(09/09/06) RIVERDALE - Riverdale residents say rapid development will ruin the appeal of their Bronx neighborhood.

Bronx officials recently amended zoning laws to restrict the size of new buildings in an effort to ensure that Riverdale retains its unique style. The changes, however, do not limit how many new structures can be built at a time. As a result, 14 new buildings popped up in a 12-block radius. Residents claim the traffic is worsening as construction continues. When these empty apartment complexes fill up, they fear traffic will change the feel of their entire community. Parking, some say, is also scant.

Community Board 8?s chairperson, who leads the charge against new construction projects, says that two sites are on hold for not abiding by their original proposals.