KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council addressed a broad agenda Thursday night, advancing proposals involving housing development, property tax policy, downtown infrastructure and several new initiatives that will receive additional committee review in the coming weeks.

Among the evening’s major items was a public hearing on an application for a Residential Property Revitalization Zone designation for 429 Elm St., where property owners Joe and Cheryl Bagster are seeking temporary tax relief to support the conversion of a former barn into two apartments.

The estimated $100,000 rehabilitation project is designed to add housing while preserving an existing structure. Following the public hearing, councilors referred the application to the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee, where city staff will present additional financial analysis during the committee’s July 9 meeting.

New Requests Sent to Committee

Councilors also referred several new requests for further consideration.

The Yankee Bottle Club is seeking city support for a historical marker recognizing the former Keene Glass Company along the Cheshire Rail Trail. Because the proposal could require city funding, it will be reviewed by the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee.

Other referrals included:

  • A proposal from Councilor Randy Filiault to explore rules governing dogs at downtown events.
  • A petition from Erik Murphy and nearby residents requesting traffic safety improvements at the intersection of South Lincoln and Roxbury streets.
  • A request from Councilor Bobby Williams to examine possible restrictions on the sale of concentrated kratom products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH.

Downtown Project, Airport Solar Work Updated

The council also accepted recommendations aimed at improving communication with residents during major capital improvement projects through enhanced signage and public outreach.

Public Works Director Don Lussier updated councilors on the ongoing downtown infrastructure project, including coordination with community partners such as Keene State College on parking arrangements during construction and downtown events.

Councilors also received an update on the airport solar project. City officials are determining whether American-made steel can be incorporated into the project without delaying construction. If feasible, the city could pursue a change order estimated at about $200,000 to satisfy federal Buy America requirements while preserving federal tax incentives. Any additional funding would require future council approval.

Donation Will Support Sustainability Position

The council voted to accept a private donation totaling $75,000 over three years to help fund the Community Development Department’s sustainability assistant planner position.

Under the agreement, the donor will contribute $25,000 annually, helping maintain the position while reducing its reliance on local property tax funding.

Property Tax Exemptions Move Forward

Councilors also directed staff to prepare ordinances and resolutions updating several local property tax exemptions and credits.

The proposed changes would revise exemption amounts and eligibility requirements for elderly, disabled, blind and deaf residents, veterans and qualifying solar energy systems. Staff were also instructed to prepare a resolution adopting the state’s optional combat service tax credit.

Those proposals will continue to be reviewed by the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee during an upcoming fiscal policy workshop.

Ordinances Receive First Reading

Two ordinances were introduced and referred to committee for additional review, one which would revise the city’s wage schedules sent to the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee; and another proposing to rezone property at 0 Howard St. from medium density to Conservation, was referred to the Joint Planning Board and Planning, Licenses and Development Committee.

Right-of-Way Resolution Approved

The council also approved a resolution to discontinue a portion of the city’s right-of-way on Elm Street.

City officials said the action will help facilitate construction of a planned 18-unit condominium development while simplifying future water main improvements in the area.