We're looking ahead... to summer, to the next fiscal year, and to major projects for the Council to consider. The Town Council is in the process of reviewing next year's budget, hearing the needs of each department and the School and determining priorities. We also have a few road construction projects occurring throughout town: Spurwink Road Phase 2 is underway through June (widening is completed, road reclaim next week), a watermain replacement project at Pine Point, and work to resume at the intersections of Mussey/Payne Road and Gorham/Payne Road. Meanwhile, our helpful staff is here to serve you at Town Hall—it's beach pass season, after all! Read on for more.

The first Hazardous Household Waste collection day of the season is this month! Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9 from 8:00am-Noon to drop off your household items at our Public Works facility. More details below.

Beach Parking Passes Now Available to Purchase

Beach parking passes are now available for purchase at Town Hall (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm). 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.

Non-Resident beach passes are now sold out, as of April 30 (they are limited to 350 total).

NEW: Purchase Passes on Fridays

Can't make it to Town Hall during business hours? (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm). Secure your season pass at the Scarborough Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road) on Fridays beginning May 1 (8:00am-4:00pm).

This Saturday Only: Beach Pass Day

Community Services will be holding special hours to purchase your beach pass on Saturday, May 2, from 8:00am to 2:00pm at the Hub, 418 Payne Road.

Major New Eastern Trail Bridge Gets Installed

On April 15, contractors reached a significant milestone in the Eastern Trail Close the Gap project with the installation of the second bridge, this one over the railroad track. The bridge was constructed off-site in multiple sections and assembled on site. It was then installed and connected in two spans using a crane (pictured).

The bridge extends around 300 feet in length and goes over the train tracks in a section of the Eastern Trail from the Nonesuch River to Pleasant Hill Road, approaching South Portland. As the second of the two new bridges being installed as part of the Close the Gap project (the first was in December over the Nonesuch River), this is a major advancement that brings it one step closer to completion.

Work Starts Next Week: Mussey/Payne Intersection

Ongoing road work will begin on the intersection of Payne Road and Mussey Road beginning on Monday, May 4, 2026. This is a continuation of work that was conducted last fall, which includes traffic safety improvements and installing mast arms for traffic signals. It is part of a multi-week project in the Payne Road corridor, to be followed by intersection work at Payne Road/Gorham Road (will not be conducted simultaneously).

Due to the nature of the work and location, expect traffic delays and single lane-only movement at times. Avoid the area if possible.

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

May 6th Town Council Workshop: Route 1 Marsh Project

Wednesday, May 6, 6:00pm

MaineDOT Route 1 Project/Pilot Study

View Agenda



The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) will present its plans to merge two-lane traffic to a single lane for the northbound segment of Route 1 through the marsh in a pilot this summer. This comes at the request of the Town as we study an opportunity to add bike and pedestrian facilities to a potential Route 1 climate resiliency project.

Since 2023, the Town of Scarborough and Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) have been developing a resiliency project with a general concept of raising the road four feet above the highest astronomical tide and replacing existing culverts with a 75-foot bridge across the Dunstan River. Ahead of this, the Town is seeking to learn the feasibility of accommodating a future bike and pedestrian facility on that 1.2-mile section of Route 1 by removing one northbound lane from vehicle traffic. The Town has requested that MaineDOT test the impacts of the new configuration to determine if it should be incorporated it into the Route 1 Resiliency Project plans. 

Proposed Plan: Closure of one northbound lane on a section of Route 1 from June 15-August 10 (intentionally during the highest volume time to test under extreme conditions). Before and during the closure, MaineDOT will monitor the flow of traffic by collecting real-time data, which will include: speeds, volumes, delays, and diversion traffic counts to Payne Road or the Maine Turnpike. They will analyze the data and provide recommendations for the Town Council and the public to consider as part of the next steps in the Resiliency Project. The road will return to four lanes at the end of the pilot study.

What's Next: Ultimately, the decision to move this pilot project/data collection forward is that of the Town Council. Their workshop is scheduled for May 6th prior to the regular council meeting. View Agenda

May 6: Council to Vote on Metro Pilot Project

The Town Council will vote on whether to move forward with the Greater Portland Metro pilot project as part of their May 6th meeting. This was originally scheduled for their April 1st meeting and was tabled due to questions about the proposal and considerations of cost.

