The City’s Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee received a presentation at its August 27, 2025, meeting on a study for a potential downtown parking garage. This was an informational assessment of the City’s current and future parking needs. It did not include a recommendation to proceed with funding or construction.
Key Findings of the Study
- Current Parking is Adequate: The study found that Keene’s downtown has sufficient public parking for its current needs, with a weekday peak of 523 vehicles and 103 spaces to spare. On certain days and at specific times of the day, parking demand is particularly high in on-street spaces along Main Street. The use of parking lots in the downtown area can be encouraged through efforts such as public education and signage improvements.
- Future Growth May Create Demand: The need for a parking garage is projected only if there is significant new development and residential growth in the downtown area. The consultants estimate that future growth could create a need for up to 850 spaces, exceeding the current supply.
- Financial Analysis: A preliminary financial analysis of a potential garage indicated that it would not be self-sustaining. Without an outside funding source for construction, such as grants, for example, the consultants estimated an annual operating deficit, even with increased parking rates in all parking areas.
- No Recommendation to Proceed: Both City Staff and MSFI Committee members emphasized that a) the study was for informational purposes only, and b) there is no recommendation to build a parking garage at this time due to capital funding requirements and the lack of present need.
The study was accepted as an informational document to be used for future planning.
