Dozens of Wayne residents and community leaders are protesting a proposal to build a new apartment complex in town.

The Wayne Board of Adjustment is considering a zoning change that would allow AvalonBay Communities to build a 422-unit residential building on Totowa Road, which is now a commercial zone.

Residents attended a standing room only meeting Monday night to voice their concerns about the project. They expressed concern that the project would increase traffic and overcrowding and affect safety.

"What will this do to affect the quality of life in Wayne?" asked resident Hallie Wolford. "We are a suburb and we want to remain a suburb."

The complex would be built by the same developers that built a similar complex in Edgewater, which was destroyed by a fire in January. "AvalonBay has a horrible history of fires," said Wayne resident Al Frech, "We don't want that."

Another community meeting will be scheduled for later this month.

Executives for AvalonBay did not wish to speak with News 12 New Jersey about the complex.