KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Downtown construction is entering a heavier phase of underground utility work, as business owners continue pressing the city for better communication, traffic management and steps to keep customers coming into the downtown during the multiyear project.

Those concerns were among the main topics Wednesday at the city’s monthly Coffee and Hard Hats meeting at the Keene Transportation Center.

The discussion comes as the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee prepares to consider a request Thursday night for temporary free parking within active downtown construction zones.

Water, Sewer Work Continues

Casella Construction has shifted its water-main work around Central Square after exploratory excavation uncovered conflicts with existing underground utilities. Crews have moved from the west side toward the north side of the Square, with additional water and sewer work expected in the coming weeks.

Tree-protection materials are being installed, while granite bollards are being removed to give construction equipment additional room.

The area is expected to remain visibly unfinished around Pumpkin Fest, with temporary paving and sidewalk patches potentially allowing pedestrian access but without the completed surfaces that will be installed later in the project.

Businesses Seek Changes for Pumpkin Fest

Business owners also questioned whether Pumpkin Fest could be expanded into portions of Central Square.

The current event footprint does not include the Square because of construction conditions, including limited power availability, unfinished surfaces and pedestrian-safety concerns. Merchants said keeping the Square outside the event area could further reduce foot traffic for businesses already dealing with construction impacts.

City officials indicated that an expanded footprint could be possible if the event can operate without some of the infrastructure normally associated with the festival. Any change would require coordination among the event organizers, city clerk, police, fire and public works departments.

Parking and Traffic Remain Concerns

Parking continues to be a major issue for downtown merchants. Business owners have raised concerns that changing closures, detours and limited parking are affecting customer behavior during the project, which is expected to continue through December 2028.

The city is considering whether temporarily waiving parking-meter fees in active construction areas could help businesses. Merchants were encouraged to attend Thursday’s Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee meeting, where the issue is on the agenda.

Officials also plan to review whether traffic could be distributed differently to reduce congestion on streets including School Street and Second Street.

Merchants Want Clearer Communication

Business owners said construction signs and message boards do not always make it clear whether a street or parking area is closed for the entire day or expected to reopen by 5 p.m.

The city and project team are also considering additional social-media messaging explaining construction conditions, detours and how customers can continue accessing downtown businesses.

Health and safety concerns were raised as well, particularly regarding dust during excavation. Officials reviewed existing dust-control measures, including wet cutting, misting and treatment of gravel areas. Whether broader air-quality monitoring is warranted remains under discussion.

Construction generally continues from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., although longer hours may occasionally be needed for utility work or other circumstances.

The city and contractor expect the project to remain on its current schedule, with work continuing into late November or early December this year and the overall project deadline remaining December 2028.

The next Coffee and Hard Hats meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 9 a.m. at the transportation center.

The Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee meets Thursday at 6 p.m. at Keene City Hall. The agenda includes a request for temporary free parking within active downtown construction zones.