Neighbors assail proposed Kensington assisted‑living overlay; council carries vote to Feb. 11

Dozens of residents turned out Jan. 14 to oppose a proposed S‑1 senior overlay that would allow a Kensington assisted‑living facility at Franklin and Marshall avenues with access on North Maple.

Speakers living immediately behind the site described the proposed building as overbearing and said terraces and rooftop elements would overlook private yards. Priscilla Marin, who lives on Lakeview Drive, told the council a 40‑foot building on the ridgeline would ‘‘completely eliminate the sunshine from our property’’ and asked the village to reconsider site selection.

Planner Beth McManus told residents the assisted‑living use is recognized by affordable‑housing rules; assisted‑living licensing obligations typically reserve 10% of beds for Medicaid residents and such beds count toward affordable‑housing credit. McManus said Kensingtonwould be required to file deed restrictions making the affordable beds income‑restricted for 40 years (rental controls) or 30 years (for‑sale where applicable).

Residents pushed back on the claim that assisted‑living would generate less traffic than existing permitted uses and asked for a site‑specific traffic study, a plan for construction staging, and assurances about stormwater management. The council and planning staff said traffic and drainage will be reviewed at site plan stage and that developers must meet state stormwater and redevelopment cleanup standards where applicable.

Council took no final action and carried the vote on the S‑1 overlay to the Feb. 11 meeting, directing staff to provide technical memos and post materials to the village website before the next action.

Why it matters: The Kensington site is among the largest single parcels tied to Ridgewoodunmet‑need plan; adoption or rejection will shape how the village meets round‑4 obligations and could affect the villagezoning immunity going forward.