KEENE, NH – The fate of the Downtown Infrastructure Improvement and Reconstruction project now lies in the hands of the full Keene City Council, as the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure committee has made a recommendation.
In a meeting Wednesday evening the committee proposed a motion stating that; Central Square will remain in its existing configuration with improvements to lane markings, crosswalks, traffic and street lights, that the sidewalk space be maximized without losing any existing parking, the proposed raised crossing at Railroad Street and Gilbo Avenue will be included and current crossings along the strip will be evaluated and improved, the project will include infrastructure for public restrooms, there will be turning improvements for connected side streets, Gilbo Avenue will remain two ways, and a protected bike lane will not be included in the final design.
The topic of bike lanes took the bulk of the discussion Wednesday night and at previous meetings. Councilor Catherine Workman said since that aspect of the project seemed to be important to the community, she wanted to be able to have a deeper discussion about it with the public.
Many members of the public spoke, mostly on the topic of bike lanes. It remained a mixed bag of some people for and other people against it. Some community members felt that bike lanes were important Downtown to help bring more customers to the area, while others were concerned about safety, and with changing the entire Downtown to accommodate two blocks of bike lanes.
Ultimately, Councilor Bobby Williams moved to amend the motion on the table to include bike lanes in the final design. That motion failed 3-2. He also moved to amend the motion to include some version of a redesign of Central Square, which did not receive a second.
The motion passed as written 3-2 with Councilors Williams and Workman opposed. The matter will appear on the full council agenda on June 1st, where councilors will continue to discuss it and can make amendments as they see fit.
