Gingerbread cookies, decorative lights, homemade gifts...the holiday season has begun! No matter how you celebrate, this is a time to hunker down for the long winter ahead and have some fun along the way. Read on for upcoming events, programs, and project updates. It's also the season of cold temps, so we have some reminders for you about CodeRED alerts and snow clearing. Take note of the many updates on what's happening in Scarborough.

Check our Town Calendar for upcoming meetings, including one this Wednesday, December 3rd.

Town Continues Discussions on Growth Management

On November 19th, Planning Director Autumn Speer presented on the subject of growth (view November 19 workshop recording). It was the second of a two-part series and focused on the direction of "where we are going" regarding growth. The previous session in October focused on the existing growth management strategies being used, like zoning, the Rate of Growth ordinance, and the Comprehensive Plan. The second workshop discussed recently developed existing plans and their recommendations, new State law changes and implications, and how the Council can move forward actions as part of their goal setting for 2026.

In the past few years, the Town has adopted several plans:

• Comprehensive Plan

• Open Space Master Plan

• Parks and Facilities Master Plan

• Vulnerability Assessment

• Townwide Transportation Assessment

The plans make recommendations for where we should be going and what we should be doing in terms of growth management. For example, the 2021 Comprehensive Plan outlines five vision statements (e.g. "Future land use patterns will create opportunities for the efficient delivery of municipal services and infrastructure, resulting in fiscal sustainability."). A 2023 Open Space Plan aims to achieve the Town's "30x30" initiative to conserve 30% of land by 2030.

Meanwhile, new state laws will significantly impact local growth management. LD 1829 is a major piece of legislation designed to increase affordable housing statewide. It creates more leniency around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and limits a municipality's use of local growth ordinances. The Town of Scarborough would have less ability to control growth in designated growth areas.

This workshop and ongoing growth discussions are timely as the Town considers how take action on its plans and continue to address the impacts of growth on infrastructure and other Town resources. We’re nearly halfway through the 10-year Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2021) and preparing for the Council’s goal-setting session for 2026.

The presentation includes ~100 slides with details from within each of the recent plans. Slide 83 starts getting into some of the housing legislation impacts that could affect the Town's ability to manage growth.

Payne Road Work to Continue in 2026

Thanks to everyone for your patience through the ongoing road work this fall on two areas of Payne Road (intersection of Gorham Road, and the intersection of Mussey Road). Signal work on Payne Rd, the Gorham Road median, and paving will continue in the next construction season, as some weather and equipment delivery issues delayed the progress. This is a private development project (not a Town project), and the Town is conveying schedule details as received. They are subject to change.

December 3: Fire School Graduation Open to the Public

Our ten newest firefighters—the biggest cohort to start at one time in Scarborough history—just completed their first full month. They went through a four-week training program led by Deputy Fire Chief Ian Tenney. This probationary Fire School was developed to support our new firefighters with their transition into the department. Graduation day is this Wednesday, December 3rd and the public is invited to attend. It will be held in the Public Safety Building (275 Route One, next to Town Hall) at 1:30pm.

Of the 10 new firefighters/EMS providers, 8 of these are new positions that were approved in the FY26 budget. Two are backfilling vacancies in the department. The new positions were created to continue to meet the needs of the community. With increased staffing, we are now able to staff a third ambulance 24/7 (learn more & watch a video about this).

WMTW covered the training program in a recent news story. Check it out for more details!

Accepting Letters to Santa Until December 5th 🎅

The elves are back! Scarborough Community Services will be your resident elves for the season, collecting letters from local children to deliver to Santa. In return, Santa will send a personal response to each child. There is no better way to kick off the holiday season with a little magic! Letters to Santa are due no later than December 5th.

How to return letters:

• Drop in the North Pole Express mailbox at the front of Town Hall

• Drop off at the Hub at 418 Payne Road

• Mail to P.O. Box 360, Scarborough, Maine 04070-0360

• Scan and email to comserv@scarboroughmaine.org

December 6: Sparkle in the Park

Saturday, December 6

5:00-7:00pm

Memorial Park 

Free!

Bundle up the family and head to Memorial Park to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Scarborough! Shuttles from the High School parking lot will begin making their rounds at 4:30pm. We’ll be getting in the Holiday spirit with sweet treats, activities, music, fireworks, and more. Fireworks begin at 5:00pm. During that time shuttles and walking down to the park will be paused to ensure safety of attendees. Please make sure to arrive early if you want to see the show!

Help us spread the holiday cheer: Bring Santa a nonperishable item to donate to the Scarborough Food Pantry.

December 6: Children's Craft Fair

Saturday, December 6

10:00am-12:00pm

Community Services Hub, 418 Payne Road

Come support our talented young entrepreneurs as they showcase and sell their handcrafted creations. Shop a wide variety of handmade creations including jewelry, ornaments, hot cocoa, bath bombs, candles, t-shirts, henna, and dog treats. There’s something for everyone!

