**We recently sent the June 1st newsletter with inaccurate information regarding the 180-day moratorium on data centers. It has been corrected in this version of the newsletter. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.**

Election Day is next week: Vote on Election Day, Tuesday, June 9 or early at Town Hall this week through June 4. Departments are gearing up for the summer season, so there is quite a variety happening within Town offices. Brush up on your beach info and learn more about some upcoming projects and engagement opportunities, from community meetings to surveys. Read on for details on these topics and much more.

Sometimes our newsletters are shortened in email inboxes— If that's happening to you, be sure to click where it says "[Message clipped] View entire message" on the bottom left. We want you to be fully informed!

Election Day is June 9

Early Voting In-Person Available Through June 4

The June 9 election will include a local ballot for School Board members, the School Budget Validation Referendum, and a State of Maine ballot for the primary. Vote in person that Tuesday at the High School from 7:00am-8:00pm. Absentee ballots can be returned anytime through Election Day at our drop-box in the Town Hall entrance or inside in the Clerk's Office.

In-Person Absentee Voting

In-person absentee voting is available at Town Hall during open hours, Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm. It will be available through the Thursday before election day (June 4), and is an easy and convenient way to vote.

Questions? Contact the Town Clerk's office at (207) 730-4020.

Budget Referendum Message From the Board of Education

Provided by the BOE Communications Committee

"Why a Yes Vote on the Town Budget Protects Our Schools: Parents, teachers, staff, coaches, seniors and neighbors from every corner of Scarborough filled Town Council Chambers on Wednesday, May 20 to speak in support of our schools. The School District’s leadership team and the School Board were uplifted by the outpouring of encouragement and the clear message that our community values strong public education.

The Town Council ultimately adopted a 3.2% compromise budget, one that protects essential services for students but also recognizes the financial pressures facing many of our neighbors. This compromise budget protects extracurriculars, saves teacher and educational tech positions, and allows the district to move forward with a new math curriculum for K-5 and middle school students.  

We believe that a yes vote on June 9 ensures Scarborough will maintain a strong educational system that does not compromise student learning. This budget reflects our shared commitment to supporting students, respecting taxpayers, and investing wisely in our town’s future.  

Please be sure to vote! Early voting is currently underway at Town Hall during regular business hours (7:00am-5:00pm) through Thursday, June 4th. Election day is Tuesday, June 9th at Scarborough High School from 7:00am to 8:00pm."

This message was provided by the Board of Education communications committee.

Beach Season is Here

This abnormally cooler weather has led to a slow start to beach season! Here are some other updates and reminders:

Dog Rules Are In Effect

From May 15 through Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on beaches from 9:00am-5:00pm. They are allowed off-leash from dawn to 9:00am. They are allowed on leash from 5:00pm to dusk. Please respect these rules for the courtesy of fellow beachgoers. There are also some restricted areas where dogs are not allowed (Higgins and Ferry/Western) or need to be leashed (Pine Point)—please pay attention to the signs that mark restricted areas. View the maps of restricted areas.

Resident Parking Passes Available at Town Hall

Beach passes, used for parking in Town-operated lots during the summer season, can be purchased in our Clerk's office from Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm. All beach passes must be obtained in person. Please bring your vehicle registration, as it is required for the purchase of a beach pass. Cash or check payment is recommended; cards are accepted with an additional convenience fee. You can also purchase a pass at the Scarborough Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road) on Fridays from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Beach Monitors & Nest Sightings

80+ volunteer beach monitors officially hit the beach to educate visitors and monitor our piping plover nests. Several hardy volunteers began monitoring early this spring when the plovers first started arriving. Our first nests on Higgins and Western (Ferry) Beach hatched last week, and more are expected to hatch in the coming weeks. We also have a colony of endangered least terns nesting at the point where Ferry turns to Western. Least terns are known to aggressively guard their territory by dive-bombing people and pooping on them, so it's a good idea to give the colony a wide berth!

Seasonal Park Rangers

We have three new seasonal park rangers who will offer customer service and assistance to beachgoers. Keep an eye out for them on your beach visits this summer!

