Planning board continues review of Factory Island substation upgrade after debate over sidewalk easement and $150,000 contribution

SACO, Maine — The Saco Planning Board on Tuesday continued its review of Central Maine Power’s plan to upgrade the Factory Island substation after lengthy discussion about a requested sidewalk easement, visual buffering and a $150,000 offer from CMP for a city Downtown Gateway project.

The project would expand the substation yard and replace or upgrade transformers and associated equipment at the top of York Hill near Main Street. City staff said the developer and utility had submitted revised plans and responses to comments but had not finalized a sidewalk easement sought by the city for long-term pedestrian improvements.

City planner Emily Cole Prescott told the board, “So what, we had requested was that the applicant look into it and return with us, return to us with clarification on what that sidewalk easement could entail.” The board asked CMP to open a dialogue with the city’s real‑estate group; CMP representatives said final easement approval would need review beyond their project team.

Kara Moody of Stantec, representing CMP, summarized the applicant’s work: “We have responded…