Saco Planning Board Meeting – November 3, 2026

The Planning Board convened on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM to review several applications including a five-lot subdivision at 40 Burnham Road, a gas station and convenience store at 335 North Street, and the second phase of the Clover Leaf development at 986 Portland Road. The board approved minutes, found an application complete, and continued two public hearings pending further information.

Consent Calendar

• 40 Burnham Road (Map 125 Lot 21-1): The board reviewed an application completeness for a preliminary subdivision and site plan for a five-lot residential subdivision with a ~1,495-foot private roadway in the RC Rural Conservation District. Staff noted seven items requiring more information, including draft HOA documents, a hydrogeologic assessment, and a waste disposal plan. After discussion, the board voted 5-1 to approve the consent calendar and find the application complete. A site walk was scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM, and an advisory review from the Conservation Commission was requested.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for items not under review.

Discussion Items

• Meeting Minutes: The board approved minutes from the October 20, 2026 regular meeting and site walk notes for 335 North Street and 0 Remick Drive (6-0). Separately, site walk minutes for Silver Pines Drive (October 27, 2026) were approved 4-0 with two abstentions (Jeff Brochue and Chris Gagnan, who were not present at that site walk).
• After-the-Fact Packet: Staff received one public comment related to the Clover Leaf development (986 Portland Road) and a late comment from Inga Brown regarding the ecology school, which will be included in the virtual packet.

986 Portland Road – Clover Leaf Development Phase 2 (Public Hearing)

• The board opened a public hearing for a preliminary subdivision, site plan, and conditional use for 126 dwelling units in eight buildings, a commercial outparcel, and a solar array in the Portland Road Zoning District.
• Key discussion points:
  • Apple Tree Lane Gate: The board extensively debated the proposed gate restricting through traffic. Several members opposed the gate, citing inconsistency with the city's connectivity policies. Others noted it was a prior city request to prevent cut-through traffic and was supported by the fire department. City planner Charles Tellman agreed to revisit the gate design with staff and the fire department.
  • Fence Along Agricultural Fields: Public comment requested extending a stockade fence along the northern property line to prevent residents from entering agricultural fields. The board emphasized the need for fencing to avoid health and nuisance issues.
  • Battery Storage Location: The battery energy storage system was initially shown near the playground. Board members expressed safety concerns and suggested moving the playground to a different location within the site. The applicant indicated flexibility.
  • The applicant noted receipt of a DEP permit, sign-off from the Maine Coastal Program on coastal resiliency review, and conditional approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. The traffic movement permit is still pending.
• Public Hearing Continued: The board voted unanimously (6-0) to continue the public hearing indefinitely pending completion of solar and battery peer review, resolution of the gate issue, and full review of public comments. A site walk was deemed unnecessary.

335 North Street – Gas Station and Convenience Store (Public Hearing)

• The board opened a public hearing for a site plan and conditional use to construct a gas station, convenience store, and one residential apartment in the Highway Business District.
• Key discussion points:
  • Traffic Concerns: Board members raised significant concerns about traffic impacts, particularly the existing dangerous conditions at the Shell station entrance on Lund Road. Some felt the site's access plan (right-in/right-out on North Street and full access on Lund Road) was reasonable, but others noted queuing issues at the nearby intersection.
  • Shared Driveway: The applicant attempted to coordinate a shared driveway with the Shell station but was unsuccessful. Staff noted that the Shell station is a legally existing use and difficult to compel changes.
  • Building Design and Fire Safety: Questions about sprinkler requirements (apartment sprinklered, store not, using a two-hour fire separation), cooking hoods, HVAC noise, and dumpster pickup timing (preferred at night to avoid traffic conflicts).
  • TMP Review: The traffic movement permit (TMP) is still in early stages; the scoping meeting requested extensive data. Staff recommended tabling the application until the TMP is further along to ensure site design aligns with traffic improvements.
• Public Hearing Continued: The board voted unanimously (6-0) to continue the public hearing indefinitely, pending completion of the TMP review and further site plan revisions.

Planning Department Updates

• Long-range planning is implementing LD 2173; updates expected in December/January.
• The Conservation Commission held an open space listening session with good public participation.
• The November 17, 2026 planning board meeting will likely be canceled due to lack of agenda items.
• The applicant for 5 Hobson Lane withdrew their application, canceling the scheduled site walk and public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: October 20, 2026 board minutes and site walk notes (335 North Street, 0 Remick Drive) approved 6-0. Silver Pines site walk minutes approved 4-0-2.
• 40 Burnham Road: Found complete for preliminary subdivision (5-1 vote). Site walk scheduled for November 19, 2026, 8:00 AM.
• 986 Portland Road (Clover Leaf Phase 2): Public hearing continued indefinitely (6-0). Staff to address gate, fencing, and solar/battery reviews.
• 335 North Street: Public hearing continued indefinitely (6-0) pending TMP review.
• Meeting Adjourned: 8:16 PM.