New firm to oversee construction of downtown project
Keene plans to bring a new engineering consultant aboard the city’s downtown infrastructure project next spring when construction begins.
Author: Sophia Keshmiri/Keene Sentinel
New workforce apartments to put a dent in housing shortage
Amid a statewide housing shortage, a religious nonprofit recently opened applications for more than 60 new workforce housing apartments in Peterborough.
As Keene updates master plan, housing is a top priority
As residents look toward Keene’s future, their feedback shows the housing crunch is the number one problem they want fixed, Keene Senior Planner Mari Brunner said. An updated version of the city’s master plan will reflect this, and includes examples of steps to be taken that align with measures experts say are needed to address the housing crisis affecting Keene and beyond.
City Council committee floats idea of another Keene roundabout
NHDOT crews could complete improvements for the intersection of Route 9 with Sullivan Road in eastern Keene in the next four to six weeks
Soil investigations among preparations for Keene’s downtown infrastructure work
On March 24, crews began investigating the soil conditions beneath Main Street and Central Square in Keene ahead of the downtown infrastructure project slated to kick off next year.
Numerous construction projects take shape in Keene this year
The various projects will improve pedestrian safety, and also include sewer, drainage and road work in some parts of the Elm City.
Keene councilors adopt ordinance changes to encourage housing
Both ordinances, which went into effect immediately, were intended to help Keene combat the housing crisis, and make it a more attractive place for developers and homeowners to add dwellings
Keene officials consider reducing parking requirements to encourage housing development
As communities across the country grapple with the housing shortage, reducing parking requirements is one way experts say municipalities can encourage housing development
Keene reapplies for multi-million dollar federal grant for downtown project
If the city is awarded the money, the three-year overhaul, planned to start in 2026, would be expanded to include the addition of public utilities down Gilbo Avenue
With consensus NH has a housing crisis, what was done about it in ’24?
As communities throughout the U.S. contend with the impact of the nationwide housing crisis, momentum has been building across the Monadnock region with a slew of efforts to address the problem
Plans for downtown Keene pavilion get significant boost from $1.8M grant
The pavilion, which is part of the upcoming three-year infrastructure project, would hold a solar array to power all of the lighting and events in downtown Keene
Delay of Keene downtown project teed up for Thursday vote
For City Councilor Randy Filiault, the impact of the upcoming downtown infrastructure project on businesses is top of mind
Local group says home-sharing could help ease region’s housing crisis
A local housing coalition believes it’s identified a way to immediately add housing stock to the limited supply in the Monadnock Region, without requiring new infrastructure, building permits or dramatic changes to zoning regulations
Chesterfield residents consider the affordable housing conundrum
In Chesterfield, homes are so pricey that most jobs in town don’t pay enough to cover costs, according to a housing needs assessment conducted for the community
Officials in Keene, Rindge eye impact of short-term rentals
Officials in Rindge are considering adjusting town zoning rules to address community concerns about short-term rentals such as Airbnbs
More news from NHBR:
NH economist lowers forecast for 2026
A key New Hampshire economist has trimmed down to 2.2% his forecast for the growth in the state's economy this for 2026, citing lackluster consumer confidence and the uncertainty of the U.S. war against Iran.
Federal data: Outdoor recreation generates $4.2B for NH economy
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) earlier this month released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data, reaffirming outdoor recreation as a major driver of New Hampshire’s economy and a significant contributor nationwide.
Executive Council pauses $773M federal rural health spending
The NH Executive Council paused the approval of $773 million in federal spending contracts for the “GO NORTH” rural health program Wednesday, March 4, putting the brakes on a major initiative of Gov. Kelly Ayotte after councilors said the contracts were rushed and needed more scrutiny.
Health issues are starting earlier in the workforce
Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employer-sponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, per-employee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026.
Christopher Ellms Jr. confirmed to chair PUC
Christopher Ellms Jr. received a 4-1 vote from the executive council on Wednesday, March 4, to become the next chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission.
MilliporeSigma’s Prescott Road project gets green light for grading in wetland buffer
The Jaffrey Zoning Board approved a request on March 3 allowing grading and earthwork within wetland setbacks on Prescott Road as part of MilliporeSigma’s plan to improve wastewater treatment capacity at its facility.
NH Media Teachers and Media Power Youth partner to expand state film festival
New Hampshire Media Teachers and Media Power Youth (MPY) have announced a strategic partnership for the 2026 NH High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF). This collaboration introduces a new category designed to celebrate the students, educators and community members who help New Hampshire’s schools and neighborhoods thrive.
Uneven trends in income and poverty across New Hampshire
New U.S. Census Bureau data offer a detailed look at how New Hampshire residents have fared during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. This data, covering the five years of 2020-24, provides insight into long-term trends in income and poverty across different regions and demographic groups.
Laconia company targets data centers for growth
Orion Entrance Control launches new security screening system