New Pickleball Courts Coming Soon

The project is underway for new pickleball courts at the site of the former skate park at Memorial Park. The skate park was in deteriorating condition, prompting the need for a replacement at a new location while still being able to move forward with the pickleball court installation. The asphalt work, pictured above, was completed late last week and will have a curing period of about 30 days. After this, the next stages of construction begin, including installation of net post sleeves, foundations, court surfacing, and final court lining. Perimeter fence installation is scheduled to begin June 15, weather permitting. The new courts are anticipated to open by mid-summer.

New Skate Park: Help Inform the Design

Scarborough Community Services is actively working on plans for a revitalized skate park that will create a safe, high-quality space that better serves residents. It will be relocated to the school campus to better accommodate its most active user group, students.

Planning Board Site Review on June 15

The new skate park concept plan will be reviewed by the Planning Board during their June 15, 2026 meeting (6:30pm held at Town Hall).

June 25: Community Engagement Meeting

Thursday, June 25, 5:00pm

Public Safety Building, 275 US Route One

Community Services has scheduled a community engagement meeting to gather public input on the new skate park design. It will be held on June 25 at 5:00pm in the Public Safety Building Meeting Room (off the main lobby). The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to discuss potential skate park features and equipment options. Before the meeting, we ask that you complete the survey below. Survey results will be presented as part of this meeting.

Take Skate Park Survey by June 10

In advance of the meeting, community members are encouraged to complete this survey and share feedback regarding future skate park amenities and design preferences. The survey will be open through June 10, 2026, and the results will be presented during the June 25th community engagement meeting. We encourage all interested skate park users, and families to participate in both. 

The new skate park will be located in the area across from the High School track and next to the tennis courts.

Expect Delays at Payne/Gorham Road Intersection

Daytime roadwork is occurring this week at the intersection of Payne Road and Gorham Road (between Hannaford and Cumberland Farms). During this time, expect traffic delays and single lane-only movement at times. Avoid the area if possible. Next week (June 8-12), the work will be conducted at night.

Please Note: Work schedules are subject to change/adjust. We will continue to provide updates on progress and current schedules.

Short Term Rental Ordinance

Goes Into Effect January 1, 2027

The Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance was officially approved by the Town Council on May 20, 2026. The approvals included the adoption of a Coastal Beach Overlay Zone, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and the creation of Chapter 1020 the Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance. 

All short term rental operators are now required to register with the Town by December 31, 2026 and annually thereafter. A safety inspection is also required with new registrations. The registration process will be launched in July/August with a December 31st deadline—stay tuned for more information.

There are two types of short-term rentals that were defined and the zoning changes limit where each of these are permitted. Owner occupied STRs are permitted by right in the Village and Commercial Districts. Non-owner occupied STRs are not permitted in residential districts, unless they are in the proposed Coastal Beach Zone overlay. The Coastal Beach Zone includes properties approximately ½ mile from the coastline, including Pine Point, Prouts Neck, Ferry Beach, Higgins and properties along Spurwink Road. Non-owner occupied STRs are also permitted in the Village and Running Hill Districts with a special exception and by right in Commercial Districts.  

If you are currently operating a short term rental, there are transitional provisions included in the language that may allow you to waive the special exception process. Please reach out to Autumn Speer at aspeer@scarboroughmaine.org for more information.

Municipal Budget Adopted

Estimated 3.21% Tax Rate Increase

On Wednesday, May 20 the Town Council adopted the final municipal budget, equating to an approximately 3.2% tax rate increase. On a $600,000 home, this equates to an additional $216. (The actual mill rate will be determined in August).

The budget as first presented on April 1 was a 5.97% increase and was able to be reduced after multiple community forums and finance committee meetings. The Council approved an approximately $1.3 million reduction in the municipal budget (deferred hiring of some positions) and $1.2 million reduction in the school budget from the original proposed budget. More significant reductions were contemplated for the school budget, but were restored due to public feedback and to minimize the impacts of school program cuts. The budget is largely focused on funding existing services with minimal new investments (a few factors led to its increase—less state aid revenue, a higher county budget, higher fuel/utility costs). The school budget is adopted through a referendum election (vote on June 9).

