The Lexington City Council approved an amended rezoning application for Kendal at Lexington with a 4-1 vote during last Thursday’s meeting. Mayor Frank Friedman and Council Member Marylin Alexander recused themselves, because both serve on Kendal’s board of directors. Advocates and opponents were eager to share their opinions on the retirement community’s request to modify a city ordinance. The original agreement stated that the facility’s 27 undeveloped acres would remain open, but Kendal’s expansion plans included using the farmland to build 30 independent living cottages. Kendal has said it needs the revenue from the additional cottages to fund renovations for its assisted-living and skilled-nursing units.
In November, the Lexington Planning Commission held a public hearing to review Kendal’s rezoning application. Neighbors expressed concern regarding the loss of green space and disturbances from the addition of an emergency access road and storm-water management. The board then split its vote, three in favor of the proposed expansion and three against. One board member was absent. The rezoning request was amended by reducing the number of cottages to be built, clarifying the use of the emergency access road and outlining construction hours.