With extra evening daylight and snow melting away, we're seeing signs of spring all around. In Scarborough, some clues are the giant Easter eggs at parks around town (thanks to Community Services!), and the sign on the main entrance door saying "Beach passes available April 30". Read on for the full gamut, and have your pen handy for some useful "save the dates" on upcoming meetings, program event dates, and more.

Feel like answering a few questions? We launched a quick poll this week to learn more about home & business energy use in Scarborough. This is to help with a new Climate Action Plan we're developing (learn more below). Take the brief survey for a chance to win a Hannaford gift card.

Municipal Budget Process Starts April 1

Around early spring each year, the Town Manager proposes the budget for the fiscal year ahead. The FY2027 budget will be presented to the Town Council on Wednesday, April 1st. The focus of this year's budget is to maintain the level of quality services that our community expects while showing restraint on investments in anticipation of the upcoming school building project. We'll share more reminders for the presentation as it nears, and will be doing highlights of what's included in the budget in the months ahead.

What We Anticipate

There are several factors that come into play when putting together a proposed budget. First are the recommendations from each department on what their needs are to continue operating effectively and efficiently. Those are considered alongside the Council's goals, which this year includes trying to keep any tax rate increase as minimal as possible. Then there are factors outside of the Town's control: how much the Town and School receive from the State through subsidies, and the cost of inflation, which can have a big impact on the overall budget.

While each budget cycle there are a different set of obstacles, many of these considerations remain the same year over year. With that expectation in mind, the Town Manager presents a proposed budget to the Town Council that serves as a starting point for further discussion and review. It is the hope of the Town Council that residents have a seat at the table to help shape the final direction and produce an end result that is supportive of the needs of the community while balancing its impact on taxes. We hope you'll stay connected as we provide updates over the next few months!

Budget Review Timeline

Here is a look at the timing of upcoming Town budget meetings this spring:

April

April 1: FY2027 Town/School Budget Presentation; Town Council First Reading

April 13: Town Council Finance Committee Department Budget Review

April 14: Town Council Finance Committee Department Budget Review

April 15: Town Council Meeting Public Hearing

April 30: Town Council Finance Committee Budget Deliberations

May

May 7: Town Council Finance Committee Budget Deliberations (If needed)

May 14: Town Council Finance Committee Regular Meeting

May 20: Town Council Meeting; Second Reading and Budget Vote

June

June 9: School Budget Validation Referendum

Budget information is always available on our website. Check back over the next few months as we update it with current updates.

Quick Notes

March 18th Council Meeting to Start at 6:00pm

The upcoming Town Council meeting on Wednesday, March 18th will begin at 6:00pm instead of the regular 7:00pm start time.

Spurwink Road Phase 2 Begins March 23rd

Road work begins on Spurwink Road for Phase 2 of the project on March 23rd (one week later than recently stated). It is anticipated to be complete by the end of June. The project will be on Spurwink Road from Pleasant Hill Road to the Cape Elizabeth town line. Please be aware and anticipate potential delays.

Nomination Papers Accepted for Board of Education

The upcoming election on June 9th will include filling two seats for the Board of Education, with terms expiring in 2029. Nomination papers are now available in the Town Clerk's office and are due by April 1st. Call the Clerk's office to learn more, (207) 730-4020.

Recreational Shellfish License Applications Available in April

Applications for resident licenses will be on a first come, first serve basis starting at 7:00am on Monday, April 6 in the Town Clerk's office. Licenses will be available in person and online. Applications for non-resident licenses will be on a first come, first serve basis starting at 7:00am on Monday, April 13 in the Town Clerk's office. Learn More.

2026 Pricing:

• Resident Recreational (200 available): $50
• Over 65 Resident Recreation (140 available): $10
• Non-Resident Recreational (20 available): $100
• Over 65 Non-Resident Recreational (14 available): $15

Beach Parking Passes Available April 30

Beach parking passes are available for purchase starting April 30th at Town Hall. They allow for parking at Town-maintained beach lots: Higgins, Pine Point (at Hurd Park), and Ferry during the season, Friday before Memorial Day (May) through Labor Day (September). Learn More.

