BRIGHTON, N.Y. — As a proposed Whole Foods in the town of Brighton tries to gain steam, so too does opposition to the idea.

"'They don't need to do it this way. That's our message," said Aaron Saykin, and attorney who represents the group Save Monroe Ave.

"There isn't a negotiation taking place, there's been no downsizing of this project," said Robert Galbraith, a Brighton resident.

Dozens came out to a town meeting Wednesday night to make sure that their voices were heard. Concerned citizens protested and spoke during the public hearing to make sure that Daniele Management & Development heard exactly how they felt about the proposed Whole Foods to be built along Monroe Ave.

"I would think that the town or the developer would be reaching out to these neighborhood groups and trying to solve some of these problems," said Galbraith.

"We've been listening since the beginning, our project has been modified several times," said developer Anthony Daniele.

The developer is currently seeking approval through a process known as incentive zoning, which allows for an adjustment of a town's established zoning ordinance, in exchange for amenities that benefit the community, but those opposed say that that type of exemption is not appropriate for this project.

"We think here, this is a textbook case of an abuse of incentive zoning," said Saykin. "That speaks to how large the project is, that they have to use this kind of zoning method to fit it on that parcel."

"It's something that's being used not to grant any special deal, which is what they're claiming," said Daniele.

Residents and business owners on Monroe Avenue say that the size of the project as well as the added traffic will have a negative impact on the community, in more ways than one.

"The type of project that is proposed on that parcel is not smart and it's not legal, and all it's going to do is take a traffic problem in that area, which is already serious, and make it worse," said Saykin.

"There were over 300 accidents in three years in this one mile stretch. They're going to push those cars into residential side streets, which will potentially affect three schools," said Saykin.

Earlier this month, the Clover/Allen’s Creek Neighborhood Association filed a lawsuit against both the town and the developer stating that the project would unlawfully restrict access to the Auburn walking trail.

"It is because the town and the developer isn't talking to or working with the citizens of this community, they've forced us to file lawsuits," said Galbraith.

Daniele says that three years in, they have no plans to give up their fight.

"We're very confident that this project is a good project, and it's something that we will be proud of for years to come. And we've made it this far, we're not going to stop now," said Daniele.