A local committee in Keene recommended the sale and development of a city-owned downtown property. The Finance, Organization, and Personnel Committee of the City Council supported a proposal aimed at establishing 16 workforce housing units during their Thursday meeting.

The city’s proposal will now be reviewed by the entire City Council. This plan is part of a broader initiative, initiated in 2024, to boost housing availability and reduce costs in the area through the development of several cottage courts. A cottage court involves the construction of multiple small homes grouped together around a communal outdoor space.

In November, the city opened a request for proposals for the property located at 0 Howard St. Meeting minutes indicated that only one proposal was received. Granite State Housing Group, LLC, a real estate firm based in Keene, and owned by Timothy Sampson, presented a plan to create a cottage court on the 0.34-acre site. According to the proposal, the company aims to establish the 16 units within a two-year timeframe.

The proposed development is situated in a medium-density zoning district that lies just north of the downtown. This area has been influenced by a contentious ordinance change from the previous year. Last September, city councilors voted to facilitate housing construction in the medium-density district, which encompasses most of East Keene and parts of the vicinity between Washington and Court streets, where the Howard Street property is located.

Supporters of the ordinance change argue that it will promote development while maintaining neighborhood character. Conversely, some residents voiced concerns, stating that East Keene was unfairly targeted, highlighting issues such as overcrowding, loss of green spaces, and insufficient parking.

Councilor At Large Michele Chalice, a member of the finance committee, expressed excitement about the cottage court proposal from Granite State Housing Group. She emphasized the importance of providing shelter for more individuals as a positive development for the city. As a newly appointed council member, she aims to endorse initiatives that expand the housing supply for those in need, and she hopes the city will continue to pursue innovative solutions to address housing challenges.

Historical city records indicate that the Howard Street lot was acquired by the city in 1968. If approved, this project could become one of four significant cottage court developments planned north of Central Square. Other projects include a 29-home development by Guitard Homes on Court Street, a 36-unit project on Timberlane Drive that is currently in the approval stages, and an 18-home plan that recently received approval on northern Elm Street.

A representative for Granite State Housing Group mentioned that further project details would be forthcoming only after the completion of the sale transaction with the city. Committee Chair Tom Powers was unavailable for comments.