It's election season and we're expecting a higher than average voter turnout this year. In fact, 3,423 ballots were issued in our first week of absentee voting (last week), which already exceeds the total number of absentee ballots cast in our election last June 2026 (2,828 total). Take advantage of the next couple of weeks to vote early ahead of Election Day, and use resources like our Voter Guide (linked below) to ensure you are informed about what's on the municipal and state ballots. There are also a few sessions remaining of our Conversations with Councilors series, another opportunity to learn more about local issues. Read on for other fall dates to put on your calendar and news to know from around town.

Metro Ribbon Cutting to Launch New Scarborough Service

On October 2nd, the Town of Scarborough hosted a ribbon cutting with Greater Portland Metro to welcome an exciting new addition to our community: a new public bus service through town (Route 25) as well as the Metro Connect microtransit van to an expanded area. “This is an exciting day for Scarborough and all of greater Portland," said Council Chair Cory Fellows in his remarks. "Concerns about traffic and the desire for more transit options have consistently ranked among the most commonly voiced sentiments from Scarborough residents. We’ve heard from many residents, including seniors and those seeking commuting alternatives, who are eager to utilize it.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the bus made its inaugural ride on the route, south on Route One, through The Downs, to the Exit 42 park and ride. There are several stops along the way (look for the Metro signs labeled Route 25). 

Go to gpmetro.org for details. And be sure to try it for yourself soon—all rides on the bus and microtransit van are FREE through the month of October!

Metro Connect

The Metro Connect van is a discounted on-demand service (think Uber within a set service area). The service area is from Dunstan Corner to the South Portland town line, including Scarborough municipal offices, schools, and MaineHealth medical campus. It also includes Kaler Vaill and Piper Shores retirement communities. Trips can start or end anywhere within the zone. Passengers may be directed to meet the vehicle a short distance away. Learn more

Route 25 Bus Service

Bus route Route 25 travels along a section of Route 1 and The Downs (ending by Cabela's). It comes from Portland via the Veteran’s Bridge via Main Street in South Portland. Destinations include the VA Clinic on Commercial St., the MaineHealth medical campus and the Exit 42 Park-n-Ride for commuters’ easy access. Learn more

Retirement Community Takes Metro Connect to Vote

Last week a group of residents living in the Kaler-Vaill retirement community on Black Point Road took the Metro Connect van to Town Hall to vote in the upcoming election!

This summer, a 100-year-old resident spoke during the public comment period at a Town Council meeting to stress the value of expanding the Greater Portland Metro public transit route to include Kaler-Vaill Independent Living residence, home to 15 retired women. She spoke about how their residents were ideal customers for the Metro transit, as many residents don't drive and need to attend regular appointments. The Council supported the request and our Town Manager successfully expanded the Metro pilot's route. We were happy to see their efforts to be included in the route paid off! 

Both Metro services will be free to ride on Election Day.

Early Voting at Town Hall Through October 29th

Early voting is available in Town Hall through Thursday, October 29. Stop in during business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm, to vote at your convenience.

Extended Hours: Saturday, October 24

Early voting will be available outside of our regular hours on Saturday, October 24 from 8:00am-Noon. (Note: There will also be a Conversations with Councilors event at 10:30am this day at the Public Safety Building. Details below).

Absentee Ballots

If you requested an absentee ballot (there's still time to do so if you'd like), drop off your completed ballot anytime (24/7) in our secure drop box outside of the Town Hall entrance, pictured above, up until 8:00pm on Election Day. Or, drop it off inside Town Hall in the Clerk's office during business hours, Monday to Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm, up through Tuesday, November 3.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Voting will be at Scarborough High School from 7:00am-8:00pm (Look for the "Vote Here" banner at the entrance).

