By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - City Council's Rules Committee is expected to get an earful today from residents of the Eastwick section of southwest Philadelphia and from environmentalists. All are upset with plans for a 722-unit apartment complex proposed near the Heinz Wildlife Refuge.

The Korman Company needs zoning approval for a $100 million apartment complex in Eastwick, on what is now unused land controlled by the city. Opponents have mobilized to fight approval and many are expected to rail against the project at today's hearing.

Debbie Beer, with the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Association, says it will endanger the neighboring wildlife refuge.

"There's huge dismay, concern and opposition to putting anything there that will disrupt the wildlife.  And there are endangered, rare and threatened species that will be hugely impacted."

In addition, Beer says the area is flood prone, and the apartment complex will make that worse by replacing green space with impervious concrete.

"The water has nowhere to go, but it will go into the surrounding community."

Other concerns include increased traffic in the Eastwick community. The attorney for Korman, Peter Kelsen, says the traffic impact will be "fairly insignificant."

With regards to the wildlife impact, Kelsen says Korman has developed a plan that is "minimally disruptive" to the Heinz refuge, and the firm continues to work with officials of the refuge to make the development "more consistent" with the Heinz center.

Second District Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, whose district includes Eastwick, says he's still evaluating the project, and listening to the community's concerns. But, he says in principle he thinks it would be "a great project for that part of Southwest Philadelphia."

Johnson said he hopes Korman officials will come to an agreement with the community on residents' issues. If the project gains approval, Korman attorney Kelsen says the firm hopes to begin construction next year.