Small town America is alive and well – and located in central Connecticut!
     To its residents, the Town of Portland is one of the best-kept secrets in New England. This quiet Yankee village, somewhat removed from the rest of the world by a sharp curve in the Connecticut River, is an excellent place to live. Rooted by its small town heritage, Portland maintains its nineteenth century appeal, while offering quality, up-to-date services.
     When we invite you to "escape back to Portland," we emphasize the contrast between our quiet town, with its solid Yankee roots, and the quick-paced tension of the city. For those who work out-of-town, coming back to Portland at the end of the day is truly an escape.
     It can be that way for visitors too.
     Portland is a community in the truest sense of the word, a village centered on families, friendships and old time traditions. Neighbors chat at local shops. Town meetings invite participation. Your opinion and vote really count. We have schools that are nationally acclaimed. Active churches. Responsive public works. Full-time police services. A modern library where you still get to know staff on a personal basis.
     Activities? We have a modern Senior Center, an ever-expanding Parks & Recreation department, and special programs for kids sponsored by Youth Services. Quality golf courses, riverfront marinas, YMCA Camp Ingersoll, an incredible 4^th of July Fireworks display (best in Connecticut!). Old time parades. Festivals, fairs and concerts. Portland’s beautiful Main Street provides a safe and wonderful environment for walking, jogging or bicycle rides. Meshomasic State Forest is the oldest of its kind in Connecticut.
     Portland offers more than the nostalgic charm of a New England village. It offers the convenience of Central Connecticut, midway between Boston and New York. A short ride gives you access to shopping malls, cultural programs sponsored by top-grade universities, airports, a variety of restaurant cuisine, beaches, ski-slopes, sports arenas, the capital city of Hartford. If theater is what you enjoy, we are not far from Hartford Stage, Bushnell, Hartford Civic Center, Shubert, Goodspeed and Oakdale.

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Portland offers more than the steady charm of a quiet New England village. It offers the convenience of being located in central Connecticut:

Surrounding municipalities include Middletown, Glastonbury, East Hampton and Cromwell. Portland is located at the mid-point between Boston and New York.

A short ride brings access to quality universities, shopping malls, airports, theaters, a rich variety of restaurants, beaches, ski slopes, and sports arenas.

And at the end of the day, you can escape back to Portland!

Primary transportation is provided by State and local highways. The Town owns a handicapped accessible van for special programs. Freight delivery is available through rail into the industrial park area. The Connecticut River is also available for transportation.
    The highway network consists of approximately 75 miles of roadways, 59.1 miles of which are owned by the Town. The remaining 15.24 miles are State owned. Rt. 66 runs through the southern portion of Town in an east-west direction. Rt. 17 overlaps Rt. 66 for 2.42 miles, and then runs north toward Glastonbury. Rt. 17A consists of Main Street, running from the Arrigoni Bridge to where it meets up with Rt. 17 (at the "Four Corners").
    Rt. 9 North, in Middletown, connects to Rt. 91, which leads to Hartford and Massachusetts, or south toward New Haven. Going south on Rt. 9 brings one to the shoreline area, with connections to Rt. 1 and Interstate 95. Rt. 9 North leads to Interstate 84.
    The bus service is operated by Middletown Transit District. It runs five days a week, connecting Portland and East Hampton to Middletown. The American Red Cross Dial-a-Ride service for the elderly and handicapped is also available five days a week.
    Bradley International Airport is located 27 miles (about 40 minutes) north off Interstate 91 in Windsor Locks. Buses to New York and Boston are available in Middletown.

Municipal water is provided to approximately 2,000 users through 40 miles of water mains, primarily to locations within the downtown area, Brownstone Industrial Park and the most densely developed areas of Portland. Two sources supply water to the system: Metropolitan District Commission and a municipal well.
    Portland supplies a sanitary sewer system to approximately 1,200 users within the downtown, industrial park, and areas adjacent to the aforementioned locations.
    Natural gas is only available to those residents located near Glastonbury.

