The Portland City Council has passed a 750-foot buffer between any proposed large concert venues.
The buffer could affect Live Nation building a large entertainment venue in downtown, as the proposed site and Merrill Auditorium are within that buffer.
The council also voted to terminate the moratorium on theater and performance hall projects with a capacity of 2,000 people or more.
The moratorium was originally established in August of last year.
Some people expressed concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic and the “monopoly” Live Nation is.
“We just want to make sure we are working with the right people who have Portland’s best interest in mind. I don’t believe Live Nation has our best interest in mind. They are an out of state company that wants to take our money and a lot of other people’s money,” Portland resident Claire Thompson said.
Other people, however, argue the venue could bring more jobs and expand the city’s music scene.
“I’m looking forward to the building of another venue here in Portland, bringing more shows, bringing different shows, and more work opportunities for someone like myself,” Portland musician Nathaniel Dombek said.
Both the buffer zone and terminated moratorium will go into effect in 30 days.
This means Live Nation won’t be able to build the proposed venue next to Merrill Auditorium and it’s unclear if the project will go through.
