Blue Haven residents urge council to act on proposed lot‑rent hikes; some ask for moratorium

Dozens of residents from Blue Haven Mobile Home Park addressed the Saco City Council Oct. 20 to oppose a proposed series of lot‑rent increases at the park and to ask the council to consider measures, including an emergency moratorium, to limit or delay those increases. Speakers described fixed incomes stretched by multiple rent hikes, deferred park maintenance and safety concerns. (Terry Dunham; Shane Morningstar; Richard Gosselin; Lisa Durocher; Mary Lynn Leach; Maurice Burrows; Sarah Blanger; Nancy Morrison)

Why it matters: Residents described the park as a long standing source of affordable housing in Saco and said sudden, large lot‑rent increases threaten retirement plans and the ability of elderly and fixed‑income households to remain housed.

Residents provided specific examples: Terry Dunham said the park has raised her lot rent four times since she moved in three and a half years ago and that the latest increase is $160 per month. Shane Morningstar described a notice of a $110 monthly hike and said the park has not proposed improvements to justify that increase. Richard Gosselin said his lot rent had risen from about $515 monthly to $660 under recent increases. (Terry Dunham; Shane Morningstar; Richard Gosselin)

Commenters also cited maintenance and services concerns. Maurice Burrows said a storm‑damaged branch hung near his garage for five months and that yard and road upkeep were poor; other speakers described deteriorated roads, overflowing trash and inadequate lawn maintenance. (Maurice Burrows)

Residents asked for concrete next steps. Sarah Blanger asked council staff to specify what documentation or data the city needs from residents to evaluate an emergency moratorium; councilors and staff said they would accept written materials and pointed residents to upcoming meetings. (Sarah Blanger; Cole Prescott)

Council response and next steps: In council discussion later in the meeting, Councilor Hatch publicly thanked residents for clear testimony and said the written public record will inform any "whereas" language should the council pursue an emergency moratorium. Councilors asked staff and the city solicitor to assemble a draft that captures the concerns raised and to identify the factual record needed for a possible moratorium vote. (Councillor Hatch)

Ending: No ordinance or emergency moratorium was adopted at the Oct. 20 meeting. Several residents said they will return with additional documentation and signatures; the council indicated it will continue the matter in future agenda items and advised residents about next meeting schedules.