The paint is still fresh on a pair of Habitat for Humanity homes on Wellington Street, but the organization already has big plans for the adjacent lot.

Last week Bill Bell, who handles site selection for Habitat for Humanity Muskoka, presented the Bracebridge development services committee with plans for a three-unit row house next to their currently under-construction project on Wellington Street, just south of Dill Street.

While the majority of the committee voiced their support for the proposal, a decision on whether to allow the project was deferred pending building design issues.

Kim Horrigan, Bracebridge director of development services, said the new project would be constructed at the vacant lot at 63 Wellington.

The two-storey homes would be located near other multi-residential properties, said Horrigan, and would meet the town’s mandate of increasing development in the urban area.

However, Horrigan said the plans do not meet several town guidelines for setbacks and minimum frontage, and she recommended deferring the proposal to reorganize the layout.

Also requesting some changes were neighbours Scott McFarlane and Cheryl Kelley, the town’s director of economic development, as outlined in a letter to the committee.

Habitat’s plans include a parking lot in front of the units just a few feet from their home, read the letter, which would negatively impact the esthetics of the area and leave little room for snow removal. They also stated that their view of oncoming traffic on Wellington Street, a busy road, would be obstructed by the development.

Bill Bell said there is room to change the parking lot around, and added the project likely would not begin until 2010.

“It takes time to get the money together . . . and it takes time to select the families,” he said.

Bell said the cost of a single-family home in Muskoka is extremely restrictive, and Habitat is increasingly seeing applications from new segments of the population, such as single-parent families and the elderly.

Bell said the units would be 640 square feet each, smaller than the units next door.

The committee’s reaction was mixed, with councillor Scott Young pushing to approve the application as it stands and work out the details later.

Councillor Edith Nichols said she would not support the project, even with a reconfigured plan.

“It’s too small for three separate lots, even if it is for a good cause. I’m afraid I can’t support it,” said Nichols.

Nonetheless, councillor Barry Young was able to persuade Nichols and councillor Steve Clement that a deferral would allow time for Habitat to work something out with town staff.

After the meeting, Bell said he does not know whether a compromise can be reached, but feels the committee is willing to work with him. He expects to meet with town staff in the near future.

Bell said the lot at 63 Wellington was not purchased at the same time as the adjacent lot.

“It’s been brewing for a few months,” said Bell. “Things just worked out so well with the other project on Wellington . . . and we thought this would be a great spot. It’s close to services. It’s close to Georgian (College) and Nipissing (University). It can be tough to get lots in Bracebridge, especially in the urban area.”

Although the project would not begin until 2010 if approved, Bell said Habitat has plenty to keep them busy.

The current Wellington Street project will be ready to open within the month, said Bell, and a new project will begin June 1 in Huntsville.

Habitat is also actively seeking land for a project in Port Carling, which they hope to begin in 2009.