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

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…