Saco Planning Board Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Saco Planning Board convened on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM to review two major applications: an eight-lot residential subdivision at 83 Jenkins Road and a gas station/convenience store at 952 Portland Road. The board approved minutes, adopted a report on the Flag Pond Zone, discussed standard operating procedure updates, and continued both public hearings and application reviews to July 7, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved (6-0) the minutes from the May 5, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during the public hearings for either application.

Discussion Items

83 Jenkins Road – Preliminary Subdivision (8 lots, 15 dwelling units)

• Project Description: Applicant Tim Isher (Teradine Consultants) presented a preliminary subdivision and site plan for an eight-lot residential subdivision at 83 Jenkins Road (Map 89, Lots 32 and 32-1) in the West Residential Zoning District. The proposal includes 15 total dwelling units (one single-family lot and seven two-family townhomes), a 1,176-foot public road, sidewalks, lighting, a stream crossing, underground utilities, stormwater management, and a private pressure sewer force main. A waiver from Section 1887-10 for dead-end streets is requested due to the 200-foot crossing of Goose Fair Brook.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Document Timeliness: Board member Catherine Pellini questioned the age of some cost estimates and the financial capacity letter. City planner Charles Tetman noted that updated documents could be requested and that final financial guarantees would require current letters.
  • Wetlands and Setback: A dispute between the applicant’s wetland scientist (Longwood Associates) and peer reviewer (Normandeau) regarding the 100-foot wetland setback from Goose Fair Brook could affect stormwater management and potentially eliminate Lot 8. The applicant plans a site meeting with all parties.
  • Lighting: The current lighting plan requires 27 poles to meet ordinance, which the applicant and Public Works agree is excessive. Guidance from the city is sought.
  • Private Sewer System: Questions were raised about the E1 grinder pump system, including power outage scenarios, maintenance agreements, and potential backups. Staff will research existing city systems (e.g., Samuel Drive) and coordinate with Water Resources.
  • Traffic and Access: The existing driveway at 87 Jenkins Road will be preserved, but the applicant will provide an alternative access to Lotus Lane to reduce curb cuts on Jenkins Road.
• Board Member Positions: Board members expressed overall support for the design but requested further clarification on wetland boundaries, lighting, and wastewater system functionality. Jim Moyer noted the challenging site but praised the work; Jeff Broshu emphasized the need for robust HOA disclosures for the private sewer system.

952 Portland Road – Gas Station and Convenience Store

• Project Description: Applicant Drew Olehowski (Haley Ward) representing Route One Gas LLC presented a site plan and conditional use application for a gas station and convenience store at 952 Portland Road (Map 62, Lot 19) in the Portland Road Zoning District. The proposal includes fuel pumps, a convenience store, and associated parking, lighting, and stormwater management.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Canopy Lighting: The applicant requested a waiver from the 20-foot-candle maximum for the fueling canopy, citing security concerns. Several board members indicated they would not support exceeding the standard. A possible waiver for automobile dealerships was noted but not applicable.
  • Traffic Safety: Major concerns were raised about left-turn movements into the site from Route 1, especially since the site is near a left-turn lane and high-traffic intersection. The applicant proposed a mountable median and signage, but board members (Jeff Broshu, Chris Gagnon) advocated for a right-turn-only entrance to prevent dangerous left turns. The applicant will discuss options with DPW and DOT.
  • Noise: Roof-mounted HVAC units are expected to produce 65 decibels at the unit, reducing to below 60 decibels at the property line. The board requested detailed noise calculations and screening for rear neighbors.
  • Stormwater and Spill Prevention: The city engineer raised concerns about oil runoff. The applicant stated the concrete pad is chemically treated and that the stormwater system (Focal Point) can handle spills. An oil/water separator was not required but could be discussed.
• Board Member Positions: Board members emphasized safety and compatibility with the area. Jim Moyer noted the need for updated traffic counts, and Jeff Broshu suggested exploring a right-turn-only configuration to mitigate hazards.

Planning Department Updates

• Flag Pond Zone Report: The board adopted (6-0) a report memorializing their earlier recommendation not to pass the zoning request to the city council. The report summarizes the applicant’s request, board deliberations, and recommendation.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Update: City planner Charles Tetman presented a draft SOP revision. Proposed changes include adding an after-the-fact packet review to the agenda, introducing a consent calendar for administrative items (e.g., application completeness, site walk scheduling), clarifying submission deadlines, updating late submission procedures, incorporating contract zone SOP references, and combining annual training. Discussion centered on the cutoff for new business after 9:00 PM; the board favored flexibility rather than a hard stop. The draft will be revised and brought back for a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from May 5, 2026: Approved 6-0.
• 83 Jenkins Road: Public hearing and application review both continued to July 7, 2026, to allow the applicant to resolve outstanding wetland, lighting, and wastewater issues. Motions passed 6-0.
• 952 Portland Road: Public hearing and application review both continued to July 7, 2026, to allow updated traffic counts, further DPW coordination on access, and noise calculation submissions. Motions passed 6-0.
• Flag Pond Zone Report: Adopted unanimously (6-0) to be forwarded to the city council.
• SOP Update: No vote taken; staff will incorporate board feedback (e.g., 9:00 PM procedure, consent calendar removal process) and bring a revised draft to a future meeting.