Saco council repeals emergency moratorium on Blue Haven lot‑rent increases, orders study of rent‑stabilization options

SACO, Maine — The Saco City Council on Monday voted to repeal an emergency moratorium on lot‑rent increases at Blue Haven Mobile Home Park after mediators presented an agreement they say is supported by a large majority of residents.

Councilor Johnston moved to repeal the temporary moratorium, which had been intended to pause increases while tenants and the owner negotiated a settlement. The motion, seconded by a colleague, passed on a roll‑call vote of 4–2; Councilors Doyle and Gail voted no.

The agreement’s backers said it reflects months of mediation and new concessions from the owner. Richard Bryant, an attorney for the park’s owner with Jensen Baird, told the council 173 households had signed the mediated deal — “about 8 of 10 of the affected residents” — and described added concessions including a full credit for March and an extension of some benefits to non‑signatories. He said the obligations would be contractually binding through Jan. 1, 2028.

Why it matters: Residents and organizers urged the council not to lift the moratorium without stronger, longer‑term protections. Multiple public commenters described large, rapid rent increases and warned that temporary credits and releases of claims do not prevent future hikes, sales or gaps in transparency. Several council members said the issue points to a broader housing‑policy question the city must resolve.

Residents who spoke urged action. Hope Lambert said her lot rent rose “37.5%” over the prior December and described facing an additional increase the owners proposed for December; she said some residents felt compelled to sign releases to avoid immediate, steeper increases. Barb Thomas, an organizer with the Blue Haven Resident Cooperative, urged the council to schedule a workshop to draft a comprehensive ordinance linking allowable increases to property maintenance, granting municipal arbitrators audit powers, and banning gag orders in housing settlements. Rodney Champagne, a resident and advocate, highlighted absentee ownership by entities such as the BRT Charitable Foundation and urged a proactive, citywide approach.

Council debate reflected competing concerns. Councilor Doyle argued the council should retain the moratorium until policy questions were resolved and emphasized complaints that some residents signed “under duress.” Councilor Johnston and others said the mediation met the moratorium’s original requirements and that the signed agreement justified rescission while the council pursues a structured review of stabilization options.

Staff presentation and next steps: Deputy Director Cole Prescott outlined existing municipal models — citing Westbrook’s longer‑running program and newer efforts in Old Orchard Beach and Waterville — and said staff had focused initially on lot‑rent stabilization for mobile‑home parks. Council members asked staff to prepare a workshop with clearer comparisons of board structure, enforcement mechanics, administrative burden and real‑world cost examples. Prescott said staff would bring recommended timing and template language; the council indicated it would try to schedule a workshop in the coming weeks while balancing budget‑season demands.

What the council decided: The council voted to repeal the emergency moratorium effective March 9, 2026. It also directed staff to continue researching municipal rent‑stabilization models, to share findings with council and park owners, and to work on scheduling a public workshop so councilors can consider ordinance options.

The meeting record shows no final ordinance vote; council members repeatedly said additional public meetings and formal readings would be required before any regulation is adopted.