Saco, Maine Development News
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Saco City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Dyer Library Seeks Approval for Youth Services Renovation and Expansion
The Dyer Library presented its Youth Services renovation and expansion plan, requesting $75,000 from allocated FY26 funds. The current 1,250 sq ft youth services space is overcrowded, impacting programmatic quality and public access. The plan, developed with Woodh Hall architects, involves adding 650 sq ft by converting an adjacent meeting room, creating age-targeted zones for early childhood, elementary readers, and tweens, along with space for parents. The total project budget is $113,000, with the remaining balance to be covered by a restricted endowment. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027. The city's facilities team is collaborating to reduce costs, and the library will cover furnishing costs through fundraising. Concerns about the budget timing and potential cost overruns were addressed, with assurances that no additional city funds would be requested and that the library would cover overages.
City Council Reviews Smith Stockman Connector Project Update
The City Council reviewed the Smith Stockman connector update, a project aimed at creating a back connection to parcels east of Route One, similar to existing connections on the west side. The project, which has been a long-standing goal since at least 2004 and was studied in a 2019 corridor study, involves constructing a connector road, drainage improvements, and a minor sidewalk extension. 90% plans are complete, with remaining items including permitting, easements, and funding. Three options were presented: no build, construct drainage only (estimated $600,000), or construct the entire roadway and drainage (estimated $1.1 million). Concerns raised included the impact on neighborhood traffic, noise, light, and visual separation, as well as the removal of trees for the stormwater pond. Easement acquisition is ongoing, with positive communication from most landowners. permitting with the Army Corps of Engineers and DEP will be required, with a one-year validity for Army Corps permits.
Council Accepts Councilor Doyle's Resignation; Ward 3 Vacancy to be Filled
Councilor William Doyle submitted his resignation, effective immediately. The council accepted the resignation with a unanimous vote. Several council members and public speakers expressed gratitude for Councilor Doyle's service, particularly his willingness to step in to fill the vacancy in Ward 3 after Councilor Gun's departure. His efforts in advocating for Blue Haven residents and his overall dedication to the city were highlighted. The resulting vacancy in Ward 3 will be filled through an appointment process, with letters of interest due by August 12th and a public hearing on August 17th, followed by a special election on November 3rd to fill the remainder of the term.
Blue Haven Residents Urge Council for Stronger Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Residents of Blue Haven Mobile Home Park and their advocates spoke passionately about the need for a strong rent stabilization ordinance. They highlighted concerns about housing insecurity, the impact of high vacancy increases, and residents being burdened with paying park owners' debt service. Specific requests included reducing the 15% vacancy increase, clearly defining lawful vacancy, removing debt service and acquisition interest from rent calculations, extending rent increase hearing notices to 45 days with certified mail, reserving seats on the rent stabilization board for mobile home park residents, and capping rent increases at CPI or 5% (whichever is lower), removing the "plus 1%" language. Speakers emphasized the stress, uncertainty, and instability caused by rent increases and potential park sales, noting that many residents are on limited incomes and may not be able to afford significant hikes. They urged the council to listen to resident input and enact a fair ordinance to prevent future crises and ensure community stability.
Property Valuations Rise, Mill Rate Expected to Decrease
During a discussion on property valuations and potential mill rate changes, it was noted that after adjustments, the property valuation is approximately 14% higher than before. Assessors generally aim to stay below a 10% difference, with 20% being a statutory limit requiring intervention. The recent increases in market value, particularly since 2021, have driven consistent assessment rises. The mill rate is expected to drop due to increased valuations, with a commitment to finalize the mill rate by August 1st and potentially report it by August 3rd. Residents expressed concerns about the impact of rising valuations on their taxes, especially if the mill rate doesn't decrease sufficiently, with one resident on Theion Avenue anticipating a $1,000 tax increase without a mill rate reduction.
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