With Election Day just a few weeks away and the last day of school not far behind, we're anticipating what's ahead and getting everyone ready for summer! We've hired for seasonal positions, and the Clerk's and Revenue offices are busy with registrations and beach pass purchases. Read on for updates spanning across town, from beaches to parks, Town Hall departments, and the Library.

The next Town Council meeting is on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00pm (note - earlier than regular time). See more below about some of the items on the agenda.

Town offices will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. Trash pickup will remain on schedule for the week. See more below about the Memorial Day parade.

Beach Season Officially Begins Friday, May 22nd

Dog Rules Go into Effect Today, May 15

Beginning on May 15 through Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on beaches from 9:00am-5:00pm. They are allowed off-leash from dawn to 9:00am. They are allowed on leash from 5:00pm to dusk. Please respect these rules for the courtesy of fellow beachgoers.

Please also note, there are some restricted areas on our town beaches where dogs are not allowed (Higgins and Ferry/Western) or need to be leashed (Pine Point), which went into effect on April 1. Please pay attention to the signs that mark restricted areas. View the maps of restricted areas on all town beaches on our website (bottom of Beaches page).

Parking Passes Available at Town Hall

Beach passes, used for parking in Town-operated lots during the summer season, are now available for purchase in our Clerk's office. All beach passes must be obtained in person. Please bring your vehicle registration, as it is required for the purchase of a beach pass. Cash or check payment is recommended; cards are accepted with an additional convenience fee.

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 from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Beach passes cover parking at the following Town beaches:

• Higgins

• Ferry

• Pine Point (Hurd Park)

Passes do not apply to Scarborough Beach State Park.

Parking passes go into effect for the season beginning on Friday, May 22nd through Labor Day.

The Clerk's office was busy on April 30, the first day of beach pass sales for the season. They sold out of all 350 non-resident beach passes by noon, and sold 529 resident beach passes (no limit to these).

Thanks to Public Works for their spring cleanup work around town! They've been doing street sweeping and cleaning catch basins. It takes several weeks to make their way throughout town.

Skate Park Now Closed: Future Relocation Planned

The skate park at Memorial Park closed on May 10th as part of some exciting planned improvements to our recreational facilities. 

New Skate Park

The current facility is in deteriorating condition (see photos below) and has reached the end of its useful life. A revitalized skate park will create a safe, high-quality space that better serve residents. It will be relocated to the school campus to better accommodate its most active user group. This project is in the early planning stages with no scheduled construction schedule at this time. The skate park will remain closed until further notice. We will continue to provide updates as it moves forward.

New Pickleball Courts

Due to a growing demand for pickleball in our community, we are adding eight new courts to the site of the existing skate park. This site was selected for its proximity to the existing two courts at Memorial Park, establishing a central hub for pickleball play within the community. Construction will begin shortly and the new courts are anticipated to open by mid-summer.

Learn more about the project sequence and other considerations that went into these decisions

Road Work Update: Payne Road Corridor

There has been ongoing road work at the intersection of Payne Road and Mussey Road since Monday, May 4, 2026. They expect to complete the work in this area today. Roadwork will then transition to the intersection of Payne Road and Gorham Road (between Hannaford and Cumberland Farms) for the next three weeks. Work will largely be conducted at night, except for the week of May 26-29, which will be during the day. During this time, 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.

Council Meetings & Updates

Route 1 Marsh Pilot Project Will Not Move Forward

The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) presented a plan 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. After hearing the May 6th workshop and asking questions, the council conclusively decided not to move forward with pursuing this pilot project opportunity.

Council Approves Public Transit Pilot Project with Greater Portland Metro

The Town Council voted 5-2 in support of moving forward with the Greater Portland Metro pilot project in their last council meeting on May 6. The pilot project includes a regularly scheduled fixed route bus service along the Route 1 corridor and on-demand microtransit service. 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.

Next Council Meeting is May 20 at 6:00pm

The Council will have their next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00pm (earlier than regular start time). It includes a vote on the municipal budget and on a new Short Term Rental ordinance. They will also consider a 180-day moratorium on data centers in town, a topic that has come up recently.

June 3 Workshop: Rate of Growth Report/LD 2173 Recap

The Council will have an annual review of the Rate of Growth ordinance reporting provided by the Planning Director, as required by the ordinance. They will also hear a review of LD 2173 and the current status in order to discuss what the Town wants to do next to prepare for these changes.

June 17 Workshop: Midyear Review of Council Goals

The Council sets their annual goals at the start of the year, and will have this workshop as a check-in to review the progress of the goals to-date and what needs to be prioritized in the coming months.

