[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6460933,"mediaKeyId","5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7","parentId",5826152,"title","Committee pauses on downtown bicycle rules; debate centers on e-bikes, enforcement and 10 mph limit","audioSeconds",4431,"startMs",2755000,"endMs",7186000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7&start=2755&end=7186","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7/thumbnail_2755000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6460933/New-Hampshire/Committee-pauses-on-downtown-bicycle-rules-debate-centers-on-e-bikes-enforcement-and-10-mph-limit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460933-75c881337795f48d1853264ada15e36d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936101&Signature=QVZLvca5ID-HAIXG83KLNk2oWdbqNMb5V5zWScq0NEvijbA-A1Izp5XjTMRGV4x35oLxZ~0GkPCDjwlRxuez3B5xtM0j0QDeu7C4~Ou9Ig87XzHQHeimoPI4jOFuvDjpNCrbdG0ocjGt86owCz4dh8F7KwoXmJg5jW7b2BwDwWNqG1s~pyRQeGX~1JKBGG3dU2funuzi4AMfi3mbME3AKwXOX6i1aQrG35iCjMZsQy-9n20Cuh9CF1mKR0-NaaKc5rmMDTQI7ohLOVTr92tTNTNM1g0oxdFdEdBR7v7pZmHhq3YWMIymx5V-58Tp5t-xS~BfwItI9PhODlOwdWLriA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Keene, New Hampshire","date","2025-09-25T01:19:25.307Z","article","The Keene Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee deferred action on proposed rules for operation of bicycles in the downtown bike lanes and multiuse paths, agreeing to return the ordinance for further drafting and to allow staff to present an education and outreach plan to the committee.

The draft ordinance would require bicyclists to follow state law and add specific local rules for downtown bike lanes and multiuse paths, including a proposed 10 mph speed limit in the downtown core (some committee members and bicycle advocates had suggested an 8 mph limit). The draft also addresses one-way travel in bike lanes, parking and storage of unattended bicycles, and night lighting or reflectors.

Why it matters

The rules will govern the soon-to-be-constructed downtown bike lanes that are part of a larger multimodal downtown infrastructure project. Committee members, business owners, residents and bicycle advocates said the ordinance must balance pedestrian safety, vulnerable road users and enforcement practicality.

Key points from the meeting

- Enforcement concerns: Multiple council members and members of the public said enforcement will be difficult. One committee member urged that the city should not pass an unenforceable ordinance, saying, \"I don't think we're gonna have any police down there with radar.\" Councilor Filio was direct: \"I will not vote for any ordinance that allows anything with a motor on the path downtown.\"

- E-bikes and state law: The city attorney explained distinctions in state law: class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles may be treated as bicycles for sidewalk access in many circumstances, while class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks. The attorney said a municipality may, however, prohibit class 1 and class 2 e-bikes on a particular bicycle or multiuse path if the local authority chooses to do so.

- Safety and design: Bicycle-pedestrian advocates said that separated bike lanes and good design reduce conflicts and injuries. Andy Holt of the Bicycle Pedestrian and E systems committee (BPEC) argued that separated infrastructure and clear rules would protect people who rely on wheeled mobility, including children and people with disabilities.

- Education and outreach: Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry described a communications plan that will include printed materials for downtown merchants, lamppost signage at eye level, social media, a web page and QR codes to guide public behavior and awareness of rules.

Committee action

After extended public comment and internal discussion, the committee moved and voted unanimously to put the ordinance on more time so the city attorney and staff could draft language addressing motorized devices and return with an updated draft and the education plan. The committee did not adopt final speed limits, nor did it enact a prohibition on powered devices at this meeting.

Clarifying details

The draft ordinance in the packet recommended a 10 mph cap in the downtown core; Bicycle Pack had recommended 8 mph. The draft references state equipment rules (RSA 266:85–89) and city code language concerning bicycle operation on sidewalks (city code section cited in packet as §94-466). Committee members repeatedly flagged enforcement practicality and asked staff to return with revised language that could address powered scooters and skateboards, permitted e-bike classes, and education materials.

Ending

Staff and the city attorney will prepare a revised ordinance draft addressing motorized devices and present a public-education plan to the committee. The committee asked that the education package be provided as an informational document in members’ mailboxes ahead of the next substantive discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MSFI Meeting LIVE - 09/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The MSFI committee continued discussion of proposed bicycle rules (ordinance O-2025-33), heard extensive public comment about electric bicycles and scooters, and voted unanimously to place the ordinance on more time so staff and the city attorney can draft revisions and return with an education plan.","taxTitle","Keene Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee, Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",68535,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460939,"MSFI committee recommends sale of 100 Church Street after residents and abutters clash over safety and stewardship",3793,581000,4374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7&start=581&end=4374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7/thumbnail_581000.jpg","/articles/6460939/New-Hampshire/MSFI-committee-recommends-sale-of-100-Church-Street-after-residents-and-abutters-clash-over-safety-and-stewardship","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460939-4434a6a1aa4bb55c539892005cee9f74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936101&Signature=X7Lj1RQzevv05oqApYWUZl6OTFtE6JccFsSfrTLrEd818NnARCnbyO7uI6Cnpywno-AiTxVQ3vrLa~lNEL2tftWY4MeTwmxCVmiC18qkGtD9Zk~O26yF5Mgq3w-h2RES6zh-tRE1JECyrw2bXYzDNw78Vxh80bBAo-f3q1Dfx7tZjtOp-PugQagVh7MgYinLZBx7dVtddhQWntaenp8g0-Nc2FoELNJ2nDW5PgUWQo8T~T8Pe7AMaoftHTpD6ZFrdbsXc8eFFvQd8o6sDlbQfDkpG6HxXR8gzEE5k1bzgqlFdp4JwCW21DRbvRgPs03J4OyzNM9PHLDl5X73aROvSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keene Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee voted to recommend that the city manager be authorized to negotiate and execute the sale of a small city-owned parcel at 100 Church Street, sending the item to the full City Council for final action.

The parcel is a fenced green corner near Railroad Square that neighbors and tenants said has become a focal point for public-drug use, open drinking and litter. Paul Rodenhauser, who identified himself as a manager of nearby buildings, told the committee that the buyers’ plan is \"private ownership,\" and that a primary goal is tenant safety: \"The plan is private ownership, and that's the clear, you know, differential between publicly owned land and privately owned land.\" The committee motion to recommend sale passed by a 4-1 vote with one member opposed; the motion was seconded by Councilor Filio and will be considered by the full 15-member City Council next Thursday.

Why it matters

Residents who live adjacent to the parcel said ongoing activity on the city-owned land has reduced their sense of safety and access to services. Tenants and building managers said they have repeatedly called police and that tenants have reported being afraid to use nearby dumpsters and to walk near the site after dark. Opponents of the sale warned that transferring the land to private ownership would merely push the public-safety issues to other neighborhoods rather than solve them.

What the committee heard

Public comment at the MSFI meeting included a contested mix of proposals. Several nearby residents urged the committee to keep the property in public ownership and support a neighborhood-led maintenance plan. Michelle Challis, 25 Beach Street, said the city must not \"sell, develop green spaces just because of their social challenges,\" adding: \"People need a respectful place to go to the bathroom. We as a city are not providing that.\" Resident Ken Cost said selling the space would simply shift problems: \"Selling the green space, I don't think would solve the problem. It's simply shifted.\" Other neighbors, including tenants at 110 Church Street, described repeated problems at the site and supported private ownership so abutters could control access and enforce no-trespass rules.

City staff outlined mitigation options the city could undertake if the property remained public. Don Lussier, Public Works director, said short-term measures — removing a planted berm, adding fencing on the north and east sides, and installing signage — could be implemented quickly. He noted lighting would take longer because Eversource work and equipment ordering can add weeks; he estimated lead time for utility-installed lighting at about six weeks. Public works later provided a concrete cost example: a prior 20-foot fence installation cost about $3,500.

Opponents and proponents of the sale both told the committee they hoped for immediate, practical fixes if the city retained ownership. Multiple speakers said a downtown comfort station (public restroom) would address some problems but that a porta-potty at the site would be vulnerable to vandalism and misuse. Some residents offered to pursue neighborhood stewardship; others said the timeline and organization for such a plan had not materialized.

Committee action and next steps

A committee member moved to \"recommend that the city manager be authorized to do all things necessary to negotiate and execute the sale of 100 Church Street, Parcel Number 570-415.\" The motion was seconded by Councilor Filio. The committee reported the vote as 4 in favor, 1 opposed. The recommendation is nonbinding; the City Council will make the final decision at its next meeting.

Clarifying context and limits

Speakers and staff repeatedly distinguished between discussion, staff direction and formal action: the MSFI committee's vote was a recommendation, not the final sale. Staff and the city attorney noted that if the city sold the property, purchasers would still be subject to zoning and permitting requirements; a deed restriction is legally possible but, if violated, the property could revert to the city.

What was not decided

The committee did not approve any deed restrictions, nor did it accept a formal, funded neighborhood maintenance plan. The committee also did not finalize specific city-funded mitigation measures before referring the sale to the full council.

Ending

The matter will come before the full City Council for final action next Thursday. The committee asked that any community plans or formal offers by neighborhood groups be provided in writing for council consideration before that meeting.","The Keene Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee voted 4-1 to recommend the city manager negotiate and execute the sale of a small city-owned green space at 100 Church Street. Residents and nearby property owners disagreed sharply over whether the city should sell the parcel or invest in on-site fixes and community stewardship.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460928,"Engineers recommend temporary weight limits for three Beaverbrook bridges; committee accepts report as informational",373,4128000,4501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7&start=4128&end=4501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826152-e30ee5717829ac4355499ff0ae0659d7/thumbnail_4128000.jpg","/articles/6460928/New-Hampshire/Engineers-recommend-temporary-weight-limits-for-three-Beaverbrook-bridges-committee-accepts-report-as-informational","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460928-1e0b16561c735b1279d0029a065427d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936101&Signature=bWEeWeMTNRWLlSuyKNaTdBRd41VTxhn6nGLzVrsOivtJU2STLEuLCyrqn3xRRdG4lNicYlmAWiAymPKTKMxYRKhuK~ZTPtIIxFsiE1w0FlK21tEHJVQAc7ED9w9h7vsCIGsux6vHEXuycw8fhrqMcIXV1DnL7fH~lYjwSGmEwip3RhVxRo~yVrCcXzqp0kBnuAW1sm~rIHzmjPAEQOtJx69M1Vgyf~OhoRejk0JKCCtzn8-yN~2TSHj4ICHm5ecFEOw2lerYrg75JaE1YrLSO1PvWk9YLkvU~rHzY1XXEjNcLLNBZf6Z42kqY2SMkEnW1Fivwde29RR22TWXoFAMZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City engineers informed the Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation inspection identified critical deficiencies on three Beaverbrook bridges and that a consultant recommended posting weight limits until permanent repairs or replacements are funded.

Brian Roof, city engineer, said the biannual inspection identified George Street Bridge, Spring Street Bridge and Beaver Street Bridge over Beaverbrook as having critical deficiencies. Hoyle & Tanner conducted expedited assessments and recommended posting a weight restriction for standard passenger vehicles. Roof said the consultant's initial recommendation was an 8-ton posting in one phrasing and clarified that the recommended standard-vehicle posting the consultant delivered to the city is 10 tons; staff are confirming recommended limits for specific categories, including emergency vehicles and city vehicles.

Why it matters

Weight postings can affect routing for school buses, municipal fleet vehicles and emergency responders. Don Lussier, Public Works director, said rerouting could add minutes to emergency response times: a quick mapping estimate showed an alternative route could add roughly 5 to 8 minutes for a fire truck responding to parts of the East Side if larger vehicles must detour.

What the committee decided

The committee voted unanimously to accept the city engineer's report as informational. Staff said they are working with Hoyle & Tanner to determine precise restrictions for emergency and city vehicles and will pursue State DOT and CIP (Capital Improvement Program) inclusion for bridge replacement or major repairs.

Technical references

Roof said the assessments followed National Bridge Inspection Standards and AASHTO manuals for bridge evaluation and load-rating calculations; Hoyle & Tanner expedited a structural review and produced a load-rating recommendation in about six weeks.

Ending

Staff will post weight limits once the city's vehicle list and emergency-service impacts are confirmed and will coordinate with the state on bridge replacement funding and CIP scheduling.","City engineers reported that state inspections identified critical deficiencies on three Beaverbrook bridges; consultants recommended posting weight limits while further analysis and replacement planning proceed. The MSFI committee accepted the engineer's report as informational.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee pauses on downtown bicycle rules; debate centers on e-bikes, enforcement and 10 mph limit

MSFI committee recommends sale of 100 Church Street after residents and abutters clash over safety and stewardship

Engineers recommend temporary weight limits for three Beaverbrook bridges; committee accepts report as informational