Committee approves encroachment permit for Nautica Entertainment to add Elm Street entry canopy and egress stair

The Municipal Service and Properties Committee approved Ordinance 3 29 20 25 on April 14, 2025, authorizing the director of capital projects to permit Nautica Entertainment LLC to install and maintain a new egress stairway and entry canopy that will encroach into the Elm Avenue public right of way.

The permit covers two bump-outs within the Elm Avenue right of way to accommodate the stairway and canopy. Ms. Romanoff, director of capital projects, said, “Nautica has just rehabilitated a historic building into a concert venue,” and described the work as adding entry points and public egress to a building that had been closed for many years.

Councilman Bryant Casey asked whether the new entrance would be for the public or for performers; Ms. Romanoff answered that it is “for the public.” The ordinance was presented as an emergency departmental request and approved by the committee by voice vote; the clerk was directed to sign the ordinance.

The permit application includes maps and drawings (provided to committee members on tablets) showing the two bump-outs. Committee discussion was brief and limited to clarifications about the public nature of the new entrance and confirmation that Councilman McCormick supported the encroachment.

The director of capital projects will complete permitting and maintain records of the encroachment; the committee did not request additional conditions during the meeting.