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Local advocates urge Saco to pursue dune replenishment, seawall redesign and beach cleanup; symposium set for March 17
Summary
Members of Save Our Shores and local residents urged the council to pursue coastal resilience measures including dune replanting programs, reassessing seawall design, and organizing beach cleanups. Speakers also announced a Saco Bay symposium on March 17.
SACO, Maine — During public comment at the March 3 Saco City Council meeting, representatives of Save Our Shores and local residents urged the city to adopt a more proactive approach to coastal resilience, including dune replenishment, seawall redesign and coordinated beach cleanups.
"We need a plan," David Plavin said, identifying himself as vice president of Save Our Shores, Saco Bay. Plavin told the council that the city’s seasonal approach to seawall maintenance — moving rocks that fall onto the beach back into place each spring — is inadequate and that re‑engineering the seawall should be considered. He also described debris on the beach, including tar, torn geotubes and rusted signs, and urged more frequent cleanup and maintenance.
Plavin said state legislation is under consideration to allow seawalls to be raised two feet and that the Department of Environmental Protection had suggested moving seawalls inland in some cases because of erosive effects. He urged the city to study engineered solutions to avoid repeatedly rebuilding the same top-of-wall segments.
Kevin Roach of 18 Vines Road, identified in the transcript as president of a local coastal group, thanked the city for recent sand placement and emphasized planning for a larger November dredging effort. He said the county is assessing sand quantities and that county funds ($150,000, he said) are being used for assessment work. Roach also told the council to expect potential municipal contributions if FEMA storm-relief funding requires local matches.
Both public commenters promoted an educational symposium on coastal resilience that Save Our Shores and the city are hosting on March 17 at 9:30 a.m.; the event will be streamed on the city’s YouTube page and recorded.
Ending: Commenters offered to help coordinate cleanup and outreach. The council did not take formal action during the meeting but was advised of the March 17 symposium and the public’s interest in more active beach and seawall work.
