Saco council declines to adopt packet resolution on I‑195/Ocean Park Road after debate over neighborhood impacts

A resolution to endorse elements of the Interstate 195/Ocean Park Road feasibility study failed during the Saco City Council meeting on Monday after councilors and residents raised concerns about neighborhood impacts, pedestrian and bicycle access and local engagement.

Supporters of more study and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections urged the council to withhold endorsement until Saco-specific impacts and design options were clarified. Several councilors described the packet resolution as insufficiently informed by Saco community input and noted differences between the town of Old Orchard Beach’s priorities and Saco’s needs.

The resolution at issue was the earlier packet version (the council clarified it was considering “Resolution II,” the version submitted the prior week). Councillor Gunn moved to adopt that earlier resolution; a second was not sustained and the motion failed. The council did not take a final vote to endorse the study in any form.

Residents who spoke during public comment said the corridor needs stronger pedestrian and bicycle accommodation. Sandra Gay, a Saco resident, asked the council not to act until more information was available about traffic impacts on neighborhood side streets and suggested an independent traffic-engineering review of the VHB study. Bob Hamlin, who noted Saco voters previously funded the Eastern Trail, urged a “complete streets” approach and a constructed pedestrian/bike connection to the Eastern Trail at the Exit 2A area. Patrick Conlon, founder of Bicycle Advocacy group Bike Biddeford‑Saco and Eastern Trail trail manager, urged elimination of the slip lane at the trail crossing and cited recent guidance from the National Association of City Transportation Officials favoring removal of slip lanes to improve safety.

Councilors’ remarks focused on process and local impacts. Councillor Hatch asked staff to confirm that the memorandum or resolution made no funding commitment; she said she read the MOA and found no such commitment. Councillor Johnston and others urged robust public engagement and warned against outside agencies making final design choices without strong local input. Councillor Berman and other councilors said they supported further study but objected to endorsing a plan that they felt had not adequately considered Saco’s pedestrian and bicycle concerns. Councillor Gunn said the council could still work to reimagine Saco’s side of Route 1 on its own terms even as Old Orchard Beach pursues its own improvements.

The study under discussion was prepared by VHB and references earlier analyses dating to 2020. The packet contained two resolution drafts; councilors clarified that they intended to consider the version that retained Saco’s stated requirement that access to Ocean Park Road be maintained. After debate and an unsuccessful attempt to sustain a second on Councillor Gunn’s motion, no endorsement was adopted.

The council moved on to other agenda items. Staff and councilors said the corridor will be revisited; several councilors said they expect further workshops or public engagement to examine design alternatives, pedestrian/bike treatments and how any changes would affect Saco neighborhoods.

Residents and advocates interested in the corridor were encouraged during the meeting to continue engaging with city staff as the regional process advances.