Saco council adopts 60‑day emergency moratorium on mobile‑home park lot‑rent increases

The Saco City Council voted unanimously Oct. 27 to adopt an emergency ordinance temporarily banning lot‑rent increases at mobile‑home parks, responding to pleas from residents who said recent hikes would push many fixed‑income households toward homelessness.

Councilor Johnston introduced the emergency moratorium, citing multiple nights of public testimony and recent state action on manufactured‑home community rents. The ordinance, adopted by a roll‑call vote of 6–0, takes effect immediately and is set to expire on or before Dec. 26, 2025, unless the council reenacts it or adopts a longer ordinance through the standard three‑reading process.

Why it matters: dozens of residents who live in Blue Haven mobile‑home community told the council they are on fixed incomes and cannot absorb steep increases. Barbara Skorski said, “When you're on a fixed income, paying for Medicare and rising electricity and food costs, that's way too much.” Reverend Robert Henry appealed to the council’s sense of community: “Just because something's possible doesn't make it prudent,” he said, arguing owners should consider residents’ circumstances.

Council debate focused on immediate relief versus long‑term fixes. Councilor Berman warned the 60‑day window may lapse before the state’s model ordinance is finalized and suggested either renewing the emergency moratorium or pursuing a longer, non‑emergency ordinance through three readings. Deputy Administrator Emily Cole Prescott told the council it could extend the moratorium by separate action and recommended waiting to see the state's model draft before committing to the long term.

Councilors also noted that park owners have begun communications with some committee members. Mayor Jody L. McVail said authorized representatives of the park are already engaged with council members, which she described as a positive step.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the emergency moratorium (motion moved by Councilor Johnston, second by Councilor Hatch) by roll call, 6–0. That same meeting also approved minutes from Oct. 6, 2025 (6–0), confirmed the interim city administrator's appointment of the city planner (6–0), and acknowledged receipt of recommendation #3 from the Saco Citizens Grievance Review Committee (6–0).

What happens next: Councilors said they plan to return to the issue at a December meeting to consider whether to renew the emergency ordinance or adopt a longer measure after reviewing the state's model ordinance and continued public input.

Reported by: Saco City Council meeting Oct. 27, 2025. All quotes and vote tallies are drawn from the council transcript and roll call votes recorded at the meeting.