KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) At its regular meeting last night, the Keene Planning Board approved several projects, including a 29-unit cottage court development on Court Street.

The board voted granting full approval to projects previously conditionally approved, including a site plan and conditional use permit for a new solar array, with the Parks and Recreation Department reporting on the relocation of The Monadnock View Community Garden.

The board also granted a 180-day extension for Timberland Woods Development on Drummer Road to meet approval conditions for its proposed cottage court project of six buildings and 36 units.

The central focus of the evening was the application by Fieldstone Land Consultants on behalf of owner Guitard Homes Homes for a new cottage court development on Court Street on a currently undeveloped parcel about one-third of a mile northwest of Cheshire Medical Center adjacent to the Keene Center, which is directly to the west of the property

After a detailed presentation and public hearing, the board approved the project. The development features three models of small homes ranging from 627 to 1,394 square feet, to be built in three phases. It includes two wetland crossings and a homeowners’ association structure designed to promote owner-occupancy.

The proposal drew mixed reactions from nearby residents, with concerns raised about drainage, noise, privacy, and potential impacts on property values. The Conservation Commission supported the project but recommended minor enhancements, such as incorporating more native plantings. Planning Board members acknowledged the tension between the need for smaller, affordable housing units and the concerns of abutters, ultimately approving the project with conditions following extensive discussion.

The Planning Board has the authority to approve site plan applications so the project does not need to go to City Council, according to Keene City Planner Mari Brunner. “The Board did set some conditions that need to be met before the applicant can get what’s called ‘final approval,'” wrote Brunner in an email, “but those items are usually checklist items such as submitting full-size paper copies of the final plans for the chair to sign, et cetera.”

Planning staff also provided a progress report on the city’s master plan update. A new interactive “story map” is now live at keenemasterplan.com, with a public survey open through April 30. A citywide “Future Summit” celebration is scheduled for June 3 at the Keene Public Library, coinciding with the release of a draft master plan for review. Decision-making tools to help prioritize implementation strategies are being shared with both the Planning Board and City Council.

In other business, planning staff led a discussion on inconsistencies in how major and minor site plans are categorized, particularly for residential developments. Board members were asked to consider possible revisions to review thresholds. The board also discussed a new requirement from the City Council for all boards to submit annual reports by July 1.