KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow)  The Keene City Council took up a wide range of city business Thursday night, but the continuing reconstruction of downtown and its effect on businesses, parking and upcoming events was among the meeting’s most immediate issues.

Councilors approved a measure to make on-street parking downtown free through the end of 2026, while maintaining existing time limits and enforcement. The change comes as the city’s major downtown reconstruction project continues to move through Central Square and disrupts parking, traffic patterns and pedestrian access.

The council also discussed preparations for the Keene Pumpkin Festival, including the possibility of extending the event footprint into Central Square while construction is underway. City staff will work with festival organizers on the logistics and costs and return with revised authorization language at the council’s Oct. 1 meeting.

The temporary parking change followed a request from The Perch owner Warren Steinberg for free parking in areas affected by construction. The council’s action expanded the relief beyond the immediate construction zones to downtown on-street parking generally.

Thompson Road Right-of-Way Addressed

The council held a public hearing on a long-standing right-of-way issue on Thompson Road that came to light during stabilization work on the roadway.

Public Works Director Don Lussier told councilors that the road’s layout dates to before 1836 and was confirmed by the city that year. The historic right-of-way was only 33 feet wide, while the traveled portion had narrowed to roughly 12.5 feet before the city undertook stabilization work.

The project included retaining walls and roadway improvements intended to address cracking, settling and movement of the hillside. A subsequent survey found that portions of the existing pavement did not match the historic right-of-way and that infrastructure associated with the project extended onto three private parcels.

The council approved the process to add a combined 5,098 square feet to the public right-of-way. The changes will encompass portions of pavement, retaining walls, guardrails and other infrastructure.

Rather than requiring the city to acquire the underlying land outright, councilors also approved continuing the historic easement approach for the affected strips of property. The city will have the right to use the land for highway purposes while ownership remains with the abutting property owners.

The city will negotiate compensation with the affected property owners based on independent valuation. Lucier said the compensation will come from the remaining Thompson Road project balance. He also noted that one property owner’s request for compensation for mature trees removed during construction was incorporated into the city’s offer.

Lussier thanked the affected property owners for their cooperation and said the completed work has made the road safer.

The hearing also included questions from Thompson Road resident Pat Walker about the history of her property’s acreage and taxation, as well as what happened to state funding associated with the project. City staff advised Walker to work with the city assessor’s office to clarify the property’s subdivision history and any available appeal process.

Affordable Housing Project Moves Forward

The council received a mid-grant update on the Roosevelt West Housing project at the former Roosevelt School site on Washington Street.

The $11.6 million project is receiving $750,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding and will create 30 permanently affordable apartments — 22 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units. Five apartments are designated for households experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of becoming homeless.

Construction began in November 2025, with completion expected in April 2027.

Carolyn Sweet of Keene Housing told the council that the first phase of the redevelopment, Roosevelt East, opened its 30 apartments in May and reached full occupancy within 45 days.

She said Roosevelt West is expected to serve a similar need, while also helping improve a prominent Washington Street gateway and potentially encouraging additional investment in the area.

The apartments are permanent affordable housing rather than time-limited transitional units. Residents must remain income-eligible, but there is no predetermined length of stay.

Cedarcrest Plans HVAC Improvements

Councilors also reviewed a $25,000 CDBG planning grant awarded to the Cedarcrest Center for an HVAC feasibility study.

The study focuses on the classroom wing’s mechanical system, which was installed in 2001 and is increasingly outdated. Cedarcrest serves a medically fragile population, making reliable temperature and air-quality controls particularly important.

President and CEO Jay Haston said the existing system uses an outdated refrigerant and has become increasingly expensive to maintain. Cedarcrest has selected an engineering firm and begun the assessment, which could form the basis for a future grant to complete the improvements.

The project was extended through Dec. 31, 2026, after delays in selecting an engineering firm.

Council Confirms Human Rights Committee Appointment

The council unanimously confirmed Julia Odato as a regular voting member of the Human Rights Committee, with her term running through Dec. 31, 2028.

The appointment moves her from alternate status to a full voting position.

Dogs, Data Centers and Other Committee Business

Councilors advanced several measures from their committee work.

