Cheshire County Commissioners will hold a series of public hearings on January 7, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the second-floor conference room at 12 Court St, Keene. The purpose is to gather public input on two proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications to the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.
The CDBG program provides up to $500,000 annually for projects such as housing, public facilities, economic development, and emergency activities that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals. There is also an opportunity to apply for up to $750,000 for microenterprise technical assistance and up to $25,000 for feasibility study grants.
One proposal involves seeking a $500,000 grant under the public facilities category. Part of these funds would be subgranted to the Keene Daycare Center for improvements at its childcare facility located at 86 Wood Street in Keene.
A second proposal aims to secure up to $750,000 through a microenterprise grant. Some of this funding would be sub-granted to agencies providing technical assistance and other services for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Additionally, the hearings will include review and adoption of Cheshire County’s Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan.
Residents interested in commenting on these proposals are encouraged to attend the hearings or submit written comments addressed to Cheshire County Commissioners at 12 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431 or by email at dbernstein@co.cheshire.nh.us. For those needing assistance with participation due to accessibility concerns, contact Cheshire County at (603) 352-8215 or via Relay NH at 800-735-2964 five days before the hearing.
