2022.04.22--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 12
Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts.
General Information
Table of Contents |
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers.
- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
News & Issues |
I-295 Closure Begins Tonight, Friday, April 22 at 7:00pm
Additional impacts on local roads and services
Veranda Street (under the bridge) will remain closed until 2:00pm, Monday, April 25.
- Getting to or from Portland via Route 1/Veranda Street will require a significant detour.
- Motorists are being redirected to detour routes from the Route 1/Route 88 intersection.
- Route 1 South from Route 88 open to local traffic only. No through traffic.
- Traffic delays and congestion are anticipated along Route 1, Route 88, Bucknam, Middle, and Lunt Roads. Residents are advised to allow more time for travel and to find alternate routes.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are not allowed through worksite and should obey all closure signage and fencing.
- Find info and detour routes at: www.VerandaPlan.org
A full closure of I-295 will occur beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, April 22 until 11:00am on Monday, April 25.
- This will cause significant traffic and congestion in Falmouth, especially along Route 1, Bucknam Road, Middle Road, Lunt Road, Falmouth Road, and Route 88 as well as on the Maine Turnpike and in Portland.
- All northbound and southbound traffic on I-295 will be diverted through Falmouth or to the Spur at Exit 9 Northbound and Exit 10 Southbound during the closure weekend.
- Find info and detour routes at: www.VerandaPlan.org
Additional Impacts in Falmouth
Portions of two local roads in Falmouth will also be closed to through traffic during the interstate closure (April 22-25). MaineDOT has established these closures to alleviate traffic congestion at major intersections along Route 1 and Middle Road. A temporary traffic light has been installed at the intersection of Lunt and Middle Road to help manage traffic flow.
- Depot Road will be closed between Route 1 and Route 88. Residents along this roadway will have access to and from their properties.
- Falmouth Road will be closed to through traffic between Lunt Road and Middle Road. Again, residents on this portion of Falmouth Road will have access to and from their properties.
Road closures will also impact Greater Portland Metro's bus service in and around Falmouth. There will be no inbound or outbound Route 7 service on Veranda Street from April 18-April 25. During the interstate closure from April 22-April 25, no inbound Route 7 service will be offered along Route 1 between Clearwater Drive and Washington Avenue. Metro Breez will detour; however, all stops will remain in service. Visit Greater Portland Metro for more information.
What are the Detour Routes?
MaineDOT has identified multiple alternative routes for traffic during this closure and invites the public to come up with their own "Veranda Plan" to avoid the area and minimize delays. Visit VerandaPlan.org to find maps and detour routes.
What Can I Do?
- Avoid the Area, Adjust Schedules & Plan Alternate Routes--Residents are advised to avoid the area and to plan alternate routes to avoid traffic and delays. If you need to travel in this area, adjust your schedule to account for delays.
- Expect Delays--Significant traffic congestion is expected on Route 1, Route 88, Bucknam, Middle, Lunt, Depot, and Falmouth Roads. Businesses should alert employees to allow extra time to get to and from work.
- Exercise Caution--We ask all commuters who travel in this area to do so with additional caution and patience. There will be an increased police presence, flashing lights, new road/detour signage, and new traffic signals, making travel in this area confusing for many, especially those not familiar with Falmouth or the detour routes.
- Bike, Walk, Run with Extreme Caution--With anticipated increases in traffic volume on Route 1, Route 88, Lunt Road, Bucknam Road, and Middle Road, extra precautions should be taken by those biking, running, or walking. If on foot or a bike, wear reflective clothing, stay on the sidewalk, shoulder, or far to the edge of the road, and anticipate greater noise, speed, and volume of traffic. As always, cyclists should travel with traffic and pedestrians should walk or run facing traffic.
- Stay Informed--Closely follow updates related to this project which will be sent regularly to the News & Announcements subscription email list, posted to our social media outlets, and included in issues of The Falmouth Focus newsletter. You can subscribe to Falmouth News & Announcements or The Falmouth Focus at www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Additional project information, maps, and detours can be found at: VerandaPlan.org.
How Can I Watch the Bridge Replacement Process?
No pedestrians, cyclists, or onlookers will be allowed near the work site. To reduce traffic congestion and ensure safety, MaineDOT and Falmouth Public Safety strongly urge the public to avoid the area. The best place to watch the bridge replacement is via livestream at: https://www.verandaplan.org/livestream
Call for Nominations for 2021 Citizen of the Year Award
Each year the Town of Falmouth honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the municipality through the Citizen of the Year Award. The award acknowledges exceptional contribution to the community and positive examples of citizenship.
