Developers propose 600-capacity music venue at 134 Water Street; commission tables decision pending planning review

Nathaniel Levy, the property owner and sponsor of the project, told the commission he hopes to convert 134 Water Street into a flexible music venue aimed at attracting touring bands and boosting downtown businesses. "Main Floor would be kind of a 400 cap space with a mezzanine around the 2nd Level, which would take it up to 600," Levy said, describing the venue’s intended scale.

Commissioners and staff focused on operational and site questions that affect safety and permitting: whether the alleyway is a legal fire lane or a right-of-way; dumpster enclosures and loading access; the proposed relocation of a delivery/loading door to the parking-lot side; and traffic and sight-distance on Holly Street near a curve by the arena. Levy said he is seeking redevelopment grant funding and estimated he is contributing "3,000,000 ish dollars" toward the project; he noted a state redevelopment grant application is due at the end of July.

The commission praised the concept and suggested modest architectural details to make the new pre-engineered metal building fit better with neighboring facades. Several commissioners said they would favor contingency approval after the planning board’s final sign and site review, but the body voted to table final action until planning-board results and clarified drawings are provided. The applicant was told he may request a special session if planning approval arrives quickly; otherwise the item will return at the commission’s next regular meeting.