The purpose of the downtown railroad property redevelopment district is to redevelop property in the district to extend the existing development pattern of downtown Keene, to increase economic vitality, to improve community livability by providing opportunity to live, work, shop and recreate without dependence on the use of motor vehicles, and to complement the community's investment in pedestrian infrastructure in downtown Keene. Examples of redevelopment include: development which incorporates a mix of uses including office, retail and residential; high intensity, technology based light industrial uses, high density land uses and buildings oriented toward the street; traditional streetscapes accessible to pedestrians; public park and open space; and parking provided on the street or off-site.

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)

Included as part of this article, the downtown railroad property redevelopment district as described in the map entitled: "Downtown Railroad Redevelopment District" dated October 27, 2003, is hereby adopted as an overlay to the official zoning map of the City of Keene.

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)

Railroad property redevelopment district

The minimum standards of the underlying zoning district(s) shall apply in the downtown railroad property redevelopment district. All uses permitted in the underlying zoning district(s) are permitted in the downtown railroad property redevelopment district, except as provided herein.

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)

Recreational activity as a business without the need for a special exception

In addition to those uses permitted in the underlying zoning district, permitted uses in the downtown railroad redevelopment district are as follows:

Public Parks

Theater

Museum

Art Center

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)

Uses allowed by special exception are as follows:

Research and Development Laboratory

Processing and/or Packaging of materials associated with computer software, biotechnology and/or medical industries.

In evaluating an application for a special exception for the above listed uses, the zoning board of adjustment shall examine truck access to the proposed use including truck size and truck routes. In addition to the requirement of article II, division 1, section 102-37 - special exceptions by zoning board of adjustment. The zoning board of adjustment must find that there will be no adverse impacts to adjoining properties, motorists and pedestrians, and streets due to truck access.

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)

The following uses permitted in the underlying central business district are prohibited in the downtown railroad property redevelopment district:

Drive-in Uses

Motor vehicle uses, including indoor salesroom where motor vehicles are kept for sale

Garage, business

(Ord. No. O-2003-22A, 11-19-2003)