A zoning board meeting in Princeton has seen an application from 12-16 Witherspoon Holdings LLC, seeking approval for a significant conversion project at 1216 Witherspoon Street. The proposal includes converting the second floor of a joint occupancy building from residential to nonresidential use, specifically to create a seating area for a bakery located on the first floor. Additionally, the applicant plans to install a detached walk-in freezer in the existing parking lot, which will result in the removal of two parking spaces.

The property, situated in the central business district, spans 0.22 acres and features two joint occupancy buildings. The first building, 1214 Witherspoon, currently houses a coffee shop on the ground floor with residential units above, while the second building, 14-16 Witherspoon, is home to a bakery and offices, with the upper floors also designated for residential use. The site includes a six-space parking lot with access to Palmer Square.

The application requires minor site plan approval, conditional use authorization, and several variances due to deviations from existing zoning standards. Notably, the applicant is requesting waivers for various checklist items, including fire protection narratives and archaeological surveys, which staff have indicated they do not oppose.

Historically, the site has undergone previous planning board reviews, with variances granted for parking and structural setbacks. The current proposal aims to comply with conditional use standards, which stipulate that no structural alterations should create new non-compliance issues and that the required number of parking spaces must be maintained.

The board will need to consider the implications of the proposed changes, particularly regarding parking requirements and the potential impact on the surrounding residential community. The application is contingent upon securing a D3 variance, which necessitates the affirmative vote of at least five board members. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future developments in the area, balancing the needs of local businesses with residential concerns.