The council moved forward with an ordinance amendment concerning dogs at licensed downtown community events. The issue has particular relevance to the Pumpkin Festival and follows a request to reconsider existing restrictions.

Councilors also referred a proposal for a temporary moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency-mining facilities to the Planning Board for review.

Other actions approved Thursday included:

Accepting $46,988 in New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network funding for youth services.
Co-applying with Cheshire County for a $6,519 federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant.

  • Accepting FAA and New Hampshire Department of Transportation funding for Phase II of the airport wildlife perimeter fence.
  • Carrying forward $32,500 in unspent personnel funding for Community Development Department projects.
  • Extending the performance period for a 2025 Homeland Security hazmat equipment grant.
    Authorizing the purchase of a new ambulance for the Fire Department under the FY2028 replacement program.
  • Amending Land and Water Conservation Fund support for Patricia T. Russell Park, including additional funding and an extended completion deadline.
  • Entering into an agreement with KeyNetGPS for Public Works.
  • Authorizing a change order of up to $65,325 for the City Hall parking garage rehabilitation project.
  • Selling three surplus ZOLL Z Vent ventilators to Fitzwilliam for $6,000, with a separate resolution planned to appropriate the proceeds toward swift-water rescue dry suits.

The council also directed staff to continue work on an amenity plan for Robin Hood Park and establish an online feedback option for residents who could not attend a recent public session.

Adult Education Highlighted

The meeting included a proclamation recognizing Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Sept. 13–19.

Heather Jasmine, director of SAU 29 Adult Education and Literacy Programs, said Keene’s adult education program has operated since 1967 and serves students pursuing diplomas and high school equivalency credentials, English-language learners and people entering skilled-trades apprenticeship programs.

City figures cited during the proclamation showed 51 students participated in the adult diploma program during the past year, with 22 earning diplomas. Another 53 students were preparing for the HiSET, while the English-language program served 91 students from 30 countries. Skilled-trades programs served 134 students.

Jasmine said the programs provide benefits beyond the individual students, pointing to increased earnings and tax revenue associated with higher educational attainment.

She also discussed the impact of a recent immigration enforcement action on the community’s English-language learners. Jasmine said two students left the area following an ICE detention and enrollment inquiries dropped significantly.

Teachers subsequently reached out individually to students and offered online options for those who were uncomfortable attending in person. Jasmine said attendance had since rebounded and described the community’s response as encouraging.

Dottie Morris Recognized

Mayor Jay Kahn proclaimed Sept. 18 as Dottie Morris Day in Keene, recognizing Morris for her years of work in education and community leadership.

The proclamation cited her work at Keene State College, service on the city’s Human Rights Committee and contributions to the city’s 2021 Declaration of Inclusion. It also recognized her involvement in establishing local Black History Month programming and work with the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition.

Morris, who is leaving the area for New York State, thanked the council and community for the recognition.

She said she originally expected to remain in Keene for five years but stayed considerably longer, adding that she intends to remain connected to the community.

Immigration Resources Discussed

The mayor also updated the council on follow-up work after the city’s recent special meeting concerning federal immigration enforcement.

Councilors received copies of letters sent to the governor and state public safety commissioner, along with the commissioner’s response. The mayor noted that the state has joined the federal 287(g) program, while the Keene Police Department has not.

The council also received a packet from Project Home containing immigration-related resources and contacts for residents. Councilors were directed to make sure the information is available to residents who have questions or concerns.

The city is also working on an immigration FAQ and updating language related to police and federal-agency coordination.

Other City Business

The council received communications concerning a request for city ownership of water and sewer infrastructure at Cottage Court, a proposed traffic study and safety assessment for School Street, a resignation from the Board of Assessors, and a request concerning water-metering standards at another cottage court development.

Councilors also heard an update on proposed amendments to the Keene Community Power program.

The meeting included discussion of the city’s audited FY2025 financial statements, as well as updates from the City Manager on Robin Hood Park, electric bikes and personal electric vehicles, potential future transit-provider changes, the Pumpkin Festival, immigration resources and the identification of Fire Department vehicles.

The council also approved amendments to the city’s food-service ordinance, bringing it in line with the 2022 FDA Food Code.

A resolution concerning funding for the Marlboro Street and Cheshire Rail Trail Improvements Project was also on the evening’s agenda.