KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow)  In a closely watched decision, the Keene City Council voted 11-4 last night to delay the start of the $17.4 million downtown infrastructure reconstruction project by one year, pushing its start date to 2026. The delay, recommended unanimously by the city’s Finance, Organization, and Personnel (FOP) Committee last week, aims to secure federal funding and reduce the project’s impact on local businesses.

Key Factors in the Delay

City Manager Elizabeth Dragon had presented a compelling case for the delay, emphasizing the potential for the city to secure millions in federal aid through a more competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application. The city’s first attempt to obtain the grant was unsuccessful last year, but Dragon expressed optimism that finalized designs and support from New Hampshire’s congressional delegation could bolster the city’s chances.

The delay also allows for additional collaboration with contractors and increased communication with downtown stakeholders, Dragon said.

Councilor Randy Filiault, who proposed the delay after hearing from concerned business owners, highlighted the financial and operational challenges the three-year project could impose on downtown merchants. “This delay provides us with a chance to minimize disruption, secure vital funding, and do this project right,” Filiault stated.

Business and Community Perspectives

Several downtown business owners supported the delay, citing concerns about foot traffic and revenue losses during prolonged construction. Beth Doyle, owner of Moe’s, said the extra time would allow businesses to better prepare and adapt.

Not everyone agreed with the decision. Local business owner Jared Goodell warned that postponing the project could lead to higher costs due to inflation and delay addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Grant Funding and Legislative Support

Securing federal funding is a top priority for city officials. Dragon confirmed ongoing outreach to New Hampshire senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan to strengthen the city’s RAISE grant application, which is due at the end of January. A representative from Senator Shaheen’s office expressed support for the delay, calling it a prudent move given uncertainties in construction costs and funding availability.

Risks of Delay

While most councilors supported the delay, some expressed concerns about potential risks. Councilor Edward Haas reluctantly backed the postponement but cautioned that rising construction costs could offset any financial benefits gained from securing federal funding.

Councilor Robert C. Williams, who voted against the delay, questioned whether postponing would truly mitigate the challenges faced by businesses or merely delay the inevitable.

Additional Actions Taken

In a related decision, the council approved a request from the Greater Monadnock Collaborative to reschedule the 30th-anniversary celebration of “Jumanji”—filmed in Keene—from April 11-13, 2025 to June 20–22, 2025, to accommodate the new project timeline.

Next Steps

With the delay approved, city staff will revise the project timeline, targeting fall 2025 for issuing bids and spring 2026 for the start of construction. Officials plan to use the additional time to strengthen communication with downtown stakeholders and finalize grant applications.

“This isn’t about stopping the project; it’s about ensuring we approach it thoughtfully and with the community’s best interests in mind,” Filiault said during a recent interview on WKBK.