March 18: Town Council Considers Short Term Rentals

The Ordinance Committee has been working on creating a short term rental ordinance. The ordinance would create caps on the annual number of permitted short-term rentals (STRs) and amendments the Zoning Ordinance to add new uses, establish where they are permitted, and exclusion zones where the cap doesn't apply. There will be a first reading on the proposed new ordinance in the March 18th Town Council meeting.

April 1: Council Workshop with Greater Portland Metro

Public transportation in Scarborough is expanding in 2026! Metro secured federal funding through the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) to launch new transit service in Scarborough. This funding, alongside $65,000 local contribution from the Town of Scarborough and a commitment of $3.5 million over 5 years from the Maine Turnpike Authority, will help Metro launch new service in Scarborough by mid- to late-2026. Greater Portland Metro will be at the Transportation Committee meeting on March 24th to share their proposed enhanced fixed route and microtransit areas. The following week they will hold a workshop with the Town Council on Wednesday, April 1 to go over contractual and budgetary considerations and make an official agreement on the project. Find remote viewing links and agendas on the Town Calendar as the dates near.

Parks & Grounds Crew Wraps Up Winter Season

That’s a wrap on our outdoor ice rink season! The nets are coming down, the lights are going off, and the ice is officially tapping out for the spring. Thanks to everyone who came out and laced up skates, chased pucks, and enjoyed the ice rinks for the past 10 weeks with us.

These rinks don’t just happen on their own – we have an incredible Parks & Grounds crew who keep our winter recreation operations running smoothly. They really stepped it up this season with new offerings like the additional rink by the tennis courts and grooming ski trails in parks throughout town! In the coming months they will move on to spring season prep, including painting and laying out athletic fields and other outdoor equipment maintenance.

Community Services Employee Earns Certification

Sara Parker, our Childcare Program Coordinator with Community Services, recently obtained her Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification. This certification, approved by the National Parks and Recreation Association, is the national standard for all Parks and Recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession. Attaining the CPRP designation shows that you have met education and experience qualifications, and illustrates your commitment to the profession as well as your knowledge and understanding of key concepts within parks and recreation. Scarborough Community Services currently has six staff members with these credentials. Congratulations to Sara for her work to achieve this certification!

Spring Fun With Community Services

Park Hop Egg Hunt

March 2-31

Coloring map

The Easter Bunny visited Scarborough and dropped eggs all over town! Can you retrace the Bunny’s tracks and help find the eggs? Follow the tracks using this year’s coloring page map, visit all 6 locations, and draw the design you see on each egg. Drop your completed map off at the SCS Hub or email it to comserv@scarboroughmaine.org to be entered into an EGGCITING drawing. Thanks to our sponsors Texas Roadhouse and Goldfish Swim School, six lucky participants will take home some seriously great baskets of goodies!

Bunny Breakfast

Saturday, March 28

9:00-10:30am, Wentworth Cafeteria

$10 per family; Purchase

Join us for a yummy breakfast with our favorite special guest... The Easter Bunny! The menu includes pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and fruit, along with all of the fixings. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a photo op with the Bunny!

Many Ways to Volunteer with the Town

Join a Board/Committee

Looking to broaden your professional experience or get more involved on the local level? We have openings on the Tree Care Advisory Board (new!) and Conservation Commission.

To apply, complete an online application (also linked on our Boards & Committees webpage). Select the board/committee(s) you're interested in joining. The Appointments & Negotiations Committee (Town Council) meets monthly and reviews applications on an ongoing basis. You will be notified after that time.

Be an Election Worker

The Town of Scarborough is seeking registered voters to become Election Workers. Help is needed either during absentee voting or on Election Day (or both). Working during absentee voting requires a commitment which can range from 2-4 half-day shifts per week for the month prior to Election Day. 

No prior experience is needed! The Town Clerk’s office will equip you with all of the tools you will need to be successful in this role. We require all election workers to attend a training before each election to ensure all of our staff are receiving the most up-to-date information. 

Election workers are eligible to be paid for the work they conduct for the Town, or you can choose to volunteer. Complete an application on our website to express interest.

Be a Beach Monitor

Learn more below about the impact you can have as a beach monitor this summer!

Charlene Gillchrest has worked elections for the past 8 years. She was also on Volunteer Rescue with the Fire Department for nearly 7 years. Thank you Charlene for all you have done for Scarborough!

Plover Season is Coming—Volunteer With Us!

Spring is near, and piping plovers will soon be spotted on our beaches. Piping plovers are endangered shorebirds that are protected by both State and Federal laws. In the spring and summer months, Scarborough’s beaches are home to several pairs of piping plovers. In fact, they’re our official town bird.

Scarborough has prime piping plover habitat. They love to lay their eggs in our soft sand and raise their chicks on our beaches. During the nesting season (roughly April – August), it’s important that beachgoers know to steer clear of plover nests – that’s where our volunteers come in! Each summer, volunteer monitors visit our beaches to educate visitors about the birds and to keep an eye on their nests. If you can spare a couple hours each week to walk our beaches, talk with visitors, and monitor plover nesting areas, we’d love for you to volunteer with us! 

Ideally, we're looking for a regular, weekly commitment, but we also know summer in Maine is precious. You can still volunteer even if you know you will only be able to help sporadically or if there are weeks when other plans will take you away from our beaches.

Piping plover adult and chicks. Photo by Missy Mans

All volunteers need to:

• Be willing to talk and interact with the public

• Attend an annual volunteer training and orientation

• Educate beachgoers about plovers and beach rules meant to keep the birds safe

• Track and report volunteer time and complete online observation forms 

If you have any questions about becoming a Volunteer Beach Monitor, please contact Jami Fitch, Sustainability Manager, at jfitch@scarboroughmaine.org or (207) 730-4035. 

MaineDOT Traffic Pattern Pilot on Route 1 This Summer

The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking an opportunity to elevate a portion of Route 1 over the marsh in Scarborough. This is an ongoing climate resiliency plan in anticipation of future flooding events that make the road impassable during major storms.

While it is an MDOT project, the Town of Scarborough requested they make considerations for incorporating more safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians along this corridor. Because the footprint of the road cannot be widened (due to the sensitivity of the marsh landscape), MDOT suggested a data-backed scenario that would allow for the multi-modal safety being sought.

Their recommendation is to merge northbound traffic to a single lane for the portion of Route 1 over the marsh (from just south of Milliken Mills Rd to south of Tractor Supply), which would allow for ample space for bikes/pedestrians. They have modeled this scenario and found that with the current peak summer traffic volumes and limited driveways along this stretch, it would be effective without compromising the flow of traffic.

Due to concerns associated with mobility of the Route 1 corridor, instead of incorporating it permanently into their design plans, there is an opportunity to pilot this approach and thoroughly track its effectiveness beforehand. MDOT is suggesting a pilot of this lane merge from the end of June to mid-August this year and plans to collect data through the duration. MDOT will present their plan at the March 24th Transportation Committee meeting to explain this further and provide details. Ultimately, the decision to move this pilot project/data collection forward is that of the Town Council and is scheduled for discussion at a workshop in April.

→ Takeaway: Tune in to the March 24th Transportation Committee meeting to learn more (we'll recap in the April 1st newsletter too). Links to participate/view the agenda will be on the Town Calendar as the date nears.

Early Design Meetings Begin for School Project

Since the school project was approved in the Fall 2025 referendum, the Board of Education has formed a Post Referendum Building Committee (PRBC) to help guide the next phase. The purpose of the committee is to advise and support the Board of Education on matters related to the building projects, including oversight of design and construction, the project budget, and the construction schedule. The project consists of a new Eight Corners School, additions and renovations at Blue Point, Pleasant Hill, and Scarborough Middle School, and a minor addition at Wentworth School. The committee will also help ensure clear communication and meaningful public engagement throughout the process.

Eight Corners School

The PRBC was formed in January 2026 and will continue to meet monthly as the projects progress. Members include Town and School officials, staff leaders, and community residents, bringing a range of perspectives and experience to this important effort. Meetings are open to the public, and updates, timelines, meeting materials, and schedules are available on the School website. There, you will also find a “Contact Us” button for questions about any aspect of the project.

Harriman (the architecture firm/project consultant) is currently hosting design meetings with staff at each school and reporting back to the PRBC. Design refinement will continue through the spring and early summer. For those eager to see on-site work begin, the current project timeline anticipates going out to bid in early 2027.

Help Shape Scarborough's Climate Action Plan

Last fall, the Town began work on Sustaining Scarborough, a community-supported Climate Action Plan that aims to be a practical, responsible, and crucial roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

The Plan also relies on public input. Get involved by taking our first Quick Poll about energy use. What resources do you need to make your home or business more energy efficient? How should Scarborough prepare for intense storms and flooding? In the coming months, there will be opportunities for all ages to get involved. Make your voice heard and help us to develop a Climate Action Plan that is reflective of our community’s priorities and needs.

Share Feedback on East Grand Ave Design by March 31

The Town of Scarborough is going through the process of making improvements to East Grand Ave in the Pine Point area. Staff is seeking resident feedback on the project design plans. If you have not already, please consider submitting your comments. The Town will be accepting feedback through March 31 for review by the Transportation Committee before their final approval in April.

Complete Streets Manual Draft to Review this Week

The Town of Scarborough is developing a Complete Streets & Traffic Calming Guidance Manual to help the Town make streets safer and more accommodating to all modes of transportation. The work is led by a consultant firm, but the process is heavily informed by community input in public meetings and through direct feedback to staff. We will have a draft manual up on the website this week and seek public review and feedback. Check back on the project page in the next few days to view the draft manual and provide feedback in the linked form.

Council Corner: A New Year, A New Set of Challenges

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.

This year is shaping up to be a challenging one for the Town Council, with several difficult decisions ahead. I’ve served on the Council for over five years, and every year brings its own set of challenges. This year feels especially demanding, as multiple complex issues are coming at us at once.

My approach has always been to look for compromise, set aside my personal preferences when possible, and focus on what is best for Scarborough and our community. That doesn’t mean every decision is easy—or that everyone will agree—but it does mean being thoughtful, open‑minded, and willing to make hard choices.

Scottow Hill Road Closure: Scottow Hill Road is an important connector for many residents in West Scarborough and has historical significance dating back to the 1700s. Our recent vulnerability assessment showed how susceptible the road is to flooding. We also need to protect the marsh and allow for natural migration.

I support pursuing a resilient culvert solution and am optimistic we can secure a grant to cover most of the cost. While I don’t like the amount of time this will take, I do support including funding in this budget cycle for design work so we’re ready to move forward as soon as grant funding becomes available.

Short‑Term Rentals: Property rights matter. The high cost of living in Maine makes rental income an important way for many people to afford staying in their homes. At the same time, some residents are concerned about short‑term rentals—especially non‑owner‑occupied properties—changing the character of their neighborhoods or impacting housing affordability.

The Council is actively working through these concerns. I believe a compromise is possible that respects property rights, recognizes the need for additional income, and addresses neighborhood concerns. I think the ordinance work so far is a strong start, and I remain open to public feedback to improve it.

Dogs on the Beach: Many residents enjoy bringing their dogs to the beach, but not everyone follows the rules. We also have a responsibility to protect endangered species like plovers and least terns. At the heart of this issue is balancing public access with environmental protection.

The state has asked us to consider further restricting dogs on the beach by shifting dates from April 1 to May 15, despite survey results showing most residents were satisfied with the current ordinance. The Council previously chose not to make changes, and a special meeting will be held to discuss next steps.

While I respect the perspective of MDIFW, their mission is more narrowly focused. Ours requires balancing multiple community needs. I believe the current ordinance is sufficient and do not support changing it. However, I would support investing in better enforcement and compliance with the rules we already have.

Growth: Much of our recent growth discussion has focused on opposing state legislation (LD 1829 and LD 2173) that could significantly accelerate growth in Scarborough. The Council has been working with regional partners and state legislators to advocate for changes.

If this legislation passes, it will strongly influence Scarborough’s growth in the coming years. The Council will need to explore ways to limit its impact, from shorter‑term actions like adjusting buffers near wetlands to longer‑term conversations about revisiting designated growth areas in our comprehensive plan. I hope to have a workshop soon that lays out all our options so we can put a deliberate plan in place to manage the pace of growth.  

Communications Infrastructure: We recently held a workshop on the need to replace our communications infrastructure, at an estimated cost of $13 million. This system is critical for public safety, public works, and our schools. The timing is difficult, especially as we prepare to bond for the first phase of the $140 million school project approved by voters.

Reliable communication is essential for emergency response—minutes matter. After working to reduce costs and ruling out other funding options, I will likely support placing this question on the ballot so voters can decide whether this is the right investment at the right time.

Budget: The budget process is beginning, and tough choices are ahead. With school debt coming online, the Council has set a stretch goal of working toward a 0% mil rate increase. Reaching that goal will be difficult, but it’s worth striving for—so long as we don’t compromise essential services for residents and students. There will likely be tradeoffs I don’t personally like, but I’m prepared to support compromises that help us plan responsibly for the tax impacts of the new school.

None of these issues are simple, and no decision will be perfect or please everyone. I hope residents understand that the Council is doing its best to listen carefully, balance competing priorities, and make thoughtful decisions that keep Scarborough a great place to live.

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.

Proposed Expansion of Pre-K Program—Take Survey!

We are thrilled to announce that the district is taking active steps to expand public Pre-Kindergarten. This expansion comes at no new cost to taxpayers, thanks to additional subsidy that will be distributed to us through General Purpose Aid if we increase the number of Pre-K students served. This initiative underscores our commitment to early childhood education and providing foundational learning experiences for our youngest learners.

To assist us in better understanding the potential interest and demand for free, half-day Pre-K programming for the coming year, we are seeking parents of current or soon to be 4-year-olds to fill out a survey. We strongly encourage all eligible families to complete this survey and share it with others in the community. Your participation is crucial in helping us accurately plan and allocate resources early enough to ensure the success of this vital program.

Please complete this form if you would like your child to be considered for enrollment in Pre-K programming for Scarborough Public Schools for the Fall of 2026. Your interest here is NOT yet a confirmation of placement, but is an interest-gathering tool to assist us in finalizing our planning. Fill out all fields so we can follow up with you in a timely way.

Requirements

1. You are a resident of Scarborough.

2. Your child is eligible for public Pre-K (turning age 4 on or before October 15, 2026).

3. You would like your child to be considered for the pilot programs, which will include a screening process.

About the Program

We currently have one pilot classroom for 16 students at the Shooting Stars Program in Scarborough, and we are looking to grow more opportunities for early learning within our schools, with an addition of up to 64 more Pre-K slots in the fall.

Additional Program Details:

• Scarborough Pre-K is tuition free.

• All Pre-K class sizes are capped at 16 students, with a certified teacher and ed tech in each room, per state requirements.

• The program follows the Scarborough Public Schools' calendar.

• Enrollment is determined by Pre-K and Public School administrators.

• Enrollment is dependent on meeting State requirements including registration paperwork and immunizations.

• The current Pre-K pilots do not support enrollment of students with significantly specialized educational needs at this time. This is something we are looking to add in the future as we take on special education programming from CDS for 3- to 5-year-olds, currently anticipated for Fall 2027.

• It has not yet been determined if the district has the resources to provide transportation at this time. This information will be clarified and communicated at a later date.

