Saco Planning Board Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Saco Planning Board convened on October 20, 2026. The meeting included the approval of the October 6th meeting minutes, adoption of the consent calendar for a major subdivision, and a public hearing for a conditional use application at 5 Hobson Lane. The public hearing for 5 Hobson Lane was continued to November 17, 2026, with a site walk scheduled. The board also received updates on the Open Space Plan and the Ecology School traffic monitoring.

Consent Calendar

• 986 Portland Road (Phase 2, Map 63 Lot 3-1, Cloverleaf Development): The board voted 7-0 to accept the application as complete for a preliminary subdivision, site plan, and conditional use for 126 dwelling units in 8 buildings and a 1 MW commercial solar array. Staff noted that the applicant's intent to maintain the solar array permanently (rather than decommissioning it after 25 years) requires legal review.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bonnie Hadieris (16 Gray Ave, Abutter): Stated she does not oppose the development but raised concerns about the paved parking area setback from her fence line (less than 10 feet), snow storage in the buffer zone, and stormwater runoff. She requested stormwater be collected and piped to the municipal system.
• Matthew Fortney (3 Hobson Lane): Described a history of road infrastructure failures on Hobson Lane, including sinkholes and a sewer backup that flooded his basement. He expressed concern that heavy construction traffic could damage the road and requested a plan to address the road's condition.
• Doug Richardson (9 Hobson Lane, Shared Driveway): Asked for clarity on stormwater direction (concerned it would drain onto his property), questioned construction access and damage repair, and noted an unequal proposed buffer (5 feet on his side vs. 8 feet on other sides). He expressed willingness to work with the applicant on solutions for parking and trash.

Discussion Items

• Item 6A - 986 Portland Road (Consent Calendar): Charles Tettelman explained the addition of Chapter 180 (Solar Energy Systems) to the review criteria. Because the applicant wishes to avoid a 25-year decommissioning timeline, the board needs legal clarity before proceeding toward approval. The applicant packet was accepted.
• Item 9A - 5 Hobson Lane (Conditional Use Public Hearing): The board reviewed a proposal for two duplexes (four units). The applicant (Aiden Dorby, Dorby Builders) acknowledged the short timeline to respond to comments and expressed willingness to work with abutters and staff. Board members debated parking counts (8 vs. 9), adequate buffering (especially for 9 Hobson Lane), stormwater management, solid waste disposal (dumpster vs. curbside pickup), and the impact of construction traffic on the narrow, deteriorating Hobson Lane. A motion to close the public hearing and make a decision that night failed 3-4. A subsequent motion to continue the public hearing to November 17, 2026, and schedule a site walk for that morning passed 4-3.

Key Outcomes

• October 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved 7-0.
• 986 Portland Road (Consent Calendar): Approved 7-0 as application complete. A site walk date is to be determined at the upcoming public hearing.
• 5 Hobson Lane (Conditional Use): Public hearing continued to November 17, 2026. A site walk was scheduled for the morning of November 17 at 8:00 AM. The applicant is required to return with updated plans addressing stormwater management, buffering/landscaping, snow storage, parking layout, and a solid waste plan. Staff will coordinate with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the road infrastructure concerns.
• Open Space Plan: The board announced a public listening session for the Open Space Plan on October 27, 2026, at the Dyer Library at 6 PM.