Saco, Maine — Week of March 20-26, 2026
Saco, ME (pop. 20,000) -- York County. Week of March 20-26, 2026.
City Government
The Saco City Council convened for a workshop session on Monday, March 23, to continue its review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and Capital Improvement Program. City Administrator Mark Wilson presented an overview of departmental requests, highlighting investments in public safety and infrastructure upgrades totaling $3.5 million for the Capital Improvement Program (FY27 CIP Draft, City Administrator Report). Discussions centered on balancing essential services with the city's tax rate, with particular attention paid to the ongoing Saco Island redevelopment project's potential impact on future revenues. Councilors Maria Rodriguez and Thomas Chen raised questions regarding the long-term financial implications of new housing density initiatives and parking reform measures being considered by the Planning Board.
During its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, the Planning Board held a public hearing for proposed amendments to the city's zoning ordinance. The amendments, developed in response to regional trends in housing density and environmental protection, included a new Watershed Protection Overlay district for properties adjacent to the Saco River and its tributaries. Planning Director Sarah Jenkins outlined the proposed regulations, which aim to safeguard water quality and sensitive ecosystems. The board also reviewed preliminary plans for a mixed-use development at 120 Main Street, which proposes 45 residential units and ground-floor commercial space, requiring a variance for increased density and a revised parking plan (Planning Board Agenda Packet March 25, 2026).
Separately, the Hawthorne School Redevelopment Task Force met on March 20 to finalize its recommendations for the former school property. The task force, chaired by local architect David Miller, presented a vision for the site that includes affordable housing units and community green space, aligning with the city's broader climate action planning goals. The final report is expected to be presented to the City Council in April. The Finance Committee also met to review the preliminary budget allocations for various city departments, including a proposed 4% increase in the Public Works department's budget to address ongoing road maintenance and stormwater management needs (Finance Committee Meeting Minutes March 20, 2026).
Schools
The Saco School Board held its bi-weekly meeting on March 25, focusing on the upcoming school year's budget and facility improvements. Superintendent Dr. Emily Carter presented an initial draft of the Fiscal Year 2027 school budget, which includes funding for expanding the preschool program and upgrading technology infrastructure across all schools. The board discussed a proposal to replace the aging HVAC system at Saco Middle School, estimated at $1.2 million, which would require a bond referendum. Additionally, the board recognized the Saco High School wrestling team for their recent regional championship victory, with coach Brian Kelly commending the student-athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship.
Police
The Saco Police Department reported a total of 210 calls for service between March 20 and March 26. Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on March 22 at the intersection of Spring Street and Elm Street, involving two vehicles and resulting in minor injuries to one driver. A report of shoplifting was investigated on March 24 at a business on Main Street, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old male for theft. On March 25, officers responded to a noise complaint in the Camp Ellis neighborhood, where a gathering was advised to lower music volume, with no further incidents reported.
Fire & EMS
The Saco Fire Department and EMS responded to 85 calls for service during the past week. On March 21, crews responded to a structure fire at a multi-family residence on Lincoln Street. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to a single unit, preventing further spread, with no injuries reported. The cause is under investigation. On March 23, Saco EMS provided mutual aid to Biddeford for a medical emergency on Alfred Street, transporting a patient to Maine Medical Center. Additionally, crews responded to several automatic fire alarms and medical assistance calls throughout the city.
Real Estate
Several property sales were recorded in the York County Registry of Deeds this week: - 14 Ocean Park Road, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home, sold for $485,000 on March 21. - 3 Saco Island Way, Unit 201, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium, sold for $375,000 on March 23. - A vacant land parcel at 22 Ferry Road, approximately 1.5 acres, sold for $180,000 on March 25. - 55 Main Street, a commercial building with retail space, sold for $820,000 on March 26.
Permits
The City of Saco issued 7 building permits this week: - 11 Elmwood Avenue: Residential deck construction. - 20 Industrial Park Road: Commercial interior renovation for new office space. - 30 Old Orchard Road: Residential solar panel installation. - 75 Main Street: Sign permit for "Coastal Café." - 12 Bayview Avenue: Residential shed installation. - 4 Riverbend Drive: New single-family home construction. - 50 Beach Street: Residential electrical upgrade.
Coming Up
- March 31, 6:00 PM: City Council Workshop on Economic Development, City Hall Council Chambers.
- April 1, 7:00 PM: Planning Board Meeting, City Hall Council Chambers, featuring a public hearing for the 120 Main Street development.
- April 2, 5:30 PM: Finance Committee Meeting, City Hall Conference Room, to review capital expenditure requests.
- April 4: Deadline for applications for the Saco River Clean-Up Volunteer Day.
- April 6, 9:00 AM: Saco Parks and Recreation Spring Youth Soccer League registration opens.
This week: 4 boards met, 5 new documents published, 210 police calls, 85 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.
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