Neely J. Shaw still has a host of questions she'd like answered about the single-family housing that's been proposed for the former Ogilvie Foods plant off North Pleasant Street.

After attending a public informational meeting Monday night about the project, Ms. Shaw has some concerns about having four of the parcels bordering her property at 132 N. Pleasant St., where she's lived for five years. She also wonders who will buy the 18 or 19 homes that would be built on the site with so many people now out of work.

"I don't know if the economy can support it," she said.

She was among about 20 people from the neighborhood who came out Monday night to learn more about Neighbors of Watertown Inc.'s plans to build homes there. They wanted to know such things as the environmental condition of the site, how drainage problems can be handled, how it might affect the assessments of their homes and whether traffic would increase.

Afterward, Casey G. Gould of Gill Street said he cannot wait until ground is broken at the site.

"Anything would be great there," he said. "They could put grass there and it would be better."

Delvan E. Streeter, who lives at 143 California Ave., agreed.

"I think its sounds great," he said, adding he doesn't have any concerns about the project. "I saw it as a positive thing."

Watertown city staff, including City Manager Mary M. Corriveau, was joined by representatives from Neighbors of Watertown to answer questions and make a presentation about the project.

Mrs. Corriveau made it clear that residents shouldn't expect increased assessments on their properties as the result of the new subdivision. She also promised that the city and Neighbors will keep residents abreast about the status of the project, noting that another public meeting will be held as it progresses.

The Development Authority of the North Country and the Watertown Local Development Corporation have agreed to help Neighbors put together financing for the project, said Gary Beasley, Neighbors executive director. Calling it "in the pre-development stage," Mr. Beasley said his organization continues to talk to the state about possible funding sources.

Work could begin as soon as spring, depending on how quickly state funding can be found. The City Council informally endorsed the project, and council members have promised that the city will do whatever it can to develop it.

Terrence G. Smith of California Avenue wanted to know more about a program offered by Neighbors that makes money available to help fix up the surrounding the area. He also wanted to know whether the city would help him and others with sidewalk improvements.

Before the hour-long meeting began, Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham said he supports the project because "it's a way to redevelop the neighborhood." On Monday night, the mayor got the City Council to unanimously agree to name the new street after former Mayor Joseph M. Butler, who defeated him in 1999 and is the father of Councilman Joseph M. Butler.

"I guess I have to support it," the councilman joked Monday night. "I don't want my father mad at me."