The height of the towpath and its impact on water levels were major sticking points. Several critics suggested that a planned lowering of the towpath and the water level could threaten future efforts to refill the canal with water and allow boat travel to Maymont. Residents of the nearby Oregon Hill neighborhood have also objected to the potential noise and traffic impact.

Officials from Venture Richmond, a nonprofit organization that promotes downtown, said the amphitheater is essential to the future of one of Richmond’s most high-profile events. They also maintained that the plan would not make the canal impassable.

“We just thought, let’s resolve the issue that seems to be a problem,” said Venture Richmond Executive Director Jack Berry. “Let’s see if we can get 90 percent of what we want approved so that we can move forward.”

After the meeting, Berry said Venture Richmond doesn’t need anymore official approvals. He said work will likely begin in May, but he could not offer a firm estimate of when it might be completed.