Saco, Maine — Week of June 12-18, 2026

Saco, ME (pop. 20,000) -- York County. Week of June 12-18, 2026.

City Government

Saco city officials engaged in a busy week of policy discussions and development reviews from June 12-18, 2026. The City Council convened for several sessions, including a significant discussion on a proposed Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which saw its initial review (New Bus Item A-Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Stabilization Ordinance.pdf). Councilors also considered updates to the city's Emergency Preparedness Policy (New Bus Item B-Emergency Preparedness Policy Updates.pdf) and reviewed the allocation for the city's Ambulance Fund (New Bus. Item C-Ambulance Fund.pdf). A key action item involved authorizing a fiscal year 2027 lease, as detailed in the FY27 Lease Authorization minutes (Action Item A-FY27 Lease Authorization.pdf). Additionally, the Council approved the appointment of a new City Assessor, Ms. Eleanor Vance (Consent Item A-City Assessor Appointment.pdf), and reviewed a proposed utility easement on Buxton Road (Action Item A One Read_Buxton Road Utility Easement.pdf).

Short-term rental regulations were a prominent topic, with the City Council reviewing a new Short Term Rental Ordinance (New Bus Item A-Short Term Rental Ordinance.pdf) and an accompanying presentation (Short Term Rentals PowerPoint New Business 06.15.26.pdf). The proposed amendments aim to expand registration and inspection requirements for properties across the city. Meanwhile, the Pepperell Park Ad Hoc Redesign Committee continued its work, discussing three distinct design plans – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – for park improvements. Cost estimates for these plans range from $5 million to $18.2 million, with further details discussed in their meeting packet (Pepperell Park Ad Hoc Redesign Committee Meeting — Packet).

The Planning Board held several public hearings and reviewed development applications. Key projects included a residential subdivision proposal at 530 Ferry Road, outlined in a planning memo (530 Ferry Planning Memo 6.8.2026.pdf), and a commercial development at 991 Portland Road (991 Portland Planning Memo 6.12.26.pdf). The board also reviewed findings of fact and conditions of approval for a mixed-use project at 321 Lincoln Street (321 Lincoln FoF CoA 6.16.26 DRAFT.pdf, 321 Lincoln Planning Memo 6.16.26.pdf). Traffic impact studies, such as the one for 184 Simpson Road, were also considered (184 Simpson 2026 2nd Quarter Traffic Monitoring 6.4.26.pdf).

The Traffic Safety Committee met to discuss traffic calming measures for various intersections, including the busy junction of Main Street and Elm Street, informed by new guidance from the state and recent traffic monitoring data (Traffic Safety Committee — Packet). Other committees, including the Long Range Planning Committee, Economic Development Commission, Coastal Waters Commission, Conservation Commission, and Shoreline Commission, also held meetings or published agendas and packets, indicating ongoing work on city planning, economic growth, and environmental protection.

Schools

The Saco School Department Board of Directors met on Tuesday, June 17, to finalize details for the upcoming academic year. Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Carter presented an update on the elementary school's roof replacement project, confirming it is on schedule for completion before the start of classes. The board also reviewed preliminary enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 school year, which indicate a slight increase in kindergarten registration. Discussions included the allocation of grant funds for new STEM initiatives at Saco Middle School and the approval of several new hires for teaching and support staff positions.

Police

The Saco Police Department responded to 287 calls for service during the week of June 12-18. On Friday, June 13, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Portland Road near the intersection with Industrial Park Road at approximately 3:45 p.m. involving two sedans. Minor injuries were reported, and traffic was rerouted for approximately 45 minutes. On Saturday, June 14, a report of shoplifting at a retail establishment on Main Street resulted in the arrest of Mr. Thomas O'Malley, 34, of Biddeford, who was charged with theft by unauthorized taking. Later in the week, on Tuesday, June 17, officers addressed a noise complaint stemming from a residential gathering on Ferry Road, successfully de-escalating the situation without further incident.

Fire & EMS

The Saco Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 92 calls for service this past week. On the evening of June 15, units responded to a report of a kitchen fire at a residence on Ocean Park Road. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to the kitchen area, preventing significant structural damage. No injuries were reported, and the cause was determined to be unattended cooking. On June 16, Saco EMS provided mutual aid to Biddeford for a multi-vehicle collision on Alfred Street, assisting with patient assessment and transport. Additionally, the department conducted routine inspections of commercial properties in the Saco Island redevelopment area.

Real Estate

Several property transactions were recorded in the York County Registry of Deeds this week, reflecting continued activity in Saco's housing market. On June 13, 145 Main Street, a historic three-bedroom colonial home, sold for $585,000. On June 16, a newly constructed four-bedroom family home at 21 Milliken Street was purchased for $710,000. A waterfront cottage located at 32 Camp Ellis Avenue, offering direct access to the Saco River, changed hands on June 17 for $920,000. Additionally, a two-unit investment property at 87 Lincoln Street sold for $495,000 on June 18.

Permits

The City of Saco's Code Enforcement Office issued a variety of permits this week: - 123 Elm Street: Residential deck expansion, estimated value $8,500. - 45 Ocean View Drive: Installation of a new solar panel array, estimated value $22,000. - 78 Main Street: Commercial sign replacement for 'Saco Sweets' bakery, estimated value $3,200. - 20 Riverbend Road: Interior renovation for kitchen and bathroom, estimated value $35,000. - 10 Industrial Park Way: Tenant fit-out for new office space, estimated value $60,000. - 33 Beach Street: Roof replacement for a single-family home, estimated value $15,000. - 50 Island Way: Construction of a detached garage, estimated value $28,000.

Coming Up

June 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.: City Council Meeting – Saco City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda to include second readings of ordinances and budget discussions.
June 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m.: Planning Board Meeting – Saco City Hall Council Chambers. Public hearings for new development proposals are anticipated.
June 26, 2026, 5:30 p.m.: Pepperell Park Ad Hoc Redesign Committee Meeting – City Hall Community Room. Further review of park design plans and community input.
June 27, 2026, 9:00 a.m.: Coastal Waters Commission Meeting – City Hall Conference Room. Discussion on marine conservation initiatives and waterfront access.
June 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.: Saco Farmers Market – Saco Island. Weekly market featuring local produce and goods.

This week: 10 boards met, 28 new documents published, 287 police calls, 92 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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