Nov. 17. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board unanimously tabled a decision on adopting the 2050 Downtown Master Plan after more than two dozen speakers—mostly representing the downtown residential area—voiced concerns during a 90-minute public hearing.

Town officials tentatively rescheduled the decision for the Jan. 20 board meeting. Tonight’s meeting was chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Scott Higgins because outgoing Mayor Woody Washam was not in attendance.

Residents raised a wide range of issues. Many expressed concern about changes to traffic patterns that could affect their homes and property. Several opposed plans to extend Academy Street.

Other residents, including Kim Sherrill, was worried about relocating the police station out of downtown. “With a rail line coming to downtown, I’d like to see a police presence retained there too,” she said.

The public hearing followed a presentation by town staff and the consulting firm hired 18 months ago to develop the plan.

“This plan contemplates a bold new vision for Old Town Cornelius over the next 25 years,” said Town Planning Director Rox Burhans, noting that it was created with input from residents, local businesses and planning experts. Burhans cautioned, however, that creating the plan was the “easy part.”

“The challenging part will be implementing the various elements outlined in the document,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”

That uncertainty was behind most of the public feedback.

“We do appreciate your comments and concerns, and we have heard that more explanation is needed,” Higgins said.

Commissioner Todd Sansbury moved to delay a decision to ensure the plan’s details are made clearer to residents, and the full board approved, and urged residents to review the plan and provide feedback ahead of the tentative Jan. 20 vote.