Saco council advances Peppo Park talks, renews two entertainment permits

The Saco City Council reviewed three design options for the Peppo Park redesign, with cost estimates ranging from about $3.5 million to $9 million, and agreed to bring the item back for a possible vote in about a month. The council also confirmed two trust board appointments, renewed special entertainment permits for two local establishments, and met in executive session on a real estate matter at 12 School Street.

Key points

• The council voted 6-0 to confirm the mayor's appointments of Gene Saunders and Joseph Moorhead to the Lucia Kimball Deering Trust Board, each for six-year terms ending October 5, 2032. Councilor Johnston had initially moved to table the item before it passed.
• Councilors reviewed three Peppo Park design options: Option 1 (recommended by the committee, $6 million to $9 million), Option 2 ($4.5 million to $7 million), and Option 3 ($3.5 million to $5 million).
• Councilor Johnston asked that ground penetrating radar be done across the broader cemetery area before any construction, citing historical records suggesting burials may extend toward the UU Church and a proposed parking lot.
• Councilor Hewitt said constituents have asked for fiscal restraint given other major capital projects, while Councilor Edwards said the park could draw visitors and business to Saco.
• The council voted 6-0 to renew special entertainment permits for the Biddeford-Saco Lodge of Elks No. 1597 and for Island Brewing LLC, doing business as Run of the Mill.
• The council voted 6-0 to enter executive session on a real estate and economic development matter at 12 School Street, then voted 6-0 to exit with no report.

Next steps

• Park staff will contact Bob Perry about surveying the burial grounds and will work with the communications office on a public survey about the park designs.
• Staff expects to return to the council in about a month with survey results, burial ground information, and a cost estimate for demolishing Fairfield School.
• The council may authorize staff to pursue Land and Water Conservation Fund grant money and other federal grants for the park.
• City Administrator Pelletier noted upcoming paving work on Gooch Street and Beach Street, the Cascade Falls parking lot closure on October 8, and City Hall closure on October 12 for Indigenous Peoples Day.

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