Maine Beach Town Divided Over Proposed Ordinances

Two proposed ordinances have a Maine beach town divided.

One proposal would limit public parking and the other would ban public undressing on Higgins Beach in Scarborough.

Jill Jaworski says she's seeing way more than than the beach from her oceanfront property.

"I've seen a lot of things that would be nudity, that would be sex offender stuff in other states," she said.

She says she often sees surfers emerge from the ocean, and strip down from their wet suits right on the streets.

"And we have a view. A perfect view. And I've banged on the window, and they're like, 'Oh!' And I'm like, 'really?'" said Jaworski.

Other Scarborough residents have complained about the noise along Higgins Beach.

The other ordinance would ban parking along the beach between 6 and 7 a.m. It would force everyone to park in a municipal lot several blocks away.

The Surfrider Foundation and other Scarborough residents are concerned it's just the first step in limiting public access.

Their petition already has 1,000 signatures to show town leaders beach restrictions send the wrong message.

There will be a public hearing for the ordinances at Scarborough Town Hall on wednesday, Sept. 2.

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