopment Plan
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WHEREAS, the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq. (the “Redevelopment Law”) authorizes a municipality to determine whether certain properties or parcels of land located within the municipality constitute an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to the criteria set forth in the Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Municipality of Princeton (“Princeton”) identified certain properties located at 1-10 Franklin Avenue, designated as Lots 2, 26 and 27 in Block 21.04 on the Tax Map of Princeton (the “Study Area”), to be considered for designation as an “area in need of redevelopment” pursuant to the Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-6 of the Redevelopment Law, by Resolution R-20-237, adopted July 27, 2020, Princeton authorized and directed the Princeton Planning Board (“Board”) to undertake an investigation of the Study Area to determine if the Study Area meets the criteria set forth at N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-5 for designation as an area in need of redevelopment, and if so, to make a recommendation to the governing body as to whether all or a portion of the Study Area should be designated as a non-condemnation redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, the Board conducted an investigation of the Study Area in accordance with the criteria and procedures set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-5 and 40A:12A-6 of the Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, as part of its investigation, the Board caused the Princeton Planning Department and the Board’s planning consultant, Heyer, Gruel & Associates, to prepare a map showing the boundaries of the Study Area, and to prepare an investigation study for the Board’s consideration in determining whether the Study Area qualified for and should be designated as a non-condemnation redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, the Board received the report of its planning consultant, dated August 2021, entitled “Area in Need of Redevelopment Study, Franklin Avenue” (the “Investigation Report”); and
WHEREAS, the Board held a public hearing on October 7, 2021, wherein the Board reviewed the Map, the Investigation Report, any associated documents, if any, and received the testimony of its Planning Director and its planning consultant, and heard the questions and comments of interested parties and members of the public, if any, and found that the Study Area did qualify as an area in need of redevelopment under the Redevelopment Law, that redevelopment of the Study Area was consistent with the Community Master Plan, and therefore, the Board voted unanimously to endorse action to be taken by Princeton to declare the Study Area a non-condemnation redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, Princeton did not act upon the recommendations of the Board until August 25, 2025, whereupon Princeton adopted Resolution R-25-295, requesting and directing the Board update its investigation report, findings and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Board undertook a further investigation to update its report, findings and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Board received an updated investigation report dated December 4, 2025 from Michael Davis, AICP, PP of Heyer, Gruel & Associates (the “Updated Investigation Report”); and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the Board on December 18, 2025, with notice having been properly given pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-6(b)(3); and
WHEREAS, at the public hearing, the Board reviewed the Map, the Updated Investigation Report and any associated documents, if any, and received the testimony of Justin Lesko, PP, AICP and Michael Davis, AICP, PP of Heyer, Gruel & Associates, and the Board provided an opportunity for interested parties and members of the public to ask questions and make comments regarding the matter; and
WHEREAS, after completing its investigation and the public hearing on this matter, the Board found that there was sufficient credible evidence to support a finding that the Study Area continues to meet the criteria for designation as a non-condemnation redevelopment area under the provisions of the Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, the Board continues to find that redevelopment of the Study Area is consistent with Princeton’s Housing Element and Fair Share plan and recommends that Princeton undertake such efforts to designate the Study Area as a non-condemnation redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, Princeton concurs with the finding and recommendations of the Board and wishes to engage in the redevelopment of the Study Area utilizing the tools provided by the Redevelopment Law, other than the power of eminent domain.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Municipality of Princeton, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, on this 26th day of January, 2026, as follows:
1. The preamble to this resolution is hereby incorporated as if fully restated herein.
2. The Mayor and Council accept the factual findings, determinations and recommendations of the Princeton Planning Board as reflected in the record of the public hearing held by the Board on December 18, 2025 and as supported by the Investigation Report, the Updated Investigation Report, and the testimony presented at the hearing.
3. The Mayor and Council find and determines that the properties located at 1-10 Franklin Avenue, designated as Lots 2, 26 and 27 in Block 21.04 on the Tax Map of Princeton, meet the criteria and qualify for designation as an area in need of redevelopment, and as such, said properties be and hereby are deemed and declared to be a Non-Condemnation Redevelopment Area pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq., such that the municipality is authorized to use all of those powers provided for by the New Jersey Legislature for use in a redevelopment area other than the use of the power of eminent domain.
4. The Municipal Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forthwith transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs for the State of New Jersey for review in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-6.b.(5).
5. Within ten (10) days of the adoption of this Resolution, the Municipal Clerk shall serve notice of this determination, including a copy of this Resolution, upon the record owners of the properties within the Non-Condemnation Redevelopment Area, and upon each person, if any, who filed a written objection thereto and provided an address to which notice of the determination and Resolution may be sent.
6. This resolution shall take effect immediately.