Some brownstone owners in Boerum Hill are starting a campaign against backyard development.

One Boerum Hill resident says when she moved in on Bergen Street she enjoyed the open space in her backyard. She says soon after a real estate agent bought the home next door, re-designed it by extending the building into the yard and turned it into a rental. Officials say these developments are legal as long as owners leave 30 feet of backyard space.

The Boerum Hill Association fears these developments are becoming a trend. The association is calling on City Council representatives to make changes to zoning laws to preserve the character of the neighborhood.