KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The City Council’s Planning, Licenses and Development Committee approved a series of significant measures ranging from LGBTQIA+ community recognition to fireworks display regulations. Every item on the agenda passed unanimously.

Honoring the LGBTQIA+ Community

Councilor Philip Jones led the charge on a proposed resolution to honor Keene’s LGBTQIA+ community. The resolution, which aims to update the city’s existing Declaration of Inclusion with more empowering and inclusive language, received broad support from both fellow councilors and public speakers.

Jones emphasized revising outdated language—such as replacing terms like “lifestyles” with “sexual orientation and gender identity”—and collaborating with community members and city staff to craft respectful and accurate updates. Mohammed Saleh of the Keene Human Rights Committee praised the effort and called it a timely and important step.

The committee voted to place the resolution on more time to allow for careful drafting and public review. There was also discussion about making Keene a “sanctuary city” for LGBTQIA+ individuals and revisiting the wording on city plaques and documents.

The Keene Pride Festival, scheduled for September 21, 2025, was approved for expanded hours and footprint. Organizers requested road closures throughout downtown to accommodate growing attendance and over 115 vendor booths and recommended installing infrastructure like data and audio cables during reconstruction to better support events in the long term. Councilors and staff discussed using physical barriers rather than heavy city equipment for future festivals, prioritizing safety and minimizing disruption during ongoing downtown construction.

Fireworks Policy Tightened to Balance Tradition and Public Health

Councilor Robert Williams led a continued discussion on a proposed citywide fireworks policy aimed at reducing environmental impact and community disruption.

Key provisions of the draft policy include:

  • Limiting fireworks displays to five per year citywide
  • No more than three displays at any single location
  • Preserving the traditional July 4th celebration
  • Ensuring equitable distribution of permits
  • Requiring property owner permission
  • Aligning with state licensing regulations

Fire Marshal Rick Wood explained that recent changes in state law will require enhanced certification for non-consumer displays, which will aid enforcement.

Tax Incentives and Zoning Updates to Support Housing Revitalization

The committee approved the adoption of the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive. Councilor Williams and others discussed expanding the program to offer tax incentives for renovating aging housing stock, especially in downtown areas. Ideas included support for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the potential hiring of a consultant to draft new program language.

Additionally, the committee advanced updates to the city’s zoning map and development code, including:

  • Re-zoning 425 Marlboro Street from Neighborhood Business to Low Densit
  • Allowing feather signs in industrial districts
  • Modifying parking requirements for single-family homes

These items remain on more time as part of the city’s broader effort to modernize land use regulations.

The full City Council is expected to review many of these items in upcoming sessions.