Scarborough Voter Guide

Need to know more about what's on the ballot to make an informed vote? Last week we emailed a Voter Guide to all of our newsletter subscribers. It covers the candidates on the local ballot for Town Council, Board of Education, and Sanitary District Trustees, giving a brief bio of each provided by the candidates themselves. There's also information about the radio project referendum question that will be on the back of the local ballot, and access to sample ballots for the state general election.

Learn More About Impact of Radio Upgrade

On the local referendum ballot in this November election is an ask for authorization for up to $6 million to fund a significant municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. The total project cost is expected to be closer to $12.4 million; the Town is requesting a Congressionally Directed Spending grant to meet the remaining need not covered locally.

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. A modernized system would address this phase-out and streamline the variety of radio systems used by different departments into a single unified system. There are also coverage gaps that would be improved by modernizing the system. See examples of both of these below.

Centralizing All Radio Users onto a Single System

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.

Improving Officer Safety

Connectivity isn't just convenience, it's safety. Officer Ted Gagnon explains why he thinks the radios are one of the more critical pieces of officer safety equipment that they have. Police officers face daily challenges with staying in communication with each other and the dispatch center. A modernized system would address coverage gaps among officers and dispatch. Having constant connection means that we can count on our public safety personnel to be reachable in times of emergency.

In-Person Opportunities to Learn More

Learn more about the radio project from key staff in the following public sessions.

Thursday October 15, 5:00pm - 7:30pm (TONIGHT!)

Fire Department Open House - Public Safety Building

Staff will be available to answer any questions regarding the radio project. 

Monday October 19, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Conversations with Councilors - North Scarborough Fire Station

Staff will be available to answer any questions regarding the radio project. 

Saturday October 24, 10:30am-12:00pm

Conversations with Councilors - Public Safety Building

Staff will be available to answer any questions regarding the radio project. 

Monday October 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Radio Project Public Information Session - Public Safety Building

Staff will present the project and leave time for questions.

Webinar to ask questions

View-Only Video Stream

Find more resources, materials, FAQs and more on the project page on our website.

TONIGHT: Fire Department Community Open House

Join us TONIGHT for the Scarborough Fire Department’s Community Open House from 5:00–7:30pm at the Scarborough Public Safety Building! Come meet your first responders, explore our apparatus, and enjoy activities and demonstrations for all ages.

What to Expect:

• Get up close to firetrucks and ambulances

• Meet your first responders

• Learn about hands-only CPR

• Hoseline activity

• Sprinkler trailer demonstration

• Free hot dogs, cupcakes, and water

Participating Agencies:

• Scarborough Fire Department

• Scarborough Police Department

• Scarborough Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS)

• Central Maine Power (CMP)

• State Fire Marshal's Office

• Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Greater Portland

• Boy Scouts (archery activity)

This event is FREE and open to the public! All ages welcome. We hope to see you there!

Join a Conversations With Councilors Session

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're hosting "Conversations with the Councilors" events at different meeting places through the month of October, and there are still a few left. This popular series has served as a valuable tool for our councilors to hear community sentiment outside of formal council meetings. There will also be Town staff on hand to answer questions.

Remaining Dates

• Thursday, October 15: Pleasant Hill School, 6:30pm

• Monday, October 19: North Scarborough Fire Station, 6:30pm

• Saturday, October 24: Public Safety Building, 10:30am **Weekend morning session**

Note: All sessions are in-person only due to low virtual attendance in the past and the nature of the event format. We hope you'll join us for this series as we engage and listen to the voices across our community. Questions? Email the Town Council at towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org.

Upcoming Town Council Meeting Topics

October 21st Meeting Will be Held in the Public Safety Building

With early voting taking place in Town Hall Council Chambers through the month of October, all public meetings that typically take place in Chambers will be relocated to the Public Safety Building classroom.

October 21, 6:00pm: Climate Action Plan Workshop

The workshop will highlight the planning process, goals, and implementation strategies of the newly completed Climate Action Plan. The community-supported Climate Action Plan, referred to as Sustaining Scarborough, aims to be a practical, responsible, and crucial roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas pollution throughout town.

