A close vote Monday on an expanded buffer between large music venues decided a months-long debate over a proposed Live Nation-backed music venue in Portland. Here’s how each councilor voted on the controversial decision, and why.

IN FAVOR

Councilor Anna Bullett: Bullett did not comment prior to the vote Monday, but said Tuesday that as an elected official, she sees it as her “duty to act on the wishes of community members.”

“I refuse to jeopardize the economic wellbeing of our beautiful publicly-owned and operated local venues or the safety of our citizens walking and rolling on the peninsula for the sake of corporate interests or the will of an unelected city board,” she said.

Councilor Wes Pelletier: Pelletier was behind the 750-foot buffer proposal, and on Monday said future development in the city “needs to be designed with traffic and safety in mind.”

“We can and should have density and events to draw people in but we need to be smart about it,” he said. “We should be working to mitigate, not compound traffic safety issues. And if we have the power to do so, which we do, then we should.”

Councilor April Fournier: Fournier did not comment prior to voting Monday, and did not respond to a request for comment prior to the Press Herald’s print deadline Tuesday.

Councilor Ben Grant: Grant argued that the council had the legal authority to make the retroactive moratorium and zoning changes, and that passing an expanded buffer is in line with the city’s long-term plans. He also pushed back on the idea that councilors shouldn’t have agency to make decisions outside what the business community might deem “predictable.”

“(I) use my judgement to make the best decisions for the city of Portland, not to simply make sure the bureaucracy hums along at the same pace,” he said. “What I think is best for Portland is not to have a large concert venue right next to another one. It’s as simple as that.”

Councilor Pious Ali: Ali did not comment prior to the vote, but was responsible for forwarding the expanded buffer proposal along with Councilor Pelletier.

OPPOSED

Councilor Regina Phillips: Phillips expressed support for a compromise 250-foot buffer proposed by Councilor Michniewicz, which she argued would be sufficient to “mitigate safety concerns” outside the venue. She also agreed with the Planning Board opinion that the buffer doesn’t align with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Councilor Sarah Michniewicz: Michniewicz proposed the 250-foot buffer as a compromise, stating that the larger buffer still wouldn’t prevent the venue developers from potentially building the venue at a different location, and would not prevent housing or other development in the same area that could also exacerbate traffic and parking concerns.

Mayor Mark Dion: Prior to public comment, Dion said “we’ve run the applicant through every possible land rule issue,” and said amending zoning laws after the fact is “a clawback.”

“Whether we like them or not is not relevant to me,” he said. “If we don’t build business, the city will die of stagnation.”

Councilor Kate Sykes: Sykes also supported the 250-buffer amendment, calling it a compromise that officials should pursue given the passion on both sides.

“This is a middle ground that addresses the safety concerns, but isn’t a kill shot, and I think that’s what we as a council should be seeking,” she said.