Committee backs revised solar pavilion plan for downtown lot

The newer location is expected to generate about 90,000 kWh a year, compared with roughly 60,000 kWh at the earlier site.

Keene’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure committee on Wednesday endorsed a new layout for the planned Gilbo Avenue solar pavilion, advancing a version that would shift the structure within the Commercial Lot and likely raise early design expenses.

The project now goes to next week’s City Council meeting for a final vote.

Under the revised concept, the pavilion would sit south of the Cheshire Rail Trail rather than north of it near Gilbo Avenue. City officials said the move would improve sun exposure and boost power generation, even though it would require some additional engineering, permitting and site review work. The structure would still serve the farmer’s market and would feature a mono-sloped roof aimed south.

Public Works Director Don Lussier told the committee the project should remain near the city’s original $2.2 million budget. A federal grant through the Northern Border Regional Commission is expected to cover about $1.75 million, or 80 percent, with the city responsible for the rest. If costs rise beyond the grant amount, Keene would have to cover the excess unless the commission agrees to provide more funding.

The newer location is expected to generate about 90,000 kWh a year, compared with roughly 60,000 kWh at the earlier site. Lussier said the first location would have faced shading from trees, while both options would still produce enough electricity to offset downtown energy use. Councilor Jacob Favolise supported the change, saying the higher output would help the city recover its investment sooner.

City Engineer Bryan Ruoff estimated the shift could add $70-$80,000, though he said that figure could change after more detailed study. About $40,000 of that amount would go toward permitting and an environmental review required for the federal award. City Manager Elizabeth Ferland also noted that the city has already spent $60,000 on design work tied to the original site, and that money is expected to be reimbursed by the grant.

Ruoff said several other factors would push up costs, including relocating electric vehicle charging stations and accessible parking spaces already in the lot. He also said the pavilion would take up parking areas that are needed to keep truck traffic moving safely, especially for vehicles servicing The Colonial Theatre. He and Lussier further noted that placing the structure in the Commercial Lot could limit future redevelopment plans for the parking area.

Committee Chair Mitch Greenwald raised concerns about the design’s use of nonfunctioning solar panels to fill out the roofline, but Lussier said a complete panel array would cost more and that the mixed design still meets the project’s energy goals without exceeding the budget.

Lussier said the proposal is meant to do more than produce power, describing it as part of a larger effort to offset environmental impacts from the downtown infrastructure project. Ferland added that the city is exploring a partnership with Plan N.H. to bring residents, local leaders and staff together for broader planning along Gilbo Avenue.

The committee approved the revised design 3-1, with Greenwald opposed and Molly Ellis absent.