[mcdude]

New Plans underway

GILFORD — The owners of Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion are looking to grow their operation by expanding the existing covered seating area to accommodate and additional 2,336 patrons and add 182 parking spaces. The Planning Board will review the proposal at its Monday, Sept. 17 meeting that beings a 7 p.m. in Gilford Town Hall.
According to plans drawn by Steven Smith & Associates and submitted to the Gilford Planning Department on August 30, the performing arts centers also plans on reducing the amount of lawn seating available by 836.
If approved by the Planning Board, the total capacity for the U.S. Cellular Meadowbrook Pavilion will go from 6,000 to 7,500 and increase the number of parking spaces to 2,025.
"The expansion is necessary not only to accommodate the shows being booked at the facility but also to allow Meadowbrook Farm, LLC to compete with other similar facilities located within their market area," reads the proposal.
Drawings show the expanded under cover seating will extend straight back from the end of the pavilion now furthest from the stage. Specifically the expansion calls for 75 new Americans with Disabilities Act seats, 233 new "club" seats and 2,028 regular seats.
The new parking lot is proposed on what is described as the former Carlton Miller property that is now owned by Meadowbrook Farm, LLC.
The proposal Meadowbrook hopes to have the expansion ready for the beginning of the 2013 season which is typically in May.
Neither owner R. J. Harding or designer Steve Smith were available for comment on Friday.