City of Portland

Portland City Council Monday night voted to require a 750-foot buffer between large performance hall venues, which, unless the decision is challenged, means the proposed Live Nation Portland Music Hall cannot be built in close proximity to Merrill Auditorium.

Portland residents have two opportunities to tell city officials how they feel the four parcels in the Bayside neighborhood, known as the Midtown properties, should be developed.

The proposed FY 2027 city budget for Portland, if approved, is estimated to raise property taxes by 4.2%, increasing the average homeowner’s bill by $130. It also recommends eliminating 74 staff positions.

The city of Portland is encouraging residents to weigh in on the potential development of four city-owned properties in the Bayside neighborhood, through an online survey and at pubic meetings.

A proposal to require an enhanced buffer zone between large entertainment venues found no support Tuesday night from the Portland Planning Board. City Council will make the final decision.

Cruise ships docking in Portland will be subject to a higher city tariff starting next year, while vessels powered by low-sulfur fuels will receive a discount.

If approved, a buffer zone between large music venues in the downtown district is predicted to derail the Live Nation Portland Music Hall project.

A review by Bath consulting firm CZB LLC looking at housing data over the past 10 years, found that fewer approved projects are coming online, most approved projects are taking longer to build and many have stalled out.

Carassas Holdings LLC, based in Portland, negotiated a price of $200,000 for the 3.5-acre lot, which was originally listed at $400,000.

Portland City Council has extended the moratorium on the construction of new large performance venues in the downtown district for another 180 days — further stalling development of the controversial Portland Music Hall.