Dozens of residents against the proposed development of the former Merck pharmaceutical site voiced their opposition to a controversial zoning change at a Kirkland city council meeting Monday night.

The zoning change was approved by a vote of five to two.

At issue is an 800-unit housing development on the former site of Merck pharmaceutical along Highway 40.

Many residents living next to the site argue the development will double the size of their neighbourhood, adding to traffic congestion and decreasing property values.

“It's just going to be chaotic in terms of traffic. The density factors that we're using right now - that we have in our city - is a factor of seven. It'll now go up to 70. Ten times. That's a lot,” said Kirkland resident Cherine Cheftechi.

Councillor Michael Brown agreed.



“This is not Kirkland,” he said. “This is not quality of life in the West Island that I moved to years ago.”

The majority of councillors – including Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson – disagree.

“We firmly believe that the Quartier Evolution project is for the benefit of all Kirkland residents,” he said.

Kirkland expects the project to take five to seven years to build. It also hopes it will bring young families to the city.

Tax revenue is an important issue, said Gibson.



“It’s a conservative estimate of $6.8 million in additional revenue by year 2022. To put things in perspective, the valuation of the site has dropped $79 million over the past 10 years, which translates into a loss of $14 million in tax revenues,” he said.

A petition circulated by opponents was presented to council and residents have a chance to block the project. They may be able to open a registry to force a referendum on the changes.