Princeton takes first steps to acquire former Westminster Choir College property

The ordinances, which were introduced by Council President, Michael D. Smith, aim to acquire the property through eminent domain. The property, which is currently owned by Westminster Choir College, is located in the heart of Princeton, near the Princeton University campus. The property is currently vacant and has been for several years. The acquisition of the property is expected to be completed within the year.

* **Purpose:** The bond ordinance aims to acquire the former Westminster Choir College property at 101 Walnut Lane. * **Funding:** The bond ordinance allocates $42 million for the purchase of the property and $8 million for related expenses. * **Location:** The property is located at 101 Walnut Lane.

The Westminster Choir College campus has been mostly vacant since the 2020-21 academic year. That’s when Rider moved the choir college to its Lawrence Township campus. Rider University acquired the choir college and its campus through a merger in 1992. Rider decided in 2016 to sell the college for financial reasons and launched a worldwide search for a buyer who would keep it in Princeton. Rider University found a buyer in a commercial, Chinese government-owned entity known as Beijing Kaiwen Educational Technology, Ltd. The deal fell through in 2019. Rider University then announced plans to consolidate and move the choir college to its Lawrence Township campus.

The lawsuits argued that the move would violate the college’s mission and its founding principles. The lawsuits also highlighted the move’s potential impact on the college’s reputation and financial stability. They argued that the move would damage the college’s reputation as a prestigious institution and could lead to a decline in enrollment and donations. The lawsuits were ultimately unsuccessful.

The lawsuits were filed by students who were unhappy with the merger of Westminster Choir College and Rider University. Students felt that the merger was a betrayal of their trust and a violation of their rights. They argued that the merger violated their rights to due process and equal protection under the law. The lawsuits were filed in the New Jersey Superior Court.

The town’s plan to acquire the property for a new town hall is facing legal challenges from the students and the Westminster Foundation. The students and the foundation argue that the town cannot legally acquire the property because it is designated as a religious educational trust. The legal battle hinges on the interpretation of a 1998 court ruling that established the trust. The court ruled that the property must be used for religious education and that the town cannot interfere with its operation.

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