SACO — An agreement has been reached between J & B Partners, owners of land on Saco Island, and the city of Saco, which will resolve the notice of violation and stop work order issued by the city due to the tree cutting that occurred on Dec. 1. 

 The city alleged the tree cutting operation had violated the terms of the city’s Shoreland Zoning standards, according to a press release from the city of Saco. 

The agreement will call on J & B Partners to immediately install erosion and sedimentation controls throughout the property to prevent potential storm water runoff carrying soil into the river, according to city officials. 

A mitigation plan must also be submitted to the city for review and approval that will indicate how the property will be restored in the case that the development does not occur. A cost estimate will then be determined and a bond or other surety will be put into place by the developer that will cover the costs of the restoration plan, that the city can draw from should the project not move forward, according to city officials.  

Director of Code Enforcement Richard Lambert said in a written statement the interest of the city is to protect the natural resources, including the Saco River.

“This was a misstep on the part of the developer and we are seeking to correct it and move forward,” he said. “This is a wonderful project for the city and, when completed will be a fantastic gateway into Saco.”

The City of Saco will not issue fines in relation to the violation, but will require the site be stabilized, a mitigation plan for replanting trees is established, and the Saco River and natural resources are protected.  
 
“J & B Partners have been working closely with the city over the last several months to ensure the community was onboard with a project of this magnitude says City Administrator Kevin Sutherland in a written statement. “This was a miscommunication that has now been resolved and the City of Saco is looking forward to working with the developers of Saco Island to bring forward a quality, compliant project that we can all be excited about and proud to have as a part of our downtown”. 

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