A petition against the re-zoning of the former Logy Bay ski hill for residential development is gaining traction online.

Steve Walsh, chairman of the development association in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, says council is facing a tough decision regarding what’s known as “The Lump,” adding it seems many residents oppose the rezoning.

Walsh says while the St. John’s Ski Club was in operation for 75 years and closed about 15 years ago, the site itself was never abandoned. He says the area remains popular for hiking, berrypicking, snowshoeing and other activities.

Walsh says his association would prefer the town took possession of the land so it can continue to be used for those purposes. He adds many people in the area bemoan the lack of developed green space where families can spend time together in the community, so taking away The Lump would be a significant loss.

The deadline for written submissions on the issue is September 11.

As of Tuesday, the petition had just over 500 signatures.