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Residents press Saco Planning Board on traffic, quarry safety and sidewalks as Bradley Estates hearing continues
Summary
Public commenters raised traffic, conservation and quarry‑safety concerns during the continued public hearing for the 94‑lot Bradley Estates subdivision at 321 Lincoln Street. The Planning Board continued the hearing to Feb. 3, 2026 and asked the applicant and staff to finalize conditions on easements, fences and stormwater enforcement.
The Saco Planning Board continued the public hearing on the 94‑lot Bradley Estates preliminary subdivision (321 Lincoln Street) to Feb. 3, 2026 after an extended public and board discussion about traffic, quarry safety, wetlands access and sidewalk connectivity.
Developer Jason Labonte and consultant Drew Gagnon presented revised sketches requested at a site walk, including proposed grading adjacent to a previously excavated quarry, a sketch of trash/recycling layouts if a portion of Sparrow Lane is private, and responses to the city engineer’s comments. The applicant requested a waiver reducing a proposed 30‑foot maintenance/access easement around some ponds to 20 feet to preserve buildable area; the applicant said the reduction would "fit within the side setbacks" and could be coordinated with Public Works before final subdivision.
Several neighbors and commenters urged the board to reduce the density, preserve more of the parcel and ensure safety at the quarry edge. "This is a unique area...we lost an incredible opportunity to have conservation land there," said Inga Brown, adding that 94 homes is a "very large number" for the parcel. Father Basil Arbats said traffic near existing exits and ramps is already dangerous and urged the board to limit units.
Board members focused on technical conditions the applicant needs to finalize before final approval. Jeff Brochu pressed for written assurances from Public Works on whether a 20‑foot maintenance easement would satisfy long‑term access needs for pond and stormwater maintenance; staff said those discussions can be completed as part of final subdivision application and recommended a condition requiring Public Works review and sign‑off prior to final approval. Planning staff also proposed conditions and findings to address fencing along the quarry and deed restrictions intended to protect stormwater measures (for example, limiting gutters directly over drip‑edge filters and requiring periodic certification of stormwater installations).
On the question of quarry safety, the applicant said it plans to reduce the ledge height by cutting/blasting to produce a gentler slope and to install fencing intended to block pedestrian access to the steepest areas; Public Works reviewed that fence location and indicated it was satisfied that the proposed line would cover the steepest slopes.
On sidewalks and off‑site connectivity, the applicant and Public Works reported ongoing coordination on cost and design; the city has indicated willingness to contribute funds for off‑site sidewalk connections (staff said cost‑sharing has not been finalized), and the applicant said it would coordinate construction and could help save municipal costs by contracting work at developer rates.
After receiving public comment and making a list of items to refine in findings and conditions, the board voted to continue the public hearing and review to Feb. 3, 2026, and directed staff and applicant to refine draft conditions on easements, fencing, deed restrictions and stormwater maintenance language for final consideration.
