Bronx —

Demonstrators took to the streets Thursday chanting the “Bronx is Not For Sale” to protest a rezoning plan some residents and business owners believe would drive up rents – and drive them from the southwest Bronx.

The city contends the Jerome Avenue rezoning is critical to create more much-needed affordable housing. The rezoning would bring 3,000 new apartments, a portion of which would be rented at below-market rates, according to the city.

Protestors are against the plan for different reasons: Union workers say they are being shut out of the construction. Small business owners and residents worry that the zoning change would lead to big rent hikes – and their eventual ouster.