KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — Several popular community events took a step forward this week, while city councilors signaled they want to take a closer look at a recently adopted zoning change during a meeting of the Keene City Council’s Planning, Licenses, and Development Committee.

The committee voted to recommend approval for multiple event requests, which will now move to the full city council for consideration.

Among them, Copper Cannon Distillery received a recommendation to once again participate at the 2026 Keene Farmers Market. City Clerk Terry Hood told the committee the distillery met all requirements, and councilors expressed support for its continued participation.

The Keene SwampBats were also recommended for approval to hold their annual Independence Eve fireworks display on July 3, 2026, at Alumni Field, which will also serve as the kickoff to the Monadnock 250 Celebration.

In addition, the committee recommended approval for the Keene Young Professionals’ Taste of Keene Food Festival, set for June 6, 2026. Organizers said the event will again include a token-based system for food purchases to help reduce wait times, along with road closures in the downtown area.

Pathways to Keene also received a recommendation for its annual “Four on the Fourth” road race on July 4, 2026. Organizers said they plan to coordinate logistics such as road closures and parking with city staff and the Monadnock 250th anniversary committee.

The committee further recommended approval for the Keene Pride Festival, scheduled for September 20, 2026. Both the food and Pride festivals will utilize an approved layout that will not include Central Square due to the Downtown Infrastructure Improvement and Reconstruction Project.

While those items moved forward with little opposition, councilors spent more time discussing a request to revisit amendments to the Land Development Code adopted last year. The request, brought forward by councilors Randy Filiault, Ed Haas, and Phil Jones, seeks a review of changes that increased the number of residential units allowed per building in medium-density districts from three to six, along with related setback requirements.

Some committee members raised concerns about how those changes may affect neighborhood character, while others pointed to the city’s need for additional housing and the potential benefits of increased density.

City planning staff outlined the current ordinance and recent changes which includes both the setback requirements and the increase in residential units among a few other changes, as councilors debated how best to approach a possible revision. Questions were also raised about how frequently developers had sought six-unit buildings prior to the change.

Several amendments are included in the ordinance. Ultimately, the committee voted to place the matter on more time, directing staff to return with options on how that one ordinance may be broken up to separate the different issues for easier consideration.

The discussion also prompted a brief exchange about council procedure, including how requests for additional time are handled and when direction to staff should come from the full council. Councilor Bobby Williams indicated that he may seek a preliminary vote from the full council before requesting more extensive staff work.

The ordinance review is expected to return to the committee at a future meeting.