Council approves rezoning at Highway 421 and 38 after residents raise traffic and design concerns

The Town of Kirkland council approved the second reading of ordinance 2025-7-1 to rezone property on the northwest corner of Highways 421 and 38 to commercial use; the motion passed with one abstention.

The chair explained the action is a rezoning only and said, “we just wanna get it rezoned to commercial,” noting that detailed building design and permitting would follow if rezoning is approved. Council members noted that the ordinance as adopted requires the applicant to submit an acceptable site and building plan during later permitting stages.

Several residents voiced concerns during and after the second reading. One resident said she was “nervous… about the kids crossing the streets and the increased traffic,” and worried about the effect on nearby parking and fire-department access. Other comments questioned whether a liquor store or drive-through might move downtown, and whether the proposed building materials and color were appropriate for the area.

Council members and staff responded that current traffic counts do not yet compel state action, and that any building appearance and access issues would be reviewed during permitting and site-plan review. The council noted the property had been for sale and that potential buyers can be anyone; remediation or conditions related to future uses would be addressed through the commitments and permitting process.

The council completed the second reading and approved the ordinance; the council will sign the appropriate documents and expect the applicant to return with required site plans and commitments as part of subsequent approvals.