E-Newsletter
JUNE 6, 2025
Election Day is Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Polls will be open at the Cape Elizabeth High School from 7 AM - 8 PM. Results will be posted on the Town website under "Latest News" as they become available. If you would like to receive results via email, please sign up for our news email subscription using the Stay Connected link below.
Still need to register? Residents may register to vote at the polls at the Cape Elizabeth High School on Election Day 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Proof of identity and proof of Cape Elizabeth residency required.
In the meantime, read on for all the news, updates, and events rolling us into summer!
JUNE 10, 2025 SPECIMEN BALLOTS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MUNICIPAL REFERENDUM ELECTION, PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITES LINKED BELOW
School Building Project
 SCHOOL RENDERING BY HARRIMAN ARCHITECTS
Town Center Zoning Amendments
UPDATES FROM PUBLIC WORKS
Traffic Delays at Shore Rd / Ocean House Rd / Scott Dyer Rd.
Portland Water District has begun construction on aging infrastructure at the Shore Road/Ocean House Road/Scott Dyer Road Intersections. This work is necessary to replace aging drinking water infrastructure within the Town Center Intersection. Work is anticipated to last until the end of July.
We understand that this road construction will cause delays, but we ask for patience as Portand Water District replaces our water main and ensures the continued safety of our community's drinking water.
In the meantime, please remember that all businesses located at this intersection remain OPEN and welcome your continued support!
For more information, please contact the Portland Water District at 774-5961.
PLEASE NOTE:
This construction project is NOT part of the Town Center Intersection Project. An update on the Town Center Intersection Project is listed below ...
Town Center Intersection Project Moved to 2026
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Public Works Director Jay Reynolds updated the Town Council on the Town Center Intersection Project during the June 2, 2025, council workshop. Authorized by the Town Council in the fall of 2024, the project to improve the intersection's safety was slated to begin this spring. However, after two rounds of advertised proposals in January and March of 2025, a project contract has not yet been secured.
After the first request for proposals (RFP) in January, only one bid, which came in at approximately $250,000 over budget, was received. The second round included a "value engineered" project to lower the scope and cost by eliminating secondary features such as landscaping. Reynolds reported that this second RFP did not receive any bids, most likely due to the timing of the advertisement.
According to Reynolds, most contractors have their spring and summer schedules lined up in the fall of the prior year. Therefore, Reynolds recommends that the project be rebid in October 2025, with work to begin in the spring of 2026, and that staff secure an extension from PACTS and MDOT. Funding from PACTS and MDOT stipulates that construction must commence by October 2025. Town Manager Pat Fox said that they are currently in contact with both entities and anticipates that an extension is likely.
Currently, the Portland Water District has begun its work to replace the water mains underneath the roads at the town intersection. While originally scheduled to coincide with the town's safety improvements at the intersection, the onset of the deep utility construction is optimal. "The water main work underneath the road will happen one year ahead of our final work, which is a better end-product, " Fox said.
Cape Elizabeth Basketball Court Out for Bid
An RFP for the construction of the Cape Elizabeth Basketball Court was released on May 18, 2025. The bid opening is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 12.
For details on the RFP, please visit our Bids & RFPs website.
Council Corner: 2025 Town Center Zoning Amendments
By: Jonathan Sahrbeck
In August 2024, HardyPond Development requested Town Center District Zoning Changes so that they would have more of an opportunity to develop housing on the two parcels next to Two Lights Dental, which they had under contract for purchase. According to the developer, in order to make the project economically viable, he would need zoning changes in the Town Center, specifically to be allowed to increase a three-story building (35 feet) to a four-story building (49 feet), alter the minimum roof pitch from 7:12 feet to 4:12 feet (to make that fourth floor more livable and aesthetically pleasing), increase the density to allow housing units on the fourth floor, increase the building foot print to accommodate uses in the “connector” portion of the building, and not require first floor non-residential space. The Town Council sent this request to the Planning Board for an advisory opinion, per the ordinances.
