I live close by to the beautiful town of Scarborough, ME, blessed with stunning, serene coastlines that any resident would dream of enjoying. Yet, it's disheartening to realize that many of us, local residents, cannot freely access these beaches that epitomize the essence of our town. Without conscious access, something as simple as a stroll by the waves or a sunset picnic becomes an unattainable luxury rather than a daily joy. 

Scarborough's beaches are part of what makes our town unique. They should be a communal space where we can relax, bond, and connect with nature. Unfortunately, current restrictions limit local access, making the beaches available only to those who can afford it or have the right connections. This not only alienates us from these invaluable natural resources but also creates an environment of exclusivity and inequality.

The right to enjoy our beaches should not be a privilege. Every local deserves access, allowing all residents the chance to appreciate the beauty of our coastline without financial or bureaucratic barriers. Accessible beaches will foster a stronger community, promote physical and mental well-being, and encourage environmental stewardship among all residents.

To achieve this, I propose that Scarborough adopts a policy allowing  beach access to its residents and close by neighbors. This policy would encourage more inclusive use of public spaces, acknowledging that beaches are for everyone and should be freely accessible. This initiative promotes fairness and inclusivity, synonymous with the values our town holds dear.

Some major issues that have occurred: 

Dramatic Price Increases:
The $5 early morning (5:30-9:00 am) and late afternoon (3:00-6:00 pm) rates for daily parking have been eliminated, replaced by a flat daily rate of $20. This represents an 80% increase for those who previously used these accessible times to surf, walk dogs, swim, fish, and more. 
The standard weekday daily parking rate jumped from $15 to $20, a 20% increase.
Street parking meters on Bayview Avenue, previously $1.00, are now $5.00 per hour, an 80% increase for precisely one hour of parking.
Non-Resident Pass Paradox: While non-resident beach passes increased from $150 to $200 (a 25% increase), the Town Council also voted to cap them at 350, a 21% decrease from the 435 passes sold in 2024.
Declining Lot Congestion: The most striking contradiction to the town's rationale is the data on lot usage. Despite the narrative of overcrowding, the number of "lot full" days has decreased year over year: from 26 days (31% of open days) in 2022, to 21 days (25%) in 2023, and down to just 17 days (22%) in 2024. This occurred even as both resident and non-resident passes increased. The claim that these increases are "essential to manage pressures" simply doesn't align with the town's own data.

Sign this petition to show your support for the town to reconsider the price of coastal access in Scarborough, ME. Let's stand together to reclaim our right to enjoy the natural beauty of our town's coastline, ensuring it's available for everyone to experience and cherish.