Like many of his neighbors, Joseph Vaini says he was blindsided when he found out about plans he says would transform his neighborhood of more than 50 years, Throggs Neck, into a different place. Back in July, residents were informed about an application

“Well, look around you. This is like a little slice of suburbia in the Bronx. And that’s what’s being threatened by this up-zoning,” said Vaini.

The up-zoning included plans for several structures along Bruckner Blvd, replacing the neighborhood supermarket, with buildings as high as eight stories. The potential project would bring up to 1100 new residents to the area, a stark contrast from the current privately-owned single and two family homes.

Neighbors expressed their outrage that the owners of Super Foodtown, along with Throggs Neck Associates LLC, would push forward the plan without community input.

“These people, once they close their store. They leave and that’s it. They go home and sleep peacefully. What about us that are still here,” asked neighbor Vivian Martinez.

“It was just a very safe place to live. Now I feel threatened because there’s just too much congestion. The schools are overcrowded,” said Debbie Teska.

The residents have been busy fighting the plan, holding rallies, signing petitions and urging the city council candidates of their district to not back the proposal, which would require city approval. Their efforts are paying off, at least for now.

“I have told the applicants of the Bruckner Blvd rezoning they must suspend their certification. We should halt this project so the community can have their voices properly heard," Democratic candidate Majorie Velasquez said in a statement.

"Although we believe our project will bring substantial economic benefits to the community, the team has taken her request to heart and decided to suspend the rezoning. We pledge to work with and listen to the community as we figure out our next steps," said the Throggs Neck Associates, which represents the supermarket owners.

Residents say they will oppose any similar plans in the future.

“I understand that there’s a housing shortage, but this is a small oasis for working people, where you can have a little bit of suburbia. Let us just keep this,” added Vaini.