Possible Program Choices include:

• 9:00am-2:00pm program at Shooting Stars on Route 1 in Scarborough, or 

• Half-day session model at Blue Point or Pleasant Hill Schools, dependent on space availability, of which the morning program would run from 8:30-11:30am and the afternoon program would run from 12:30-3:30pm (approximate times)

The district, the board, and multiple families in our community have spoken repeatedly in the past about our ability to offer Pre-K classes in our buildings, and we are thrilled to take action on this now, with no new costs to the community!

April 7: School Board Hosts Senior Citizen Dinner

Tuesday, April 7, 4:00-6:30pm (Dinner served at 5:00pm)

Wentworth School Cafeteria

Sign up online or call (207) 730-4150

Attend the 3rd annual dinner party to celebrate senior citizens in Scarborough! Enjoy a dinner prepared by the nutrition department and served by students. Watch live performances from various school clubs, admire work and achievements on display, and enter to win some raffles!

Chili/Chowder Event to Benefit Scarborough Community

Thursday, March 26, 5:00-7:00pm

Throttle Car Club, 10 Dynamic Drive, Scarborough

Register

Enjoy an evening of great food, live music, and door prizes while local restaurants compete for bragging rights. You’ll get to taste all the entries, watch celebrity judges hand out awards, and vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice category.

Participating restaurants include:

• Pine Tree Seafood
• Cowbell Scarborough
• On the Vine Marketplace
• Gritty McDuff's
• Sea Salt Lobster Restaurant
• Smoke BBQ
• Texas Roadhouse
• And more

All proceeds benefit Project GRACE, the Explorer’s Club, and the Scarborough Education Foundation.

Voting Begins on "Marsh Madness" Photo Contest

The Scarborough Land Trust is celebrating the month of March with its Marsh Madness photo contest, showcasing the natural beauty and personal connections people have with the Scarborough Marsh and SLT's nine preserves! Photos are being accepted through today, March 15, and the voting period runs on Facebook from March 18-31. Check out their Facebook page!

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Joys of Birdwatching Series

Tuesday, March 17, 12:00-2:00pm

Register

A 7-Part introduction to the Art and Science of Birding, led by Maine Master Naturalist Christie Constantine. This is a class that runs every Tuesday through April 14 from 12-2pm. Register for the series or class by class! Each class can be taken independently. Class 3 on March 17th is "Birdsong & Identifying by Ear". Birding by ear opens a whole new dimension. Learn how to recognize calls and songs, understand why and how birds sing, and begin training your ear. Learn more about:

• Types of bird calls (courting, territorial, alarm, contact, mimicry)

• Bird vocal anatomy & how songs evolve

• Ethical use of recordings in the field

• Mnemonics, apps (like Merlin), and memory tricks  

• The “Dawn Chorus” experience

Maine Author Talk with Jennifer Dupree

Friday, March 20, 12:00-1:00pm

Register

Join local author Jen Dupree for a talk about her latest book, Slow Motion: A Memoir of Friendship, Disability & Advocacy. Jen Dupree is a librarian, assistant editor of The Masters Review, and former bookstore owner. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast program. Her work has appeared in December, Solstice, Wordpeace, On the Rusk, and other places. She is the winner of the Writer’s Digest Fiction Contest for 2017, and a 2022 winner of a Maine Literary Award. She lives in Maine with her husband and Portuguese Water Dog, (Pink) Floyd. 

Big Conversations, 10 Short Minutes

Tuesday, March 24, 6:00-7:00pm

Learn more

Join us in person for a few short conversations, one-on-one or in small groups. We're going to skip the small talk and get right to the heart of the matter. Prompts provided. It's like speed dating for friendship!

Participants have three conversations with three different people. We’ll connect and discover a little pocket of meaning together. There is no goal or agenda, other than a brief conversation. The prompts are simple. The conversations are non-political. What might you learn about (or from) your fellow humans? Let’s find out. No registration required, but you can sign up if you'd like an email reminder.

"The Digital Delusion" Book Discussion

Wednesday, March 25, 6:30-7:30pm

Register

Join the Scarborough Alliance for Thoughtful Tech in a discussion of The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning -- And How To Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Horvath. Due to space limitations, registration is encouraged.