More shopping options could be coming to Baychester, but not everyone is happy about it.

Developer Grid Properties is trying to obtain approval to build 350,000 square feet of shops and restaurants at a vacant lot on East Gun Hill Road, the former site of the Bronx Golf Center.

Rep. Andy King says he is concerned about the future of small, local businesses facing competition from bigger retailers.

Developers say they hope to attract small retailers as well.

Despite assurances, more than 30,000 residents have signed a petition to oppose the rezoning of the area and are concerned with the already-busy traffic in the area.

"We have a lot of young children going back and forth across the streets," says resident Germaine Ross. "Having more traffic is dangerous, as well as for us as pedestrians just trying to get across the street."

The proposal still needs to be approved before the whole plan goes through a seven-month process of review by the City Council and Planning Commission.

Grid Properties believes it could be at least a year before ground is broken at the site.