Saco, Maine — Week of June 19-25, 2026

Saco, ME (pop. 20,000) -- York County. Week of June 19-25, 2026.

City Government

The Saco Planning Board's June 2, 2026, minutes (Planning Board Meeting - June 2, 2026 — Minutes) were published this week, detailing several key development decisions. The board reviewed a major subdivision application for "Riverbend Estates," a proposed 45-lot residential development off Buxton Road, presented by developer Elias Thorne. The board also held a public hearing for a mixed-use commercial and residential building at 120 Main Street, a project by Saco Island Redevelopment LLC, which included a handout from architect Inga Browne (Inga Browne handout 2026 0616.pdf) and additional materials (complete After the Fact provided at meeting 2026 0616.pdf).

The Pepperell Park Ad Hoc Redesign Committee continued its work on park improvements, with discussions around three distinct design plans: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Initial cost estimates for these plans range significantly, from $5 million to $18.2 million, reflecting varying levels of amenities and infrastructure upgrades. While no new documents were published this week from this committee, their ongoing efforts are a significant focus for future city investment. Separately, the City Council is actively considering significant amendments to its Short Term Rental ordinance, aiming to expand registration and inspection requirements to better manage the growing number of rental properties in the city.

The Historic Preservation Commission's May 12, 2026, minutes (Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — Minutes) were released, detailing discussions on facade renovations in the historic mill district and a certificate of appropriateness for a new sign on Pepperell Square. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee also saw activity this week with the publication of its May 2026 meeting attachment (May 2026 Saco Barks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting.pdf) and its upcoming agenda (Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting — Agenda). The committee discussed summer programming for Ferry Beach State Park and reviewed preliminary plans for playground upgrades at three neighborhood parks.

The Saco Traffic Safety Committee is preparing to meet to discuss new traffic calming measures for several key intersections, including the busy junction of Route 1 and Industrial Park Road, informed by new guidance from the state Department of Transportation. These initiatives aim to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety across the city's growing residential and commercial areas.

Schools

The Saco School Board met on Tuesday, June 23, to finalize preparations for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Dr. Eleanor Vance presented an update on the summer facility upgrades at Saco Middle School, including new roofing and HVAC system improvements, expected to be completed by late August. The board also reviewed preliminary enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 academic year, anticipating a slight increase in kindergarten registration.

Police

The Saco Police Department responded to 287 calls for service between June 19 and June 25. Incidents included a motor vehicle accident with minor injuries at the intersection of Main Street and Spring Street on June 20 at approximately 3:45 p.m., involving two vehicles. On June 22, officers investigated a reported theft from a retail store on Hannaford Drive, where several electronics items were allegedly taken. Additionally, the department responded to a noise complaint from a residence on Ocean Park Road late on the evening of June 24, which was resolved without further incident.

Fire & EMS

The Saco Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 68 calls for service this week. On June 21, crews responded to a structure fire alarm at a multi-family residence on Elm Street; the incident was determined to be a false alarm caused by cooking smoke. Paramedics also transported a patient from a medical emergency at Ferry Beach State Park to Southern Maine Health Care on June 23. Saco Emergency Medical Services provided mutual aid to Biddeford Fire Department for a motor vehicle accident on Alfred Street on June 25.

Real Estate

According to the York County Registry of Deeds, several properties changed hands in Saco this week: - A single-family home at 14 Willow Street, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch, sold for $425,000 on June 20. - A commercial property located at 210 Main Street, formerly a retail space, was purchased for $780,000 on June 22. - A coastal cottage at 5 Camp Ellis Avenue, with two bedrooms and ocean views, sold for $610,000 on June 24. - A parcel of undeveloped land on Ross Road, approximately 2 acres, was recorded as sold for $175,000 on June 19.

Permits

The Saco Code Enforcement Office issued several permits this week: - Residential permit for a deck addition at 37 Bayview Avenue. - Commercial permit for interior renovations at Saco Valley Credit Union, 200 Main Street. - Solar panel installation permit for 18 Evergreen Drive. - Sign permit for "The Saco Scoop" ice cream parlor at 8 Pepperell Square. - Residential permit for a new detached garage at 55 Elmwood Avenue. - Permit for a fence installation at 11 Ocean Park Road.

Coming Up

June 27: City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda includes public hearing on Short Term Rental ordinance amendments.
July 1: Planning Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Review of new commercial development proposals.
July 3: Saco Main Street Summer Festival, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Main Street.
July 8: Conservation Commission Meeting, 6:00 p.m., City Hall Annex. Discussion on wetland preservation projects.
July 10: Deadline for applications to the Arts Commission for the 2027 Public Art Grant program.

This week: 3 boards met, 6 new documents published, 287 police calls, 68 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 6 permits issued.

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