Greater Portland Metro announced its partnership with the Town of Scarborough and Maine Turnpike Authority last October. The $3.5 million project (over 5 years) is largely funded by the Maine Turnpike Authority, Portland Area Comprehensive Transit System (PACTS), and MaineDOT. It requires the Town to contribute to operating expenses of around $150,000 annually in a pilot phase through 2029. After the pilot phase, the Town can determine whether it will continue to participate.

The pilot project includes a regularly scheduled fixed route bus service along the Route 1 corridor and on-demand microtransit service.

An inter-governmental agreement between Metro and the Town of Scarborough will be voted on by the Town Council as part of their May 6th meeting.

May 4-18: Conversations with Councilors

The Scarborough Town Council wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed budget, and other issues in town. And they'll come to you! Join them for Conversations with Councilors listening sessions hosted in various neighborhoods throughout the month of May ahead of the final budget vote on May 20th.

Schedule

Monday, May 4, 6:30-8:00pm, Pleasant Hill School

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-8:00pm, Virtual (Zoom)

Thursday, May 7, 6:30-8:00pm, Public Safety Building

Saturday, May 9, 10:00-11:30am, Public Safety Building

Monday, May 11, 6:30-8:00pm, Blue Point Primary School

Tuesday, May 12, 6:30-8:00pm, North Scarborough Fire Station

Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:00pm, Public Safety Building

Saturday, May 16, 10:00-11:30am, Virtual (Zoom)

Monday, May 18, 6:30-8:00pm, Eight Corners School

"The conversations have been open, informative, civil, and educational; neighbors talking with neighbors." — Michelle Hayes, Scarborough Town Council

Budget: What's the Latest?

The budget was formally presented by the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools to the Town Council on April 1. At its starting point, the net budget was $97,367,436, which would equate to approximately a 5.97% property tax rate increase. While the main budget focus is largely on funding existing services with minimal new investments, the Town Council and Finance Committee are prioritizing further reductions to lessen the impact on taxpayers. They've set a 2% mil rate increase as a new target, which would require about $3.65 million in adjustments, while still investing heavily in Town and School services. 

Councilor Anderson speaks to some potential strategies to make this possible in his April 15th Council Corner article. Councilor Cain, who is the Finance Committee chair, gives an update in his Council Corner article below.

Short Term Rentals: Public Hearing on May 6

The Town Council is one step closer to implementing a short term rental ordinance. They heard a presentation of the proposal on March 18th and will have a public hearing in their May 6th meeting. There will then be a second reading and vote on May 20th.

Scarborough is an outlier among neighboring communities in that it does not already have an ordinance in place. The new ordinance would require an annual registration process for the use of a legally existing dwelling unit for short-term guests of less than 28 consecutive days.

Plan Your Own Neighborhood Cleanup

With Help from Public Works Department

With spring underway, now is a good time to pick up the litter left behind from winter. Public Works is ready to support neighborhood cleanups with the supplies you need! If you want to organize a roadside debris cleanup in your area, call Public Works at least 48 hours in advance and we'll provide gloves, trash bags, and high-visibility safety vests for participants. When your cleanup concludes, Public Works will also collect the full trash bags. Contact Public Works at (207) 730-4400 to get started.

We'd love to see your neighborhood cleanup photos! Document your day and send some highlights by email to pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each May, Scarborough Community Services hosts a series of free and low cost programs to help support mental health. May is a great time to welcome the sun and warmth back, reconnect with nature, and take inventory of your feelings.

Thursday, May 14: Sound Bath (Free!)

Join Kristine Keegan from Scarborough Yoga for a soothing sound bath filled with crystal bowls, chimes, drums, and more.

Saturday, May 16: Bricks & Barbies (Free!)

Come play with Barbies and LEGO at the Hub! Build, imagine, and create while connecting with others in a fun, low-key setting.

Wednesday, May 20: The Joy of Painting ($10 per person)

Join us for a relaxing, feel-good evening inspired by Bob Ross! We’ll paint along to one of his iconic tutorials using acrylics – no experience needed. It’s all about relaxing, having fun, and maybe creating a few “happy little accidents” along the way.

May 29: Family Movie Night (Free!)

Bring the family to Wentworth School for a screening of Inside Out and free popcorn.

The majority of events are free thanks to our sponsor Martin's Point Heath Care.

Summer Program Brochure Out Now!

Our Summer 2026 brochure is officially here🌞 It’s packed with fresh experiences, can’t miss favorites, and something for every age to enjoy!

