Maine: Amenities & Competitiveness a Comparative View

¶ … Maine: Amenities & Competitiveness A Comparative View of Scarborough: Amenities & Competitiveness The town of Scarborough is located in Cumberland County on the southern coast of Maine. The town is a coastal resort area. It is located about 7 miles south of Portland. Scarborough is part of the Portland -- South Portland -- Biddeford metropolitan area (About our town, n.d.). With a resident population of just under twenty thousand, Scarborough is the tenth largest city in Maine and the third largest in Cumberland County (American fact finder, 2012).

Comparative Fiscal Analysis of Scarborough, Maine "The settlement of Scarborough was one of the earliest made on the New England coast. The town was incorporated in 1658 and was named for Scarborough, England. It included the lands of Black Point, Blue Point, and Stratton's Island and extended back eight miles from the sea. These boundaries have changed almost every century" (About our town, n.d.).

By October, 1676 Scarborough, was a town consisting of three settlements with more than one hundred houses and one thousand head of cattle that had all been ruined. Some of the settlers had been killed while others were taken captive by Native Americans. These remaining people tried over and over again to reconstruct but peace was not possible. In 1690, the town was deserted due to Native American uprisings, with people moving to Portsmouth and other settlements that were further south.

The second settlement of Scarborough is thought to have begun in 1702 (About our town, n.d.). Today Scarborough is one of the fastest growing and energetic communities in southern Maine (Town of Scarborough Main, n.d.). It has a lot to offer including sandy beaches and the rocky coastline that has been made famous Winslow Homer, a local artist. The biggest saltwater marsh in Maine is positioned within the boundaries along with Rachel Carson Wildlife lands.

"Scarborough is a suburban community that offers open spaces, parks and recreational areas for its residents and visitors. The newest area for businesses to locate in Scarborough is along the Haigis Parkway, located right at Exit 6 off the Maine Turnpike" (About our town, n.d.). A reference set approach may be used to gauge Scarborough's livability, attractiveness and competitiveness relative to other Maine cities and towns that contend with it for business and residential location.

These towns include nearby neighbors like South Portland, Brunswick and Cape Elizabeth, as well as other communities around the state that may appeal to businesses or residents. While it is difficult to define and measure precisely community characteristics that may make it attractive to businesses and households, a significant amount of research is revealing factors that matter. For the purposes of this analysis, Scarborough's competitive reference set includes Auburn, Bangor, Biddeford, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Yarmouth.

Within Scarborough there is a Higgins Beach, Scarborough Beach State Park, Scarborough Historical Society & Museum, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary and Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. There is a strong sense of community, with citizens taking pride in the city. The array of social and cultural services continues to attract a highly educated population. And, with so much to offer, Scarborough is a popular destination site that each day attracts thousands of visitors.

Comparative Fiscal Analysis of Scarborough, Maine Table 1 compares amenities and factors that may contribute to the vibrancy of a community, which include live theater; art galleries; nightlife; outdoor recreation; citywide celebrations; local college or university; and public perception of local schools. The ratings shown are the author's assessment and represent one view; as such, the ratings are provided only to prompt discussion and self-assessment.

Table 1: Community Vibrancy Factors & Amenities: A Comparison of Scarborough and the Reference Set The ratings in Table 1 are subjective and suggestive only, presented to foster discussion rather than to provide definitive indicators. Nonetheless, the number of activities checked for Scarborough show that it is a place that has room for growth. Depending on one's interests, the Scarborough community has a lot to offer.

The Scarborough Community Chamber partners with the town to offer a free seven-week concert series at Memorial Park in July and August with music spanning from the Beatles to the 80's music. The Landing at Pine Point is a renovated church and a wonderful venue to listen to music. Beech Ridge Speedway is described as New England's premier short-track speedway with a third-mile asphalt oval raceway open from April to September. Scarborough Downs not only has.