OUR HISTORY
Long Island, located in Casco Bay, is one of Maine’s 15 islands with year-round communities. Located six miles from Portland, the only access to the island is by ferry (generally about 45 minutes), water taxi or private boat. The island is three miles long and one mile wide, and has a winter population of about 220, swelling to about 900 during the July 4th holiday. Numerous residents, summer and winter, work in the lobster industry.
In the early 1990’s, when the City of Portland reassessed all of its property and the tax rate tripled on Long Island, islanders decided that local control was the only way to preserve our year-round community. On July 1, 1993 the Town of Long Island became the first new town in Maine since 1925. Since then, we have created a vibrant community where volunteers play take an important role in improving the quality of life for all. Municipal services improved, our school stayed open, and our taxes went down some 30%.
LONG ISLAND TODAY
Our island community of approximately 220 year-round residents includes a dedicated cadre of volunteers who are busy tackling many issues to help make the island livable for residents young and old.
Our Wellness Council offers vaccine clinics, twice-a-month nurse visits, medical screenings, soup lunches, and healthy eating seminars all year long. We also have a free collection of loaner medical equipment including walkers, wheel chairs, commodes and other loanable medical devices. The Wellness Center is located in the basement of The Learning Center at the corner of Fern and Gorham avenues. It is elevator accessible. Please check the community calendar for Wellness events. Our annual Wellness Christmas auction is scheduled for Nov. 28 – Dec. 6, 2024. It’s a great chance for islanders near and far to donate and purchase island-centric and home-made gifts and other useful items.
Our Community Library, located at the corner of Fern and Gorham avenues, recently expanded its programming to include a plant exchange, Pizza & Puzzle night, and craft demonstrations. Run by volunteers who have a passion for books, reading and sharing information, the library is open every day during the summer and most days between Labor Day and Father’s Day. The library holds a biannual Art & Soul fundraisers that features generous gift baskets created by library supporter ranging from The Thursday Knitting Group to island families. The next Art & Soul is scheduled for July 2026.
Our Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee is working to implement the plan voters unanimously approved at the May 2022 Town Meeting. Some of the projects are testing water quality, adding affordable housing, maintaining the town’s bluffs and coastal areas, evaluating the town’s information technology needs and assessing its infrastructure.
Some people will say nightlife is limited on the island, but the island has events and beach parties all summer long. In the winter, the island changes gears to a slower pace that includes community dinners with local entertainment.
This page was updated on Aug. 26, 2024