May 6. The Lake Norman YMCA has withdrawn plans seeking town permission to greatly expand its parking facilities. The proposal had been tentatively scheduled for consideration at the Planning Board’s May 11 meeting.

“The YMCA Board agreed to withdraw their application in order to have more productive discussions with Cornelius Commissioners and their neighbors,” said Wayne Herron, the town’s planning director.

Neighbors had expressed concern that the 40 percent expansion for parking might be accompanied by a new Church Street entrance into the Y, but both town and YMCA officials said that was not the case. However, since the application was considered a quasi-judicial matter, town commissioners could not openly discuss it with residents.

“With no application in play, residents are now free to discuss the matter with town commissioners,” said long-time east-side community leader Michael Archer.

Herron said that if positive discussions are held in the coming months, the YMCA may look to refile an application later in the summer.