News

Portland Mayor Says Live Nation Venue Moving Forward After Heavy Opposition

Portland Mayor Says Live Nation Venue Moving Forward After Heavy Opposition

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Portland City Council is considering a proposal to address concerns from residents about a planned Live Nation concert venue.

Mayor Mark Dion says the proposal calls for Live Nation to pay a community benefit fee, which is a logical next step.

“It’s a little early, but that’s the direction we’re going in,” I think everybody’s concluded the venue will happen. So, what’s our relationship to that idea moving forward?

The proposal would require Live Nation to contribute a percentage of ticket prices to support public transportation, local small venues and local artists.

It’s being seen as common ground effort to allow the concert venue to move forward while satisfying complaints from the community.

The city council had placed a six-month moratorium on any plan to move forward with the venue.

But Dion thinks the moratorium could be done away with, as council members are warming up to the new proposal after an uprising against the venue from the arts community.

“I think they’re very aware or sensitive to the cries from the local performing arts organizations that somehow the presence of this venue will be destructive, if not fatal, to their long-term wellbeing as businesses,” Dion said.

The city Economics Committee is fine tuning details of what’s called the Entertainment Sector Benefit Agreement, which would place requirements on venues with more than 2,000 seats.

The Live Nation concert venue would have 3,300 seats if built.

Dion thinks the venue will be an economic boon for the downtown Congress Street corridor.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Local

Peaks Island Search Continues for Massachusetts College Professor

Fresh

Wiley Davi was last known to be on the island Saturday evening.

3 hours ago in Local

New Passenger Platform Installed at Wells Amtrak Stop

The project is expected to be complete by the fall of next year.

4 hours ago in Local

Utility regulators reject 5-year plan from Central Maine Power that would raise rates

Maine's Public Utilities Commission rejected a five-year plan proposed by Central Maine Power that would lead to a rate increase.

4 hours ago in Local

Gray schools put in lock-out while police make arrests nearby

Four people accused of fleeing from state troopers were taken into custody Tuesday morning in Gray.

6 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Labubu and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ to dazzle at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here’s what to know

Two things that made massive cultural splashes this year — Labubu and "KPop Demon Hunters" — will fill the sky and streets of New York when the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off this year.