Saco, Maine — Week of March 22-28, 2026

Saco, ME (pop. 20,000) -- York County. Week of March 22-28, 2026.

City Government

Saco’s City Council convened on Monday, March 24, for a workshop focused on the initial draft of the fiscal year 2027 municipal budget. City Administrator Thomas Miller presented an overview of departmental requests, highlighting increased allocations for public safety and infrastructure maintenance. Councilor Sarah Jenkins emphasized the need for careful consideration of capital improvement projects, particularly those related to stormwater management, a topic that has seen increasing regulatory attention across the region (FY27 Budget Workshop Presentation 1, March 24). The council is expected to hold several more workshops before a public hearing in April.

The Planning Board met on Wednesday, March 26, to review a proposed 24-unit residential development at 120 Industrial Park Road. Developer Coastal Homes, LLC, presented revised plans addressing concerns about traffic flow and green space. Planning Director Sarah Chen noted the developer’s inclusion of two electric vehicle charging stations per building, aligning with a growing regional trend toward such requirements (Development Application P-2026-03, March 26). The board voted 4-1 to recommend the project for conditional approval to the City Council, pending final site plan amendments.

The Conservation Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, discussing potential updates to the city’s pesticide use ordinance. Chair Emily Carter presented research on best practices adopted by neighboring communities to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides on public and private lands (Pesticide Ordinance Review, March 25). The commission also reviewed a new grant application for coastal resiliency projects near Camp Ellis, aimed at mitigating erosion and improving natural habitats, an effort supported by the Coastal Waters Commission.

Simultaneously, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for exterior renovations to a property at 34 Pepperell Square within the historic mill district. The application, submitted by property owner Riverfront Revitalization Partners, proposed changes to window styles and facade materials. The commission approved the application with a condition requiring the use of historically accurate window sash profiles (Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-07, March 27).

Schools

The Saco School Board met on March 27 to discuss the preliminary budget for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Mark Thompson outlined a proposal that includes funding for an additional special education teacher and enhancements to the technology infrastructure across the district’s schools. The board also received an update on the ongoing athletic field improvements at Saco Middle School, with construction progressing on schedule for a fall completion. Enrollment figures remain steady, with slight increases projected for kindergarten next year.

Police

The Saco Police Department responded to 168 calls for service between March 22 and March 28. Notable incidents included a motor vehicle accident on March 23 at the intersection of Main Street and Spring Street, resulting in minor injuries to one driver and significant damage to both vehicles. On March 25, officers investigated a report of shoplifting at a retail establishment on Route 1, where merchandise valued at approximately $450 was taken. The suspect, identified through surveillance footage, was later apprehended. Additionally, police responded to several noise complaints in the residential neighborhoods near Ferry Beach on the evening of March 26, issuing warnings for excessive amplified music.

Fire & EMS

The Saco Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 58 calls during the week. On March 24, firefighters responded to a structure fire at a single-family home on Maple Street. Crews quickly contained the blaze to the kitchen area, preventing further spread. No injuries were reported, but the kitchen sustained significant damage. On March 27, Saco EMS provided mutual aid to the City of Biddeford for a medical emergency, transporting a patient to Maine Medical Center after their local units were engaged with other calls.

Real Estate

Several property sales were recorded at 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 25.
7 Saco Island Drive, Unit 203: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium with river views, sold for $370,000 on March 26.
28 Bayview Avenue: A two-acre undeveloped residential lot near Camp Ellis, sold for $220,000 on March 27.
5 Elm Street: A historic four-bedroom home with original details, sold for $560,000 on March 28.

Permits

The Saco Code Enforcement Office issued the following permits:

Residential deck addition at 11 Pine Ridge Road.
Commercial sign replacement for Saco Bay Realty at 100 Main Street.
Interior renovation for a retail space at 15 Pepperell Square.
Installation of a residential solar array at 37 Beach Street.
Construction of a new detached garage at 22 Water Street.
Commercial interior fit-out for a new restaurant at 200 Main Street.
Residential roof replacement at 9 Willow Street.

Coming Up

April 1, 6:00 PM: City Council Meeting – Saco City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda to include final review of the Industrial Park Road development and a public hearing for proposed ordinance amendments.
April 2, 5:30 PM: Economic Development Commission Meeting – Saco City Hall Conference Room. Discussion on business retention strategies and upcoming grant opportunities.
April 3, 4:00 PM: Arts Commission Meeting – Saco Museum. Planning for the annual summer arts festival and review of public art proposals.
April 7, 6:30 PM: Planning Board Meeting – Saco City Hall Council Chambers. Review of a new mixed-use development proposal for the Saco Island redevelopment area.
April 8, 5:00 PM: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting – Saco City Hall Annex. Discussion on proposed bike lane extensions along Route 9.

This week: 6 boards met, 7 new documents published, 168 police calls, 58 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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