Bath Beach residents say they?re working to preserve the neighborhood's character as a wave of construction bears down on the area.

New construction of multifamily homes is replacing traditional two- and three-story row houses. Residents are concerned that new zoning changes, designed to limit building heights in nearby Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, will cause developers to flock to Bath Beach.

Staff members from Councilman Vincent Gentile's are canvassing the neighborhood to survey every home in the area. The project could lead to zoning changes to maintain Bath Beach's charm.

Gentile expects surveying to be completed by the end of August. His preliminary zoning recommendations will go to the Department of City Planning and the local community board for review.