SEARS ISLAND OPPORTUNITY

For more than a decade, Sears Island has generated far more animosity than dollars for the local economy. A recently formed group charged with developing a plan for the state-owned island has a chance to change that, but only if its members focus on the best use of the island for the midcoast area and state as a whole and not their own personal desires.

Environmental groups have cleverly taken to calling Sears Island the largest undeveloped island on the East Coast. It may be, if you discount the manmade causeway that allows pedestrian access to the island. But it is also a large chunk of land surrounded by industry in a region that sorely needs more jobs.

Because there is nothing to call a visitor’s attention to it, the island is largely passed by and contributes little to the local economy. This may be acceptable to those who enjoy a quiet walk on the island, but that’s not a justification for permanently tying up an island that can be a recreational resource and home to well thought-out development that creates jobs and puts money into local coffers.

The 940-acre island is owned by the Department of Transportation, which wants to keep 280 acres for potential future transportation facilities. Until then the land can be used for recreation. That leaves more than 600 acres for other uses.

Trails and a Penobscot Nation cultural center have been discussed. Members of the new committee should think even more broadly. It is not often that a state has nearly 1,000 acres of waterfront real estate to entice new businesses, especially innovative ones. The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor is located near the ocean for a reason and it’s not because mice love to swim. A biomedical or high-tech campus, with the opportunity for lunchtime kayak trips and after-work walks or bike rides along a network of trails, could be a big economic boost to the area.

Given the size and topography of the island, there is room for such a facility along with permanent open space and other appropriate development.

The new group has a difficult task and a great opportunity. It should make the most of it by coming up with a plan that preserves part of Sears Island while promoting development on the rest so that the island can truly be a resource to neighboring communities and the state.