A proposed Live Nation venue in Portland’s Central Eastside has received approval from Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals, overcoming significant concerns about pedestrian safety and infrastructure suitability. This decision arrives in light of an appeal filed by Double Tee Concerts, led by veteran promoter David Leiken, who contended that the location poses risks for pedestrians and lacks the necessary infrastructure to handle expected traffic.
The Portland City Council had already voted in August to proceed with construction at the intersection of Southeast Main Street and Southeast Water Avenue, near the Hawthorne Bridge. In defending their decision, council members claimed that the safety issues raised were not directly linked to the anticipated development and asserted that the venue would comply with existing pedestrian safety standards.
The appeals board ultimately sided with the City Council and dismissed the concerns raised by the petitioners. Leiken has not responded for further comments on this matter.
Live Nation’s pursuit of a venue in Portland has been ongoing for years, during which time its proposals have sometimes come under fire. Local construction firms Colas Construction and Beam Development are tasked with the development of this venue, though efforts to reach them for comments were unsuccessful.
This approval can be seen as a positive step toward enhancing Portland’s cultural landscape, potentially bringing more live entertainment options to the city despite concerns about safety. With ongoing discussions about urban infrastructure, this project may also prompt further examination and improvements in local pedestrian facilities, aiming to create a safer environment for all residents.