Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School Street triplex conversion (PB-26-16)
A two-family home at 128-130 School Street could become a three-unit building if the Cottage Court Conditional Use Permit is granted. It's the kind of small-scale infill housing that adds units without new construction, but neighbors may weigh in on parking and neighborhood character.
Expansion of permitted uses in Commerce, Industrial, and Industrial Park zones
Mayor Kahn asked the city to analyze commercial/industrial vacancies and update land use codes to attract and retain growing businesses, citing condominium-style industrial space and businesses needing room to expand. The committee kept the request on More Time.
Bus depot operations proposed at 59 Optical Ave.
Board discussion revealed that a transportation operations center isn't a permitted use anywhere in Keene, yet historically significant operations like UPS ran in the area under older zoning. Members suggested the community should consider amending the ordinance rather than handling such uses case-by-case through variances.
Findings of Fact practice and streamlining board votes
Alternate Stephen Buckley flagged that state law (RSA 676:3) requires boards to state findings of fact — especially on denials — or risk automatic reversal on appeal. The board will consult the city attorney and consider adding a formal findings step to its rules of procedure.
Zoning Amendment Process Ordinance (O-2026-08)
A new ordinance about how the city changes its zoning rules got a first reading and went to committee — it shapes how future zoning changes happen.
Old Walpole Road subdivision and wetland protection
A 10.6-acre parcel will be split into two lots, with a 300-foot driveway crossing about 7,815 square feet of wetland buffer; the design minimizes impact and includes stormwater controls.
Neighborhood / Activity Core Areas ('Neighborhood Nodes')
The panel was to discuss the concept of neighborhood nodes — walkable mixed-use centers — as part of Keene's ongoing planning work.
Carriage barn conversion to dwelling at 87 Water St
Elm City Properties wants to turn a carriage barn into a dwelling unit on a tiny single-family lot in a preservation district. It's a test of how flexibly the city treats small-scale infill housing in older neighborhoods.
Garage setback variance at 56 Birch Street
A family of six wants to replace a one-bay garage with a two-bay garage plus living space above, requiring a four-foot encroachment into the ten-foot side setback on a narrow 1940s-era lot. The board found the home's vintage layout creates a genuine hardship and that the addition fits the neighborhood.
Driveway width exception appeal at 31 Robbins Road
Property owner Karin Royce is challenging the City Engineer's denial of an exception to the driveway width rules in the Land Development Code. The outcome determines what driveway access she can build on her 0.41-acre lot.
HB 457 Follow-Up on Dwelling Unit Zoning
A 2025 state law restricting how municipalities can zone dwelling units took effect September 13, 2025. The panel was to discuss how Keene should respond or update its own rules to comply.
Proposed state elimination of variance hardship requirement
A 2026 state bill would strike the hardship requirement from variance applications, one of the five criteria boards apply. The city's zoning staff thinks that guts meaningful review — if it passes, variances could become much easier to get in Keene.