Dozens of residents gathered at the Davidson Community Center Monday night for a meeting about the city's plan to redevelop Jerome Avenue.

City planning officials have been surveying the 73-block area for over a year. They have also been speaking to residents and business owners to evaluate their needs on subjects ranging from pedestrian safety to retail and local services.

The goal of the project is to bring more affordable housing options and jobs to the busy transit corridor.

City Council member Vanessa Gibson says the plan is important for helping not only the local community flourish, but also the Bronx as a whole.

"This is the plan that we want to make sure not only improves the quality of life of all the residents, but it also provides the attractability and investment in our entire borough," Gibson says.

The area is dominated by automotive shops, and those business owners say they are afraid they will be pushed out to create more housing units.

Another open house will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in the Murray Cohen Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.