At the September 3rd and October 1st Planning Board workshops, the members of the Planning Board spoke to the developer and his representative about his request. Given that making specific zoning changes solely for one land owner is called “spot zoning” and not legally permissible, any zoning changes requested by the developer would be changes for the entire Town Center zone. During the discussions at the workshops, the Planning Board learned from the developer about the costs of construction and why maximizing the amount of housing would be the only way to make the project economically viable. The Planning Board received information about the building height, photos of other buildings in surrounding communities (five story buildings at 60 feet), the economic realities of commercial space, and artist renderings of what a 49-foot-tall building would like from Route 77, which is the main reason for having a setback from the public right of way along Route 77 since that could cause a canyon effect. The existing Town Center Zone does not allow parking lots immediately along the road and that is not proposed to change (i.e. Pond Cove Plaza was built prior to this regulation, but C-Salt was not, which is why the parking lot is in the back).
Many members of the Planning Board had been part of the discussion of the previous proposal for the land back in 2021. They also have a very good understanding about the need for more housing in the Town Center and how housing supports local businesses and increases the tax base. When making ordinance changes, the Planning Board needs to make decisions about the entire zoning district, not just one particular parcel. A lot of discussion took place at the two Workshops and the November meeting about the fundamental fairness of making this available for other parcels in the Town Center zoning, if they so choose. Despite broadening the opportunity, the Planning Board was cautious to make sure that there would be limitations, such as the 125-foot setback, so the characteristics of the Town Center would not change.
The Planning Board had a public hearing on November 19, 2024 with three of the four members of the public who spoke suggested removing the 125-foot setback or allowing removing requiring non-residential on the first floor. The final vote by the Planning Board recommending the Town Center amendments to the Town Council was unanimous. Here is link to the Planning Board meeting from November 2024: PLANNING BOARD 11-19-2024
The next step in the process was the Town Council Ordinance Committee, which consists of Councilor Caitlin Harriman (Chair), Councilor Stephanie Anderson, and Councilor Jonathan Sahrbeck. It is staffed by Town Planner Maureen O’Meara. At the December 11, 2024 Ordinance Committee Meeting, the members spoke of the parcels that could realistically be affected by these changes. Due to the 125-foot buffer, realistically, there are only five parcels (not counting the two being proposed for development by HardyPond. The first is the Methodist Church, even though it consists mostly of wetland. The second is the parcel located behind 1227 Shore Road, which is a single-family home with the address 5 Pearl Street. The third is a piece of property that is currently part of a local large estate at 336 Ocean House Road. The fourth is 351 Ocean House Road, which recently constructed an accessory dwelling unit. The fifth is part of the Norman Jordan Farm, located at the corner of Route 77 and Fowler. None of these parcels have expressed interest in such use. Here is a map depicting where these changes could take place (the white shaded area is within 125 feet of a public right of way and therefore would not fall under these changes):
 Also, as part of this Ordinance Meeting, Councilor Anderson brought up concerns she had heard regarding the ordinance changes and affordable housing. The Town Planner clarified that this makes no changes to the affordable housing allowance on parcels. To put it simply, these changes would allow for an extra floor, not require first floor non-residential use (meaning commercial use), and increase the footprint size to allow a development to be more economically feasible. The Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to send this to back to the Town Council for consideration and a public hearing. Here is the link to the video of the Ordinance Committee meeting: ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, 12-11-2024
On February 10, 2025, the ordinance changes were set for Town Council public hearing. There were some public comments that the changes made from the original request were too much and that any change should only be for 2 specific land parcels (which again is legally questionable since it could be considered spot zoning). The amendments were adopted by a vote of 5-2 (Councilors Anderson and Thompson voting No).
In late February, a petition was turned in requesting these changes be put on for a referendum vote, which is scheduled for June 10th.
TOWN COUNCIL ITEMS ON
JUNE 9, 2025 AGENDA
The following is a list of items placed on the June 9th agenda. Each item is linked to a council agenda item summary. The full agenda and all materials is available below the listed items.
SAWYER ROAD REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Spurwink Marsh aerial photo
GPCOG has published a video highlighting the significance of the Sawyer Road Redevelopment project and the collaboration between Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough. Cape Elizabeth Town Planner Maureen O'Meara and Scarborough's Sustainability Manager Jami Fitch are featured in this video.
Although it took longer than anticipated, the contract with MNRCP and USFWS for the Sawyer Road redevelopment project has been signed. The work plan, which describes the baseline monitoring and designs is being finalized. In the fall of 2025, a stakeholder meeting will be scheduled to update the public on the project status and solicit input on the turnaround design.
