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Saco council refines resolution on I-195/Ocean Park Road study, plans vote June 2
Summary
City planners rewrote a Saco-specific resolution on the Interstate 195/Ocean Park Road feasibility study to highlight concerns about Exit 2A, Eastern Trail connectivity and funding expectations; staff will return June 2 with the resolution for council action.
City planning staff presented a Saco-specific redraft of a resolution on May 19 that outlines the city's expectations for further study of the Interstate 195 and Ocean Park Road feasibility work, with particular emphasis on Exit 2A and connections to the Eastern Trail.
Director Cole Prescott said staff rewrote the resolution to reflect comments from the public and council and to provide clearer direction to the Maine Department of Transportation. "We recommended further study of Exit 2A in this resolution," Prescott said, noting the redraft also addresses interconnectivity and funding considerations.
Councilors discussed how the revised resolution would be used. Staff said the DOT will accept the redrafted Saco resolution as written and include it with its project materials. City Administrator Abahinco emphasized that the resolution is not binding and is intended to ensure Saco's concerns are recorded for the DOT and future federal/state funding discussions.
Councilors raised operational concerns and regional coordination. Several members urged continued communication with DOT, the Greater Portland Council of Governments and neighboring municipalities, and one councilor recommended a joint workshop with Old Orchard Beach if the project advances. Councilor Hatch urged attention to evolving Route 1 corridor plans and making sure Saco’s input aligns with broader corridor work.
Staff said DOT staff had attended an information session and are reviewing signal timing and other technical items; DOT would consider public feedback as it explores potential adjustments. The council agreed to take a formal vote on the Saco-specific resolution at the June 2 meeting.