The original inhabitants of what we now call Portland belonged to a Native American tribe known as Wangunk ("big bend," referring to the Connecticut River which curves around half the Town’s perimeter). They arrived in the area between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago, surviving on local game and their own crops.
    The first European-Americans came to the Portland area in the 1650’s, the first being James Stanclift, an English stonecutter. They were drawn by the availability of brownstone, a valuable resource for construction and for gravestones. The close proximity of the river to these brownstone quarries made the transportation of cut stone affordable. This resulted in a number of flourishing family businesses, that eventually consolidated into three major partnerships.
    Portland supplied quality brownstone from New York and Boston to San Francisco, and employed over 1,500 people during the 1850’s. More than 25 ships transported the stone to major population centers in the United States, Canada and even England.
    Many local businesses were tied into the quarry-works industry. Shipbuilding, transportation, animal husbandry (caring for oxen and horses used in the quarries), blacksmithing and mill -work. As the industry grew, so did the local community, and with it all the businesses one might expect: retailing, construction, farming, medicine, and law. Churches were raised, and school houses provided. The increase of wealth resulted in the building of large, comfortable homes. By the 1850’s, the economic center of town shifted toward the shipbuilding, Gildersleeve area.
    The quarries’ need for labor brought waves of immigrants to Portland. First came the Irish, then the Swedes, followed (to a lesser extent) by Italians, each group adding its distinct contributions to the unique character of the town. Special housing was provided by the quarry owners to shelter these newcomers, who then became the backbone of the town.
    Other mines proliferated throughout the area, as the hills and valley of Portland were found to be a geologist’s dream. Mica contributed to the war effort in the middle of the twentieth century. Semi-precious stones attracted shovels and picks from across the country.
    Tobacco farming also took hold, covering river-valley fields with shade-netting and migratory workers.
    The market for brownstone fell into decline at the turn of the 20^th century. Brownstone could not compete with less expensive and more versatile construction materials, like concrete. In 1936, the river flooded into the quarry sites, effectively ending the brownstone industry. This quickly marked the decline of the shipbuilding industry as well, and the Town of Portland underwent an economic transformation. Residents of Portland found employment elsewhere, and dedicated their community efforts to quality of life. In other words, the cultural focus became more civic- and family-oriented, making Portland an all-around great place to live.
    Today, the scenic quarries, located just off of Main Street in the central business district, are recognized as historically significant, and a potential destination point for educational purposes and heritage tourism.
    The quarries remain as a scenic natural resource, reminiscent of Portland’s past. Ship-building has been replaced by marinas. Geological mining sites are now preserved within a beautifully sculpted 18 hole golf course. Surnames of immigrant quarry workers, tobacco farmers, ship-builders and early entrepreneurs still populate the area, living remnants of Portland’s history.
    The town was first known as East Middletown, maintaining its ties across the river. It became incorporated as Chatham in 1767, and included what is now known as East Hampton and Middle Haddam. When these three districts gained distinct characters of their own, separation again occurred, each taking their present-day names. The name Portland was borrowed from Portland in the English county of Dorset, which was famous for its quarry industry.
    For more on the history of our town, click here.

When you consider a potential site for your new home, you have to consider many factors. Chief among them are "location, location and location." Midway between Boston and New York, and only 20 minutes from Hartford, Portland offers convenient access to surrounding areas. It also offers a pleasant destination for people to come and visit. (Visit Scenic Portland for a gallery of photos.)
    Picturesque in any season, the Town of Portland is blessed by natural resources. Imposing quarry walls connect us to a time when Portland supplied major cities with brownstone for building material. Just a short walk from Main Street’s central business area, these awesome monuments from the past, scarred by ancient drills and chisels, overlook quiet pools by the river.
    Portland’s Main Street is a joy to walk on, with its beautiful houses, gently sloping sidewalks and friendly passersby. You’ll find exquisite examples of brownstone construction as you stroll, including the Town Hall, Middle School, and Trinity Episcopal Church. If you walk far enough, you come to a brownstone Civil War monument, standing proudly on the corner of Bartlett Street and Main.
    Significant to Portland’s uniqueness is the Connecticut River, which defines half its boundary and effectively separates the town from the nearest city. Because of this, Portland remains somewhat insulated from outside influence, helping to maintain its own specific character.
    Portland offers a variety of homes to choose from. Well-kept residences, typical of New England, decorate Main Street and surrounding areas with timeless beauty, while pockets of new construction are never far away. The best of old and new is what Portland is all about.
    Public housing for seniors is available on Main Street at Quarry Heights, just a short walk from local pharmacies, a grocery store, and the Senior Center.
    We have three quality 18 hole golf courses carved out of forest hills and ledges, and eight marinas and boat clubs along the river.
    Portland boasts a top rated banquet and conference center in town.
    Plans for the future include a river front park, a museum of local history, a brownstone quarry preservation and recreation area, and a continuation of business district rejuvenation.
    More difficult to explain is the spirit of Portland, which attracts and takes hold of so many of its residents. History is part of it. Natural resources as well. But the spirit of Portland comes from its people. Quiet for the most part; steadfast; community-oriented; not given to every passing fad; more concerned with the fundamentals of living. Salt of the earth.
    When you think of Portland, certain things come to mind: quiet living, friendly neighbors, town meetings, community softball tournaments, 4^th of July fireworks, church fairs and speaking with the First Selectman on a first name basis. New England at its finest, with a whole lot more:

Good people feel comfortable in Portland. They take pride in their community, and want to preserve its hometown flavor. If family values and neighborliness are important to you, then look into Portland for your next home.

