SOUTH BEND — Marty McKiernan was on a mission Monday, delivering fliers that ask neighbors to join him in keeping things quiet in the serene, wooded neighborhood where he grew up. His mother has lived there for fifty years.

“I’d hate to lose it,” said McKiernan.

He’s concerned about a proposed housing project targeted at Notre Dame students that would bring new homes, students, and traffic to the area near George Street and McErlain, west of Ironwood Road between Douglas and State Road 23. The Illinois developer calls it “Legacy Village.”

“The roads are not ready for such a development,” said McKiernan.

Rev. Neil Ryan of the nearby Little Flower Church told the South Bend Tribune this week, “It’s a crime scene waiting to happen.”

They are neighbors concerned about traffic, noise and safety. They plan on attending a hearing Tuesday night before the St. Joseph County Council to voice their opinions.

The developer and his lawyer will also be there. Stephen Studor, who represents developer Robert Cimala, said his client has addressed every concern and has been more than willing to work with neighbors.

“This is a good project,” said Studor, adding that the 10 houses would be built with all brick exterior and take up less space than a single family home.

“These homes would be two football fields away from the nearest residence,” said Studor. “This is a $3 million-$4 million project that would generate $70,000-$80,000 a year in taxes for the county. Right now, it’s vacant land.”

Studor said the proposal has also been scaled back from the original 13 houses for 100 students to ten homes for 60 students and none will have balconies.

Still, the McKiernan family isn’t convinced.

“I’m extremely concerned how it would change this neighborhood,” said Marty McKiernan. “We’re trying to push for the developer to consider more appropriate locations nearer to campus.”