Some Bronx residents protested the construction of a new hotel on Bathgate Avenue Monday, claiming it will attract drug deals and prostitution.

Construction is already under way on the four-story, 24-room franchise hotel. The developer, Manny Kumar, says the project is privately funded and will be built on private property, which means it didn't need community board approval.

Members of Community Board 6 say the project will be a transient hotel, which means the owner can charge room rates by the hour. Neighbors are worried the area will turn into a seedy hangout. Community Board 6 is hoping to have the property rezoned.