KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Mayor Jay Kahn discussed downtown construction, housing, municipal finances, seasonal events, public services and potential regulations for data centers during his monthly appearance Monday on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio.

Kahn and host Dan Mitchell also looked at the economic activity generated by recent community events and what is ahead as Keene moves further into the fall.

The city has seen a busy stretch of events, including the DeMar marathon, Keene State College homecoming activities, the firemen’s parade, the international festival, the film festival and other community celebrations. Kahn said those events bring visitors who contribute to local hotels, restaurants and retailers.

The marathon attracted participants from 36 states and five countries, while Keene State athletic events also brought athletes, teams and families to the area. The Radically Rural conference was expected to draw approximately 450 to 500 visitors from outside the city.

With peak foliage expected this week, Kahn also pointed to Keene Pumpkin Fest and the upcoming tree lighting as additional events that will bring activity to downtown.

Downtown Construction and Parking

Kahn said the Main Street construction project could continue into the winter if weather conditions allow. He said the city and contractor are considering using two crews, potentially allowing work to proceed from opposite ends of the project and extend toward Water Street.

The city is also continuing its experiment with free downtown parking through Dec. 31. Kahn said the change is intended to evaluate whether eliminating parking fees affects downtown activity, while acknowledging that the city will lose parking revenue that normally supports the parking system and related maintenance.

Other infrastructure projects remain under consideration. The Ashuelot River dam continues to be included in the city’s capital improvement planning, although no final decision has been made on whether it will ultimately remain or be removed.

New Development and Housing

Kahn discussed the recent opening of the Monadnock Conservancy’s new headquarters on Ashuelot Street, a carbon-neutral building constructed using locally harvested ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer.

Plans for the surrounding area include a city playground, additional parking, pollinator gardens, meeting space and improved river access.

The city is also looking at development opportunities along Gilbo Avenue and West Street, including the potential for housing. Any proposals would still need to go through the appropriate planning and historic-district review processes.

Kahn also discussed the recently approved solar pavilion near the Keene Farmers’ Market. The site was selected after the city considered factors including solar exposure and the potential payback from the project.

The pavilion is expected to provide shade and event space, accommodate food trucks and include limited parking while helping bring additional activity to Gilbo Avenue.

Einbeck Partnership Highlighted

Keene’s long-standing partnership with Einbeck, Germany, was another topic during the conversation.

Kahn noted that the relationship recently received attention from Germany’s consul general and said approximately 65 visitors from Einbeck came to Keene during the previous year.

Heating Assistance and Public Services

As colder weather approaches, heating assistance remains an issue for local residents. Kahn discussed fuel costs, federal funding and the city’s responsibilities related to municipal welfare as demand for assistance increases.

Homelessness and other community needs also remain ongoing concerns for the city.

The mayor and Mitchell also discussed education funding, school-related costs, education vouchers, local property taxes and proposals that could place limits on future spending.

Elections and Data Centers

Election administration was another topic, including the role of election volunteers, voter turnout, audits and procedures involving college students who vote in Keene.

Kahn also addressed a proposed moratorium related to data centers. He said establishing clear definitions will be an important part of developing any local regulations.

The discussion included a distinction between the existing FirstLight facility in Keene and the type of large-scale operation that could raise broader concerns. Kahn described the existing facility as relatively small compared with a hypothetical 300,000-square-foot, five-gigawatt data center.

The proposed moratorium would give the city time to establish local rules governing such facilities and determine how they should be defined and regulated.

Kahn’s monthly WKBK appearance provides a regular opportunity for residents to hear updates on city projects and discuss issues facing Keene as the city moves into the fall and winter months.

Listen to the full interview: