If January is a sign for how the year will go, it will be a full one in Scarborough. The council held a workshop with members of the State legislature, a major storm had Public Works plowing around the clock, and staff are gearing up for the budget season and other projects/studies on the calendar. We'll get into all of that and more, so read on for details. And if you want to talk about it with your neighbor, let them know about this newsletter!

Town Council Adopts their 2026 Goals

The start of the year is a fundamental time for preparing for the months ahead in the Town of Scarborough. The Town Council met in early January to establish their goals and formally adopted them in their last meeting. They narrowed them down to the following areas:

Growth

• Advocate for Legislative change regarding LD 1829

• Discuss the scope of a moratorium and implement as soon as possible through good public process that considers levers to manage growth

• Expand the use of impact fees for open space and public safety

• Implement a Short Term Rental ordinance

Communication & Engagement

• Continue to engage with the public and meet them where they are

• Continue to explore and budget for print opportunities

Conservation, Sustainability & Resiliency

• Continue to leverage land bond funds to pursue 30x30 goal, expand recreational uses, and support historic preservation

• Explore other avenues of funding to support the vulnerability assessment

• Explore strategies to limit tree cutting for new commercial developments

Transportation & Traffic

• Develop corridor-specific plans to address mobility on Rt 1, Payne Rd and Gorham Road that considers multi-modal transportation

Financial, Affordability & Capital Planning

• Develop a 20-year financial plan to fund and respond to the results of the Vulnerability Assessment, Transportation Study, Parks & Facilities Master Plan, and Open Space Plan

• Work towards a 0% mil rate for the FY2027 budget in advance of the school bond

• Defer any major capital projects (e.g. Library expansion, community center)

• Advocate with regional agencies and the state on property tax relief legislation

What do you think of these goals? Let us know at towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org

February Series: Conversations With Councilors

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 "Conversations with the Councilors" events at different meeting places through the month of February. This popular series started last fall (formerly Cake with the Councilors) and is BACK so our councilors can kick off 2026 guided by community sentiment.

Conversations with Councilors Sessions

• Tuesday, February 3: Pleasant Hill School, 6:30pm

• Thursday, February 5: Scarborough Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road), 6:00pm

• Monday, February 9: **Virtual Only** 5:00pm

• Tuesday, February 10: Blue Point School, 6:30pm

• Monday, February 16: North Scarborough Fire Station, 6:00pm

• Saturday, February 21: Public Safety Building, 10:00am **Weekend morning session**

• Tuesday, February 24: **Virtual Only** 6:00pm

We hope you'll join us for this series as we engage and listen to the voices across our community.

Links will be posted for the virtual-only sessions on the website page linked above and on the Town Calendar as the dates near.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, February 4

Town Council Workshop: Scottow Hill Road, 5:30pm

Regular Town Council Meeting, 7:00pm

Tuesday, February 10

East Grand Ave Project Virtual Meeting, 6:00pm

Thursday, February 12

Council Corner Live: Scottow Hill Road, 6:30pm (Public Safety Building, 275 US Route 1)

Wednesday, February 18

Town Council Workshop: Scarborough/Old Orchard Beach Radio Communications Project, 5:30pm

Regular Town Council Meeting, 7:00pm

All meetings are held in Council Chambers at Town Hall unless otherwise noted. Meetings are streamed on Zoom and YouTube unless otherwise indicated. Find links and times for all public meetings on the Town Calendar (links are typically added a few days prior to the meeting).

Outcomes From LD 1829 Workshop with State Reps

The Town Council held a workshop on January 21 to discuss proposed changes to a new housing law, LD 1829, which will go into effect in July. Members of the State Legislature (Representatives Drew Gattine, Kelly Noonan Murphy, Sophie Warren and Ryan Fecteau) attended and heard from councilors about their concerns with LD 1829. While the councilors had initially proposed it be repealed, the representatives emphasized the need for housing statewide and assured that they would work with Scarborough to make adjustments to take into account the proactive approach that Scarborough has already taken to meeting regional housing needs.

Since then, the representatives have worked on LD 2173, a new bill that incorporates the feedback and proposed revisions. Multiple Town Councilors are working with the legislative delegation on these changes. The February 4th council meeting includes an agenda item to give authorization to the Town Manager to provide specific revisions for LD 2173 (to amend LD 1829).

Watch the January 21st workshop (Timestamp 28:40-1:51:30)

Background:  Passed in 2025 and set to go into effect in July 2026, LD 1829 "An Act to Build Housing for Maine Families and Attract Workers to Maine Businesses by Amending the Laws Governing Municipal Land Use Decisions", would significantly increase housing density and limit a community’s ability to control of the rate of growth. It requires municipalities to allow at least 3-4 units per residential lot, reduces minimum lot size requirements, and raises height limits for affordable housing developments. It also prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances that would limit the rate of growth of residential development in a designated growth area.

In January the Scarborough Town Council passed a resolution to express concerns with LD 1829. The Council resolution requested a repeal or delay until corrective action can be taken on a new piece of state legislation. The implications of LD 1829 on Scarborough are concerning to the Town Council and staff because it would allow for significantly more growth at a time when Scarborough is working to keep up with the pace of growth that is already being experienced in our community over the past decade. Read more

February 4: Scottow Hill Road Workshop

To Consider Repair Options, Timeline, & Funding

The Town Council has scheduled a workshop for February 4th at 5:30pm (YouTube) to review all material regarding a solution for the ongoing Scottow Hill Road closure. The road has been closed since late May 2025 due to multiple culvert failures that pose a safety risk for drivers. Due to construction timing and funding limitations, the Town has used the last several months to understand potential options and repair costs. It also explored the opportunity of grant funding for some options. Factors weighed when considering options were the overall cost, environmental impact, traffic capacity, and convenience. Now that this work has concluded, the Council will review all options, engage with the public, and make an informed decision ahead of the FY2027 budget process.

Potential Options (to be discussed in February 4 Workshop)

Option 1: Culvert Replacement

1a) Replace with minimum regulatory requirements (no grant funding)

1b) Replace with resilient-designed culvert to withstand future flooding scenarios, as recommended in Town's Vulnerability Assessment (potential grant funding)

Option 2: Culvert Removal & Restoration (Permanent Road Closure)

2a) Use grant funds to remove culverts and restore Beaver Brook

2b) Use grant funds to remove culverts and restore Beaver Brook; construct a new road outside of the stream crossing, or evaluate and implement other necessary traffic mitigation improvements in locations that the diverted traffic is experiencing impacts.

February 12: Council Corner Live on Scottow Hill Road

Thursday, February 12, 6:30pm

Public Safety Building, 275 US Route 1

One week after the February 4th Council workshop outlining the options and details relating to each scenario, the Town Council will host a listening session to hear from the community. Council Corner Lives are hosted every few months on a set topic. They are less formal than a Council meeting because they allow time for back-and-forth dialogue between the council and the public instead of the 3-minute public comment period in the regular meetings. The Council hopes to use this upcoming session to hear from residents about the Scottow Hill Road construction options being considered.

Scarborough/Old Orchard Beach Radio Communication Systems Project

The Town of Scarborough is exploring a significant municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for its public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. The Town of Scarborough currently provides emergency dispatch services for both Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach, and the communities are working together on a shared vision to modernize and integrate their communications systems. Many key components of the existing radio infrastructure have reached or exceeded their expected service life and are no longer supported by the manufacturers to repair or replace when failures occur. This presents a significant risk to system performance, increasing the potential for communication outages that could impact public safety operations.

Currently, a variety of radio systems are used across both towns by Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Schools, Community Services, Recreation, Lifeguards, the Sanitary District, and Wastewater. The goal of a system upgrade is to streamline these separate systems into a cohesive network to improve interoperability and simplify long-term support.

The Town Council will host a workshop on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30pm to learn more about the need, process to date, and proposed solution.

Development Review Planner Helen Harman Earns AICP Certification

Helen Harman, Development Review Planner with our Planning & Codes Department, is now a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). The AICP certification is a nationally recognized credential validating a planner's qualifications, expertise, and commitment to ethics. It requires passing a rigorous exam in addition to education and experience.

Helen joined the Town of Scarborough in December 2024 after previously working as a Planning Specialist for NYC Emergency Management. She studied City and Regional Planning at Pratt Institute and is originally from Far West Texas. As the Development Review Planner, Helen reviews development applications submitted to the Planning department and ensures that any proposed developments align with the Town's Zoning ordinance. She also supports the Planning Board. Congratulations to Helen on this accomplishment!

🎮Program Spotlight: Teen Retro Video Game Nights

Fridays in February (2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27)

5:00-6:30pm, Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road)

Grades 6-8

Register; $45

Friday nights in February, join us for a blast to the past as we set up various older or “retro” game consoles for kids to enjoy and compete. Consoles include Nintendo Wii (Wii Sports, Just Dance), Playstation 2 (Guitar Hero), Nintendo N64, and Nintendo Gamecube (Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart). Games will rotate on a weekly basis, with the final games being voted on based in popularity.

