Kensington council approves sale of Joseph Park, 3–2, after amendment requiring replacement greenspace

The Kensington Mayor and Council on March 12 adopted Ordinance O-01-2025 authorizing the sale of 3420 Plyers Mill Road (commonly referred to in the meeting as Joseph Park), passing the measure 3–2. Council Members Bartram and Crimmins and Mayor Furman voted in favor; Council Members Engle and Lichter voted against the measure.

Council Member Bartram offered and the Council approved an amendment to the ordinance that inserts two "Whereas" clauses intended to make explicit the expectation that proceeds be used to acquire greenspace that "offsets by at least 1:1 the amount of land that comprises the property" and to note that the sale "does not set any precedent with respect to the sale of other parks within the Town of Kensington." Bartram introduced the amendment as part of his motion to alter the ordinance language.

Town Attorney Ferguson said the ordinance also was amended to add in Section 1 the finding that the property "is determined to be no longer required for a public use." Opponents, including Council Member Lichter, argued the town had not yet exhausted alternatives and that selling the park could undermine future open-space priorities. Lichter said she reviewed CIP impacts and acquisition opportunities and did not support selling Joseph Park unless replacement green space were secured first. Council Member Engle expressed concern about uncertainty over project timing and funding and said the town should pursue dedicated financing for capital needs, especially stormwater projects.

Supporters, led by Council Member Crimmins, emphasized the parcels small size and limited usability, proximity to larger nearby parks, and that sale proceeds would be applied to acquire or activate other greenspace and fund capital projects including a future public works building. Mayor Furman said selling the parcel offers funds and flexibility to create two additional parks on the north side of town.

The ordinance was presented for adoption after a public hearing record closed March 7; the council voted to adopt the amended ordinance at the meeting. The Councils audio recording of the March 12 meeting is available in the public archive for full debate and remarks.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance O-01-2025 adopted 3to2. Resolutions R-06-2025 (election board appointments), R-07-2025 (tree care contract, up to $16,525), and R-08-2025 (purchase of a 12 flatbed dump body) passed unanimously. Ordinances O-02-2025 (FY26 budget) and O-03-2025 (transient lodging facilities) were introduced and set for public hearings on April 9, 2025.