The towns of Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough came to the mutual decision to remove a road that traverses Spurwink Marsh and connects the two communities. The road, which floods during storms, offers spectacular views of the marsh. This project is a successful example of "retreat," a strategy for dealing with the impacts of climate change.
To access more information on the Sawyer Road Redevelopment Project, please visit the Sawyer Road Redevelopment Project website located under our Town Spotlight section on the home page.
YOU ARE INVITED!!!
As Debra Lane's last days serving the Town of Cape Elizabeth for over 39 years come to a close, the community is invited to an Open House in Honor of Deb's dedication and service to our town on Tuesday, June 17th from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Mooring Registration & Fees Now Due!
 Just a reminder that if you have not registered and paid for your mooring please do so no later than July 1.
Mooring application and fees must be submitted to the Cape Elizabeth Police Department. The application is linked below.
All moorings must be:
- Registered
- Permitted by the Harbor Master
- Fees Paid in Full
If you have any questions, please contact the Harbor Master:
Daryen Granata
Email: dgranata@scarboroughmaine.org
Office: 207-730-4356
Cell: 207-671-2821
Thank you for your cooperation!
MAINE HEALTHY BEACHES
 Although summer hasn’t officially begun, many are already enjoying the beauty of our many surrounding beaches! Maine Healthy Beaches is here to ensure that Maine’s saltwater beaches remain safe and clean. MHB is a statewide effort that monitors water quality and protects public health at participating coastal beaches. The program brings together communities to perform standardized monitoring of beach water quality, notifying the public of potential health risks and educating residents and visitors on what they can do to help keep Maine's beaches healthy.
How do I know if it’s safe to swim at my local beach?
There are several ways to determine whether it's safe to swim at a beach.
- Check the Current Beach Status to see if the beach is monitored by the MHB program and for the current beach status. If an advisory or closure is issued for the beach, it will be posted on the webpage.
- To know if there is an active water quality advisory or closure while at the beach, look for any advisory (orange: Elevated Bacteria or yellow: Precautionary Rainfall) or closure (red) signs or other signs posted at the beach entrance or on the lifeguard stands. If there are no advisories (orange or yellow) or closures (red) posted, but there is a Maine Healthy Beaches sign, this indicates that the beach is being monitored by the MHB program, and there is no active advisory or closure.
- For additional information about a beach and how often it is monitored, contact the local beach manager for that town or state park. For more information about the MHB program, contact MHB program staff.
TWO LIGHTS STATE PARK REOPENS
Two Lights State Park has re-opened. Construction is nearing completion and any work beyond this point will not impact visitation.
Park Hours: Open 9 AM to Sunset, daily. Fee collected year-round at entry booth by staff or self-service. ENJOY!
Congratulations to the CEHS Class of 2025!
Graduates throwing caps in air
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Swearing-In of Department Officers
 In mid May, the Cape Elizabeth Fire-Rescue Department proudly held a swearing-in ceremony to formally recognize the promotion of three new lieutenants and to reaffirm the commitment of the department's current captains and lieutenants.
Department members, town officials, friends, and family gathered at Town Center Fire Station to support department officers as they took their oaths of office. The department officially welcomed the following newly promoted lieutenants:
Fire-Police Lieutenant Jim Fox
Fire Lieutenant Jacob Thomas
Fire Lieutenant Samuel Berman
In addition to the new appointments, the ceremony also recognized the ongoing leadership of current department captains and lieutenants, reaffirming their roles and dedication to the department:
Fire Captain John Vallely
Fire-Police Captain Charlie Kennedy
WETeam Captain Daniel Hannigan
Fire Lieutenant Austin Cantara
Fire Lieutenant Joshua Dell'Aquila
Fire Lieutenant Ernest MacVane
Absent from the ceremony, but will be sworn in at a later date: Rescue Captain Maryanne Denison
Fire Lieutenant Patrick Cotter
WETeam Lieutenant Nathaniel Perry
Please join us in congratulating all the officers who were sworn in!
FAMILY FUN DAY, SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH!
 Known to residents as "Family Fun Day," the Family Fun Day Committee is highlighting the event's appeal to the entire community and choosing the term, Cape Fest.
A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 8.
PLEASE NOTE:
Cape Fest (Family Fun Day) is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 am until dark. Fireworks have been scheduled this year and will begin at dusk.
