QUICK FACTS
The Long Island located in the middle of Casco Bay is one of several islands in Maine bearing that same name, and is also the location of the Town of Long Island. At about 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, it sits approximately five miles from the City of Portland and is accessible by passenger ferry. The island is the traditional territory of the Abanaki people, and was colonized by Europeans in the 1600s. Long Island was a fueling station in WWII and many buildings built during that time are still standing and in use by the town and others. In 1993, Long Island seceded from the City of Portland and became its own town.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
- Beaches and land preserves
- Sandy Beaches
- Fire and Rescue with a dedicated emergency boat
- Long Island Community Center
- Long Island Learning Center and Library
- VFW Hall (town owned for functions)
- Tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts
- Long Island Civic Association
- Long Island Historical Society
- Long Island Community Land
- Operating Company (owns extensive conservation lands)
- Boathouse Store
- Byers and Sons Bakehouse Hardshell Café
- Evergreen Methodist Church
- St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church Ivy
- Hall Gift Shop
- Wellness Center
ECONOMY
Long Island’s economy is split among several different sectors. While some residents commute to jobs on the mainland, others lobster, work in healthcare (including EMS), education, retail, construction, caretaking, remote positions, or hospitality on the island.
SCHOOL SYSTEM
Long Island is a public, stand-alone school system with 17 students in pre-K through Grade 5 on-island. Middle and high school students commute to mainland schools. The two-room school was built during WWII to replace three one-room schools. It has a new extensive learning center and library attached. About half the pre-K through fifth grade students are daily commuters traveling from Great Diamond Island.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
BROADBAND
Consolidated Communications is presently wiring every home. This follows a nearly five-year process to obtain first-class fiber internet, with an expected completion date of late 2021.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The newly established town, after seceding from the City of Portland in 1993, had little funds for public buildings and a lot of debt. In a quarter century since, the town has acquired and refurbished several run-down military structures and turned them into a town hall, fire station, public works garages, and a new community center.
The town has taken ownership of the former ferry pier and preserved that as access for fishermen. A major new library/learning center with a recently completed wellness center has been added to the school. Year-round floats at the new ferry dock, including berthing for the rescue boat, have been added. The town is in the process of building wave breaks to improve safe access to the water in almost all weather.
RECREATION
Extensive conservation lands, beautiful beaches, a large pond, and quiet roads and trails make for excellent passive recreational options year-round. Tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts see frequent use. Easy access to Portland adds to the opportunity to participate in a wider range of activities.
How to get there
Casco Bay Lines serves Long Island from Portland, with a ferry crossing that takes roughly 45 minutes. Up to nine boats run daily from 5:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. There is no regular car ferry service, but barging service is available.
FORE MORE DATA ON MAINE’S ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES VISIT:
www.islandinstitute.org/waypoints
FOR DATA QUESTIONS, CONTACT:
info@islandinstitute.org
With gratitude to our community reviewers: Mark Greene and Sam Whitener
