"The revised plan arose out of concerns of some within the community that the project, as initially proposed, was too dense with higher than desirable elevations, too many driveways backing onto Nantes and did not mesh well aesthetically with the surrounding properties," said the Portobello South Community Development Association, in a press release.
"There were also some misconceptions over what Habitat for Humanity is and how they run their program - some misunderstood the project to be social or subsidized housing."
Patricia Joyce, of the PSCDA said that community opinions were diverse, with some feeling the initial proposal was fine and some with the view that it wasn't a good fit.
Habitat, the project architects and community members shared ideas on how the project could be improved to the benefit of all. A redesign that incorporates a bungalow and four semi-detached units was presented with lower elevations, two less units, less driveways onto Nantes and creative architectural features that give the units a single home appearance.
Joyce believed that the new design of the units provide a much better spatial layout and allow for greater privacy for the future Habitat residents. The bungalow will also allow for Habitat to address a disability need.
The PSCDA said that as with all development projects, there are some that are opposing the project and that they support the democratic right of everyone within the community to voice their opinion.
Joyce said that the public consultations have been very productive and the proposal will now move on to the next stage in the City's approval process, where individuals can petition either their support or opposition as they choose.
Habitat NCR is a volunteer, nonprofit, faith-based housing organization that builds simple, decent, affordable homes and sells them with no interest mortgages to low income working families seeking an affordable home in which to raise their children. People of all faiths and cultures are warmly welcomed by Habitat NCR.
Houses are built by volunteers, skilled trades' people and the family, all working together. Low income working families are offered a "hand up not a hand out." Families and volunteers are equal partners, contributing from their own experience for the good of all.
Currently it costs $120,000 cash, $75,000 in building materials and professional services, plus the cost of the land to build a simple, decent, affordable, Habitat NCR house. They work on donations of land, or purchase land for part cash and a tax receipt for the balance. They also search for low cost homes to renovate.
About 1.5 million people in Ontario live in poverty, according to the National Council on Welfare. The poverty rate in Ontario in 1998 was 13.5 per cent.
