KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow)  Less than three weeks after the Keene City Council voted to draft new limits on fireworks displays, its Planning, Licenses, and Development Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved two more requests for summer fireworks events.

At its April 17 meeting, the full Council voted 12–1 to move forward with an ordinance that would cap commercial fireworks permits at five per year, with no more than three events allowed at any single location. The measure, aimed at addressing public safety concerns and neighborhood disruptions, sparked debate among councilors about how permits should be fairly allocated if demand exceeds the new cap. The City Attorney is now drafting the ordinance language.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the committee approved a July 25 fireworks display for the Keene SwampBats baseball team

In a separate request, a fireworks display during the second annual First Responder Appreciation Community Day on August 24 received approval. The event will also include a softball game, car show, and family activities meant to honor police, fire, and EMS workers.

Both fireworks requests passed without opposition, despite the pending ordinance that will likely make future approvals more competitive.

The committee also gave the go-ahead for the Keene Family YMCA to close Summit Road on June 8 for its annual youth triathlon. The popular event typically draws 80 to 100 young participants and has operated with positive feedback from nearby residents. Councilors discussed the possibility of streamlining future road-closure approvals for recurring events like this one.

In economic development matters, the committee approved a lease agreement with Avenru Development to construct new aircraft hangars at Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport. The deal includes a 3 percent annual rent escalator and is intended to help the airport grow and meet increasing demand for hangar space.