October 21, 7:00pm: Regular Meeting

Below are some public hearings that will be discussed as part of the upcoming Council meeting (the full agenda will be posted on the Town Calendar on the Friday prior to the meeting).

Data Center Definitions (Zoning Ordinance Amendments)

The Town Council enacted an emergency 180-day moratorium for data center uses in June, citing concerns about electrical power consumption, noise, heat, emissions, water usage, traffic increases, strain on public infrastructure, and the lack of a mechanism in the Zoning Ordinance to address such concerns. The Sustainability Committee made recommendations for the Zoning Ordinance, which the Town Council approved of in their September 16th meeting at first reading and referred to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to add and amend definitions pertaining to Data Center uses in their October 19th meeting. It will then go back to the Town Council in their October 21st meeting.

Timber Harvesting (Zoning Ordinance Amendments)

The Town Council is reviewing proposed amendments to Chapter 405 of the Zoning Ordinance to add and amend definitions about timber harvesting to address uses. The amendments would also update Commercial Zoning Districts to increase streetscape buffer minimum requirements to 20 feet for all streets not otherwise designated. These changes come in an effort to address tree clearing and site disturbance concerns. It most recently went to the Planning Board and is now back to the Town Council for a public hearing.

Immigration Enforcement Ordinance

On September 30, the Town Council held a first reading to establish a new ordinance entitled “Municipal Policies Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement.” The purpose is to establish a municipal ordinance that incorporates the provisions of LD 1971, which clarifies the relationship of local law enforcement agencies with federal immigration authorities, and extends those same standards, restrictions and guidelines to non-law enforcement municipal employees. The Scarborough Police Department has had a standard operating procedure in place for a number

of years pertaining to limitations on cooperation and coordination with immigration enforcement. Following vocal community concern with federal immigration authorities and actions, and the passage of LD 1971, the Town Council will consider this ordinance that clarifies and limits the ability for non-law enforcement Town employees and resources to aid or assist immigration authorities with immigration enforcement. A public hearing will be held on October 21st.

Proposed Low Impact Development Standards

The Engineering and Planning Departments are working on a Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance. This is a requirement of our MS4 Permit (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit), a federal and state environmental permit that regulates stormwater discharges from public storm sewer systems. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) set minimum standards that must be met, but considerations are being made for enhanced requirements based on staff suggestions and public discussions in both the Conservation Commission and the public meeting held on October 13th. In the meeting, staff provided an overview of LID concepts, reviewed the required standards, and highlighted where the Town plans to recommend enhanced requirements based on studies, policies, and feedback from committees and community members to protect the Scarborough Marsh and other water resources. Proposed standards will be brought to the Ordinance Committee in early 2027, with a goal of July 1, 2027 for ordinance adoption. The public is welcome to reach out to the Engineering or Planning Departments with questions or comments. 

Addressing Grub Infestation at Willey Field

Pesticide Application Next Friday, October 23rd

Willey Field (off Tenney Lane) is experiencing a grub infestation that the Town's land care contractor determined should be addressed with a pesticide application. Per the Town's organic pesticide policy, the use of synthetic pesticides on Town property requires a waiver from the Conservation Commission, which has been approved. The fall pesticide application will take place next Friday, October 23 and target the damaged areas. A second, pre-emergence application will occur in the spring and be announced at a later date. Please follow all posted signage and stay off the field until signage is removed, 48 hours following the application.

Active Adults Trip to Niagara Falls

Earlier this month, Scarborough Community Services took a group of 44 travelers for a bus trip to Niagara Falls and Western New York. Highlights included an up-close view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls aboard the Maid of the Mist, guided tours of Niagara Falls State Park and historic Buffalo, a cruise through the locks of the Erie Canal, and a scenic drive through New York wine country with a little wine tasting. We enjoyed beautiful weather, friendly traveling companions, and made lots of great memories!

