KEENE, N.H. (mykeenenow)  The City of Keene’s Finance, Organization, and Personnel (FOP) Committee is considering delaying the $17.4 million Main Street revitalization project  a year, citing the need for more discussion and review of its impact on downtown businesses. A special meeting of the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee will take place next week to review the project’s final design and provide further recommendations.

The decision followed last night’s meeting, where local business owners expressed concerns about the potential economic toll of construction. The project, intended to modernize infrastructure and improve pedestrian and traffic safety, has raised fears about how prolonged disruptions might affect downtown businesses already navigating challenging economic conditions.

Many called for a delay to allow more time for planning and collaboration between the city and local businesses.

One business owner emphasized that the economic health of downtown depends on its businesses, not new bike lanes or crosswalks. They noted that during a similar project years ago, neighboring businesses reported losing 20 to 25 percent of their revenue.

Other business owners stressed the need for a detailed mitigation plan to minimize disruptions during construction. One stated that the project timeline feels rushed, with only five months to prepare. Another raised concerns about parking availability and access to their storefronts once construction begins.

Public Works Director Don Lussier acknowledged that delaying the project could increase costs by approximately $1 million due to inflation but noted that it might also allow for a more thorough resolution of stakeholders’ concerns.

Several business owners supported a delay, arguing that the extra time would allow the city to refine its approach, communicate better with the community, and develop realistic solutions. Without these steps, many expressed doubt about the project’s ability to balance infrastructure improvements with the economic stability of downtown.

A special meeting of the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee will take place next week to review the project’s final design and provide further recommendations, and is expected to address some of the questions raised by business owners.