🛶Kayak Storage Rentals for 2026 Season

Tired of lugging your kayak to and from the beach? Community Services has the answer for you! We currently have 16 spaces at the Pine Point Co-Op, 16 spaces at Ferry Beach, and 24 at Clay Pits boat launch.

Due to the high demand and the limited amount of spaces, the spaces are leased out for the season using a lottery system. Beginning now through February 25, Scarborough residents and taxpayers may enter their name into the lottery for a chance to secure a space for the season. No fee will be assessed for the lottery enrollment. If you are selected, each kayak spot is $150 for the season.

Scarborough seniors in need of sand for their driveway and sidewalks can have a bucket of sand delivered to their residence at no cost. Please contact Jake Murphy with your request at jmurphy@scarboroughmaine.org. Please be sure to leave your name, phone number, and address.

Public Works: Your Source for Plow/Curbside Trash Qs

Snowy weather reminder! If there is inclement weather, please help our plow drivers by placing your trash and recycle carts in your driveway, not on the roadside.

Questions? Contact Public Works at pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or (207) 730-4400.

February 10: Virtual Meeting on East Grand Ave Design

Review the Design Plans & Share Feedback

The Town of Scarborough is going through the process of making improvements to East Grand Ave in the Pine Point area. The project design plans are now available and staff is seeking resident feedback. Join the February 10 virtual meeting to review design plans for the East Grand Ave complete streets improvement project. The meeting will be from 6:00-7:30pm and virtual-only to accommodate seasonal residents (register on Zoom). See the design plans on the Town website. Have feedback? Submit it on the website form or attend the meeting to share your thoughts.

Pine Point Water Line Replacement Work Starts Soon

The Town is coordinating with Gorham Sand & Gravel and Maine Water on water main replacement work in Pine Point. Work will be conducted on:

• Jones Creek Drive

• Avenue 3

• Avenue 4

• Avenue 5 (section)

• Avenue 6

• King Street (section)

Phase I (February): Avenue 3

Road closed; local traffic only

Phase II (March): Avenue 4

Road closed; local traffic only

There will be no water service disruption for this initial work.

There is a July 1st completion deadline, with full paving work to follow in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027.

Seeking Public Input on Defined Street Types in Town

To Support the Development of a Complete Streets Manual

The Town of Scarborough is developing a Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual with consultants to help the Town make streets safer and more accommodating to all modes of transportation. The goals and objectives for the manual are to:

• Develop design guidance that promotes safer, more complete streets and outlines the benefits and tradeoffs of traffic calming 

• Craft a framework for developers to support consistent complete streets implementation

• Balance priorities for right-of-way allocation

• Ensure safety remains the top priority for all modes of transportation

The process is heavily informed by community input in public meetings and through direct feedback to staff. The Manual is currently in development and in draft form, but part of the process has been defining street types. All public roads have been labeled as one of the following:

• Neighborhood Street (Connector, Beach, Local)

• Major Corridor

• Rural Connector

• Industrial/Business Access Street

• Village/Town Street

Have they all been labeled correctly? Please review the interactive map of Town streets to see how they've been labeled, and let us know in the feedback form if you have thoughts on how they are defined.

Interactive map showing the defined streets types for all public roads in Scarborough. We are seeking public feedback on how they are defined and if any labels should be changed.

February 7: 14th Annual Fuel Rally Fundraiser

The 14th annual Fuel Rally community fundraiser by Project GRACE will be Saturday, February 7th from 10:00am-Noon at the Scarborough Public Library. The rally raises critical funds for fuel assistance for neighbors in need, with a goal of $25,000 to get neighbors through the winter.

The event will feature other community organizations like Scarborough Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Friends of the Library, and the Historical Society, along with the Town's Public Safety crew. Soup and chowder will be available to purchase by donation in advance (pre-order here). Activities include:

• Bake sale
• Bottle drive
• Book sale
• Chili/chowder/soup catered by Bread & Butter Catering Company
• Music by Hadacol Bouncers

Project GRACE is a Scarborough nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of Scarborough neighbors by identifying both those in need and those willing to share their gifts, and coordinating the interchange in a compassionate, confidential manner.

February 28: Annual Spring Passport Day

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9:00am to 2:00pm

Community Services Hub, 418 Payne Road

Do you have travel plans in 2026 that require a passport? Now is the time to apply!

Scarborough Community Services will be holding their annual Spring Passport Day a bit early so that families can get passports in time for April school break. Call ahead to make an appointment, or just show up between 9:00am and 2:00pm and we will accept your application on a first come, first served basis. This event is open to residents and non-residents.

