Buffer zone for large performance halls

A commercial broker said Live Nation made concessions and should be allowed to move forward, warning that lack of evening activation of the Old Port and Congress Street corridor risks economic downturn.

The Portland Regional Chamber representative said the jump from 100 to 750 feet functions as a barrier and urged rejection of the amendments.

An India Street resident urged the committee not to apply the amendment retroactively, citing the traffic plan and parking capacity.

A production manager for Ovations and Essex Street resident supported the buffer, citing crowded conditions on Myrtle and Cumberland Avenue and emergency access concerns.

Counsel for Portland Music Holdings/Live Nation said the proposal kills a project in full zoning compliance and would likely not survive a court challenge since the application predates it.

A Portland Symphony Orchestra representative supported the amendment, describing a fire alarm evacuation of 1,000 patrons and congestion blocking fire truck access.

The Portland Music Hall developer urged rejection, noting the project was unanimously approved 410 days ago, followed the code, and would bring $44 million in economic impact; the retroactive date is a dangerous precedent.

The Top of the Old Port Parking Lot operator said off-street parking is ample and zoning reliance matters; congestion can be managed through vehicle-handling requests.

A District 3 resident supported the 750-foot buffer, citing a 2017 study showing nighttime parking at capacity and impacts on residents and housing.

Live Nation's New England president said the 3,300-capacity hall is straightforward and safe, events can be staggered with Merrill Auditorium, and parking is on-site.