Community members in Throgs Neck rallied on Wednesday to oppose a controversial proposal to upzone parts of the community to allow more building developments. 

The proposal was filed by Throgs Neck Associated LLC. It would rezone the area to build four new sites along Bruckner Boulevard.

When members of the community found out about the proposal, they started a petition to express their outrage. 

Dozens gathered outside Super Foodtown on Bruckner and Crobsy in opposition. The owner of the supermarket is backing the proposal. 

They say it would undo the very fabric of the neighborhood by raising property taxes, lowering the value of homes and overloading the middle-class neighborhood. 

The proposal calls for a new residential building and three mixed use properties ranging from three to eight stories. 

A spokesperson from Throgs Neck Associated LLC. released a statement saying, “Our proposal will bring a new and more modern supermarket to the neighborhood, along with quality housing and jobs.  We are not closing the Super Foodtown imminently and it pains us that the initial reaction has been so sharp.”

They also said they intend to work with the community to address their concerns.