PRINCETON — The Municipality of Princeton now officially owns the historic 23-acre Westminster Choir College property in the center of town. The acquisition through condemnation eliminates all claims, restrictions, or encroachments by any other party. The municipality filed an Eminent Domain Actio n in the Superior Court of New Jersey on January 14. Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary were named as defendants due to unresolved title issues but filed non-contesting answers, acknowledging Princeton’s right to take title. “We are thrilled to announce that the Municipality has been successful in securing this property for the residents of Princeton,” said Council President Mia Sacks. “The acquisition process has been a smooth one, and now the hard work begins: to reimagine this historic site to meet urgent public facility needs, while honoring the cultural significance of its past and leaving a legacy for future generations. We look forward to engaging the community over the next 18 months in a multi-faceted planning exercise with robust public engagement and maximum stakeholder input.” On March 3, all parties accepted Princeton’s appraised value of $42 million as the true property value. Judge Lougy approved Princeton’s acquisition on March 5, and the municipality recorded a Declaration of Taking on April 1 with the Mercer County Clerk after depositing funds with the court. Princeton and Rider have been working together to transfer property management in recent weeks. “We have worked closely with Rider facilities personnel on operational transfer, including security, waste management, utilities, IT, fire and alarm systems, landscaping, and a host of other matters,” said Deputy Administrator Deanna Stockton. “Our work with Rider to ensure a seamless transition has been positive and productive.” Licenses for three nonprofits currently operating on the site – Music Together, Princeton Pro Musica, and the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra – have been transferred to Princeton. The municipality is also working with Rider to allow Westminster Conservatory of Music to continue operations on the property. Princeton has retained Topology, a New Jersey-based planning firm, to help develop a vision for the site. “We are pleased that the legal hurdles involving the acquisition of this property have finally been resolved,” said Mayor Mark Freda. “We are eager to move forward together with the community to come up with the best plan for this site and our residents.” ...read more read less