(NVR) - A new proposal to develop a Pope Street property is already drawing positive reviews from neighbors who have been critical of previous plans.

Antonio Castellucci wants to build 51 housing units on the 10-acre lot at 567 Pope St., as well as establish a small winery on an adjacent 14.3-acre vineyard parcel at the corner of Pope and College Avenue.

His plan calls for 19 residential lots -- each with a main house and a second home or “granny unit" -- one lot that would be set aside for 12 farmworker housing units, and one house associated with the winery where Castellucci’s family would live.

The 51-unit count is the minimum allowed by the property’s zoning of Medium-Density Residential. Castellucci said the plan complies with the zoning while minimizing the impact on neighbors.

George David, a neighbor who vocally opposed previous development proposals on the site, praised Castellucci’s plan for its low density, sensitivity to neighbors’ privacy, inclusion of farmworker housing and a bike path, and for making the winery open by appointment only.

“The generous size of the home sites speaks to quality, in an age when developers are cramming as many homes as possible into new developments,” David told the City Council last week.

Our Town representatives met last Thursday with Castellucci, who said he’s optimistic that a deal can be reached.

At 51 units, Castellucci’s project is less dense than previous plans for the site, which have ranged from the 66 units proposed by Our Town St. Helena to the 112 units (later reduced to 98) proposed by Mercy Housing.

That’s a concern for affordable housing advocates like Mary Stephenson of the nonprofit Our Town, which is negotiating with Castellucci to accept a 0.75-acre lot and develop 12 farmworker housing units on it.

Stephenson said the project is “beautifully designed,” but isn’t dense enough for the zoning.

“Building just 19 homes there … eliminates a lot of housing opportunities for moderate- to low-income people who are desperate for housing in our community,” she said.

Stephenson also said there needs to be more affordable housing. “We can’t endorse land for 12 units at this time,” she said, speaking for Our Town.

The site plan calls for vehicular access from Pope Street, with access from McCorkle Avenue reserved for emergency vehicles only.

Castellucci hasn’t submitted an application to the city. The City Council held a pre-application review of the project on May 24.

City Attorney Tom Brown said that taking a strong position on the project at such an early stage would legally prevent councilmembers from considering the project later. Councilmembers generally agreed that the project deserves more discussion, and didn’t say anything to dissuade Castellucci from pursuing the project.