City of Keene to Launch Monthly Public Information Sessions Ahead of Downtown Construction Project

The first “Coffee and Hard Hats” gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. at the Keene Transportation Center on Gilbo Avenue. City officials say the informal meetings are designed to give the public an opportunity to learn about upcoming construction activities, ask questions, and share concerns directly with project representatives.

Staff from the Public Works Department will attend the inaugural session along with project ombudsman George Downing. Beginning next month, members of the construction team and the firm overseeing project inspections are also expected to participate.

Officials said the meetings will be held monthly throughout the project and will offer updates on construction schedules, planned work, and anticipated impacts in the downtown area. The sessions are intended to complement, rather than replace, the more formal discussions that take place during City Council committee meetings.

Construction on the first phase of the downtown project, focused on the Central Square area, is expected to begin in mid-July and continue through November. With work set to start within weeks, city officials are encouraging downtown stakeholders to attend the meetings to stay informed and provide feedback as the project progresses.

In addition to the new monthly gatherings, Public Works staff will continue providing project updates during the City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee meetings, which are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at City Hall. Those meetings are open to the public and are also streamed online for viewing.