After a lengthy public hearing Monday night where community members voiced concerns about a rezoning issue on Moreland Road, the Upper Moreland Board of Commissioners sided with the residents.

The board has been discussing rezoning 501 and 517 Moreland Road from a residential to a professional property for several months, Township Solicitor Kate Harper said.

The issue arose after the owners could not sell the home.

"The property has been on the market since August and has been unsuccessful," real estate agent for the property Henry Jacquelin said.

He added that the homeowners were requesting a change in zoning because an insurance company expressed interest in purchasing 517 Moreland Road and using it as an office.

"There will be no major construction done," Jacquelin said. "They want to use it the way it is. It's better to have vibrant businesses rather than vacant homes. The person interested wants to buy, not rent, the property and become a part of the neighborhood."

Once the hearing was open to public comment it was clear the community did not feel the same way.

"We don't want commercialism creeping up our side streets," David Twining said. "I'm worried about Cameron, Dallas and Barrett roads. This could create a domino effect, we need to draw the line somewhere."

The major concerns expressed by community members and commissioners were the possible increase in traffic, the already vacant buildings in the area and a quality of life for the area.

"Neighbors of the property don't have any interest in it becoming professional," Frank DeLaurentis said. "It's a great neighborhood and this a quality of life and safety issue."

He added that the area has already experienced fatalities because of traffic issues.

Other community members expressed their fears that the area would become a speedway between Moreland and Easton roads.

"I've had a discussion with residents and it is clear they are not in favor of the change," Commissioner Joseph Lavalle said. "Visibility is difficult in that area and it is hard to make turns onto Moreland Road. The roads are not designed for professional use. I don't believe it is necessary to change the zoning in a down market with already vacant lots in the vicinity."
New homeowners were also concerned with how the changes would affect the future.

"An influx of professional properties could create a vacuum and have negative effects on future buyers," Daniel Gilligan said. "[With the change] the problems that already exist are only going to get worse."

Although sentiments were overwhelmingly negative, Jacquelin tried to dispel residents' fears.

"Everyone is getting riled about an increase in traffic and speeding, but an insurance business doesn't bring in person after person," he said. "This area is hurting for business and we need to think outside the box."

Although board President Stacey Efkowitz told the public she would like time to wait until June to vote on the issue, the rest of the board said it would be best to vote tonight because of the public's involvement.

"There has been plenty of testimony," Commissioner Lisa Romaniello said. "I would feel comfortable voting."

Aside from Samuel Valenza abstaining, the board echoed the feelings of the residents.

"I've always been concerned about rezoning. I recognize where everyone is coming from," Efkowitz said. I could probably support the change if the property owner was going to live there as well but I cannot be in favor of this."