Holiday season is quickly approaching, turning our attention to gatherings, hosting, and preparations. Here are some quick reminders and items of note from the Town of Scarborough during this busy time of year.
Election Results
The Scarborough Municipal Election was held on Nov. 8, 2022. The municipal ballot included candidates for Town Council, Board of Education, and Sanitary District Trustees. There was also a referendum for a $13 million Library expansion project, which was defeated, and for seven charter amendments, all of which passed. View details on our website.
Assessing Deadline Dec. 1
The application deadline for the new Senior Stabilization program is quickly approaching, and must be submitted to the Scarborough Assessing Office by Dec. 1. The law went into effect in August and created a new State program allowing certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. An applicant must be at least 65 years old, a permanent resident of the State, and must have owned a Maine homestead for at least 10 years. If you or someone you know may be eligible and haven’t yet applied, please reach out to the Scarborough Assessing Office before Dec. 1. Program details and eligibility requirements are available on our website under the Assessing Department page.
Dog Licenses
Dog license registration is now open for 2023, and licenses are valid through December 31, 2023. Register or renew your dog license in person at the Clerk’s office or online (If you register your dog(s) online, you will receive your tag[s] at the beginning of the next month). All dog renewals must be completed by Jan. 31. There is an additional $25 fee starting Feb. 1. To receive a license for your dog, please come into the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall during our business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (first and third Wednesday until 6 p.m).
Winter Programs
Scarborough Community Services has just launched their Winter Brochure, loaded with creative programs for youth, teens, and seniors. Upcoming holiday-themed programs include Gingerbread House Night on Friday, Dec. 2 and Santa in the Park Drive-Through on Saturday, Dec. 3. Find details on these programs and more in the full brochure on our website under the Community Services department page.
Transportation Map
There are a number of traffic improvement projects lined up for the years ahead, and we want you to know about them before they get started. Our Engineering & Technical Services department has created a map to visually show the scope and specifics of projects happening within Scarborough’s public right-of-ways, currently and in upcoming years. These projects are conducted by either the Town, Maine Department of Transportation (DOT), or private developers. The map shows which entity is responsible for the project and provides further contact information if needed. It will be continually updated over time. Access the map through the Transportation page of the Engineering & Technical Services department page on the Town website.
Adaptive Traffic Signals
One upcoming developer-led traffic project is the installation of additional adaptive traffic signals on Route One from Oak Hill to Hillcrest Avenue to improve safety and traffic flow. These signal upgrades are the result of a Traffic Movement Plan from the Downs project, which necessitated the developers to obtain approval from the MaineDOT and Scarborough Planning Board, and make comprehensive off-site transportation improvements to support the traffic demands that result from increased development. The signal upgrade project will be completed in early 2023.
Committee Vacancies
There are several active boards and committees that support the overall functions of the town and visions for its future. The term is soon to expire for several committee members, so now is the time to consider filling a vacancy. Selecting a board that you feel passionate about or have expertise in is a great way to get involved and contribute to your community. See a list of all boards and committees on our website and complete an online application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our Appointments & Negotiations committee.
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