October 25: 5th Annual Jr. Firefighter Muster

Sunday, October 25

10:00am-3:00pm

Rain Date: Sunday, November 1 (same time)

Scarborough Fire Department, 275 US Route One, Scarborough

The Town of Scarborough Fire Department is excited to announce it will be hosting the 5th Annual Maine Junior Firefighters Muster. The event invites Fire Departments, and Vocational Technical Schools with junior and/or explorer firefighter programs ages (14-18) from across Maine to participate and test their skills. The public is invited to watch the events as spectators! These programs are critical to the sustainability of our departments and this is a great way to show these aspiring firefighters how important they and their programs are to Maine's Fire Service Future. This event will be free for all and the public is encouraged to attend!

This event is made possible thanks to several local sponsors.

Council Corner: My Time on the Council Comes to an End

By Bill Donovan, Town Council

This being my final Councilor Corner before my term ends (and approaching 80, likely my last term), I wanted to take this opportunity to both thank those who make Scarborough a special place to live and to identify some of the things we all need to know.

Before moving to Scarborough from away, I spent 40 years as a lawyer focused on municipal government. Working on new builds and expansion projects for hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities had me before ZBAs, Planning Boards and Town Councils on a regular basis. That let me get to know good from mediocre.  

Scarborough should appreciate we have a superior town government. Starting with an exceptional town manager and the superior senior staff he has hired, the Town functions at a high level. We do not wait to follow other communities. We lead and set an example for others. I heard that often from years as Scarborough’s representative on the Greater Portland Council of Governments. From municipal planning to regulatory oversight it never ceases to amaze me how prepared our Staff is. This gives the Town Council the guidance and support we “volunteers" need to execute good practices and policies. Recent examples and some of my favorites include a moratorium on Data Centers, the exciting launch of the Metro Vehicle Pilot program (being especially helpful to lower income residents and seniors with limited mobility), advancement of our 30 by 30 program and our recently adopted Climate Action Plan to protect Scarborough’s environment, and (a personal favorite, coming from Higgins beach) support for plover protection on our beaches.

I could go on and on but what really impresses me is how active Councilors have been to work with Staff. Jon Anderson has always been my example of a hardworking Councilor but our present leadership (Cory Fellows and Larry Cain) takes no back seat in active governance.

I often hear that Scarborough is growing rapidly and needs to control its growth, something I’ve long agreed with. The Council has introduced zoning limitations and planning programs (such as the Portland West program we are engaged in with Maine DOT) to seek solutions. And, as a beach community, we have listened to public input on housing to responsibly deal with short term rentals.

Let me conclude by saying I am confident that Scarborough’s future looks bright and will enjoy watching it from places I love (e.g., Higgins Beach, Fenway Park, and any golf course!).

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.

November 17: Community Forum on School Project

What's the latest on the school building project that was approved by voters last fall? Join the Post Referendum Building Committee on Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00pm in the Public Safety Building classroom to learn more. They'll provide building project updates for the schools, next steps, and an opportunity to ask questions. The schools in the project scope are:

• Eight Corners School (Replacement with new school on the existing site)
• Wentworth School (Small addition)
• Middle School (Renovations and additions)
• Pleasant Hill School (Renovations and additions)
• Blue Point School (Renovations and additions)

Board Beat: A School Board Communication

Welcome to Board Beat, a new feature designed to shed light on the School Board’s ongoing efforts. Most of the Board’s work happens behind the scenes within seven standing committees. These deliberative bodies are where board members and district leaders collaborate to shape communication, revise policies, refine curriculum, prepare budgets, plan facilities, and guide construction projects. Through this feature, we hope to generate greater awareness of the vital work happening across our standing committees.

