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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Mayor Jay Kahn joined Dan Mitchell on WKBK’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell Monday morning to discuss upcoming community events, major infrastructure projects, affordable housing initiatives, and the city’s ongoing budget process.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on the upcoming Monadnock 250 and Independence Day celebrations, which will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary while highlighting the Monadnock Region’s connections to the American Revolution.
Kahn encouraged residents and organizations to participate in the July 4 parade and related festivities, which will follow a route tied directly to local Revolutionary War history.
“It’s important that the parade is taking off from where the militia gathered in 1775,” Kahn said during the interview. “It took them three days to march down there. By the time they got there, the battles were over, but they had to go through it. They were walking in snow on unpaved roads.”
The celebration will begin with a fireworks display on July 3 and continue on Independence Day with a parade, live music, historical reenactors, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Keene.
Kahn noted that period actors who participate in local history programs have volunteered to be part of the celebration, helping bring the region’s Revolutionary War story to life.
The mayor also discussed several upcoming community events, including the start of the 29th season for the Keene SwampBats and the annual Taste of Keene festival. He said the Taste of Keene event is expected to proceed this Saturday without disruption from the planned Main Street infrastructure project. Construction on the Main Street project is anticipated to begin in mid-July.
The conversation also touched on housing affordability, which Kahn described as one of the city’s top priorities. He highlighted the recently completed Roosevelt East development and the growing role of the Keene Housing Authority in providing affordable housing opportunities.
According to Kahn, the housing authority now manages approximately 650 units serving seniors, families, and residents with disabilities, while demand for affordable housing continues to outpace availability.
Water and sewer infrastructure projects were another key topic. Kahn discussed efforts to secure funding for major utility improvements, including upgrades needed to support future housing and economic development.
He also provided an update on the Goose Pond area bridge project, which is intended to improve accessibility to one of the city’s popular outdoor recreation destinations.
As budget deliberations continue, Kahn reminded residents that a public hearing on the proposed city budget is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, and encouraged community members to participate in the process.
Throughout the interview, Kahn emphasized the importance of public engagement and collaboration as the city works to address housing needs, maintain infrastructure, and prepare for major community celebrations.
Listen to the full interview: