What is so special about Northport, Maine?  Some people may think that Northport is just a wide spot in the road between Belfast and Camden.  They speed by at 55 mph without giving the burg a passing thought.  However, venturing off Route 1 reveals a Midcoast paradise of rolling hills, verdant forests, bay views, and mountain vistas. 

Granted, Northport does not have a town center or a village green or a statue of a local patriot.  Northport doesn’t have a post office bearing its name.  There is no high street.  Northport businesses are few and dotted along Route 1.  However, Northport is a vibrant and growing community.

The word “community” may hold different meanings. 

To some it may signify a group of neighborhoods within a defined boundary.  Indeed, Northport is home to many neighborhoods - Temple Heights, Bayside, Saturday Cove, Beech Hill, Prescott Hill, Route 52, Catching Cove, and numerous acreage parcels hidden in the depths of forested land.  Community at its most basic is its people.  We are some 1,500 souls running the gamut from toddlers to old folks.  We are young families as well as retirees.  Northport is blessed with an interesting troupe of characters.  Just spend a moment in the checkout queue at Wentworth’s and one will encounter plenty of entertaining townsfolk.  Overheard conversations reveal a variety of tales. 

More importantly though, we are a strong and committed people.  We show up to vote.  We answer the call when help is needed — people helping people.  Many are multi-generational citizens, some are folks from away, some are year-rounders, and others are seasonal.  We cover the entire spectrum from those from a life of privilege and comfort to folks struggling in the face of insecurity and uncertainty.  We are of varied levels of educational attainment and financial security.  Yet all identify proudly as Northport citizens.  It’s an honor to say, “I live in Northport.”

In that spirit of community, with a sense of pride, and with commitment to purpose Northport people have an opportunity to come together in a common cause for the benefit of every Northport citizen – present and future. 

Like small municipalities all across Maine, Northport faces increasing challenges to serve our residents effectively.  Our town office has reached the end of its serviceable life.  It is time to build upon our community’s long tradition of excellent public service and erect not only a new town office but a community center, as well, to serve Northport for decades to come.  Proposed improvements will expand and update facilities for fire personnel and first responders, too. 

A community center will give Northport residents a sense of place — a space to have town meetings, events, classes, public safety trainings, and provide an emergency shelter when needed.

This effort is not new.  Discussions began in 2017; however setbacks from Covid and other factors slowed the progress.Northport people do not let setbacks define them, nor do they shrink from tasks at hand.The effort to build is underway again.The need is real. 

Northport services must be accessible to all and accommodate our future needs.Yes, progress comes at a cost.The financial burden grows the longer the inevitable is ignored.  Northport municipal officers continually and diligently explore every avenue of funding — federal earmarks, grants, and private donations. 

The goal is to not place the obligation solely on the back of our residents.  To lessen the financial obligation on Northport taxpayers, a fundraising committee has begun a capital campaign.   The committee is soliciting pledges and donations from individuals and businesses in or with ties to the Northport community.  

Excitement is building! Several pledges are in hand already. 

Some Northport residents may not have had an opportunity to review the proposed plans for the community center and town office.  Neighbors are available to meet one on one with anyone who may want details. 

We are happy to make that conversation happen. Please email our town administrator, James Kossuth, at administrator@northportmaine.org. 

Information is available on the town website.  Look on the website and in the monthly newsletter for announcements about a Community Day and other events and activities as the momentum builds.

Community coming together can move mountains.  Let’s get to work!

Reeves Gilmore lives in Northport