Wheatley Heights may be known as "A Lovely Place to Live," but many residents say that won't be the case if a proposed apartment complex is built on Main Street.

A zoning change would allow Colonial Spring Farms owner Gus Wade to build 264 one- and two-bedroom rental units on the southern end of his farm. Dozens of neighbors have slammed the proposal, saying it's too big to handle for the tiny hamlet.

Jorge Rosario, the commander of the local VFW, says more cars will lead to parking problems for veterans and other community members who frequent the VFW hall, which is located next door to the proposed development.

Clifford Stubbs, 40, adds safety concerns to the mix, saying the increased population could lead to more criminal activity.

Despite the opposition, the Babylon Town Council voted 4-1 Thursday night to move Wade's application forward. It also accepted an environmental report on the development.

Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon was the lone dissenter, saying having that much "growth in such a short period of time would be overwhelming for the community."

Residents say they'll keep up their fight against the development.

The town will have a 20-day public comment period on the environmental report. The town says a vote on rezoning could come by the end of the year.

News 12 did not immediately hear back from Wade for comment.