Some South Side residents are raising objections to a plan by the Soffer Organization to move the locations and increase the heights of several proposed buildings at the SouthSide Works complex.

Soffer is seeking approval from the city planning commission to shift two riverfront condominiums westward, toward Downtown, while at the same time moving two proposed office buildings east, closer to the Hot Metal Bridge.

It also wants to build the condos up to 165 feet tall, higher than the 100 feet originally allowed. They would be located next to a proposed 15- to 17-floor hotel and conference center along the river.

But the changes don't sit well with some residents, particularly those who live on the South Side Slopes and fear the massing and height of the condos and hotel could block their view of the Monongahela River or the Downtown skyline.

Among those concerned is planning commission member Mary Lou Simon, who has lived on Stromberg Street on the Slopes for more than 30 years. She said she now has a "fabulous view" of the city from her street.

"I just want to see what effect it might have on us up there," she said after a briefing yesterday.

Rick Belloli, executive director of the South Side Local Development Co., said there also are concerns that having buildings no more than 75 feet high, as many are in SouthSide Works, next to ones stretching 165 feet may make for a transition that is "too abrupt."

Soffer has been working with Mr. Belloli's agency and others for months trying to develop a consensus but so far has been unsuccessful.

Mr. Belloli said he was "cautiously optimistic" that a deal can be reached before the public hearing in two weeks, "but I wouldn't guarantee it."

"Height is the most sensitive topic with this development plan. It always takes extra time," he said.

Soffer decided to shift the location and add to the height of the condo buildings in response to market conditions, said Mark S. Dellana, vice president of development. Both will contain about 70 units.

The relocation of the condos is included in a revised development plan before the commission.

Soffer also is seeking a zoning change that would allow for three buildings up to 165 feet tall and two more up to 110 feet high. Currently, it is permitted to have two buildings up to 100 feet and one up to 165 feet.

Mr. Dellana said Soffer agreed to height restrictions at the request of the South Side community. But if there are to be height limits, there may be a need to compromise in other areas, he said.

He is hoping an agreement can be worked out.

"I'm not sure we can address everybody's needs, but we certainly are working with them," he said.

He added Soffer wants to get the matter resolved quickly so it can get started on the projects.

Following the public hearing, the planning commission will vote on a recommendation. The matter then will go before City Council for a vote. If the planning commission recommends against the proposed changes, however, at least seven of the nine council members would have to agree to override that recommendation.