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Rendering by Harriman of new middle school entry area.
School Building Project Receives Site Plan Approval
The Cape Elizabeth School Department's application for Site Plan approval for the construction of the new middle school was approved by the Planning Board on April 21st. The site plan approval includes improvements to Pond Cove Elementary.
Contracting bids will go out in mid-May followed by finalizing the contractor in June and breaking ground in July. Meanwhile, the School Building Committee is exploring the option of getting an early bid package out for the temporary parking area, so it can be started and completed during the summer.
Town Manager's Draft Proforma as of 4/21/26
FY 2027 Budget Public Hearing Set for May 4
On Monday, April 27, 2026, the council voted to schedule the Public Hearing of the Proposed FY27 Municipal Budget for Monday, May 4, at 7 PM. The Public Hearing will be based on the Town Manager's proforma dated April 21, 2026, which shows total taxes to be raised are $48,890,074 -- a tax rate increase of 7.13%.
Included in the proforma are recently proposed amendments on the municipal side, as well as the School Department's FY 2027 budget of $35,574,559, adopted on April 13.
Preceding the Town Council Meeting, the Town Council Finance Committee held a final workshop to review proposed budget amendments. Key adjustments that increase expenditures are $50,000 for a heating and oil contingency and a $50,000 parking enforcement allowance related to new parking restrictions at Shore Road near Cliff House Beach. Primary adjustments that lower expenditures include a $27,400 reduction in General Assistance and an anticipated $26,000 reimbursement from the Maine Department of Education for use of Town-owned office space (formerly leased by Edward Jones) for new Special Education mandates.
Front Porch/Ramp Amendments Approved
Following a Public Hearing at the Town Council April 27, 2026, meeting, Councilor Jonathan Sahrbeck made a motion for the Council to vote on the proposed amendments rather than delay until the next council meeting. “This will be a tremendous stress relief for a lot of people I know who are in non-compliant neighborhoods,” Sahrbeck said of the amendments.
The amendments reduce the front yard setback to allow construction of a “farmer's porch” for structures that are located at the minimum front setback. The setback for a front porch is proposed to be 15’, which makes it possible for a 5’ deep porch for structures located 20’ from the front property line. The setback decrease is limited to front porches where at least 50’ of the porch is windows, the porch is one story in height, and has a depth not to exceed 10’. The amendments are effective May 28,
Conservation Committee Launches Adopt-a-Trail Program
Beginning May 1st, the Conservation Committee is piloting the Adopt-a-Trail program to augment Greenbelt trail management through an engaged volunteer protocol. The trail adoption volunteer will be assigned a 1-to 2-mile trail segment to perform light maintenance two to three times a year.
Interested volunteers will submit a completed Trail adoption application form, read the handbook, and participate in training provided by a member of the Conservation Committee.
MDOT Paving Begins May 4
MDOT will commence construction and repaving in Cape Elizabeth beginning Monday, May. 4th on Bowery Beach Road and Ocean House Road (Route 77). MDOT has contracted with Shaw Brothers, Inc. to repave sections of Route 77.
Travelers can anticipate minor traffic delays during construction, with one lane alternating. Final paving is anticipated in June, with a final completion by June 30th.
Absentee Ballot Request Forms for June 9 Election
Voters may now submit an Absentee Ballot Request Application for the June 9, 2026, Primary Elections & Municipal School Budget Validation via online or mail. In-person Absentee Voting in Cape Elizabeth begins Monday, May 11, through June 4.
IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING HOURS AT TOWN HALL:
- Mondays, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 AM - 4 PM
Parking Restrictions at Shore Road/Cliff House Beach Effective May 1st
New parking restrictions at Shore Road near Cliff House Beach, approved by the Town Council on February 18, 2026, are effective Friday, May 1st.
The new Traffic Regulations prohibit parking on Shore Road year-round and create seasonal restrictions on adjacent streets from May 1 to October 1 within a newly designated “Shore Road 1 Parking District.” Parking within this district is limited to town residents. Residents of this district have been provided with 2 guest passes and may obtain up to 10 one-day passes for a single event per calendar year. A $100 replacement fee for a lost or stolen guest pass is included in the proposed Fee Schedule adjustments included within the FY 2027 budget.
Enforcement measures estimated at $50,000 are included within the Proposed FY 2027 Budget.
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