(LEWES, Del.)- "Save the 4th Street Forest" signs are seen throughout the city of Lewes.
The signs are part of an effort to restrict real estate giant Jack Lingo from receiving approval from the city to transform a portion of the forest into a housing development referred to as "Highland Heights."
"I have a dog in this fight because I live close by, and I know that when those trees go, the little things they'll put in- I'll be dead before they grow" said Jackie Finer of Lewes.
Jim Sleasmen is a member of the Pilottown Home Owners Association, he has worked with the project developers from Lingo and said they have met all of their needs throughout the process.
After working with them, Sleasmen understands both sides of the issue.
"Save The Lewes Legacy" is an organization that is focused on saving the Fourth Street forest.
"This particular forest is the last forest in the city of Lewes," said Leslie Ledogar.
The group believes the forest is the lung and kidney of Lewes, the city would not function properly without it.
In the Lewes Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday night Jack Lingo Asset Management, LLC presented their final proposal on the project to the commission for review.
The Planning Commission presented many questions before the Lingo representatives as concerns for their project.
It is the job of the Lewes Planning Commission to either recommend or not recommend Lingo's project to the Mayor and City Council.
On Wednesday night, the Lewes Planning Commission decided not to recommend their application of the project to City Council.
However, ultimately City Council and the Mayor will make the final decision about the future of the Fourth Street Forest.
A public hearing will take place within the next 60 days.