Throughout the season, these young makers have learned what it takes to plan, create, and sell their own products — exploring supplies, costs, profits, marketing, and inventory management through hands-on activities. Their hard work and creativity shine in every item they’ve crafted.

Find Upcoming Programs in Our Winter Brochure

The Winter 2025-26 Brochure is here! Check out our upcoming activities for Active Adult Programs, Teen Programs, Youth Programs, and Special Events

Take Community Survey by December 16

The Town is wrapping up its community survey after a couple of months seeking feedback. Anyone is encouraged to complete the online survey at scarboroughsurvey.org.

Rate your satisfaction with:

• The overall quality of customer service you receive from Town employees

• The overall appearance of the Town

• How well the Town is managing residential growth

& more

This survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. The Town will use the results of the survey to set council goals and inform projects/initiatives.

Last chance! Take our online community survey. Your thoughts let us know areas of pride and where efforts need to be prioritized moving forward

New Online Dashboard Tracks Land Conservation

Over the past several months, the Town developed an Open Space Plan to inventory existing conserved lands. It was adopted in April and sets a baseline as we track our efforts toward 30x30, a Town initiative to conserve at least 30% of Scarborough’s land by 2030. Now you can use the online dashboard to see where these protected areas are and check back on our progress toward 30x30. It currently shows that 7,302 acres are protected (24% of Scarborough).

Eat Cake with the Councilors at a Location Near You

Our Councilors are hitting the road and coming to you! In an effort to learn more about what's going on across all areas of town, they'll be hosting "Cake with the Councilors" events at different meeting points periodically through the end of the year. And since managing the town is not always a "piece of cake", there will be cupcakes on hand as they engage and listen to people in Scarborough.

Upcoming dates:

• December 4: Pleasant Hill School, 6:30pm

• December 9: Blue Point School, 6:30pm

• December 16: North Scarborough Fire Station, 6:30pm

We hope you'll join us for this sweet series!

Council Corner: Scarborough is Growing—Let's Shape the Future Together!

By Jon Anderson, Town Council

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.

Our new Council is off to a fast start! At our November 19th meeting, we held our second workshop on growth—a topic that’s on many people’s minds. Growth can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to wonder how it will affect our town. The good news? We have tools, ideas, and a community that cares deeply about getting this right.

I would encourage you to watch our workshop. Scarborough has already done a lot of work over the past few years to prepare for growth, but with new state legislation (LD1829) taking effect in July 2026, things are about to move faster. It is important that we act swiftly —both thoughtfully and decisively—so we can manage growth in a way that protects what we love about Scarborough.

I’ve put together “Jon’s Top 10 Ways to Manage Growth” below. These are starting points, not final decisions. It will ultimately be up to consensus by the Council where we go. I’d love to hear your thoughts at one of our upcoming Cake with a Councilor gatherings to hear what you think. There are also opportunities to share your solutions at our Council Meetings during public comment or over email to towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org. Your voice matters— ultimately, the Council will set our 2026 goals based on what the community desires, but that only works if you share it with us! 

The school project showed us that when a diverse group of people come together and engage in civil discourse respectfully, good solutions can come of it that we can all get behind. Growth is inevitable, but together we can make sure Scarborough stays vibrant, welcoming, and wonderful.

Jon’s Top 10 Ways to Manage Growth

Protect Our Environment

• Implement Low Impact Development Standards – Developers will use best practices to reduce environmental impact, especially near sensitive areas like the Marsh. We should also update stormwater requirements and buffers.
• Accelerate Land Acquisition – With voter-approved land bond funds, we need to move faster to secure land for conservation and recreation, limiting it’s development use
• Establish a Tree Protection Ordinance – Stricter rules for tree removal and replacement in new subdivisions to keep our community vibrant

Address Resiliency

• Update Zoning in Flood-Prone Areas – Limit growth where flooding risk is high based on the findings from our Vulnerability assessment; expand our resource protection area to allow for Marsh migration 

Improve Traffic & Infrastructure

• Traffic Improvements – Prioritize top projects and seek voter input on bonding for fixes. Continue to refine how our traffic signals are communicating with one another to accelerate traffic movement during peak times.
• Public Safety Capacity Check – Make sure Fire and Police stay ahead of demand. I believe we are in a good position right now
• Refine Impact Fees – Developers help offset costs of growth, including schools and open space. With the approval of the school, the Town is on track to essentially double our school impact fees, resulting in new development paying ~20% of the principal and interest on the $140M school bond.

Support Affordable Housing

• Expand Inclusionary Zoning – Require a percentage of affordable housing beyond the Downs and remove “in lieu of” fee options. We need more affordable housing and since Scarborough is so desirable we shouldn’t settle.
• Limit Non-Owner Short-Term Rentals – Prevent speculative STR purchases outside beach areas that may take away from our residential neighborhoods with non-owner occupied Airbnbs.  

