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Kittery, Maine Known as the Gateway to Maine, Kittery sits across from Portsmouth on the opposite bank of the Piscataqua River, conveniently located on the Interstate 95 corridor halfway between Boston and Portland. Settled in the early 1600s, it is Maine's oldest incorporated community. Situated on the shore of the Atlantic, Kittery's islands and inlets, beaches and bays contribute to its overall charm. Fishing, shipbuilding and other marine-related industries have been the center of its economy and history. Today, visitors and residents can appreciate the historic side of Kittery by exploring scenic Route 103. Kittery has two fine parks - Fort McClary and Fort Foster. Built for harbor defense in the 1800s, both forts are open to the public and offer picnic, beach, educational and recreational areas. Sea Point Beach, located at the base of Maine's Atlantic coastline, offers an ideal setting for swimming, sunbathing or solitary walks. The performing arts, museums and art galleries abound throughout Kittery and the surrounding communities. And visitors are never at a loss for fine dining or shopping opportunities; just spend a day on the stretch of U.S. Route 1 to take advantage of the renowned shopping at 115 outlet stores. Economy Basic services in Kittery are funded by a local property tax - $13.32 per $1,000 at 100 percent Policies The updated comprehensive plan was adopted by the town council in March 2002. At the present time, the planning department, along with Mark Eyerman of Planning Decisions, Inc., and Craig Wilson, former chairman of the planning board, are developing a draft list of priorities to be finalized by the town council. Once this list is finalized, the group will begin the task of making the language within the ordinance consistent with the updated plan. Housing The number of single-family homes totaled 4,078 in 2000. Kittery blends gracious, historic houses with contemporary structures. Limited rental property is available. The median cost of a single-family home in 2002 was $240,000. Education Traip Academy, Kittery's 356-student public high school, completed a $6.5 million improvement project in 1993. The renovated facility includes a new gymnasium, cafeteria and expansion of classroom and office areas. Vocational training is available in Portsmouth and Sanford. The Frisbee School, currently housing grades 3-5, underwent a $2 million renovation that was completed in 1997. The Shapleigh School opened a new $6.9 million facility in 1997 for grades 6-8. The School Department recently completed a $250,000 Field House complex at Memorial Field. The Horace Mitchell Primary School completed a $4.7 million project in 2004 that included the addition of 10 new classrooms and a new gym, and renovations to the existing school. Superintendent's Office 200 Rogers Road Horace Mitchell Primary School Shapleigh Middle School Frisbee Elementary School R.W. Traip Academy (high school) Profile Kittery Population (2000): 9,543 Annual Growth Rate (1990-2000): 0.18% County: York Municipal Government: Manager/Council Property Tax Rate: $13.32 per $1,000 at 100 percent valuation Age Breakdown (2000): Under 17: 2,090 18-64: 6,005 Over 65: 1,448 Median Age (2000): 33.2 Utilities Electric Source: Central Maine Power Company (800)541-3995 in Maine; (800)433-0458 outside Maine Water Source: Kittery Water Department Sewer Type Treatment: Secondary; expansion completed Oct. 1993 Solid Waste Disposal: Town transfer station, private collection; recycling program included mandated separation of recyclables and fees for Material Recovery Facility (sticker required). Contacts Town of Kittery Town Hall Town Clerk: (207)439-0452 Manager: 439-1633 Assessor: 439-0459 Code Enforcement: 439-6807 Police: 439-1638 Fire: 439-2262 Emergency: 911 Library: 439-1553 Planner: 439-6807
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