I am a resident of Terhune Road in Princeton, NJ, and I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of construction on our local environment. Just two houses away from mine, 450 pine trees were chopped down to make way for affordable housing and 656 rental apartments being constructed on a single family residential block most of which are market rate apartments. Now, there is a proposal to add another sidewalk to our street - an expense that is not only unnecessary and expensive but also threatens more healthy trees.

There is already a sidewalk on the opposite side of Terhune Road which sufficiently ensures pedestrian safety. The proposed second sidewalk would not only be redundant but would also lead to further destruction of our neighborhood's greenery. According to the U.S Forest Service, urban trees are crucial for improving air quality and reducing energy costs associated with heating and cooling (U.S Forest Service). Yet we continue to lose these valuable resources due to ill-considered development plans.

The cost of this project should also be taken into account. With municipal budgets stretched thin across New Jersey due in part to COVID-19 impacts (NJ Spotlight News), it seems imprudent at best and irresponsible at worst to spend money on an unnecessary infrastructure project when those funds could be allocated towards other pressing needs in our community.

I urge you all - residents of Princeton, lovers of nature, advocates for fiscal responsibility - stand with me against this needless destruction and waste by signing this petition today. Let us protect what remains of our beautiful tree-lined streets while ensuring that public funds are used wisely.