Falmouth, Maine — Week of March 15-21, 2026

Falmouth, Maine (pop. 12,000) -- Cumberland County. Week of March 15-21, 2026.

Town Government

The Falmouth Planning Board continued its review of a proposed 20-unit cluster subdivision on Route 100 at its Tuesday meeting (agenda, meeting packet). The developer, Signature Homes, presented updated plans incorporating feedback from a previous session. An engineering review by Gorrill Palmer is underway, and a traffic study prepared by Stantec references modeling from the town's 2024 regional transportation plan. Public comment remains open through April 1.

Also before the Planning Board, Revision Energy submitted an amended site plan for a 2.3-megawatt ground-mounted solar array on a Depot Road parcel (application materials). The board is reviewing fire department access requirements and stormwater management conditions before a decision.

The Town Council held its second FY2027 budget workshop Monday evening (agenda, budget document). The public works budget includes $340,000 for road paving and $85,000 for vehicle replacement. The council also discussed the upcoming Waste Management contract renewal, with the current three-year term set to expire in June.

During the same meeting, Town Manager Nathan Poore provided an update on PFAS water testing (staff report). Phase II sampling results from the Portland Water District supply showed no exceedances in Falmouth wells. The council voted to continue quarterly monitoring.

The Conservation Commission met Wednesday to review draft language for a proposed 75-foot wetland buffer setback (draft ordinance), responding to recent state guidance updates. The commission plans to present the draft ordinance to the Town Council in April.

Schools

The Falmouth School Board approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar at its Wednesday meeting. School will begin September 1 and end June 12, with February and April vacation weeks preserved. Superintendent Jessica Berry noted the calendar includes three built-in snow days; any unused snow days will be added to the June break.

The board also heard an enrollment projection report from the superintendent's office. Elementary enrollment is expected to decline by approximately 40 students next year, continuing a five-year trend, while the middle school and high school remain stable. Berry said the district is not considering school consolidation at this time but will revisit staffing ratios in the spring.

In facilities news, the board approved a $165,000 contract for roof repairs at Lunt School, to be completed during summer break. Three bids were received; the board selected the low bidder, Roof Systems of Maine.

Falmouth High School's indoor track team qualified three athletes for the Class A state championship meet this weekend in Gorham.

Police

The Falmouth Police Department responded to 47 calls for service this week (weekly log).

A three-vehicle accident on Route 1 near the Walmart entrance Tuesday afternoon sent one person to Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The road was reduced to one lane for approximately 90 minutes during cleanup. Police cited the driver of the rear vehicle for following too closely.

Officers responded to a report of retail theft at the Falmouth Shopping Center on Wednesday. A suspect was identified through security camera footage and charged with theft of property valued under $500. The case will be heard in Portland District Court.

A noise complaint related to construction activity on Depot Road was referred to the code enforcement office after residents reported work beginning before the permitted 7 a.m. start time on two consecutive mornings.

Other calls included four motor vehicle stops, three burglar alarm activations (all false alarms), two welfare checks, a report of a loose dog on Leighton Road (returned to its owner), and routine traffic patrols on Route 1 and Route 100.

No arrests were made this week aside from the retail theft case.

Fire & EMS

Falmouth Fire-Rescue responded to 19 calls this week (run report).

The department responded to a kitchen fire at a residence on Woodlands Road Friday evening. The fire was contained to the stovetop and range hood. Damage was estimated at $8,000. No injuries were reported. The cause was determined to be unattended cooking.

EMS responded to eight medical calls, including two falls involving elderly residents, a cardiac complaint at Oceanview (the patient was transported to Maine Medical Center in stable condition), and a pediatric allergic reaction at Falmouth Elementary (treated on scene, not transported).

The department also responded to three motor vehicle accidents (including the Route 1 incident), two carbon monoxide detector activations (both cleared with no readings), a flooded basement on Foreside Road due to a burst pipe, a mutual aid request from Cumberland for a brush fire, and a public assist call for a resident locked out of their home.

Chief Howard Rice Jr. reminded residents that outdoor burning permits are required beginning April 1 and are available through the department's website.

Real Estate

Three properties changed hands in Falmouth this week, according to the Cumberland County Registry of Deeds.

22 Waites Landing Road -- Sold for $1,225,000. 4-bedroom colonial on 1.2 acres with Casco Bay views. Previously sold in 2018 for $820,000.
7 Lunt Road -- New construction sold for $685,000. 3-bedroom Cape on 0.8 acres in the Lunt Road subdivision.
114 Gray Road -- Sold for $387,500. 3-bedroom ranch on 0.5 acres. Previous sale in 2021 for $310,000.

Total transaction volume: $2.3 million. Median sale price this week: $685,000.

Permits

Five building permits were issued this week:

A 480-square-foot residential addition at 14 Woodlands Road
A retail tenant buildout at 200 US Route 1
New single-family construction at 7 Lunt Road
An 8.4 kW rooftop solar installation at 22 Hardy Road
A sign permit for a Dunkin' location at 65 Gray Road

Coming Up

March 25 (Tuesday): Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. Agenda includes continued review of the Route 100 subdivision and a new application for an accessory dwelling unit on Leighton Road.
March 27 (Thursday): Town Council regular meeting, 7 p.m. First reading of the wetland buffer ordinance. Public hearing on the Waste Management contract renewal.
March 29 (Saturday): Falmouth Land Trust spring cleanup at Suckfish Brook Preserve, 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers welcome.
April 1 (Tuesday): Public comment deadline for the Route 100 subdivision. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Board via the town's website.
April 1 (Tuesday): Outdoor burning season begins. Permits required.

This week: 5 boards met, 12 new documents published, 47 police calls, 19 fire/EMS calls, 3 property sales, 5 permits issued.

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