The Newtown Planning and Zoning Board heard proposed plans Thursday from a developer who wants to build an apartment complex in front of the Catherine Violent Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

Teton Capital Company, LLC is seeking to receive approval to bring 171 units to the piece of land that sits adjacent to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

It's that number of units that have many, including Jennifer Hubbard, concerned.

"The work that we've done is extensive, I would hate to see a development of this size go in and create just what I think would be a massive disruption to our forward progress," said Hubbard.

The animal sanctuary was named in honor of Catherine Hubbard, who died in the Sandy Hook tragedy.

With an apartment complex possibly coming next door, residents are simply not on-board.

"This is an abject demonstration of disrespect that is hard to comprehend. If we took this concept and said let's put it at the Sandy Hook memorial, what would people say? It's a sacred place," said one resident.

Company representatives say they want to provide adults 55 and up a comfortable housing option.

But Jennifer Hubbard and many others had the same question Thursday night.

"There is so much space in Newtown that could accommodate a development this size and so why right here?" she said.

The board said they'll pick back up on April 20.