Tomorrow! Annual Family Formal Dance

Last Chance to Buy Tickets

Saturday, May 2, 6:00-8:00pm

Wentworth School

$8 per person; Buy tickets

Join us for our 5th Annual Family Formal for a fun-filled evening celebrating family in all its forms. Break out your best disco look and get ready to boogie the night away! Hit the dance floor with music from local radio DJs Joe Lerman and Rob Steele, strike a pose at the selfie station, and enjoy light refreshments and snacks throughout the evening. Thanks to Summit Dental, Texas Roadhouse, and Nothing Bundt Cakes for sponsoring this event!

May 20: Free Luncheon for Ages 55+

Wednesday, May 20

Doors open at 11:00am, Lunch at 11:30am

Lunch: Meatloaf

Presentation with Q&A to follow

To Register: Call (207) 730-4150 by May 18

Optima Dermatology will be the sponsor for the Wednesday, May 20 program of our weekly Wednesday luncheon at the Community Services Hub. It will be free for all attendees! In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, enjoy a catered meal while learning more about the steps you can take to detect and prevent skin cancer.

May 9: Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day

Scarborough Public Works offers collaborative, multi-town opportunities to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste materials. This is a free service to residents of Scarborough, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Biddeford for all three events (proof of residency is required).

The dates for the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days are:

• Saturday, May 9 (8am-Noon), Scarborough (20 Washington Ave)

• Saturday, July 11 (8am-Noon), Saco (15 Philips Spring Road)

• Saturday, September 12 (8am-Noon), Biddeford (371 Hill Street)

These are a collaborative cross-town events: Disposal is free for residents of Scarborough, Saco, and Biddeford at all three events. Please reference this flyer for a list of accepted materials and paints.

Take Quick Poll by May 19: Electric Vehicles

Share your thoughts on electric vehicles in our 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.

Preparing for the June 9, 2026 Election:

Meet Election Worker Pat Dunn

Pat started working elections when she retired in 2020 after a long career as an attorney practicing law and representing municipalities. As a 34-year Scarborough resident, she wanted to do something to feel a sense of community and giving back. Over the past five years, she’s learned how much goes into the elections. It relies on organization, working well under pressure, good communication skills (answering questions and concerns), and handling multi-step processes. She’s enjoyed helping people to be able to vote and supporting the Town with all the work that goes into administering elections.

Thanks to all who completed an application to be an election worker! We have good coverage for the June election and will put out another request in late summer as we prepare for the November election.

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

Council Corner: Budget Process and Progress

By Larry Cain, 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.

At the beginning of March, I wrote a Councilors’ Corner article that introduced our plan for developing the 2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) municipal and school budget. The article explained that in January the Town Council had set a goal to target a 0% tax increase for all taxpayers. This challenging goal is based on recognizing that Scarborough residents are facing inflationary pressures in many different ways. In addition, with the coming tax increase impacts from the school building project, any relief we can find is a worthwhile effort.

The Finance Committee received initial spending plans that equaled a net tax increase of about 6%. From early discussions, meetings and community feedback, it became apparent that achieving a 0% increase is not attainable without severe spending cuts that negatively affect services, safety, and students. The basic inflationary pressures that affect all of us are also affecting the costs required to run the town and the schools.  

The Finance Committee then pivoted to setting a tax increase target not to exceed 2% over last year. We received requests from leadership to provide more specific targets for the Town and School. The 2% target equated to a total reduction of $3.65 million from the first plan that was submitted. This is roughly half of the increase that was initially proposed; not a cut to last year’s spending. The school budget makes up the majority of spending compared to the total cost. We assigned 60% of the reduction target to the school budget and 40% to the town budget. This means the schools are striving to identify $2.19 million in savings, while the Town is aiming for $1.46 million in savings. 

OK, that is the process, let’s talk about progress. Over the last few weeks both bodies have done incredible work to identify reductions that will have the least negative impact to students, staff, services and residents. They have shown dedication, integrity and creativity. Both groups have structured their presentation in a similar fashion. They provided an initial list of reductions that have a low impact (but definitely some impact). Then there are additional savings opportunities listed that have an increasing amount of consequences. By including explanations for each proposed item, we can make informed decisions about the overall fiscal, staffing and service reductions.

For the municipal budget, the identified savings are about $1.1 million, and the more difficult reductions also total about $1.1 million (exceeds the goal we set). For the school budget, the identified savings are about $1.7 million, with more difficult reductions meeting the goal we set. 

