Summary
STA wants to run its dispatch, bus storage and maintenance operation out of 59 Optical Ave., close to a quiet, historic residential street. Neighbors worry about diesel fumes, early-morning noise, backup alarms and truck traffic, and the board won't decide until August 3.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 3, 2026.
Impact analysis
Applicants say the vacant 53,000-square-foot building will be fully leased and back on the tax rolls by year's end, but neighbors say their property values and tax bills won't benefit.
The property owner, STA, and the city's tax base if the building fills with tenants.
Marlboro Street residents say they'd bear diesel exhaust, noise, and traffic on a street already squeezed by the asphalt plant and Route 101.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Aug 3, 2026
Student Transportation of America wanted to centralize its Keene school bus operations at 59 Optical Ave., next to a residential neighborhood. Neighbors pushed back hard on diesel exhaust, backup-alarm noise, and 6:30 AM departures — and the board unanimously agreed the use doesn't fit the Industrial Park District. The zoning code doesn't allow transportation centers anywhere in Keene, which several board members said may warrant a legislative fix.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Jul 6, 2026
STA wants to run its dispatch, bus storage and maintenance operation out of 59 Optical Ave., close to a quiet, historic residential street. Neighbors worry about diesel fumes, early-morning noise, backup alarms and truck traffic, and the board won't decide until August 3.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Jun 1, 2026
A property owner wants to bring Student Transportation of America — which runs Keene's school bus routes — into a vacant industrial building, parking about 25 buses near homes on Marlborough Street. Neighbors say diesel fumes, early-morning engine noise, and bus traffic will hurt their health, air quality, and property values. The board will take the question up again July 6.
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