Photo Credit: Rendering of the Portland Music Hall by Leonardo Ruben Merlos (Live Nation)
A proposed ordinance requiring a buffer between venues could effectively cease Live Nation’s plans to build a new music venue in Portland, Maine.
The planning board in Portland, Maine, is set to review a proposed ordinance change that could shutter Live Nation’s plans to build a new music venue in the city. The ordinance would require a 750-foot buffer between all large theaters and performance halls in the city, which would make it impossible to move forward with plans for Live Nation’s Portland Music Hall due to its proximity to the existing Merrill Auditorium.
Already, the building plans sparked debate, with city councilors having heard a slew of concerns from venue operators and residents alike. These include worries over ticket prices, the potential impact on existing local venues, and public safety and transportation issues.
Advocates of the measure say the proposal is intended to alleviate concerns about traffic, parking, and pedestrian safety. But others say it sends a bad message to potential developers moving forward.
“When standards are substantially written after a proposal has already been submitted, and in a way that clearly impacts a single identifiable project which currently meets all city requirements, it raises concerns,” said Thomas O’Boyle of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, during a meeting of the city’s housing and economic development committee on Tuesday.
Unsurprisingly, Live Nation’s legal team has criticized the proposed ordinance, alleging that it’s discriminatory and was introduced in bad faith. The company says it has been actively working with the city and has already made concessions designed to address many of the concerns raised.
“Our team remains actively engaged with stakeholders, neighbors, and city officials to ensure that the plan incorporates their feedback,” said a Live Nation representative back in August when the city voted to delay the project.
Opponents of the venue project also want the city to extend the existing moratorium on large music venues by another six months, which is due to expire in early March. The ordinance proposal will go to the planning board for consideration before heading to the city council.