Portland has seven churches in town:

• First Congregational Church – 554 Main Street

• St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church – 51 Freestone Avenue

• Seventh Day Adventist Church – 13 Waverly Avenue

• Trinity Church – 345 Main Street

• True Vine Church – 398 Main Street

• United Methodist Church – 381 Main Street

• Zion Lutheran Church – 183 William Street

(Churches - 1896 offers a unique view of how it was in the latter years of the nineteenth century. More information on churches can be accessed on the Organization page.))

Clubs & Organizations (click here for more details):

Portland is fortunate to be located near such accredited hospitals as University of Connecticut Medical School, Yale New Haven, Gaylord, Hartford, New Britain General, St. Francis, and Middlesex. St. Francis Behavioral Health Care, and its subsidiary Stone Haven, are in town. Quality convalescent centers are also available. The community has local doctors, dentists and mental health counselors. There are three day care centers in town.

Senior Housing

Grandview Farms (55 and older) -- 1-860-444-6969
Greystone Retirement Home -- 342-2509
Quarry Heights -- 342-1688
Portland Care and Rehabilitation Center -- 342-0370

Town Sponsored Activities

The Town of Portland’s chief executive is the First Selectman, elected by the people every two years, along with the Board of Selectmen, which is responsible for fiscal management. Town meetings are held to decide special issues. A referendum is held to vote on the yearly budget.
    The original Charter of the Town of Portland was approved in 1982 and implemented in 1983. It was amended in 1993, 1995 and 1997.
    Property tax is the primary source of revenue.

Approximately 380 students attend Gildersleeve School in grades 3, 4 and 5. The program is delivered in regular education classrooms, which have 22-25 students per teacher. The special programs, taught by trained and certified faculty in specialized facilities, include general education in art, music, physical education, library-media, and computer technology.
    The partnership between the school staff and parents is well coordinated through the Gildersleeve Parent Teacher Organization. A large number of PTO subcommittees continue to add opportunities for our students’ curricular and cultural enrichment during and after school.

Portland High School – 342-1720

For 9^th to 12^th grade, the high school curriculum offers a flexible program of electives to choose from. Special programs include UCONN Cooperative High School Program (where outstanding students can earn college credits), Middlesex Community College Partnership Program (allowing juniors and seniors to take courses at MCC tuition free), work experience programs, and the Middlesex Consortium Program (providing the opportunity to enroll in courses offered by other towns). Guidance counselors are available to help students formulate academic planning, tailor-made for individual needs.

The future of Portland depends not only on its citizens, but on local businesses as well. A healthy economic environment shapes a town’s stability and direction. We understand that, and are committed to working with developers and business owners to open new businesses and expand existing ones. We realize the importance of a timely and efficient development review and approval process. Toward that end, we invite you to contact the Planning Department for an initial discussion of your proposal and to schedule a customer-staff meeting with all appropriate Town departments. At that meeting, Town staff will review your proposal on a conceptual level and outline the review and approval process. Following these discussions, you will need to apply for the necessary approvals and permits as appropriate. The time period required for review and approval will vary from one week to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the project and whether any commission approvals are needed. Town staff will work closely with you to guide you through the process.
    For more detailed information on the review and approval process, please consult the "Commercial and Industrial Developer’s Guide" available in the Planning Department. The following offices are staffed on a full-time basis:

Planning Department   (860) 342-6720/6719
Building Department   (860) 342-6727
Sanitarian/Zoning Enforcement   (860) 342-6718
Public Works   (860) 342-6733

Other Business Resources

• Town of Portland Economic Development Commission - Its mission is to actively promote the economic growth and employment base of the Town by encouraging business and industry. Contact (860) 342-6720 or 342-6719.

• P.R.I.D.E. (Portland Revitalization Inc. Developing Excitement) - The mission if this private, non-profit organization, founded in 1997, is to enhance the appearance and economic vitality of Portland, while promoting its heritage through the National Main Street Program. Call 860-342-6729 or 342-6719 for referral to current president.

• Town of Portland Low Interest Loan Program - The Town of Portland, in conjunction with Liberty Bank, offers a 5% interest loan for amounts up to $20,000 for those businesses which create low to moderate income jobs. Call 860-342-6720 or 342-6719.

• Town of Portland Tax Incentive Program - The Town of Portland offers a tax abatement/deferral program for certain commercial and/or industrial uses which meet specific eligibility requirements. Call 860-342-6720.

• Middlesex Chamber of Commerce - Portland/East Hampton Chapter. 860-342-6924.
  
  Middlesex County Revitalization Committee Loan Program - This commission offers 6% interest loans for amounts up to $50,000 to stimulate small and mid-size industries and businesses resulting in the creation and retention of jobs Middlesex County. Call 860-347-6924.