KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The full Keene City Council at its first meeting of 2025 last night approved the final design details for the multi-year Downtown Infrastructure Improvement and Reconstruction Project.
The 12-1 vote followed a unanimous recommendation by the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee. The project, set to modernize the downtown area while replacing aging underground utilities, will move forward pending further review by the Finance, Organization, and Personnel (FOP) Committee, which is scheduled to meet on Jan.  9 to discuss the potential of delaying construction by one year.
Councilor Mitchell Greenwald emphasized the long-term benefits of the project, noting that it is intended to serve “the betterment of all Keene residents, visitors, merchants, restaurants, and property owners.” He expressed disappointment at the lack of public feedback during the meeting, adding, “We are all in this together.”
Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier answers questions before the City Council approved the final design for the downtown project last night/Nicole Colson
The approved design includes surface-level enhancements such as upgraded sidewalk treatments, ornamental lighting, fluted traffic signal bases, and new street furnishings, as well as a gateway arch and shade structure at Railroad Square. The project will be carried out in three phases, starting with Central Square in 2026, followed by work on Gilbo Avenue, Railroad Square, and Main Street.
During past discussions, business owners raised concerns about the economic toll of the proposed three-year construction timeline, including reduced parking and disruptions to customer access. In response, Public Works Director Don Lussier outlined plans to hire an ombudsman who will act as a liaison between the construction team and local businesses.
Additionally, the city will host monthly public update meetings called “Coffee and Hard Hats,” where residents and business owners can engage directly with project managers, ask questions, and voice concerns.
Despite overall support, several councilors proposed amendments to the design. Councilor Randy Filiault introduced a motion to remove the shade structure at Railroad Square, citing high costs and unclear functionality. The council ultimately decided to keep the structure as a bid alternate, deferring the final decision until later in the process.
Other amendments included bidding separately on trash compactors vs. receptacles.
Councilor Greenwald noted the importance of moving forward while remaining open to future changes. “Cost, design, and long-term function were carefully considered, and we’ve made the best choices we can at this stage,” he said.
Keene Mayor Jay Kahn echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to prioritize the pedestrian experience. “The pedestrian’s experience is in these details. This is an important step in the process.”