Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Free downtown parking during construction
Main Street on-street parking is now free through the end of 2026 to help businesses survive the downtown construction project. Councilors openly worried it could pull traffic into neighborhoods, drain the Parking Fund, and may need revisiting in January.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination
The Board was scheduled to consider nominating an area for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, which can unlock federal tax incentives for investment in designated census tracts.
Assistant Sustainability Planner hiring
Private donors will give $25,000 a year for three years to fill the funding gap for the new Assistant Planner – Sustainability, allowing recruitment to begin for the position tracking climate and Master Plan goals.
Reinstatement of the College City Commission
Councilor Ruttle-Miller asked the Council to reinstate the College City Commission, which historically bridged town-gown relations between Keene and its colleges.
Downtown Small Business Grant
A Northern Border Regional Commission grant will support downtown Keene's roughly 100 small businesses — employing about 825 people — with marketing, events, and capacity building.
11 Central Square Restaurant Lease
After Town Square Tavern closed, the popular Nicola's restaurant will take over 11 Central Square under a recommended five-year lease. The adjacent 10 Central Square space stays vacant until improvements are made.