JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of townhomes are set to be built in the Southside Estates neighborhood, and long-time neighbors who live there are speaking out against the development.

Early Saturday morning, they took to the streets protesting. It’s something they’ve been doing for months now.

Peggy Sledge has lived in Southside Estates for 50 years. With a sign in hand, she joined her other neighbors who were standing along Forest Boulevard protesting against the development of 78 townhomes set to be built on their block.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked, and I thought I’ll do what I can to help prevent it,” Sledge said. 

In February, City Council voted to approve the rezoning of one lot on Forest Boulevard, allowing developers to rezone it for 78 townhomes. 

Neighbors tell First Coast News that signs from developers weren’t put up to notify residents in the time they’re required by law. They also say they want to preserve the wildlife in the area and many are concerned about safety.

“We’ve got enough traffic as it is, we don’t need anymore out here,” Sledge said. 

Lisa Ellendirnberger has been leading the charge, helping garner hundreds of signatures on a petition to “reverse the rezone.”

“There are almost 200 other people that have joined our voice to say, ‘This is impossible.’ Do not put this build here, it doesn’t make sense, it won’t be safe and it won’t be compatible with our neighborhood,” Ellendirnberger said.

Neighbors have even gone as far as taking legal action by filing a writ of certiorari, or appeal through the courts.

As for how long these neighbors plan on protesting, they say their signs won’t come down until the rezone is reversed.

“Like I said, I’ve been here over 50 years, and this is home, and I’d like to keep it like it is,” Sledge said. 

First Coast News reached out to the city of Jacksonville and was told they “do not want to comment on pending litigation.”