The Town of Falmouth is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award. Nominations may be submitted by any individual or group in writing and must be 500 words or less. Nominations will be judged by the Town Council on the following criteria:
- Contributions to community welfare
- Civic achievement
- Volunteerism
- Conscientious service to Falmouth Town government
The Award will be presented to the 2021 Citizen of the Year in June. Please send nominations to the Town Manager’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105, Attn: Julie Baxter, or you may e-mail them to jbaxter@falmouthme.org. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, May 5. To find more information on past recipients, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year-2020-0
Revaluation Project: Interior Inspections Under Way
Beginning on January 19, 2021, data collectors from Vision Government Solutions began visiting Falmouth properties to conduct exterior evaluations as part of Falmouth’s Revaluation Project. A revaluation is the process of conducting the data collection and market analysis necessary to equalize the values of all properties within a municipality for the purpose of a fair distribution of the tax burden. The results of the revaluation will be applied to November 2022 property tax bills.
To date, all exterior evaluations have been completed. Letters have now been sent to Falmouth property owners to schedule interior property inspections. While it is not mandatory for residents to allow inspectors interior access, the data collected is vitally important to the accuracy and uniformity of the assessments. We encourage residents to schedule an interior inspection promptly upon receipt of this letter. For more information on the revaluation, visit our project page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022
Browntail Moth
The time to treat your yard is now!
The infestation of browntail moth continues throughout parts of Maine. Fortunately, Falmouth has seen a reduction in nests and levels of infestation. Based on an assessment of trees along public roadways and public properties in Falmouth, the Town will not proceed with a roadside spraying program this year. The assessment found no nests at all along the majority of the community’s public roadways. These findings do not indicate that browntail moth has been eradicated in Falmouth. Residents are advised to assess their own properties for nests. The best means of preventing an infestation on your property is to clip and destroy overwintering webs between October and mid-April. It is also best practice to treat trees before leaves have filled in, generally by the end of May or the first week in June. Residents will need to hire a qualified contractor to treat trees on their property. Please note, the poisonous hairs responsible for the rash that accompanies exposure to browntail moth can remain in the environment and toxic for up to three years after an infestation. Therefore, there is still a possibility of exposure this year. For additional information on browntail moth, visit: www.falmouthme.org/home/ pages/browntail-moth-0
Ongoing Initiatives |
Pay It Forward April 28th – Let’s Do It!
By Lisa Joy, Falmouth Community Wellness Committee Member
It’s a day recognized in nearly 90 countries for letting your imagination run wild in the doing of good deeds anonymously – or otherwise. We invite our neighbors, schools and businesses to get in on the fun this year!
Catherine Ryan Hyde first wrote about changing the world one kind act at a time in “Pay It Forward,” a book published in 2000. Seven years later, Blake Beattie launched Pay It Forward Day in Australia. By 2009, people in 15 other countries had joined in. This year’s goal is to inspire people in 88 countries to pause their hustle and bustle and gift 10 million acts to strangers in a ripple effect.
Of course, our townspeople enjoy and share acts of kindness every day. The schools are enriched by the time, creativity, generosity and coaching skills of countless parents. The food pantry bustles with ever more households to serve. Volunteers spend hundreds of hours clearing our trails and picking up trash. There are dozens of daily examples.
Yet as much as we give, we know we can do more and better. In fact, enhancing our “community fabric” to reach more age groups, backgrounds and needs is among the six most important activities we have committed to over the next ten years, according to the recently published Vision and Values Report.
So this date, April 28, is one to weave some fun with elements of surprise(!) into that cloth. Maybe you handwrite a simple “Pay It Forward” note or two to hand unsuspecting recipients. Maybe you just hand someone a flower. Here are a few more ideas from an infinite list:
- Pay for a drink in the hand of someone standing behind you in line
- Give that person with a sign asking for money, an item you just bought with them in mind from your favorite grocery store… or a sandwich
- Take care of someone’s restaurant order, gas fill, bus or train ticket
- Call a local shelter to see if they’ll accept a pizza delivery
- Ask your church or a community service agency if there is someone who could use a visit, a call, a card or some other form of help or interaction
- Buy a few books for children whose parents can’t afford them
- Cook for a neighbor
- Host a Pay It Forward activity in your business, office, school, church or community
- Give blood
- Donate to a cause you’ve never donated to before
If you have an organizational activity you’d like to share, email a photo and a brief description with “Wellness Committee PIFD” in the subject line to: mfleming@falmouthme.org. To learn more about Pay It Forward Day, visit: https://globalpayitforwardday.com/
The Community Wellness Committee defines wellness as an active process of becoming aware of - and making choices towards - a healthy and fulfilling life and community. Find our newly launched online wellness guide here. We are looking for a committed, energetic volunteer who enjoys event planning and other fun ways to promote and encourage wellness opportunities. Click here for an application.
