Architect says expanding pavilion at Meadowbrook will probably reduce sound escaping from concert venue

GILFORD — Designers for the proposed expansion to the U.S. Cellular Pavilion at Meadowbrook said yesterday that extending the covered portion of the amphitheater and eliminating some of the lawn seating would likely reduce the noise coming from the live entertainment venue.

Architect Peter Stewart said the extended pavilion will have similar sound-proof baffling as does the current one.

Stewart and designer Steve Smith made his comments yesterday at a review committee in Gilford Town Hall where department heads discuss planning proposals and ask technical questions before an application goes to the full Planning Board for review.

In Meadowbrook's case, the Planning Board will discuss and hold a public hearing about the proposed expansion from a total capacity of 6,000 to 7,500 on September 17 at its regular meeting in the Gilford Town Hall at 7 p.m.

The proposed Meadowbrook expansion would also add 182 parking spaces but will not be encroaching into the nearby wooded wetlands. Smith told the review committee that he had applied for an alteration of terrain permit from the N.H. Department of Environmental Services.

"I support the expansion but we need to work on widening Meadowbrook Lane or getting a new access onto Kimball Road," said Police Chief Kevin Keenan.

He said his only concern was getting police cruisers in and out of the back parking lots.

He also said he wanted to compliment Meadowbrook for upgrading the lights on Meadowbrook Lane.

Smith said access is a project Meadowbrook has discussed and they expect to include it in their next phase. He said this proposed expansion must be completed in a reasonable short period of time so the venue can be ready for next season.

As to noise, Keenan said he thinks the department has only gotten two complaints this season and one of them was at 9 p.m. and, based on where the compliant came from, he's not convinced it stemmed from Meadowbrook.

Fire Chief Stephen Carrier was not at yesterday's review meeting and Smith said they would meet with him personally.

Smith also said the seating expansion will help with ticket sales because the pavilion usually "sells-out" but people wait for weather reports before purchasing lawn tickets.

He also said the proposed expansion will help them in booking concerts and allow Meadowbrook to stay competitive with other existing and proposed live entertainment venues in New England.