Officials at the Chautauqua Institution have decided to delay plans for rebuilding the historic amphitheater.
The institution's board decided last year to tear down most of the 120-year-old outdoor theater and replace it with a $30 million modern replica. Chautauqua officials say the upgrades are needed to improve safety, comfort and viewing for patrons.
But critics of the plan oppose such a major overhaul and formed a group to save the amphitheater.
Chautauqua spokesman George Murphy says the board of trustees, which was planning to give final approval next month, will now wait until August.
"Our goal here is to open up the dialog to get the community more engaged for a better understanding of both sides," Murphy said. "We're going to use the summer for a good, Chautauqua-like dialog and then bring it up with the board in August."
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition to save the Amphitheater from demolition. But Murphy said he believes a majority of Chautauqua residents support the Institution's plans for a major rebuild.
The delay means the start of construction is now slated for September 2016.