Saco Council Reviews Pepper Park Development and Opens FY26 Budget Hearing

The Saco City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, highlighted significant community developments, particularly the proposed transformation of Pepper Park. Christopher Yanni, chair of the Saco Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, passionately advocated for the park's development during the public comment segment. He emphasized the importance of restoring the area to its original purpose as a public park, especially following the relocation of the Fairfield School. Yanni described Pepper Park as a potential centerpiece for community engagement, recreation, and vibrancy, akin to iconic spaces like Boston Common or Central Park. He urged the council to approve the project, framing it as an investment in Saco's future while honoring its history.

In addition to the park discussion, the council approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the council schedule for the upcoming months, both passing unanimously. The meeting also included a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 municipal and school budgets, which had been reviewed in detail by the council in prior sessions. This budget discussion is crucial as it sets the financial framework for city services and educational funding in the coming year.

The outcomes of this meeting reflect the council's commitment to enhancing community spaces and ensuring responsible fiscal planning, both of which are vital for the residents of Saco. As the council moves forward, the approval of Pepper Park could significantly impact local quality of life, providing a much-needed green space for recreation and community events.