Residents of a neighbourhood in Halifax's north end say they're frustrated that a local auto group will be demolishing properties on their streets to expand their business.   

Steele Auto Group recently purchased Colonial Honda, which sits on the north side of Robie Street. Dave MacRitchie, the company's president and COO, says several properties were purchased to expand the dealership's parking lot and display area.

Dan Egilsson, Chelsi Ferguson, and their children have been living in the area for the past two years. They say they’re not pleased with the decision.

"We have our coffee shop, we have our bakery, our park, our neighbours – and a car dealership does not belong here," said Ferguson.

They say the expansion will ruin the community dynamic in their part of the city. Community members are calling for a stop before industries completely take over their backyards.

"I just love this area,” said homeowner Bonita Fraser. “That's why I never moved out of the north end when I could've, but I didn't because I just love the people."

Peggy Cameron of Friends of Halifax Common says the same situation happened a few years ago, and she doesn’t want to see history repeat itself.

"It certainly has changed what everyone on this street experiences living here now," said Cameron.

Residents say they started to grow suspicious last summer after receiving a letter from a realtor asking if they wanted to sell their home.

MacRitchie says the company respects any property owners who did not want to sell, and that the company is not looking to purchase any more properties.

He says property changes will include visual and aesthetic elements not typically used at dealerships in an effort to blend with the neighbourhood.

"We're mostly concerned about the community, at this point,” said Egilsson. “Once these houses get demolished, there's no going back to this."

Halifax councillor Jennifer Watts says it’s important for residents to be aware of zoning.

“(Zoning) has a huge impact, and often it’s not until something like this happens that you realize what the issues are," said Watts.

MacRitchie says the 20 purchased properties were mostly rental units with higher-than-average vacancy rates.

There is no indication of when Steele Auto Group plans to start demolishing the buildings.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.