KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The debate over what to do with a troubled parcel of city-owned land at 100 Church St. is not over.

City councilors voted Thursday, 14-1, to give neighbors and volunteers one more month to craft a plan for the quarter-acre lot, which abutters say has become a haven for drug use, discarded needles, and other unsafe behavior. Some nearby property owners have pushed the city to sell the land, while others want it preserved as a community green space.

The Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee will take up the issue again Oct. 22, marking the third time the property has come before a council committee.

Abutters have described the lot as a daily safety hazard, citing open alcohol containers and human waste, and one landlord has offered to purchase the property. Others, however, argue the space can be rehabilitated with organized community effort. A petition circulated last month by neighbors called the current conditions “a direct threat to our safety and quality of life.”

The land is not a city-designated park, meaning it lacks the protections and regulations that govern official green spaces. City Manager Elizabeth Ferland has previously said police do not have the resources to monitor the site consistently.

In other business, councilors voted 14-1 to place a separate question on the Nov. 4 municipal ballot: whether Keene should allow “social districts,” newly enabled under state law, where people could carry alcoholic drinks outdoors within a defined area downtown.

Under the measure, only licensed businesses that opt in could serve alcohol to-go, and drinks would need to be carried in cups with the vendor’s name. Patrons would be able to walk within the designated zone but could not enter other businesses with their beverages.

Several councilors expressed personal doubts about the concept but said voters should have the final say. “I don’t see any harm in putting it on the ballot and seeing where the voters are,” said Councilor Michael Remy, who introduced the proposal.

A public hearing on the social districts measure is scheduled for Oct. 16.