Ridgewood is at a Crossroads

Ridgewood is under court pressure to meet state-mandated affordable housing requirements. The decisions made now — about zoning, development scale, and planning priorities — will shape our neighborhoods for decades.

Ridgewood United is a resident-led group working to ensure these obligations are met thoughtfully, transparently, and without sacrificing safety, neighborhood character, or local control.

Learn about Kensington and the townwide rezoning plans

What's Happening Now?

On January 14, 2026, the Village held a Town Hall that ran late into the night (2am) to take public testimony on five zoning ordinances tied to Ridgewood’s affordable housing compliance.

The Council heard the ordinances in sequence (4075, 4072, 4073, 4071, 4074) and carried them forward for continued review at a future Council meeting on February 11, 2026.

Residents raised concerns that once zoning standards are adopted, they become the new baseline for future applications - and that the cumulative effect could conflict with the village-scale direction of the 2022 Master Plan.

The Bigger Picture

Ridgewood must demonstrate to the courts that it has:

• A realistic, enforceable housing plan

• Zoning tools that can actually produce affordable units

• A good-faith, village-wide approach — not a single rushed deal

How Ridgewood responds now will determine whether planning remains local — or is imposed by the courts.

This is not just about one building.

What Ridgewood United Stands For

• Safe streets and walkable neighborhoods

• Responsible development that fits its surroundings

• Transparent public process and resident input

• Meeting housing obligations without unnecessary overdevelopment

• Long-term planning instead of short-term pressure

Learn more and understand the full picture

How you can help

Attend public meetings

Speaking during the public hearing places your remarks in the official record. See upcoming meetings and tips.

Community Voices Matter

Email the Board and Council

Protect Ridgewood's character. Please email your concerns to the town council and planning board.

Share facts

Request a lawn sign, distribute flyers, donate and point neighbors to our Facebook group.

"My kids cross Franklin every morning — adding ambulances and deliveries here makes those crossing less safe."

Ridgewood Resident

"We support senior housing done right. Show the data, size for peak storms, and keep kids safe at crossings."

Ridgewood Resident