About Freeport
Freeport is located approximately twenty minutes from Maine's largest city, Portland, along the northern reaches of picturesque Casco Bay. Its 37 miles of tidal coastline include numerous inhabited islands, as well as a mix of rocky shoreline, iconic Maine clam flats, and riverine and estuarine ecosystems. The Harraseeket River serves as the Town's primary deepwater harbor, and is one of the more protected anchorages in Casco Bay.
Freeport is perhaps most widely known as one of Maine's top tourist destinations. A mix of local shops and restaurants, national retailers, lodging establishments, special events, and historic points of interest in the Village area attract visitors on a year-round basis.
But many residents and visitors know a different side of Freeport, where the scenic beauty of coastal areas mixes with bucolic farm fields, historic architecture, and small town charm to create a unique community that is equally vibrant and relaxed. Not just a great place to visit, but a great place to live, too.
BUSTINS ISLAND
Bustins Island lies a few miles off the shore of the mainland. It is a Village Corporation that resides within the territorial boundaries of the Town of Freeport, but is a self-governing entity. A list of official contacts may be found at right.
The Corporation maintains a useful website with plenty of island-related information. It may be found here. In addition, some residents maintain a Facebook page concerning the island.
For a Lot Map of the island, click here.
For a Zoning Map of the island, click here.
For a contact list for Bustins Island, click here.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
- Citizen of the Year: This award is presented to outstanding citizens of our town who, by their initiative and efforts over the years, have made Freeport a wonderful place to live. Recipients are listed on a separate plaque, displayed in Town Hall, in honor of their service and contributions.
- The Award Process: The Special Projects Committee of the Freeport Town Council collects nominations annually. Candidates are reviewed, and recommendations for the Award are be made to the Council. The Council then presents the award to the recipient in a public ceremony.
- To nominate a candidate, obtain a form from Town Hall, or download one using the link below.
- COY Award & Nomination Form
Past Award Winners
- 2022-Kathleen Sullivan
- 2021 Katrina VanDusen
- 2020-Jim Degrandpre
- 2019 - Maryellen Carew and Pauline (Sam) Hunneman AKA MASISTKA
- 2018 - Betheda Edmonds
- 2017 - Fred Palmer and John Paterson
- 2016 - George Denney
- 2015 - Jonas and Kate Werner
- 2014 - Freeport Community Services “Founding Mothers” -
- Vaughndella Curtis, Betsy Ruff, Carol Southall, Janice Fogg, Suzie Harding, Sherry Smith
- 2013 - Ed Bradley
- 2012 - Tom Wright
- 2011 - Vicky Lowe
- 2010 - Bob Stevens
- 2009 - Rod Regier
- 2008 - Barbara Gifford
- 2007 - Dr. Jonathan Strout & Freeport Dental Associates
- 2006 - Mary Sauer and John Hoy
- 2005 - Betsy Ruff
- 2004 - Edgar Leighton
- 2003 - E. Ann Westervelt
- 2002 - Louis Marstaller
- 2001 - Vaughndella Curtis
- 2000 - Edward Bonney
- 1999 - Frank Small
- 1998 - Frank Garland
- 1997 - Edward Bueter & Fred Fernald
- 1996 - Paul Powers
DOING BUSINESS IN FREEPORT
Freeport maintains a proactive relationship with its business community and welcomes quality development.
Tax Increment Finance Districts form part of the Town's economic development Strategy. Currently a TIF Strategic Planning process is underway in the town.
The Freeport Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) aims to facilitate business activity in town. You may visit their website for more information.
Freeport also has an active Chamber of Commerce. For information on membership and Chamber events, please visit their website.
In addition, Visit Freeport is an organization focused on facilitating tourism and commerce in town.
DOWNEASTER TRAIN SERVICE
The Train Center's function is to facilitate the experience of Downeaster riders.
The Train Center is located in the Hose Tower building next to the Downeaster Station at 23 Depot Street.
Train service has commenced in Freeport as of November 2, 2012. Passengers can now ride anywhere along the line between Boston and Brunswick in comfort, convenience, and safety. You may find a schedule here. You may also contact the station for assistance. Our staff (Sue Granholm, Sandy Penny, Sherri Hofacker) will be happy to help you with your questions.
TRAINS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection.
- All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it's illegal trespass and highly dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks it's too late. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile - the length of 18 football fields - to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
- The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; it can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car. We all know what happens to a soda can hit by a car.
- Trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians.
- A train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail, putting the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the three foot mark. If there are rails on the railroad ties always assume the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks unused.
- Trains can move in either direction at any time. Sometimes their cars are pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled, which is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
- Today's trains are quieter than ever, producing no telltale "clackety-clack." Any approaching train is always closer, moving faster, than you think.
- Remember to cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.
- Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.
FREEPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES (FCS)
HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Local Business Information
Freeport Economic Development Corporation - FEDC
Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce
Municipal Ordinances and Codes
Municipal Tax Increment Finance Policy
Local Organizations
Freeport has many active local organizations:
Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce
Freeport Rotary
Regional Transportation Program
MAPS
MOVING TO FREEPORT
If you are a new resident of Freeport, or thinking about moving to Freeport, this website offers a wealth of information on living here. Specific information about Town services and departments (such as the Recycling Facility, Library, and Voter Registration) can be found under the "Departments" tab on our main menu, above.
Linked on the left is a Local Service Information list of non-municipal local services including electricity, trash removal, and cable television which you may want to contact prior to establishing your new residence.
Additionally, the State of Maine has a Homestead Exemption which allows all legal residents of the State of Maine who own a homestead to apply for an exemption on their permanent place of residence (summer camps, vacations homes and second residences do not qualify). Since this will reduce your property tax, you will want to make sure you fill out this form (see link at right) and file it with the Town Assessor by April 1st.
As always, municipal employees are happy to answer any questions you may have about the town and the services we provide. You can contact us at the Town Hall at (207) 865-4743, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Local Service Contact Information
FREEPORT OUTDOORS
Click here to view Freeport Outdoors. A great resource for outdoor activities
VISITOR INFORMATION
For visitor information, please see Visit Freeport's website. Visit Freeport is an independent visitor information / destination marketing agency. Their website serves as a one stop shop to plan your visit to our wonderful town!