Advocate for Local Control

• Work with State Leaders – We need to update zoning to comply with state law while protecting local authority. Advocate for new legislation with the Scarborough delegation that works for Scarborough and issue a proclamation expressing concern and dissatisfaction with LD1829 and seek legislative fixes to protect Scarborough.  

To give us time to implement these changes, I would support a temporary pause on large-scale subdivisions along Route 1 and a pause on new TIFs, CEAs, or contract zones until updates are in place. This will need to be evaluated further by the Council to determine the best timing to put a moratorium like this in place.  

This is an important conversation, and we want you involved. Join us at Cake with the Councilors, speak up, and share your ideas. Managing growth is not a piece of cake so join us through December for a slice and let’s discuss your thoughts. Together, we can manage growth and keep Scarborough the community we all love with our neighbors old, new and not here yet!

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.

Spread Holiday Cheer, Reduce Holiday Waste 🎁♻

The average American produces 25% more municipal waste between Thanksgiving and New Years, on top of the 4.9 pounds we each throw away every day. The holidays have become a season of consumption, but we can push back while still filling our December with joy. Luckily, there are a few simple changes we can all make to reduce our impact:

• Shop Local: Online shopping results in five times more packaging waste than in-person

shopping.

• Wrap Sustainably: Most wrapping paper is single-use and cannot be recycled. Think

about what materials you may already have that you can use to gift wrap this year or

attend the sustainable wrapping workshop at the public library.

• Exchange Items: Swap decorations with neighbors to freshen up your home, swap

unused items through buy nothing or other swap groups.

• Gift Creatively: Gift experiences your loved ones will enjoy like concert tickets, massage

coupons, pottery or music lessons, and gift cards for activities they love!

Need a little more inspiration? Join us for a sustainable gift wrapping workshop at the

Scarborough Public Library on Tuesday, December 16th from 12:00-2:00pm. Bring newspaper, fabric, old sheets, ribbons, paper bags, cardboard boxes, or whatever materials you have laying around, and gain ideas and inspiration to reduce, reuse, and recycle when you wrap!

Check out the Town’s Facebook and Instagram for weekly tips to spread holiday cheer and reduce holiday waste!

SEDCO Holiday Guide

Before you head out for shopping, be sure to review the 2025 Holiday Guide for Scarborough, brought to you by Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce and Scarborough Buy Local. You'll find a list of events in Scarborough, a selection of regional events and a mini guide to gifts and offers. Enjoy the many events that celebrate the holidays in Scarborough and the

region. Please have a safe and happy holiday season!

SEDCO develops, supports and promotes sustainable economic development practices leading to a healthy, diverse and resilient local economy for the Scarborough community.

Shop Small at Scarborough Land Trust's Nature Store

The holiday season is a special time and the Scarborough Land Trust (SLT) stocking up in their Nature Store to help you celebrate. To make your holiday shopping experience easier, they will be open late on Friday, December 12th and 19th until 7:00 pm and open all day on Saturday, December 13th (9:00am to 5:00pm). Usual hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. 

Join SLT for a festive Open House on Saturday, December 13th (9:00am to 5:00pm)! Enjoy snacks and light refreshments and take the opportunity to meet board members and Executive Director Andrew Mackie. Stop in anytime during these hours on December 13th and ask questions about SLT programs and projects, pick up a trail map, or do your holiday shopping. 

The SLT Nature Store has a wide variety of cards, books, puzzles, games, ornaments, stuffed animals, t-shirts, hats, gifts, and so much more. All sales benefit the conservation programs of SLT, making your holiday gift shopping even more special.

The Nature Store is located at 25 Plaza Drive, Unit 6 (in the Oak Hill Plaza).

For more information about the SLT Nature Store and December’s Open House, please call (207) 289-1199 or e-mail info@scarboroughlandtrust.org. 

Explore Independently-Owned Scarborough Businesses

The holiday season is around the corner and it's time to look locally for gift-giving! Scarborough Buy Local is helping us do just that. They have built a robust directory of independently owned businesses in town in industries ranging from food & beverage, to fitness, services, retail, banking, and more.

Residents - Do you want to keep it local? Check out the Scarborough Buy Local website and find local businesses. 

Scarborough Small Businesses - Register to be part of the Buy Local team and optimize the business search on our website. Plus, as a member you receive many other benefits such as advertisement and networking events. 

Giving Trees Popping Up Around Town

Project GRACE is asking for help collecting traditional holiday gifts like: new hats and mittens, cozy socks for kids and adults, new toys for kids of all ages, craft kits and games for families, pajamas and read-aloud books, hoodies for kids and teens, shampoo and hygiene items, and spices for the food pantry.