Two Remaining 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.

The council has hosted seven listening sessions since May 4th! The remaining dates are:

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 Adjustments & Vote Next Week

The Finance Committee met last night to approve a final budget recommendation for the full council to vote on next week. They approved an approximately $1.3 million reduction in the municipal budget and $1.2 million reduction in the school budget from the original proposed budget (first reading). The combined reductions would equate to an approximately 3.2% tax rate increase if approved by the Town Council. On a $600,000 home, this equates to an additional $216.

The budget was first presented on April 1 and after several weeks of review and adjustments, will be voted on at next week's Town Council meeting (May 20). It started at a 5.97% property tax rate increase, and following the first reading, the Finance Committee decided to set a 2% mil rate increase as their target. The budget focus is largely on funding existing services with minimal new investments (a few factors led to its increase—less state aid revenue, a higher county budget, higher fuel/utility costs). Learn more about the process and a watch a few videos spotlighting some of the capital projects in the budget newsletter linked below.

We sent a special edition budget newsletter last week. It covered the process to date and highlighted a few of the projects proposed in the capital budget.

Election Day is June 9 & Absentee Voting Now Open

The June 9 election will include a local ballot, the School Budget Validation and a State of Maine ballot for the primary. Vote in person that Tuesday at the High School from 7:00am-8:00pm, or request an absentee ballot. The Town Clerk's office is accepting absentee ballot requests in person, via phone at 730-4020, or through this online form.

In-Person Absentee Voting

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


Please Note: Town ballots cannot be returned until after the budget is voted on by the Town Council on May 20. If you choose to vote in person prior to then (in the state primary), you can come back in person to vote the Town ballot after May 20 or take the ballot home to return after that time (drop box at main entrance).

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

Clerk Appreciation: Municipal Clerks Week

Annually recognized the first week in May

The first week in May was Municipal Clerks Week! Have you been into our Clerk's office to renew your dog license, register to vote, or apply for a business permit? Then you may have met Kristen Barth (Town Clerk), Katie Duross (Deputy Town Clerk), and Nicole Dibiase (Assistant Clerk).

The Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government, exists throughout the world, and is the oldest among public servants. Their office serves as the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all and serving as the information center on functions of local government and community.

May 3 through May 9, 2026 was the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and we extend appreciation to the staff in the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office and to all Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.

From left to right: Katie Duross, Kristen Barth (Town Clerk), Nicole Dibiase

MaineDOT Launches Portland-West Study

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

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Community members are encouraged to participate in one of two upcoming engagement opportunities to learn more, meet the project team, and share input.

Drop-In Open House

Tuesday, May 19, 5:30-8:00pm

Westbrook Community Center Gymnasium

426 Bridge Street, Westbrook

Virtual Public Meeting

Thursday, May 21, 6:30-7:30pm

Pre-register

The virtual meeting will begin with a short presentation by the project team, including interactive exercises, and a Q&A session.

Fiscal Year 2027 Paving List Announced

Watch for Emails Scams that Use Town Logo

Please be aware that there is an email scam posing as Scarborough Planning & Code Enforcement. The email presents as an invoice to be paid via wire transfer. This is a scam—we do not email invoices or conduct wire transfers. If you have any concerns on the validity of an email from any Town department, or receive an email from the Town requesting payment, please call us directly through the phone numbers and email addresses listed on our website to let us know.

The Planning department is logo being falsely used to target residents in an email scam.

Mental Health Awareness Month Programs

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. Remaining programs:

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.

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

May 20: Free Luncheon for Ages 55+ Register Soon!

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.

Memorial Day Parade: Monday, May 25th at 10:00am

Our Police and Fire Departments will participate in an annual Memorial Day parade with the Maine Veterans Home. The parade will begin at 10:00am on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), following a short route from Route 1 at Gorham Road to the Veterans Home.

Close the Gap Project: Stay Off Trail for Safety

We've recently shared photos of the second (and final!) bridge installation in the Close the Gap Eastern Trail project. This is an exciting milestone and means the work is ahead of schedule, but the new trail segment is still very much a construction zone and not permittable for access.

Please respect the on-site signage and the construction crew by staying off the new (unfinished) trail segment. This is for your own safety and to ensure that Shaw Brothers can continue to make great progress without interruption. We will continue to share project updates as we have them!

Last Chance! Take Quick Poll by May 19

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.

Council Corner: The Cost of Growth—Scarborough's Budget and Identity Are Both Paying the Price

By Karin Shupe, 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.

