Princeton Council is advancing its plan to acquire the former Westminster Choir College campus on Hamilton Avenue, signaling the potential resolution of years of legal disputes over the property. A public hearing will be held on September 23 regarding an ordinance to appraise the 28-acre property at $42 million, authorize negotiations for acquisition, and initiate discussions on potential public uses.
The ordinance suggests the property could serve various public purposes, including facilities for Princeton Public Schools, municipal offices, and recreational areas. A second ordinance, scheduled for an October 14 hearing, proposes a bond for $49.5 million to cover acquisition costs and related expenses.
The acquisition may bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding the property, which has remained largely unused since 2020. Westminster Choir College, which merged with Rider University in 1991, relocated to Rider’s Lawrence campus after financial difficulties. Numerous lawsuits have since followed, including a prominent case filed by the Westminster Foundation, which opposes Rider’s handling of the choir college’s future.
Princeton Theological Seminary, which was named as the trustee of the land after the merger, has also sued Rider, claiming the university violated the terms of the original trust. In 2023, a judge ruled in the Seminary’s favor, but Rider appealed the decision.
Despite legal hurdles, the Princeton Council sees the acquisition as a long-term investment in the community. Council President Mia Sacks stated, “This is an exciting moment for Princeton… the governing body believes it will result in countless public benefits.” Rider University acknowledged the ordinances as the first step in a larger process, expressing hope that the property will be used for public purposes.
While the Westminster Foundation remains cautious, citing ongoing litigation, the potential acquisition represents a significant shift in the property’s future. However, the legal process is far from over, with trials and appeals likely continuing into 2025.
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