Grocery and retail cards as well as gifts to the Keep Our Neighbors Warm fuel fund or our Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund are also very much appreciated.

Giving Trees are located at:

• Big 20 Bowling (Dec. 1st-14th)
• Scarborough Public Library 
• Piper Shores 
• Inn by the Sea
• St. Maximilian-Kolbe Church 
• Scarborough Schools 
• Community Services Hub
• TruChoice Federal Credit Union
• Evergreen Federal Credit Union (Scarborough)
• Loyal Order of Moose, Scarborough
• The Enclave of Scarborough
• Oasis Wellness Center

They'll be collecting gifts under these Giving Trees until December 15th. Thank you for your donations.

Project GRACE is also a donation recipient of the Maine POPS Concert Band Holiday Benefit Concert on Sunday, December 14th at 2:30pm. It will be held at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center (471 Stroudwater Street).

December 30: Blood Drive Hosted by Scarborough Fire

Scarborough Fire is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, December 30 from 9:00am-6:00pm and asks for donors to sign up. The drive is in honor of Madison Charland, the niece of one of our firefighters.

At only 10 months old, Madison was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She is a fighter and went through a grueling 2.5 year treatment plan including many rounds of chemotherapy. During this time, Madison needed many blood and platelet transfusions. She has now been in remission for over two years and enjoys gymnastics, dancing, and soccer. There are more children who need your help to win their battle with cancer, which is why we started Blood Drives in Honor of Madison. Please sign up to be somebody's hero!

This blood drive is sponsored by the Scarborough Fire Department, Scarborough Police Department, and the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Sign up at redcrossblood.org and typing in the keywords: Madison Charland or directly through the link below.

Dog Licenses Expire on December 31, 2025

Dog license registration is now open for 2026, and are valid through December 31, 2026. Register or renew your dog license in person at the Clerk's office or online. (If you register your dog(s) online, you will receive your tag(s) at the beginning of the next month). All dog renewals must be completed by January 31, 2026. The cost is $6 (spay/neutered) or $11 (not spayed/neutered). There is an additional $25 late fee after February 1st. To receive a license for your dog, please come into the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall during our business hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:00am-5:00pm.

Why do dogs need to be licensed? Many reasons! Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination which protects the health of your pet. Fees also go directly to the Maine Animal Welfare Program to fight animal cruelty and abuse, accounting for 95% of the State Animal Welfare Program’s entire funding. Without these fees, the State would be unable to protect the animals of this state.

Prepare for the Winter Season

Sign Up for CodeRED Alerts

As we head into the winter storm season, one way to prepare is signing up for our Town's CodeRED computer alert system. It is used to quickly notify large groups of people for emergency situations like criminal activity, severe weather, road closures, evacuations, and missing persons. Only those who are signed up receive these alerts. It's free and secure to sign up for cell phone alerts. Select how to receive alerts: text, phone call and/or email. Help us keep you informed and safe by signing up for CodeRED.

Tips from Public Works

Snow will come any day now! Here are some reminders from Public Works:

• Keep edge of the roadways clear (at least 12-15 feet from the edge of the pavement) for plowing.

• Do not shovel or snowblow into the roadways.

• Be aware of and abide by parking bans.

• Place your trash and recycle carts in your driveway, not on the roadside.

• Put snow tires on your car. Drive slowly and safely.

• Get your snowblower ready to go.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

All About Local Scholarships

Thursday, December 11, 6:30-7:30pm

Register

Join Annalee Rosenblatt, a member of several local scholarship awarding boards, to learn about local scholarships, the application process, the importance of following directions, as well as the specifics of the three local scholarships.

Sustainable Yankee Swap (for adults)

Friday, December 12, 12:00-1:00pm

Register

This game goes by many names: Yankee Swap, White Elephant, Greedy Punter, Thieving Elves, and so many others. Let's laugh together and open a present! Find the instructions of how we're going to play on our website when you register.

The Tween & Teens Yankee Swap will be at 2:45pm that same day!

Library Knitting Group

Saturday, December 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

Register

New knitters are welcome! Crochet, sewing, and other crafters are also welcome. The Library Knitting Group meets in person with the option to Zoom in, making it a hybrid meeting. At 10:30am, members of the group share their current projects with those participating in person and virtually. No registration required for any specific Saturday, but if you would like an email reminder of upcoming Knitting Group sessions, please register.

Wrapping Gifts Creatively and Sustainably

Tuesday, December 16, 12:00-2:00pm

Register

Let's get creative and reduce holiday trash. Bring materials you already have at home such as fabric, old t-shirts, single socks that lost their other half, bits of paper, old books, whatever! We'll have paper grocery bags, rubber stamps, and markers to make our own wrapping paper and reusable gift bags, as well as some other odds and ends.