Montgomery County residents and elected officials find themselves increasingly divided over their need for jobs and investment and their fear of traffic congestion and empty public treasuries as plans for a major health and sciences research complex near conclusion.

The so-called “Science City” proposal would transform parts of Gaithersburg, Rockville and North Potomac from cul-de-sac suburbia into a beehive of steel-and-glass research towers. “It’s a historic development,” said Councilman Phil Andrews, D-Gaithersburg, who is opposed to the plan. The council’s economic development committee held its fifth public hearing about the project Wednesday and a vote is expected this spring.