KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene City Councilor Randy Filiault spoke on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio today about his call for a one-year delay to the downtown infrastructure project, citing concerns from local business owners about their ability to survive the disruption caused by construction.

Filiault detailed his proposal in a letter addressed to Mayor Jay Kahn and the city council, which will be presented at tomorrow’s council meeting.

According to Filiault, multiple downtown business owners have expressed fears about the financial strain the project—scheduled to begin in May of 2025—could place on their operations. These concerns are compounded by rising taxes, potential cutbacks in consumer spending, and the uncertain impact of “down-shifting” costs from the state to the city.

“The risks of losing businesses outweigh the risks of delaying this project,” Filiault stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of financial risks before moving forward. He acknowledged that postponing the project could result in increased costs but argued that preserving the downtown business community should take precedence.

The letter proposes that a one-year delay would provide the city with time to evaluate the financial implications of the state’s budgetary decisions, gather additional input from business owners, and ensure the project’s viability without jeopardizing the local economy.

The council is expected to refer Filiault’s proposal to the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure Committee (MSFI) for further discussion. If approved, the delay would also allow city officials to explore ways to mitigate potential harm to downtown businesses during future construction phases.

The downtown infrastructure project has been a key focus of Keene’s long-term development plans. However, concerns about its timing and financial feasibility have sparked debate among city officials and residents alike.

Listen to the full interview: