Consultant HDL outlines economic-development component of Keene�s comprehensive plan

Reina Teshiera of HDL Companies presented the firms role in preparing Keenes economic-development component of the citys comprehensive plan and described next steps for public engagement. "Our team will be focusing more on the economic development components," Teshiera said, listing an employment profile, property and sales-tax analysis, SWOT, retail and target-industry analysis, and an implementation plan with line-item tasks and responsible parties.

Teshiera said HDL will conduct stakeholder interviews, a business survey and town halls (with maps and interactive voting) to gather community priorities. The team will also coordinate with Public Management (the grant administrator and planning firm) to integrate the economic-development chapter with broader plan chapters such as land use, parks and housing. Teshiera said HDL will collect existing plans, demographic and market data and feedback from board members and the public before drafting goals and strategies.

Board members pressed HDL for specific analyses, including what would be required to attract a full-service grocery store (beyond beer and wine) and requested that the plan include clear, visual maps showing projected buildout so the community can "pretend we already have the grocery store" and plan proactively. Speakers also emphasized infrastructure needs tied to growth: wastewater-plant expansion (a plan to double capacity was discussed), identifying water-line upsizing and replacements, exploring additional wells and pursuing grants (e.g., Texas Water Development Board) and impact fees to support upgrades. Traffic and street maintenance were raised as priorities as well.

Teshiera said HDL will reach out for one-on-one interviews with board members and work with the city to develop stakeholder contact lists and a draft survey. The comprehensive plan process will proceed with research, public engagement and then strategy development to create actionable and implementable goals for Keene.