Curbside Trash Collection Changes Beginning July 1

Garbage to Garden will be new service provider

The Town of Scarborough is partnering with Garbage to Garden to bring enhanced waste collection services to all Scarborough households this summer. Beginning July 1st, Garbage to Garden will be our new contracted service provider for trash and recycling collection (in place of Casella). There will be no changes to the schedule or routes.

What's new? Curbside composting will now be available as an opt-in service, making it easier than ever to reduce what goes to the landfill right from your doorstep. Scarborough residents are already making a difference — and now there are even more ways to build on that progress.

Learn more about Garbage to Garden on their website. Questions? Call their customer service line at (207) 332-0277.

Heartwarming Reunion with First Responders

This past April, a driver was passing through the Dunstan area when the passenger in his car suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. He was able to quickly pull over and call 911—and within minutes there were first responders on the scene to administer CPR to the Scarborough resident. They worked on him on the scene before moving him into the ambulance to be treated at the hospital. There, he learned from doctors that he had a 1 in 50 survival rate, and the fast-acting Scarborough first responders had helped save his life.

Last week, the patient came to the public safety building with his wife and the driver of the car to meet with the rescuers who treated him that day. They recounted the sequence of events of the incident so that they would have the full story to share with their family. It involved the collaboration of Dispatch, who first took the 911 call, Police, who was the first to arrive on scene and begin administering CPR, and Fire/EMS, who continued to stabilize the patient and transport him to the hospital. "You will always have a special place in my heart," the patient said to them.

It was a good morale booster for the public safety team, too. They said they don't often get to see the outcome and impact on someone's life. "I'm a little biased," said the Fire Chief, "but if you had to have an emergency, this would be the town to have it in."

June 3: Town Council to Vote on 180-Day Data Center Moratorium

In their May 20th meeting, the Town Council held a first reading on a 6-month, 180-day moratorium on data centers in Scarborough, titled "Town of Scarborough Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers". The first reading was approved 6-1, and a public hearing and second reading will be held this Wednesday, June 3 during the 7:00pm Town Council meeting. This comes after Governor Mills vetoed a bill in the state legislature to temporarily ban the development of large-scale data centers in Maine. The Council expressed a desire to better understand the impact that data centers would have on the electric grid and water resources. Learn more in this Summary Cover Sheet.

Pedestrian Safety Demonstration Project Coming in July

A temporary pedestrian safety demonstration project will be installed along Route 1 near Hannaford Drive and Little Dolphin Plaza at the end of the month. This project is part of a regional Vision Zero safety initiative led by the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) and Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG). The project will test median refuge islands and enhanced crosswalk treatments designed to improve pedestrian safety at a location with a history of serious crashes and no existing pedestrian crossing. The installation is currently planned for the week of June 29th, with work occurring between approximately 4:30am and 6:30am to minimize traffic impacts.

Safe Streets for All 2026: Pre Installation Survey

Meanwhile, GPCOG is also conducting a Pre-Installation Survey to help evaluate the pilot project and hear ideas for safer streets and roads in Scarborough. Please take a few minutes to share your input.

MaineDOT Launches Portland-West Study

Longstanding traffic challenges in West Scarborough toward Gorham, which led to unsuccessful attempts at a proposed Gorham Connector in 2024, are now being discussed once again. The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching a study in collaboration with partners and community members in Gorham, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. It will build on the prior work, with a "renewed emphasis on transparency, communication, and meaningful public engagement." Read full MDOT press release

Two engagement opportunities to learn more were held in late May (watch the virtual meeting recording). MaineDOT also has an online survey open through June 4 to learn more about how you travel in and around South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham and what goals you would prioritize for future transportation projects. Your responses will be used to enhance the project and help them determine the best way to improve transportation service in the study area.

The study is also guided by an Advisory Committee made up of local and regional community members and stakeholders (including our Town Engineer and Planning Director). They met for a kick-off meeting on April 28th and their next meeting will be on June 23rd.

