Keene City Council Greenlights Major Downtown Infrastructure Overhaul with Revised Budget

Keene, NH – A transformative vision for downtown Keene is taking a significant step forward as the City Council has given its final approval to a revised and expanded infrastructure project. This ambitious endeavor, aimed at revitalizing the heart of the city, now comes with an updated price tag of $25.2 million, a necessary adjustment from the initial $19 million estimate to accommodate crucial enhancements and unforeseen cost escalations.

The comprehensive project is designed to modernize Keene's aging underground utilities and dramatically improve the public realm.

Key additions to the plan include the integration of a dedicated shared-use path along Gilbo Avenue, promising safer and more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Furthermore, the scope now encompasses extensive stormwater improvements to bolster the city's resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, alongside the installation of new, durable water mains to ensure reliable service for decades to come.

City Council discussions were robust, reflecting the magnitude of the investment and its potential impact on both taxpayers and downtown businesses.

Councilors carefully weighed the benefits of these long-term improvements against the immediate financial implications and the anticipated disruptions during construction. Ultimately, the consensus leaned towards the necessity of a forward-thinking approach, recognizing that deferring these vital upgrades would only lead to greater costs and challenges in the future.

Financing for this substantial undertaking will be a multi-pronged approach, leveraging a combination of bonds through tax anticipation notes, a significant portion of American Rescue Plan funds, and optimistic projections for state aid.

While the project represents a considerable commitment, city officials have emphasized strategies to mitigate the impact on local property taxes, striving for a balanced approach to funding the city's future.

The downtown infrastructure overhaul is not merely about replacing pipes and paving roads; it's about crafting a more vibrant, resilient, and welcoming city center.

There is also discussion about potentially weaving public art into the fabric of the project, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal and unique character of Keene. While residents and businesses are bracing for the inevitable construction phases, there is an underlying sense of excitement about the long-term benefits – improved walkability, enhanced public spaces, and a downtown built to thrive.

With this crucial approval, Keene is set to embark on a multi-year construction journey.

City management is committed to transparent communication and proactive measures to minimize inconvenience for the community throughout the project's duration. The downtown infrastructure project is poised to redefine Keene's core, ensuring it remains a dynamic and functional hub for generations to come.