Council approves letter of intent for McCarter Theatre to pursue state funds for former Westminster campus buildings

The mayor and council voted to authorize a nonbinding letter of intent with McCarter Theatre Center that would allow the nonprofit to apply for state Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program grants and tax credits and to explore remediation and adaptive reuse of several historic arts and education buildings on the former Westminster campus at 101 Walnut Street (Block 31.01, Lot 105).

Why it matters: McCarter's application to the state program could bring outside capital into Princeton to restore and adapt historic campus buildings for arts, education and community-facing programming. McCarter's executive director said the company would participate in the municipal planning process if an award were made and that any award would lead to further public review, including a site plan and public comment.

What the council approved: The resolution authorizes execution of a letter of intent with McCarter Theatre Company; the measure is explicitly nonbinding and creates an option pathway for McCarter to pursue state funding and tax credits while preserving the town's planning review authority. The municipal attorney recused from the matter, and McCarter provided a one-minute presentation outlining its application timeline and community programming goals.

Next steps: If McCarter secures state funds or tax credits, the company said it would have approximately one year to prepare a site plan and participate in the town's planning process; any real-property sale, remediation or redevelopment would return to council and the planning board for required approvals.

Ending: Council approved the letter of intent by voice vote. The resolution does not authorize a sale or final agreement; it formalizes a municipal path for McCarter to seek state cultural funds and to engage in the town's planning process if awards are secured.