Pilot Project Being Considered in Pine Point Neighborhood

The Pine Point neighborhood is considering a pilot project for this summer that would eliminate the on-street parking along Jones Creek Drive and provide a paved shoulder for walkers and bikers to utilize. It has been proposed and reviewed by the Transportation Committee, and they are now soliciting neighborhood feedback.

Our Summer 2026 brochure is packed with fresh experiences, can’t-miss favorites, and something for every age to enjoy!

Final Sustaining Scarborough Quick Poll

Extreme Weather & Preparedness

Share your thoughts on extreme weather and preparedness in our final Sustaining Scarborough Quick Poll to help shape our Climate Action Plan. Make your voice heard and help us to develop a Climate Action Plan that is reflective of our community. This poll should take less than 10 minutes and you'll be entered to win a $50 Hannaford gift card.

The Climate Action Plan is part of a "Sustaining Scarborough" initiative to be a practical roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The plan is centered around 5 focus areas: Clean Energy & Efficient Buildings, Thriving Natural & Coastal Resources, Sustainable Operations & Waste Management, Smart Land Use & Transportation, and Resilient & Healthy Community. The Plan is scheduled to be completed by September.

Council Corner: The Power of the Possible

By Cory Fellows, Town Council Chair

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.

The Scarborough Town Council had a very busy spring, culminating in a 5+ hour meeting on May 20th during which budgets were approved, a new short-term rental ordinance was passed, and an emergency six-month moratorium on data centers advanced past first reading. Behind each of these were countless hours of committee-level discussions, staff work, and public engagement – including dozens of “Conversations with Councilors” events held at several locations around town and online dating back to last fall, along with hundreds of resident emails. There were candid and sometimes passionate discussions and deliberations, and while there wasn’t always unanimity I believe we can be proud of what we accomplished.  

Much of the discourse around these and other issues inevitably focuses on negatives, including concerns about costs, congestion, and impacts on our quality of life. How can we cut spending and limit taxes? How can we control growth? How can we reduce traffic congestion? These questions are of course perfectly valid and relevant, and it’s important that we listen to concerns and do our best to address them. But while immersed in the moment and grappling with perceived constraints, we sometimes lose sight of what we can do. 

We Scarborough residents are blessed with a lot of intrinsic geographical advantages, including our coastline, Maine’s largest salt marsh, and close proximity to the Maine Turnpike and greater Portland. But many of the things that we now take for granted required real imagination, willpower, investment, and some level of risk-taking. We have great schools because we’ve consistently invested in them. We have more public beach access than most other communities in New England because the Town secured ownership of oceanfront land and maintains parking and other amenities. We have over 7,000 acres of protected open space – nearly a quarter of Scarborough’s total land mass, and working toward a goal of 30% – because landowners, local leaders and taxpayers have valued and prioritized it. 

None of these was inevitable. Each required both political will and financial commitments. It’s safe to say that many of the decisions were hotly debated. But leaders worked through the challenges and delivered infrastructure and amenities that all of us benefit from today and would not want to give up. Most importantly, in my mind, they had the imagination and courage to envision and pursue things as they could be and not as they always had been.

Scarborough’s Comprehensive Plan is rightly cited by many when discussing our town’s values and vision. Certain guiding principles come quickly to mind, such as environmental stewardship and fiscal sustainability. These are no doubt central to our identity and priorities. But another, oft-overlooked principle behind the Plan is being bold – “Lead with purpose and take proactive steps to plan the future of the community.” To me that means focusing not just on holding the line and preventing negative outcomes, but on leaving room for promoting positive change. It means imagining how our needs and lifestyles may change – then planning and acting accordingly.

So, what seems difficult or even impossible now but is worth envisioning and figuring out? One example that comes immediately to mind for me is making our roadways, including Route 1, more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. During recent conversations about the Maine Department of Transportation’s proposed approach to re-engineering Route 1 across the marsh, I heard several people comment that “no one in their right mind would want to bike or walk along there.” That may be true now, but that’s because the road in its current form is completely car-centric and is actively hostile toward human-scale movement. But we know it’s possible to provide protected lanes for walkers and cyclists without sacrificing vehicle lanes; it’s ultimately about design and cost. While reasonable people can disagree about whether the Town and/or the State should make the extra investments necessary to bring it to fruition, I don’t think it should be dismissed out of hand just because it’s hard to imagine now based on current conditions. 

