KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Keene Planning Board has approved a change of use request to convert a space on Key Road from an existing retail space to a charitable gaming facility.

Previously, the city’s Zoning Board approved a variance that clears the way for the Revo Casino, currently located on Emerald Street in Keene, to occupy the building, purchased last year by Manchester developer Dick Anagnost. Anagnost, who owns the casino with his son, told the Zoning Board the plaza’s proximity to hotels and major roadways makes it an attractive location. He said the relocation could happen within 12 to 18 months and would allow for future expansion.

That waiver was required because the City of Keene recently adopted an ordinance that, among other things, requires casinos to be at least 250 feet from residential properties. Brookbend West, an affordable housing complex owned by Keene Housing, is 170 feet away. Board members weighed that distance carefully. Anagnost emphasized, however, that the casino entrance does not face the apartments and activity at the rear of the building would remain minimal.

At their meeting Monday evening, the Planning Board approved the change of use request to accommodate a roughly 15,000 square foot change from a retail mixed use, to include 180 gaming positions, a 75-seat restaurant, and 1,000 square feet of storage and office space. The application also included additional parking spaces, landscaping, parking lot lighting fixtures, and screening.

The casino would be located at 133 Key Road, the current location of Toy City.

“I grew up going to Toy City so there’s some heart burn for me seeing that change, but, you know, change happens,” Board Chair Michael Remy said. “It’s not part of our purview to review whether we agree with the change of use, just whether it makes sense.”

Steve Levy, owner of Toy City said earlier this month that his current lease expires in 2027 with an option for a five-year extension. He said he had been mulling over his options and noted that he would like the business to stay in Keene, and he does not like the idea of moving.

“Really there’s three options, as I can see it: you close, you move, or you sell the business, and whoever buys the business moves,” Levy said. “But I still love the job so I would like to stick around, and I would like to keep Toy City going in Keene, so it’s just a matter of do I move, or do I close?”.

As of September 4, Levy had not heard from Anagnost and said he would conduct business as usual in the meantime.

Mayor Jay Kahn said the use of the space as a charitable gaming facility is in-line with the city’s new zoning rules.

“It is a use that is what was forecasted and anticipated with the zoning changes that the city undertook, I think it’s in conformance, and I have no reservations with this request.”