REAC Waste Management Survey
Falmouth is fortunate to have over 300 businesses within our community, plus countless residents that play key, decision-making roles at their places of work. If you own or work for a local business, the Falmouth Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee would like to hear from you! The Committee is working to better understand commercial waste management practices in Falmouth. This will help them to provide the most applicable and useful resources to support local business and save them money by implementing recycling and waste reduction efforts. Please take the business waste management survey.
Residents Encouraged to Complete Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Tell us your climate change concerns!
Part of the Falmouth Climate Action Plan involves completing a Vulnerability Assessment, which will identify the ways in which Falmouth's infrastructure, ecosystems, economies, and communities may be most vulnerable to the climate hazards we will likely face from climate change. We’ve developed an interactive map for residents to report specific concerns or insights. Your input will help the Town prioritize initiatives and ensure our approach to building community resilience involves truly inclusive action. Map your climate concerns and observations now.
Events |
Community Clean-Up, Saturday, April 23
Today is Earth Day! Mark the occasion by joining us for an Community Clean-Up tomorrow! The Falmouth Conservation Commission is hosting a Clean-Up at the River Point Conservation Area from 9am-12pm on Saturday, April 23. River Point Conservation Area is located on Route 100, just east of the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center. Park at the head of the railroad bridge or in the rear of the shopping center lot. After crossing the bridge, look for an informational kiosk to the right. We will provide trash bags and info at the kiosk. Each participant at the clean-up will receive a FREE movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth! Join us!
Urban Run Off 5K
Our community's health, economy, and way of life depends on clean water. Unfortunately, polluted runoff threatens Maine's lakes, rivers, streams, and bays. You can be the hero we need to protect our water. The Urban Runoff 5K, hosted by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, supports clean water education in the Greater Portland and Saco areas. The 2022 event will allow participants to explore a course anytime during the month of April on their own or join the timed event on April 23, 2022. Registration and more info at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff
Spring Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy Workshop
Learn how to grow a healthy lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort with a spring healthy lawn care workshop from the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District on Tuesday, April 26 (via webinar). All classes are $15 and held from 6-8 PM. Register online at: cumberlandswcd.org/workshops. Questions? Call Cumberland County SWCD at (207) 892-4700.
Coffee with Councilors
Building on the productive dialogues established during the Town’s Vision & Values process, the Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. Note, this is a pilot project; we will assess continuation after a few months. Visit the events calendar on the home page for Zoom links to each meeting or watch this space. We hope to see you there!
The next Coffee with Councilors will be held...
Wednesday, May 11, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors LaFond, Kuhn
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81526864409
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,81526864409# or +16465588656,,81526864409#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 815 2686 4409
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqh0HW0kD
Note: Links to each coffee will be posted on the events calendar on our home page at www.falmouthme.org and listed here in each issue.
Take Note |
Spring Leaf Bag Collection Schedule for 2022
Spring curbside collection for leaf bags has been scheduled for Friday, April 29 and Friday, May 6. All leaf bags MUST be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection.
Leaf bags are available at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address beginning Monday, April 11 (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!). REMINDER – Brush is NOT collected curbside, but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Please do not put brush or trash in leaf bags.
Transfers Station hours are:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 – 4:00
Fridays 7:00 – 5:00
Saturdays 9:00 – 5:00
For more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919
Seasonal Temporary Closure of Falmouth Trails Remains in Place
The temporary seasonal closure of Falmouth trails remains in effect to ensure that the integrity of the trails is not compromised during the rain and mud season in Maine. Trailheads remain cordoned off and closure signs posted. Staff will continue to monitor the trail system. With some sunny, warm days in the forecast, look for open trails and trailheads in the very near future, if conditions permit. We are as anxious as anyone to get back out on our trails. Thank you for your continued patience. Questions may be directed to Open Space staff at 207-699-5312 or openspace@falmouthme.org.