Shore Road from Cottage Farms Road to the Old Main Gate at Fort Williams Park will be closed from approximately 10:00am to 10:45am due to the parade.
CPR & AED Awareness Week:
DO YOU KNOW CPR?
 In 2007, the AHA in coalition with the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council worked collaboratively to designate a National CPR and AED Awareness Week federally. On December 13, 2007, Congress unanimously passed a resolution to set aside June 1-7 each year as National CPR and AED Awareness Week to spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED. Our campaign reinforces these skills but also places importance on the willingness of bystanders to act in a cardiac arrest emergency.
Did you know about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes? If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. Be the difference for your parent, spouse, or child.
The American Heart Association offers online courses and information on how to learn (or relearn) this life-saving skill. Cape Elizabeth Fire & Rescue also offers CPR courses to the public.
MAINE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS JUNE 3 - 6
Officers, Galvan, Fay, Vanasse, and Estes
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness campaign, uniting law enforcement officers worldwide in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. At its core, the Torch Run is a running event in which officers and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions, symbolizing inclusion, courage, and community.
Cape Elizabeth Police Officers Eric Fay, Eric Vanasse, David Galvan, and Darin Estes took part in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Thursday, June 4, with South Portland PD. The officers helped carry the torch from the South Portland/Scarborough line to Portland to show support for Special Olympic athletes. Donations are still being accepted. SUPPORT / REGISTER
There's always something new happening at
Thomas Memorial Library!
Look below for the library's exciting new offerings for Cape Elizabeth residents!
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OUTMaine: Teen Movie NIght and Caregiver's Support Group - June 13 / 6 PM
Celebrate Pride Month with an after-hours movie night! Teens, join us for a showing of Mean Girls (2024), complete with popcorn, pizza, and cozy seating. It may not be a Wednesday, but we will still be wearing pink! Ages 13-18.
Parents and caregivers will attend a facilitated discussion and social led by OUTMaine. Bring your questions, find support, and build connections.
Registration required.
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Special Story Time and Pine Cone Craft - Saturday, June 14 / 10:30 AM
Hear the inspirational true story of a pine cone that can only grow new life when it faces fire! Join local, award-winning author Elisa Boxer for a story time and Q&A - bring your questions about books, writing, publishing, or anything! After the story, we'll make adorable pine cone hedgehogs. Feel free to bring your own pine cones, but we will have plenty on hand.
Every child will get to take home a bookmark and a limited-edition print featuring art from the book, Pine Cone Regrown: How One Species Thrives After Fire. No registration required.
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WANTED! Gently-used, gift-quality board books!
Babies need books, and you can help! Bring your gently-used, gift-quality board books to our Book Fairy Party at the library. We are only able to accept donations on the day of the event. Thank you for your understanding.
Join TML and Pam Leo, founder of the Book Fairy Pantry Project, to make your own Book Fairy crown, hear a story, and play in our play center. Light refreshments will be provided.
All donors will receive their very own pair of fairy wings! No registration necessary.
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MONDAY NIGHTS WITH
SOUNDS BY THE SEA RETURNS IN JULY!
MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Looking for more things to do? Visit our Community Events page located on our new website under "Residents" for an ongoing list of events in Cape Elizabeth and neighboring communities! Don't want to miss anything? Sign up for our weekly email subscription!
COMMUNITY LINKS
Cape Elizabeth Community Services • Cape Elizabeth School Department • CETV On Demand •. Thomas Memorial Library •. Meetings Calendar • Community Events
STAY INFORMED!
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To watch a live meeting from home, visit CETV LIVE on your computer, select the white "play" arrow, or access CETV through Apple TV or Roku (see below for instructions).
Remote participation is available for Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings. To participate remotely, please use the link embedded within each meeting's agenda. Please be advised that per the Remote Participation Policy, remote participation is offered as a convenience. In the event there is a disruption in service and the communication cannot be restored the expectation is the meeting will continue.
Not able to attend a live meeting? Visit CETV On Demand (cetv.capeelizabeth.org) to watch video recordings of meetings that take place in the Council Chambers.
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CETV LIVE
CETV On Demand
Apple & Roku Instructions
Did you know? Closed Captioning is available for both live stream and recorded meetings that occur in the council chambers. |
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