As you can see, there was hard work done to respond to our challenging requests. This does not at all mean that leadership is supporting all these reductions. They gave us what we asked for, but are strongly advocating for a thoughtful review before any decisions are made. For clarity, one area that already has consensus from the Finance Committee is that there should be no reason to cut any student activities or athletics for any grade level.

During May, there are additional School Board and Council meetings to develop and approve final budgets. We are certainly anxious to receive feedback from the community. Please visit the Town calendar to find public meetings that you can attend. Conversations with Councilors events are also listed on the calendar at many locations around town. The budget will be a key topic of those meetings.

This continues to be a work in progress, and I express sincere appreciation for everyone that is participating. The dedication and knowledge of these professionals is impressive. Besides any financial goal, I am acutely aware that a successful outcome includes meeting the varied needs of our community. Based on current process and progress, success seems attainable. 

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.

Free Summer Concerts in the Park Announced!

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.

May 6: Community Conversation on Technology

Navigating Technology at Home 

Wednesday, May 6, 6:00-8:00pm

Wentworth Cafeteria / Zoom 

Join us for a Community Conversation About Technology at Home, a relaxed, informative gathering where families, educators and neighbors can talk openly about raising kids in a digital world. The evening will feature a panel of experts who will share insights on screen time, online safety and building healthy tech habits at home. We’ll explore real‑life challenges, offer practical tips and learn together as a community. Everyone is welcome!

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Domestic Violence Panel with Finding Our Voices

Tuesday, May 5, 6:00-7:30pm

Register

Finding Our Voices is a grassroots nonprofit breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine, one conversation and community at a time. Join Scarborough speaker Mary Lou Smith and others as they talk about their experiences, the impact of domestic abuse on children and how to help a friend or loved one you are worried is in a dangerous/abusive relationship.

Panelist 86-year-old Mary Lou Smith of Scarborough first broached the idea of a survivor-led discussion about domestic abuse to her hometown library in 2022.

Panelists Lilly DesRoberts, 21, of Saco and Mary Lou Smith, 86, of Scarborough

Since then she has joined a revolving group of women survivors on Finding Our Voices discussions in more than 50 Maine towns from York to Eastport. Also on the panel will be 21-year-old Lilly DesRoberts from Saco. DesRoberts is a pre-dental student at UNE Biddeford whose high school boyfriend's abuse included stalking on the app Life360, and ramped up to an arrest for almost killing her. Lilly joined Finding Our Voices after hearing Mary Lou's story at the group's panel discussion in 2024 at Southern Maine Community College. A third panelist, Ida Rose from Lincoln County, will share how domestic violence has impacted each of her three children in different ways. 

Proportional Representation: Better Elections for a Better Scarborough

Thursday, May 7, 6:30-7:30pm

Register

Proportional election methods were designed to ensure that a council or board is broadly representative of the electorate. In this session, we'll explore how an update to our elections could provide a more fully representative Town Council and School Board. The program will be presented by Deb McDonough with the League of Women Voters of Maine. McDonough is a 25-year Scarborough resident. She recently co-chaired a study of municipal election methods for the League of Women Voters of Maine, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights, and ensure that everyone is represented in our democracy. 

The Fight for Disability Rights

With Authors Janine Leffler & Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Thursday, May 14, 6:00-7:00pm

Register

Join this mother and daughter team as they read from their acclaimed picture book, We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights. They will talk about how this book came to be, how it is used to teach about the history of disability rights, and other books that were inspired by Janine's life. Followed by a Q&A and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase through Kelly's Books to Go.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children. Her passion and advocacy for disability rights began when her daughter, Janine Leffler, was born, and has inspired many books. Maryann lives and works on the coast of Maine. Janine Leffler is the co-author We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights which includes her lived experience of a person with disabilities. She is a passionate reader and reviewer of books, and also loves Broadway plays, writing, and life! She lives in Portland.

Two Clothing Swaps: Kids & Adults

Kids Clothes: Saturday, May 2, 1:00-3:00pm

Bring your washed, gently used clothing and other apparel items for kids clothes only at the day and time of the event. We'll do a self-sort onto labelled tables, and then take what you like! Bring a bag!

Adult/Teen Clothes: Saturday, May 9, 1:00-3:00pm

Bring your washed, gently used clothing and other apparel items, for adults, at the day and time of the event. Bring the type of thing you would re-gift or bring to a good friend, not everything you are getting rid of. Be selective. We'll do a self-sort onto labelled tables and then take what you like! Bring a bag!