Opponents of St. Paul’s plans for the old Ford Motor Co. property have not given up hope they can block high-density development from unfolding in Highland Park.

The St. Paul City Council recently approved a rezoning plan intended to draw medium-to-high density housing and some commercial buildings to the former Ford factory. The 135-acre site overlooking the Mississippi River has been cleared of structures.

Neighbors for a Livable St. Paul (LivableSaintPaul.com) announced Thursday they are beginning a petition drive to force a ballot referendum aimed at repealing the zoning ordinance, which was approved by the city council Sept. 27.

The group said it needs to collect 2,500 handwritten signatures by Nov. 20.

“We have a tough slog ahead of us in this short period of time,” said group founder Charles Hathaway, in a written statement. “But if we are not successful in securing the necessary signatures in time for the repeal effort we intend to launch another petition drive to prevent the city of St. Paul, the (St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority) and the St. Paul Port Authority from using public funds to build this project under the current zoning ordinance.”

Many Highland residents have expressed concern about the impacts on traffic, parking and schools if up to 4,000 new housing units are built over the next 20 years.

Supporters of the city’s rezoning efforts have pointed to the benefits of density, from walkability to neighborhood vibrancy. They say the city needs more housing because rents are rising and new residential construction is not keeping up with demand.