FCP Summer Programs Brochure Now Available
Falmouth Community Programs' Summer Program Brochure is now available and registration is open. Check out the PDF version at: https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs/files/fcp-summer-brochure-pdf-version
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Student Lead Change Club
Student-Led Change, a club at FHS, is collecting new pajamas for A Family for ME foster care. There are approximately 2,000 kids in the foster care system in Maine. Kids who are placed in foster care are often removed from their homes with very little notice; many do not have time to pack up their own possessions. Please help foster children in Maine. Please consider donating new pajamas. Collection bins will be in the lobbies of the schools starting in April.
Focus: Community Dialogues
We enthusiastically invite all members of our community to join us at two upcoming Community Dialogues. These discussions are an integral part of helping us define and refine our strategic planning. Both dialogue sessions will take place at Falmouth High School from 6:30-8:30pm. Light refreshments will be available.
- Monday, May 2nd - Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness in our Schools
- Monday, May 9th - Learning Pathways and Curriculum in our Schools
Upcoming: Meetings & Events
School Board Business Meeting--Monday, April 25, at 7:00pm in the Falmouth Elementary School cafeteria. The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.
Music and Makers Market--On Wednesday, April 27th from 5:00-7:00 pm, there will be a student-led Music and Makers Market at Falmouth High School with live music, a silent auction, and food and art for sale. This event is open to the public! All proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen which is serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families.
For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, April 11, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, April 25 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…
The Town Council held a public hearing on the budget on April 6, there was a presentation and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget. An agenda and video can be found here.
The Town Council held a meeting on April 11. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved an order for a new permanent food service application for Super Scoops.
- There was a public hearing regarding ordinance amendments to Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances, amendments to the Exit 10 Design Guidelines, and an amendment to the Zoning Map relative to land use and zoning recommendations along the Route 100 corridor. An ordinance was scheduled for April 25.
- The Council approved a resolution to accept the Vision and Values Project Final Report.
- There was a presentation from the Falmouth Conservation Commission.
- There was discussion on Proposed Amendments to Ordinance No. 93-2020, An Ordinance on Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations.
- The Council approved an order to accept a donation to acquire Police Department equipment.
- The Council approved a resolution and order to support the addition of mental health experts to provide additional services within the Falmouth Police Department, via a contract and partial funding with Cumberland County.
- The Council entered Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider the following items at its meeting on May 3. An agenda can be found here.
200 Presumpscot Point Rd – UMAINE Cooperative Extension at Tidewater – Request for Site Plan Approval to install a 14’ x 24’ shed, a 22’ x 48’ greenhouse, & a 10’ x 10’ walk-in cooler. Map/lot R04-028.
101 Gray Rd – Cumberland County Federal Credit Union – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 1,480sf building addition. Map/lot U44-001.
108 Winn Road – Justin Fletcher – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 5-lot major conservation subdivision. Map/lot R06-006-A.
Cavendish Road – Libby Construction, Inc. – Request for Subdivision Amendment to remove a detention pond. Map-lot R03-005.
251 US Route 1 - Bailey Sign, Inc. representing Sherman’s Book Shop – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 illuminated building sign. Map/lot U12-002.
Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations, plans, and images when available. Information on Planning Board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board. For additional information or questions, contact Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or demerson@falmouthme.org
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items at its next meeting on April 26. An agenda can be found here.
- 23 Phillips Road – Carrie Hansen – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition and a front porch. Map/lot U01-048.
- 30 US Route 1 – Maura & Peter Rodway - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition. Map/lot U01-167.
- 108 US Route 1 – Sarah Correla & Michael Rice - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace the existing garage with a new 2-story garage. Map/lot U03-006.
- 35 Underwood Road – Chris Kelley (Apex Luxury Rentals LLC) - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family home. Map/lot U18-014.
- Meeting Policy Discussion - Discussion and possible action regarding remote meeting policy and returning to in person/hybrid meetings.
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Stay Informed with the Town of Falmouth Website and E-Alerts
There are many Town committees and boards that meet on a regular basis. The events calendar on the Town of Falmouth website homepage lists upcoming board, committee, and Town Council meetings. We send E-Alerts when Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the website. Subscribe via E-Alerts to those that most interest you. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are also posted online and can be accessed from the home page. Town Council, Planning Board, and School Board meetings are live-streamed on Falmouth Community TV Channel 1301 (Former Channel 2). Recordings of these meetings are also available for viewing online. Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings are not broadcast live but can be viewed online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific e-mail lists about Town-related issues that interest you. The Falmouth Focus, this bi-weekly newsletter, is another way to stay in the loop. Subscribe via E-Alerts. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see included in your town newsletter.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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