NEW YORK - West 217th Street in Manhattan's Inwood neighbrohood is on its way to becoming a historic district.

Community Board 12 passed a resolution Tuesday amid concern over a recently approved rezoning plan.

Some residents fear the plan could lead to the destruction of old homes, and to new luxury towers being built.

"I'm happy because, that way, real estate will not knock them down or because of the real estate will not be buildings," said one Inwood resident.

"I think it's a fabulous idea. That's what exactly should happen. These houses are just an icon of this neighborhood. And we have to protect them with these greedy developers," noted another Inwood resident.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission will vote on the designation on December 11.