Long before Scarborough had its name, it had an identity. The Native Americans called it Owascoag, “land of much grass”. The extensive saltmarshes defined the landscape of Scarborough. The marsh wasn’t just scenery; it provided a way of life for its residents. The construction of the Maine Turnpike in 1948 was a turning point for Scarborough. The Turnpike brought more business, leading to population growth, new housing developments, and large retailers. Subdivisions began replacing farms, and commuters were replacing the fisherman.  

As early as 1994, Scarborough’s own Comprehensive Plan raised the alarm, questioning whether the town would be able to maintain its remaining rural character over the next ten to twenty years. The answer, two decades later, is evident as you drive through our town. 

Our Town budget serves as a mirror of our values and priorities. Since 2007 Scarborough has added roughly 5,700 residents, a 30% increase in population, while our budget has grown more than 100%. This is not due to mismanagement or waste but due to the growth we have allowed. Back when Scarborough was a farming and fishing town, life was simpler and so were the finances. But today, residential subdivisions sprawling from Oak Hill to the western side of the Turnpike require police and fire coverage across 50 square miles, miles of maintained roads, expanded schools, and an ever-growing administrative structure to hold it all together. Every new subdivision that replaces a farm field adds children to the schools, cars to the roads, and demand on every town service — but rarely generates enough in property taxes to cover what it consumes.

The school budget highlights this growth distinctly. In under twenty years the school’s net budget, the portion paid directly by local property taxpayers, has grown even faster, from $24.5 million to $60.2 million—a 145% increase. The proposed FY2027 school budget of $79.3 million would have been unimaginable to residents who voted on school budgets in the early 2000s.

Reinforcing all of this is an assessed valuation that has grown from $3.3 billion in FY2007 to nearly $8 billion today — a reflection not of community wealth so much as of how thoroughly Scarborough’s landscape has transformed from open land and working farms into taxable residential and commercial property.

This doesn’t mean Scarborough should close its doors to newcomers, or that the families who have settled here over the past few decades are anything other than welcome. But it does mean our community faces a genuine reckoning. As the FY2027 budget pushes toward $90 million in net taxpayer cost, residents are right to ask not just “How do we pay for this?” but “How did we get here, and is this the Scarborough we want to be?”

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.

May 30: Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale

Free Summer Concerts in the Park Start in June

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

June 25: Motor Booty 

July 2: Army Band

July 9: Delta Nights

July 16: Stolen Mojo

July 23: Don Campbell

July 30: Under the Covers

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

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Board Game Night for ALL Ages

Friday, May 15, 5:00-7:30pm

Register

Bring the whole family, a couple of friends, or come on your own for this intergenerational party! Either way, plan to play games with anyone! This is a great way to have some fun and maybe make a new friend. Pizza included! This is a drop-in program, so come and go whenever you like, and keep in mind that this will be the last Board Game Night until the fall! 

Fairypeutic Garden Design for Adults

Tuesday, May 19, 12:00-1:30pm

Register

Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities. Participants will use natural materials, most all foraged, to create the fairy garden of their dreams. You can take them home, or add them to our new Library Fairy Garden! Led by Colleen Griffin and Laura Simonds-Rumpf from Cultivating Well-Being, LLC. This program was designed with adults in mind.

Shadows of Noir: Discover the History & Meaning of Film Noir

Tuesday, May 26, 5:30-6:30pm

Register

This talk introduces film noir, starting with the influences and development of the phenomenon. Learn about the evolution of film noir and the major cultural and geopolitical events that intersected with the classic era. See the common elements and essential films, showcasing what can be found within the dark world of film noir. The program ends with an interactive Q&A session so attendees can discuss favorite films and learn more! Led by Film Historian Dan McQueen.

The Mystery of Miss Pattee

Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-8:00pm

Register

When digging into the history of an old house in Maine's Belgrade region, Linda Snow McLoon uncovered the fascinating story of the mystery woman who built the place on Salmon Lake in 1906. Although "Miss Pattee" had tried to keep her family’s past a secret, the truth revealed the fascinating story of her father’s checkered past as one of the biggest crooks of the 19th century. Join us as we trace a spinster's trail from Maine's Belgrade Lakes to the halls of Congress and the biggest fraud of the 19th century!

Powering Community: Ribbon Cutting & Future Vision Reception

Thursday, May 21, 12:30-2:00pm

Register

Join us in celebration of the library's new backup generator with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and short talks about how the library is preparing to further help Scarborough in times of need. The new generator ensures that the library can remain operational during power outages. With this addition, the library is better equipped to serve as a safe, accessible hub during times of crisis. Community members, local officials, and partners are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.