Scarborough town leaders are considering changes to their beach pass program, including a $30 increase in the cost of non-resident passes and a cap on the number of passes sold. The proposed changes are in response to increased demand and higher operational costs for maintaining the town’s beaches. Currently, non-resident beach passes cost $150, but the new proposal would increase the fee to $180 and limit non-resident passes to just over 400 total. A flat parking fee of $20 is also being considered.
Town officials are concerned about the financial sustainability of the beaches, especially in the face of unpredictable summers that can impact revenue. Some residents argue that price increases may not alleviate overcrowding and could prevent locals from accessing their favorite beach spots. The Town Council is set to revisit the proposal on March 5.
The rationale behind the changes is to prioritize resident access to the beaches and ensure that Scarborough residents are not crowded out by visitors. The increased fees are part of an effort to address rising costs and maintain the quality of the town’s beaches for both residents and non-residents alike. Residents can stay updated on the issue by accessing the NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app or downloading the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app for the latest updates.
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