By Ellen Kanzinger
Kendal directors will have to wait a little longer to find out if they can move forward with their expansion plans.The Lexington Planning Commission met last Thursday to hear from the retirement community and local residents about the proposal. The board split its vote, three in favor of the project and three against. One board member was absent.
With the tie vote, the issue moves in front of the Lexington City Council without a recommendation from the planning commission. At the meeting, Kendal presented detailed plans for the project. Neighbors were then given an opportunity to highlight some of their concerns in front of the board. On the county side, the Board of Supervisors approved Kendal’s plans to expand the assisted living center and rehabilitation facilities.
In order to begin construction, Kendal needs the revenue from the proposed independent-living cottages to pay for those renovations. The entire project is contingent on approval from the city council. The earliest the matter could come to a vote is at the Dec. 1 council meeting. The city must first advertise a public hearing for two weeks to allow citizens time to prepare. It will be up to the six council members to decide on the project’s future.