The 8.3-acre parcel that was the longtime home of the former Kuss Brothers Nursery has been rezoned to Neighborhood Commercial.

The land at 670 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. was previously divided across two zoning districts - R-3 Residential and Highway Commercial.

When the issue was raised two years ago, plans for the property included opening a connection through Glick Avenue.

That proposal generated an outcry among residents who did not want additional traffic coming through their quiet neighborhood and who expressed concerns about safety and the value of their homes.

At that time, Janet Batstone, 3430 Birch Ave., presented petitions with 100 signatures opposed to the change in Glick Avenue.

Engineer Mark Bradbury, whose client Jeremy Wells wants to develop the property, brought the rezoning request forward at the May 3 meeting.

“We do not plan to open Glick Avenue at this time,” Bradbury said. “Right now we do not need that access.”

“We will try to get a warrant for a traffic signal with PennDOT.”

Batstone expressed concerns Glick Avenue might be opened anyway, as no plan for development was being presented.

“Until you get it rezoned, you cannot bring in a specific plan,” Bradbury said.

Alexander Fulop, 823 Jefferson Ave., said he wanted to maintain the quiet community built more than 50 years ago.

He said there are no sidewalks but people feel safe walking along the streets.

Fulop implored the developer not to change the nature of the residential community around Glick Avenue.

Wells responded to the comments.

“I have an interest in two office buildings and I’m not going to use Glick Avenue,” Wells said.

His idea is to have access to the Kuss parcel only from Cedar Crest Boulevard.

Wells added it would not be financially feasible to have a connection from Hamilton Boulevard.

Commissioner Glenn Block spoke in favor of the rezoning, noting the developer came back with something to benefit the community.

The vote was 4-0 to approve the change.

As it stands now, Wells can develop the property under Neighborhood Commercial guidelines.

As no plan was presented, residents have Wells’ statement to rely on, regarding the status of Glick Avenue.