A divided Ross planning commission has approved plans for townhouses that are opposed by many neighbors.

The HEARTH at Benet Woods proposal now moves to township commissioners, who have final say on the project. Commissioners could vote as early as Nov. 13.

The 11 units of what is being called affordable housing are proposed for five acres on the Ross side of Rodenbaugh Avenue. Rodenbaugh is the boundary between Pittsburgh and Ross.

The $2.1 million project would be a partnership between HEARTH, a nonprofit agency that works with homeless women and their children, and Trek Development Group, a real estate firm based in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The two- and three-bedroom units would be rented to tenants who earn an annual salary of $24,220 to $37,200, depending on family size.

"There is no evidence that affordable housing projects raise crime rates ... or lower property values," Jerry Drozynski, president of HEARTH's board, told the planning commission. The owners of the project will pay property taxes, he said, and tenants will pay state, federal and local income and wage taxes.

Opponents were not persuaded.

"Look around this room," Tom Freiling said, gesturing toward the 80 people crowded into the Ross municipal building last Thursday. "We don't want this project."

The planners split 4-3 in recommending approval. Commission members James Wigal, William Grady Jr., Linda McClintock and John Sample voted in favor. Deborah Griffin, Edward Nassan and Bridget Watson O'Brien were opposed. Daniel Harasyn and Larry Naimark were absent.

Their approval is conditional and depends upon reaching an agreement with the developers on a township request to install a new fire hydrant and a review of soil conditions by a consulting engineer.

The planning commission first considered the plans Sept. 27, but members tabled action until they could visit the hilly site. When they visited Oct. 13, residents warned of worsening storm-water problems in an area already plagued by eroded streets and wet basements.

Plans call for installing six retention tanks under townhouse driveways that will collect and slowly release runoff after rainstorms. The amount of water leaving the property after it is developed will be reduced to at least 95 percent of current levels, Trek engineer Don Trant said.

"What if the system is not effective?" Mr. Nassan asked.

The developers are required to have performance bonds to cover costs for fixing storm water or other problems, building code officer Dan Hankins said.

Residents also warned that Rodenbaugh was too narrow for additional traffic. The developers have agreed to widen the paved portion of the street to 26 feet.

Lorraine Jelinek told planners she and other Rodenbaugh residents had been misled by the developers who said they had looked at 24 sites before settling on the Ross location. "They've never given us a list of those other sites," she said.

Opponents have collected signatures from 400 people opposed to the project, many of whom live in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Councilwoman Darlene Harris and her opponent, David Schuilenburg, who is running as an Independent, attended the planners' session and urged rejection of the project.

Engineers too often underestimate landslide risks and storm water problems, Mrs. Harris said. Mr. Schuilenburg warned that renters have less of a stake than owners in maintaining a peaceful neighborhood.

HEARTH at Benet Woods would be administered by a professional management company that would screen potential tenants for credit and criminal problems, lawyer Raymond Baum said.

Mr. Drozynski said he was pleased by the planning commission's action. "We realize this approval is advisory and is just one of many steps," he said.

The initial plans included 11 housing units and a community room. Mr. Drozynski said the request for the community room was withdrawn in response to residents' opposition to the idea.