Saco Planning Board Approves 955 Portland Road Warehouse Project 4-1

The Saco Planning Board approved a site plan for two commercial warehouse buildings at 955 Portland Road after lengthy debate over pedestrian connectivity, landscaping, and building design. The board also adopted findings of fact for a contract zone petition for a wireless telecommunications facility at Zero Ricker Road and approved September meeting minutes. Board member Jeff Brochu cast the lone no votes on the warehouse conditions and final approval.

Key points

• The board approved the 955 Portland Road site plan and Site Location of Development Act application 4-1, with Jeff Brochu opposed; conditions of approval passed 4-1 and findings of fact passed 5-0.
• The board granted a 5-0 waiver to allow 70 parking spaces at full build-out, relying on peer review that the proposed use needs fewer spaces.
• Debate centered on pedestrian connectivity and building design; the applicant agreed to a pedestrian connection to Portland Road as part of a Phase 2 minor site plan amendment, with construction required within five years.
• The board adopted findings of fact and a recommendation to City Council for a contract zone petition for a wireless telecommunications facility at Zero Ricker Road, 4-0, with Joyce Larry Clark recusing herself.
• The board approved the September 15, 2026 meeting minutes 5-0 and adopted the consent calendar for 4 Lerner Road and 0 Silver Pine Drive, including site walks and Conservation Commission review.
• No members of the public spoke during either the general public comment period or the 955 Portland Road public hearing.

Next steps

• Site walks for 4 Lerner Road and 0 Silver Pine Drive are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27 and Tuesday, November 3 at 8 a.m., with the Conservation Commission invited for advisory review.
• The 83 Jenkins Road application remains tabled while the applicant completes a stream crossing design for peer review; a new date will be noticed.
• An open space plan public listening session is set for Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at Dyer Library, with a flash vote survey to be sent out.
• A new Planning Board member appointed by City Council is expected to be sworn in and attend the October 20 meeting.

Read the full transcript