Nob Hill Neighbors Sue City

Some San Francisco residents near Nob Hill Masonic Center are not happy with the increase in shows at the venue and have sued the city.

The Nob Hill Association has taken Live Nation to task for the escalation of events and wants the city to take a look at it. The hosts between 25 and 30 shows per year. In January, the city’s planning commission allowed for 68 live events and 219 large evening events per year, but an appeal from other neighborhood groups brought the number of concerts down to 54, according to SF Weekly.

The 3,165-capacity auditorium is Live Nation’s competitive space for shows in a crowded market, populated with promoters like Goldenvoice and Another Planet that run venues like Warfield, Regency Ballroom and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. However, unlike those venues, Nob Hill is situated in a tony district, and neighbors have kept a vigilant eye on the facility since 2009.

“The application submitted by the Masonic Temple, which they call historic and nonconforming uses, was based on improper calculation,” association attorney Anne Morrison told the San Francisco Chronicle. “NHA has significant detailed evidence of entertainment and events at the temple. We believe the improper calculations allow them to intensify the use, and it will have adverse impacts on the environment.”

Live Nation released the following statement:

“We remain hopeful that the venue will be upgraded to become a more flexible, modern space to accommodate the many artists who want to play in a great mid-size room in San Francisco. An Environmental Impact Report is well underway to study the potential impacts of the renovation. In the meantime, just as it has since it opened in 1958, the Masonic will continue to host concerts, comedians, graduations, cultural events, special events, fundraisers and community events.”

The city attorney’s office had no comment.