KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Keene City Council met on Thursday for their final session before the summer recess to address a proposed amendment to the city’s Land Development Code. In Mayor Jay Kahn’s absence, Councilor Mitch Greenwald presided over the meeting, which centered on a public hearing on an ordinance that aims to amend regulations for charitable gaming facilities in Keene. City Planner Mari Brunner presented the key aspects of the ordinance, which seeks to establish new definitions and guidelines for charitable gaming operations within the city. The proposed changes include:

Definition and Permissions: The ordinance would formally define charitable gaming facilities and allow their operation in specified areas within the commerce district, subject to certain standards.

Location and Use Standards:

  • Facilities would be restricted to one per lot.
  • They must be located on arterial roads or within plazas with frontage on these roads.
  • The gaming area must have a minimum size of 10,000 square feet.
  • Distance requirements include a 500-foot separation from other gaming facilities, 200 feet from places of worship, and 250 feet from residential areas.

During the hearing, residents voiced concerns that the distance requirements could negatively impact churches that host bingo events. Councilors acknowledged the need for further review on this issue. There were also suggestions to consider repurposing vacant spaces in shopping centers for gaming facilities if the ordinance is enacted.

Additionally, the ordinance proposes that 2 percent of parking spaces at gaming facilities be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, prompting discussion about whether similar requirements should be applied to other city developments.

Feedback from the public highlighted the need for a balanced approach that considers both community impact and the facilitation of charitable gaming operations. The council plans to review all comments and recommendations before making a final decision.

Written comments will be accepted until 1 p.m. on Sept. 10. The ordinance will return to the committee for further deliberation and potential revisions.