This Board Beat features the Community Outreach Committee. Crescencia Maurer is the current chair, Jillian-Trapini Huff, Shannon Lindstrom and Kim O’Donnell are members. This committee goes beyond publishing newsletters and sharing updates on social media—though these remain key parts of our work! We are genuinely working to engage Scarborough residents and families in the major decisions that come before the board and to build ties between our district and the wider community.

This year, we’ve decided to support public engagement on the school budget process. This is a response to public frustration with how we ended up with the school budget that was ultimately approved by the Town Council and passed by voters in June 2026. With this in mind, we plan to hold a community forum on the school budget process on Tuesday, February 23, 2027. We will use the forum to walk through the budget process and how the public can weigh in. We will also put out a feature article on this topic around the same time. We hope to increase the number of people that know where and when they can voice their interests and concerns before budget decisions are final. 

To strengthen community support for our public schools and build cross-generational ties, we are continuing our annual Senior Citizen Dinner. The Spring 2027 Senior Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2027. Our school food service provides a delicious meal, district staff and board members run the event, school clubs showcase their activities, and our performing arts students provide amazing entertainment. Seniors, mark your calendars. It's going to be a fun evening!

This committee meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month (September - June) from 4:30-5:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. For meeting info visit Community Outreach Committee - Scarborough Public Schools. 

That’s it for tooting our horn! Next up on Board Beat: Long-Term Facilities Planning Committee

Upcoming Events to Support Neighbors in Need

Saturday, October 17: Food Drive

Scarborough Public Library, 9:00am-12:00pm

Community nonprofit Project GRACE is hosting their annual fall food drive this weekend at the Library. Budgets for many of our neighbors are more and more pinched by energy and food prices—if you have extra to spare, please consider donating nonperishable staple foods (peanut butter, rice, beans, soups, pasta sauce). The food drive is held at the same place and time as the Friends of Scarborough Library book donation drive.

Saturday, November 14: Snug it Up Home Weatherization Event

Scarborough Public Library, 9:00am-12:00pm

It's time to be preparing for the winter ahead. Save the date for this November event, where Project GRACE will be at the Library with weatherization tips and DIY samples. Look for the pop-up tent alongside the Friends of the Scarborough Library's book donation drive. Village Center Auto is also doing a fundraiser on November 14th for keeping families snug—proceeds will benefit Project GRACE's fuel fund and the newly established Scarborough Wood Bank.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Clothing Swap for Adults & Teens

Saturday, October 17, 1:00-3:00pm

Drop-in

Let's have a swap! 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. In partnership with Town of Scarborough's Sustaining Scarborough.

Community Book Baby Shower

Sunday, October 8, 11:00am-1:00pm

Drop-in

Are you expecting a baby or have you welcomed one in the past year? Celebrate love, literacy, and new beginnings at our Community Book Baby Shower! Every family will receive a reusable book bag to fill with free board books, connect with local family resources, and enjoy sweet treats and snacks. Meet other new families, build your baby’s first library, and celebrate the joy of reading from the very start. In partnership with the Book Fairy Pantry Project. 

Fun Run Family Halloween Concert

Saturday, October 24, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Held at Memorial Park

Get ready to sing, dance, and rock your costumes! Join us for a high-energy, family-friendly “kindie rock” concert featuring upbeat sing-alongs, dancing, and original music. Since Halloween is just around the corner, kids and grown-ups are encouraged to come in costume and join in a fun, interactive costume contest right from the stage. We’ll have prizes for some of our standout costumes, so bring your Halloween spirit, your dancing shoes, and the whole family for an afternoon of music and fun!

Wonderful World of Insects

Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:30pm

Register

Why do insects matter? Because they rule the world! These marvels of evolution were the first in flight and dominated the skies for millions of years. Insects appear in a staggering array of shapes and sizes and life spans. Insects were first to engage in manufacturing, animal husbandry and farming. Byproducts of insects’ lives have been exploited by humans since pre-civilization. In partnership with Scarborough Land Trust and Sustaining Scarborough.