KEENE, N.H.  (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday advanced several initiatives ranging from public project communication and single-use plastic reduction to updates on the city’s downtown infrastructure project.
One of the committee’s recommendations calls for the creation of an administrative directive establishing standards for informational signs at major city projects. The proposal grew out of concerns that residents often see construction taking place but lack easy access to information about what is being built, why it is needed and how it is funded.
Under the concept discussed Wednesday, signs could include project descriptions, funding details, QR codes and links to additional information online. Committee members generally supported the approach, favoring an administrative policy over a formal ordinance. Projects costing more than $500,000 would likely be subject to the requirement, while routine maintenance activities would be excluded.
The committee also continued discussions on reducing single-use plastics in the city. Members explored ways to discourage plastic use at city-sponsored events, improve recycling opportunities and promote zero-waste alternatives. Officials noted the community uses an estimated 4 million plastic bags annually, while several committee members emphasized the need to focus on practical reductions rather than outright bans.
As part of the discussion, staff were asked to work with the Conservation Commission and Energy and Climate Committee to explore improvements to plastic recycling at the transfer station and report back with recommendations.
Environmental stewardship was another topic of conversation. Committee members discussed opportunities for public involvement in restoring areas affected by the recent red pine harvest at Dinsmore Woods, including future tree planting efforts and monitoring for invasive species. Staff said community participation opportunities are expected to expand in the coming year.
The committee also recommended approval of a petition to discontinue a historic right of way on Elm Street, a step needed to accommodate a planned housing development. Before the matter moves to the full City Council, city staff will correct an error in the legal description of the property.
The meeting concluded with an extensive update on the Downtown Infrastructure Project, where city officials and representatives from Casella Construction outlined plans for the first phase of work expected to begin this summer.
Project leaders said construction will focus first on underground water, sewer and utility infrastructure before surface improvements such as sidewalks and streetscape features. The approach is intended to complete the most disruptive work early and minimize long-term impacts on downtown businesses.
Contractors said communication with business owners will be a top priority throughout the project. The city has already begun distributing informational binders to downtown businesses and plans to supplement those efforts with additional public outreach, including future “Coffee and Hard Hats” sessions and informational events on Central Square.
Construction officials acknowledged challenges posed by aging underground infrastructure and the potential for unexpected utility conflicts but said they are exploring options such as weekend and nighttime work to keep the project moving efficiently.