KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Mayor Jay Kahn took to the airwaves Wednesday morning, joining host Sean Patrik (filling in for Dan Mitchell) on WKBK Radio. The wide-ranging discussion covered key issues affecting Keene, from winter parking policies to downtown redevelopment, and opportunities for civic engagement.

Winter Parking Policies Under Review

One of the early topics of discussion was Keene’s new intermittent winter parking ban, which has faced challenges during the snowy season. Mayor Kahn acknowledged the difficulties, noting that the city is still evaluating the changes and will conduct a debrief once winter concludes.

“I think judging it in the middle of a winter is premature, maybe,” said Kahn. The city plans to assess the policy’s effectiveness and consider possible improvements for next year.

Planning for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Looking ahead to 2026, Mayor Kahn announced that Keene is beginning preparations for a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The city intends to form a committee dedicated to planning festivities, and officials are seeking community volunteers to contribute ideas and help coordinate events.

“Come on down,” Kahn encouraged listeners. “Actually, the way to sign up for your interest in a committee or commission, and there are 20 in the city with varying numbers of people between five and 15 on the different committees.”

Opportunities for Citizen Involvement

The mayor also highlighted the many ways Keene residents can participate in city governance. With numerous boards and commissions, including the planning board, zoning board of adjustment, and other advisory groups, there are ample opportunities for community members to get involved.

Keene’s land development code was another point of discussion, with Kahn describing it as a comprehensive document that provides design guidance. “It’s got about 30 divisions to it. It’s involved, but it’s got design guidance for people. It’s an important document,” he said.

Downtown Redevelopment Timeline Extended

On the topic of downtown redevelopment, Mayor Kahn confirmed that the project has been delayed until spring of 2026. The additional time will allow for further planning and better coordination with local businesses. The city remains committed to improving communication with stakeholders to ensure a smoother process.

The Importance of Nonpartisan Local Governance

Toward the end of the discussion, Kahn emphasized that Keene’s local government operates without partisan divisions, focusing instead on practical governance. “And thank goodness that is not something that the citizens of Keene, they do not desire it,” he said, underscoring the city’s preference for collaboration over political discord.

The interview showcased Mayor Kahn’s commitment to keeping the community informed and involved in Keene’s ongoing developments. With upcoming projects, citizen engagement opportunities, and a significant national celebration on the horizon, Keene residents have much to look forward to in the coming years.

Listen to the full interview: