Because the Lakewood YMCA serves as a cornerstone for surrounding neighborhoods and communities and provides needed services to adults, youth, and families of Durham ... We are concerned that closing the Lakewood YMCA will have serious negative consequences for these neighborhoods and communities. We advocate that this facility remain a community health, fitness, and education center for adults, youth, and families. We ask that the Triangle YMCA delay their decision on the future of this facility and not sign any contracts or make any firm agreements regarding the future of this facility and the surrounding property prior to Sept. 1, 2007, approximately 90 days. We invite the Triangle YMCA to engage, during that time, in open discussion with the surrounding neighborhoods and communities regarding the problems at Lakewood and how the Duke-Durham community can solve these problems. We invite the Triangle YMCA management to join the ongoing community-based planning process for the greater Chapel Hill Road area including the Lakewood YMCA facility and the Shoppes at Lakewood.