This is the same logic I applied to the recently approved Metro bus pilot project. As with biking or walking along Route 1 through the marsh, the idea of transit in car-centric Scarborough conflicts with our current reality and challenges our imaginations. But as leaders we have a responsibility to think about what type of future we want for our community. And in both cases we did hear from many who want us to take these small leaps. 

I view things like a community center and library expansion similarly. They may seem like long-shots now given fiscal challenges and competing priorities, and we obviously cannot go on buying sprees with taxpayer money just because some things would be nice to have. But there is undoubtedly a strong case to be made for such enhancements given their civic value and broad constituency – especially in an age where in-person social connections, which are closely tied to physical and mental health – are harder to come by. 

So yes, let’s continue to be fiscally responsible and take a deliberate approach to new initiatives. But let’s also use our imagination and push the envelope of what’s possible.

As always, please feel free to contact me at cfellows@scarboroughmaine.org with your thoughts or questions.

Scarborough Town Council

Cory Fellows (Chair) • Larry Cain (Vice Chair) • Jonathan Anderson • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Michelle Hayes • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month (third Wednesday only in July and August). Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Scarborough Schools Seeking Ed Techs for 2026-27

Scarborough Public Schools are hiring Ed Techs for the 2026-27 school year. Ed Techs support our students and staff in a variety ways each day. The positions are school year only, meaning you have all school vacations off. Apply online. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 207-730-4100.

Free Summer Concerts in the Park Start in June

What better way to celebrate warm summer nights than free outdoor concerts! Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce will be offering six unique concerts in Memorial Park on Thursday nights. All concerts begin at 6:30pm. Each concert will also feature 2-3 food trucks for your dinner/snack needs (to be announced soon).

June 25: Motor Booty 

July 2: Army Band

July 9: Delta Nights

July 16: Stolen Mojo

July 23: Don Campbell

July 30: Under the Covers

For more details about concerts, frequently asked questions, or to inquire about concert sponsorships or chamber membership, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website, or email chamber@portlandregion.com.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Death Cafe with Die Well Death Education

Tuesday, June 2, 5:30-7:00pm

No registration required

At a Death Cafe, people - often strangers - gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death. Our objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives.' It is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. All are welcome - join us! Individually wrapped, homemade skull cakelets will be provided. 

How to Lead a Nature Walk

Thursday, June 4, 6:00-7:30pm

Register (A few spots left!)

The Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) and Library are developing a program of weekly walks throughout the summer on and around SLT properties, including the marsh. Join us to learn how to lead a nature walk! No experience required, just an enthusiastic spirit to share your love of outdoor experiences. Kate Borduas, a master naturalist and nationally certified trainer, will be offering a workshop on leading walks. The training will include about 45 minutes of classroom discussion followed by a 45-minute walk where participants will practice the skills they have learned. 

Pride Trivia

Tuesday, June 9, 5:30-7:00pm

Register

Do you want to put your knowledge of LGBTQ+ pop culture and history to the test? Join us for an evening of friendly competition and celebration! Come with a team or join one here. Ages 13+ welcome. 

TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures (Session 1)

Saturday, June 13, 11:00am-5:30pm

Register

Join us for a nationwide livestream event exploring democracy's evolving story. Streaming live from Philadelphia leading up to America’s 250th birthday celebrations, this landmark event convenes bold thinkers and civic leaders to share ideas and solutions designed to inform and inspire. Only two libraries in Maine were chosen to host the livestream, and Scarborough is one of them!

What to Expect

• Livestream of 15+ brand-new TED Talks from the stage in Philadelphia

• A welcoming space for shared civic engagement

• Opportunities for reflection and conversation

The full schedule will be posted on June 5th.