the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Ridgewood Village Council has voted down a proposed zoning overlay that would have allowed a 125-bed assisted living facility on three adjoining lots along North Maple Avenue, a move that stirred heated debate among residents and leaves questions about the Village’s affordable housing plan.
The 1.3-acre site, optioned by Kensington Senior Living, had been flagged in Ridgewood’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan as a likely redevelopment parcel. The zoning change was considered key in advancing the village’s fourth-round affordable housing obligations.
With the rejection, Ridgewood risks uncertainty in its housing compliance as it faces a December 31 deadline to resolve disputes with developers.
Residents Push Back Against Senior Housing Proposal
At the August 13 meeting, Mayor Paul Vagianos announced the zoning proposal would not pass, but the night still erupted into a contentious two-hour hearing.
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Traffic Concerns: Many residents argued that the intersection of North Maple and Franklin Avenue is already dangerous. “It is never safe to cross North Maple or Franklin Avenue. This is an accident waiting to happen,” said Franklin Avenue resident Shelley Rothstein, who displayed an image of a Kensington facility in White Plains as an example of what Ridgewood might face.
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Transparency Questions: Some residents accused the council of quietly advancing the project without adequate notice. “You are not doing right by the village,” said resident Cynthia O’Keefe.
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Community Opposition: Others worried about emergency vehicle traffic, environmental impact, and whether Ridgewood truly needs more assisted living beds.
Councilman Evan Weitz pushed back against rumors circulating online, calling them “complete fiction,” including claims of canceled parades, bribery, and secret deals.
What’s Next for Ridgewood’s Affordable Housing Plan?
The council’s rejection of the rezoning has canceled a planned September 4 community outreach meeting, where Kensington was expected to present its plan to the public. A new session will be scheduled if a revised proposal is submitted.
Village Attorney Matthew Rogers explained that Ridgewood had considered joining the Local Leaders for Responsible Planning, a coalition of 29 towns fighting affordable housing obligations, but decided against it due to lack of progress in those lawsuits.
Despite the controversy, Ridgewood has already reduced its affordable housing obligation dramatically — from 427 units to just 4 — in its most recent plan submitted to the state.
Watch the Full Meeting
The four-hour August 13 meeting is available for public viewing on Ridgewood TV at ridgewoodnj.net/274/Ridgewood-TV.
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They thought everybody was out of town on vacation and could sneak this in. Fortunately, many of us were around to stop this nonsense.
Gotcha Paulie!
the current zoning would allow for 23 one bedroom condo’s to be built on this property. The town wants to rezone it so the developer could build 125 units on the same property. more than 5 times what is allowed……
Thankfully, the site is NOT yet owned by Kensington.
Error: “The 1.3-acre site, owned by Kensington Senior Living…”
EXACTLY- I was just coming here to write this— they do not own the parcel of land yet, the sale is contingent on the passage of the S-1 zoning overlay. This needs to be stopped!!!!
Sorry Bond King.
The old “blame the internet” tactic is not going to work.
In fact, online information flow is the only thing offering any transparency at all with this council in 2025.
So relieved to hear this. Is it over, or this was just a setback for Kensington?
A few years back, the old mayor and council did the same thing. They had meetings and voting in August when everybody was on vacation very sneaky. And the Board of Education did this five years ago remember that one. That was the best. They are like. It’s amazing what they try to get away with.
Remember, they are all on the take.
This plan should not have been entertained from the start. It is easy to see that many of those running our town were excited by this proposal, & I am certain that they are not looking out for the residents of this town. Next we will hear of an offer made by Marriott? Hilton? Geez……..
This plan should not have been entertained from the start. It is easy to see that many of those running our town were excited by this proposal, & I am certain that they are not looking out for the residents of this town. Next we will hear of an offer made by Marriott? Hilton? Geez……..