Monthly Town Council meetings and workshops are a reliable way to get caught up with the current pulse for what’s happening in Scarborough. To take it one step further, follow along with the more than 10 active boards and committees that meet on a regular basis. While many Town-wide topics of interest are reviewed at the council level, most all begin in municipal committees before appearing on a Council agenda. Learn more about what some of our committees have been working on in 2022.

Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee has a critical role in navigating priorities and action items related to traffic flow and transportation— both key issues in Scarborough right now. This year they have developed a scope for the Townwide Transportation Network Study (passed in the FY2023 budget), and a Town Bike Rack Program to install bike racks in various locations throughout town.

Earlier this year the committee completed the Payne/Gorham Road intersection Safety Audit, and reviewed High Crash Locations to inform reestablishing the Traffic Impact Fee Zones in Town. The committee also provided review and feedback on two upcoming pedestrian and traffic improvement projects, one on Spurwink Road and the other at Highland Ave. Looking ahead, the committee plans to update our Traffic Impact Fee Ordinance and lead the Town-wide Transportation Study Initiative.

Planning Board

The Planning Board has been busy this year reviewing site plans for commercial buildings and several subdivisions in town. As The Downs continues to develop, the Board has worked with the Crossroads team to facilitate approval of the Haigis Parkway entrance to The Downs, which will serve as a connection to the Town Center Residential District and Scarborough Downs Road in the future.

On the commercial side, the Board has approved five Site Plans for projects. This includes an IDEXX manufacturing and research facility on Innovation Way, building additions at a local church, redevelopment of an abandoned building on Route 1, and construction of a retail and office building in Dunstan Village. They’ve also seen projects that seek to utilize existing parking areas for retail and commercial space, an encouraging trend that reduces impervious area and stormwater impacts. Overall, 14 projects have been approved this year and more are currently under review.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is prioritizing goals and tasks outlined in the Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2021). They have an ongoing focus on community education and outreach about pesticide-free yard care practices, like transitioning to organic lawn care and tick awareness.

A significant accomplishment that came in Spring 2022 was completing a merger of the Conservation Commission and the now former Pest Management Advisory Committee. The commission also supported a $50,000 grant proposal to partner with MaineDOT to develop a resiliency strategy for Route 1 and Pine Point Road where they cross Scarborough Marsh.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee has been revising a utility-scale solar ordinance and developing an EV charging ordinance. They also worked with the Conservation Commission to support the $50,000 grant and partnership with MaineDOT for the Route 1/Pine Point Road marsh resiliency strategy. Looking ahead, the committee will continue to recommend new ordinances or revisions to make development in Scarborough more sustainable. Examples include advocating for a stricter energy code to make new homes and buildings more energy efficient and developing an ordinance to minimize habitat alteration during development.

Shellfish Conservation Commission

Much of what the Shellfish Commission was working on this year has been set in motion. In fact, most of the members are out harvesting! Conservation projects for the year include invasive crab trapping, shellfish population surveys, and a marsh trash pickup. They are currently supporting a project through the Downeast Institute called the Softshell Clam Recruitment Monitoring Network, which hopes to provide a better picture of how much clam reproduction is taking place annually and how much of an effect predation has on clam survival.

The shellfish commission also sets the number of available shellfish licenses based on historical license numbers, shellfish surveys, and guidance from the Department of Marine Resources. They keep general tabs on matters similar to the Harbor committee including monitoring shoreline access for harvesters, and being considerate of various things that may affect Scarborough’s shellfish program.

This shows a glimpse into the hours of volunteer work behind Town of Scarborough decision-making. Sign up for the Town of Scarborough email newsletter to learn more and stay connected.

Comments are not available on this story.