KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Mayor Jay Kahn addressed a range of local issues during his monthly appearance Monday morning on WKBK Radio’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell, encouraging residents to participate in Tuesday’s election while offering updates on downtown construction, housing development, transportation projects and the city’s future planning priorities.

With Election Day approaching, Kahn discussed voter participation, ballot Question 2 and the importance of making sure eligible residents, including college students, have an opportunity to cast their ballots.

Kahn recommended voting against Question 2, which concerns property-tax limitations, saying he believes the existing options available to municipalities are preferable.

“I’m recommending people vote no and leave it to the devices that currently exist,” Kahn said.

He also addressed questions surrounding college students voting in New Hampshire, emphasizing that students who live in the state while attending college should not be discouraged from participating in elections.

“We should not be discouraging people who are here for four years from voting,” Kahn said.

He explained that eligible students can register and vote by providing the required identification or completing the applicable affidavit establishing their residency.

Kahn said he anticipated strong turnout for the midterm election and indicated that the city was prepared for Tuesday’s voting, with polling places being readied and sufficient election workers expected to be available. The mayor said he volunteered to take an additional polling shift and would be working the morning shift in Ward 5.

Central Square construction and downtown accessibility

Much of the conversation focused on the ongoing Central Square reconstruction and the work taking place along Main Street.

Kahn praised Casella Construction for its progress and efforts to keep downtown businesses accessible while the extensive infrastructure project moves forward.

“I applaud Casella… for helping downtown remain open and accessible during their construction period. It’s really, really a professional job,” he said.

The mayor noted that construction activity advanced more quickly than anticipated, with underground utility and sewer work continuing through the Central Square area. Some finishing work will be postponed until spring, with the second phase of the project targeted for completion in 2027.

Kahn also discussed the proposed traffic configuration around Central Square, expressing support for two 11-foot travel lanes within the planned 22-foot roadway area. He said the arrangement would accommodate the raised crosswalk and maintain a familiar traffic pattern for motorists.

The final decision rests with the City Council, and Kahn noted that adjustments could be made later if the configuration does not work as intended.

Despite the disruption associated with a major downtown infrastructure project, the mayor stressed that Keene remains open for business and continues to offer an appealing destination for residents, visitors and prospective businesses.

“Downtown is open. Number one, and number two, we are still an attractive beacon in this part of the state,” Kahn said.

Housing development brings new opportunities

Housing was another significant topic, particularly the potential for new residential units in and around downtown.

Kahn discussed plans for approximately 40 apartments, primarily one-bedroom and efficiency units, at the former Monadnock Family Services property and a nearby building. He indicated that construction activity at the properties could become more noticeable during November.

The mayor also referenced the 58 apartments that have opened at a development on Marlboro Street, adding to Keene’s available housing inventory.

Discussing the downtown projects, Kahn suggested that the smaller apartment configurations could appeal to people looking to live close to the city’s amenities, including younger residents who might otherwise relocate elsewhere.

“They may, in fact, be building exactly something that people want, and it’ll retain young people in our community,” he said.

Kahn also addressed the future of Gilbo Avenue, describing an opportunity to approach the area’s redevelopment planning with a fresh perspective.

Rather than beginning with a predetermined development proposal, the city is considering a broader community planning process that could examine housing, resident parking, improved connections between West and Emerald streets, and potential public transportation service.

City Manager Elizabeth Dragon is pursuing a New Hampshire Plan grant that could help fund public planning sessions, known as charrettes, where residents and other stakeholders would have an opportunity to contribute ideas.

Transportation and public improvements

Kahn provided updates on several transportation-related initiatives, including the recently completed extension of the Heritage Rail Trail, which adds approximately three-quarters of a mile to the city’s walking and bicycling network.

He also discussed the longer-term Prouse Bridge project, which could cost several million dollars. Work associated with the Route 101 crossing is tentatively anticipated around 2031.

The mayor touched on the redesigned sections of Marlboro Street, where curves incorporated into the road layout are intended to encourage slower driving, particularly near an elementary school.

Public transportation was another subject, with Kahn discussing the anticipated return of Greyhound service connecting Keene with Nashua by way of Peterborough. Questions about the future location of the city’s transportation center remain part of the broader discussion.

The proposed public restroom downtown also remains in the city’s Capital Improvement Program. Kahn said the City Council is expected to revisit the available alternatives in the coming months, ahead of a potential decision about moving forward before the 2027 construction season.

Property reevaluation and the tax rate

Kahn also addressed the impact of Keene’s property reevaluation on the municipal tax rate.

He said the tax rate is expected to decrease following the reassessment, although the timing of the final rate confirmation remains uncertain.

Throughout the interview, Kahn returned to the importance of maintaining Keene’s appeal while accommodating growth, improving infrastructure and addressing residents’ needs.

From the ongoing transformation of Central Square to new housing opportunities and expanded transportation connections, the mayor said the city continues to have important projects underway as it looks toward the future.

Listen to the full interview: