Keene holds hearing on social-district ballot question; council will craft rules only if voters approve

The Keene City Council conducted a statutorily required public hearing on Oct. 16 to inform voters about a Nov. 4 ballot question that would authorize the creation of social districts in the city. The question reads, in substance, “Shall we allow the operation of social districts within the city of Keene?” — and a majority “yes” vote would authorize social districts subject to a subsequent city ordinance.

City Attorney (unnamed at the hearing) and Councilor Michael J. Remy, who requested the item be placed on the ballot, said the hearing was informational under the new state statute (House Bill 467 / RSA 178:35). Remy said he put the question on the ballot to give voters the chance to weigh in and stressed that a voter-approved authorization would not immediately legalize social districts; the council would…