City of Saco invites public to Beach Management Plan listening session

The City of Saco invites community members to participate in a Local Beach Management Plan Listening Session on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Saco City Hall auditorium at 300 Main St. This session marks an important step in the City’s efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for managing and conserving its coastline.

Attendees will hear updates on the first phase of the Local Beach Management Plan development process and engage in interactive activities including visual boards showing existing conditions along Saco’s coastline and proposed interventions, with space for participants to leave comments and suggestions.

"As our community works to address shoreline challenges, this plan represents an opportunity to envision a more resilient future for Saco’s coast," said Emily Cole-Prescott, Saco’s Interim City Administrator. "We’re engaging our residents, leveraging regional partnerships, and aligning with ongoing efforts."

Saco’s Local Beach Management Plan aims to consolidate strategies for maintaining Saco’s coastal shoreline, minimizing loss of private property and public infrastructure, and fostering long-term partnerships with stakeholders. The City Council approved $46,000 in funding for the initial phase of the plan in September 2025, and the city has applied for an additional $75,000 through the Community Resilience Partnership program.

The city is leveraging resources from York County, the University of New England, and the Maine Geological Survey. The plan will align with York County’s broader goals of building engineered beaches capable of withstanding major storm events.