While controversy may still swirl around a proposed retirement community complex at 60-62 First Street, a series of meetings between Heritage Orangeville and the developers have ended with both sides in an upbeat mood.

This contrasts with the situation earlier when the mood was often one of anger and frustration.

Toronto-based Origin Retirement Communities wants to build a 119-unit complex aimed at retired people who are ready to leave their own homes but not needing a full-care seniors facility.

The proposed project has met with opposition from some residents and some town councillors have also expressed their reservations.

There have been arguments that the proposed site, which would replace two houses, would cause congestion and be a traffic hazard. Others complained it would take away from the heritage of the community.

Origin officials, frustrated at the lack of progress in negotiations with the town, hinted the firm would consider shelving the project.

The prevailing attitude after the latest series of meetings, however, has been optimistic.

Heritage Orangeville "has been a joy to work with," says Origin president Neil Prashad. "We've had two meetings with them, including a full-committee deputation presentation.

"They were very helpful in giving us suggestions of what we could do with the building's re-design to be more sympathetic to their concerns."

At the first meeting, which involved Mayor Rob Adams and Councillor Mary Rose, Mr. Prashad said there was an agreement to compromise on the original design of the building.

Ms. Rose said she wasn't in a position to comment on the Origin proposal since she was not in attendance at the second meeting.

At the second meeting, Origin presented a new plan, which accommodates Heritage Orangeville's desire to have the front of the facility moved farther back from the road, and allow for more green space.

As well, the altered design calls for what Mr. Prashad refers to as a "three-storey grand mansion look" for the front of the structure.

"It still has to go back to council and council, obviously, still has to vote on it," notes Mr. Prashad, "but we are very pleased with the spirit of cooperation displayed by Heritage Orangeville and its committee members."

Susan Lankheit, Heritage Orangeville committee secretary, described the meetings with Origin as "very upbeat and very pleasant. "The meeting went very well and we look forward to working with Origin on the project." Origin will be presenting the new design to council when it meets February 11.