Portland nonprofit files appeal challenging Live Nation venue proposal

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A Portland nonprofit filed an appeal Thursday morning, challenging the city's decision to allow a Live Nation performance venue to be built in the Central Eastside.

The proposed venue includes three undeveloped lots on Southeast Water Avenue, owned by Prosper Portland. Two of the lots would be used for parking, while the center lot would feature a 62,000-square-foot, four-story scale venue. The space would hold 1,280 seats with a maximum capacity of 3,500 for concertgoers. This space would also be leased to Live Nation and Ticketmaster at a below-market rate.

Overall, the appeal by the nonprofit MusicPortland addresses a complaint by the DOJ and 39 states citing the corporation's monopoly on the industry. Further, the nonprofit brings up concerns with environmental, transportation, and safety aspects with the choice of location, stating it "would force fans to cross unprotected and unpredictable train crossings to get to and from concerts."

Although there is a growing call for Portland to start doing a lot more to promote its music scene, MusicPortland's Executive Director Meara McLaughlin previously told KOIN 6 News that this plan lacks forethought.

“Just saying, ‘Great, we’re going to build a venue, we’re gonna build another venue,’ I think thinking strategically and holistically about what does Portland want to be from a performance perspective is a piece that’s lacking,” she said.

Jamie Dunphy, the organization's Music Policy Council Chair shared a similar sentiment.

“This is both the wrong place and the wrong operator for a venue this important to Portland” he said. “We’re very hopeful that this particular initiative will be re-examined and rejected.”

MusicPortland said they will hold a rally on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Central Eastside bar and music venue Lollipop Shoppe to garner support for the campaign.

The nonprofit and its supporters also plan to testify against the venue proposal at a City Council hearing on Sept. 19.