For details on what you must bring with you, please check passport application requirements on our website or call us at 207-730-4150.

2026 Household Hazardous Waste Days Announced

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days for 2026 have been scheduled! Safely dispose of items such as paint, cleaners, insect sprays, fluorescent bulbs, and more. These collection days are available to the residents of Scarborough, Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach at no cost. Proof of residency is required. 

• Scarborough: Saturday, May 9th from 8am-Noon
• Saco: Saturday, July 11th from 8am-Noon
• Biddeford: Saturday, September 12th from 8am-Noon

Council Corner: Council Goal-Setting

By Bill Donovan, 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.

The Town Council met in January for its annual “goals” session to identify the issues and projects it intends to focus on for the coming year. This effort not only establishes the matters it intends to address but also sets the stage for the spring budget analysis that leads to a new budget on July 1, 2026. The process of goal setting is based on the analysis that both Councilors and Town Departments have undertaken, all with input from the public. This public outreach involves not only activities such as forums and town newsletters but also a recently concluded town-wide survey to obtain public input. I am also pleased to say that the Public Comment opportunity provided at the outset of each Town Council meeting has been successfully utilized by the public to bring important matters to our attention.

Growth. As you might (and should) expect, “Growth” in Scarborough is the #1 issue gaining the Council’s attention. We have heard it from the podium, letters, data, and more. At our Goals session the entire panoply of options was identified. They are many and varied. We have new State legislation that the Council strongly opposes because it limits our ability to restrain growth as it limits home rule. A Moratorium is always considered a viable tool to restrict growth but by law it is a temporary tool. When it ends the problems is likely still there. So additional steps must be taken. Discussing them further here would draw us in to the weeds of municipal planning and law (which as a lawyer I would enjoy but you, not so much). Much more on this will be publicly debated in the months ahead.

Transportation and Traffic. It is probably a toss-up for the next most significant issue the Town Council needs to address. Closely related to growth are Transportation and Traffic. Those of you who travel throughout Scarborough know that the principal corridors such as Route 1, Payne Rd, Black Point Rd, Gorham Rd, and Spurwink Rd can all present a challenge. Again, a number of options need to be addressed to do justice to solving these problems. Leave it to say that we will look at road widening, traffic light coordination (already recently undertaken on Rt. 1) sidewalks, public transportation, and more.

Sustainability. A personal favorite of mine is the topic of what we need to do to save the planet (you think?) or at least that tiny portion occupied by Scarborough. “Sustaining Scarborough” is a newly created Council initiative designed to target supportive goals and strategies, staffed by citizens like us. Details can be found on the Town’s website.

Affordability. Just as closely related to Transportation and Traffic is “Affordability”. You can look at this from several perspectives. A look at tax rate data over the last decade tells you that the Town has done a good job of managing our property tax burden. But management of our roadways and future potential “coastal” capital costs presents a capital budget challenge in the decade(s) to come. And Affordability is often referenced in the context of buying a home (and given the desirability of living in Scarborough with all its beauty and natural resources prices are likely never coming down).

I could go on and on with the Council’s Goals but I will leave for others to report on further developments as the year unfolds.

To conclude, on a personal note, having been on the Council off and on for a considerable time I can say without question this Council spares no effort in working hard to support our community. But these efforts cannot be performed in a vacuum. Fortunate for the Council, it has many volunteers for the numerous committees that evaluate all of the problems and issues that can arise in a municipality (and a special thanks to the plover monitors at our beaches like mine at Higgins). And lastly, worthy of a special thank you is the Town's exceptional administrative staff led by Town Manager, Tom Hall, and Assistant Town Manager, Liam Gallagher, all of which makes it an honor to serve the Town of Scarborough.

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.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Board Game Night for ALL AGES

Friday, February 6, 5:00-7:30pm

Registration not required

Bring the whole family, a couple of friends, or come on your own for this intergenerational party! We have new and classic games for adults and kids. This is a great way to have some fun and maybe make a new friend. Pizza included, thanks to The Enclave of Scarborough.

Armchair Traveler: The People of Madagascar

Tuesday, February 10, 1:00-2:00pm

Register

A three-part series with Dr. Kristine Hoyt, attend one or all! Last month we talked about the animals and plants of Madagascar. We'll close out the series learning about the people.

Paper Pop-Up Art Workshop

Tuesday, February 10, 10:00am-12:00pm

Registration not required

We're making a ton of Valentine's for local seniors. Come lend a hand and make a few to take home too! This is a program for adults, but babes in arms and calm & accompanied children are always welcome.