While arguments over whether Sears Island should be used as a port facility or set aside as a nature preserve have run for years, the large island has remained largely unused, no sign directing tourists there and chain link fence limiting access. Conservation advocates may like the status quo, but the island is doing nothing for the local economy, which, like much of the rest of the state, could use a boost. After years of animosity, area residents are naturally skeptical of the Department of Transportation, which owns the island. While the department continues to work toward having both conservation and commerce on the island, it is past time to bring another perspective to the debate, that of the state’s director of innovation.

It’s been said so often that it has become cliched, but Sears Island is big enough to accommodate multiple uses. At 940 acres and with hills and dense vegetation to shield development from view, it is possible to have commercial ventures and recreation on the island. The midcoast location would likely be appealing to a research facility, maybe even more than one. Bringing Janet Yancy-Wrona, the state’s new director of innovation, into the conversation could yield new and constructive ideas for the island.

Maine has long prided itself on its working waterfront and has long mixed tourism with ocean-based commerce. There is no reason this balance can’t also be found on Sears Island. There are already existing port facilities at Mack Point and a nearby oil terminal on the mainland. Although they are visible from Sears Island, they do not appear to be a detriment to ecotourism. Further, they should not dampen enthusiasm for development on the island, whether it be for a resort, trails or biomedical facility.

When the state purchased the island in 1997, it was clear it was doing so for transportation purposes – for all 940 acres. Now, the DOT says it wants to keep 280 acres for possible future transportation facilities on the island. Until then, this land too can be used for recreation.

The DOT has actively sought input from local communities about the future of the island. So far, they have received more criticism of their 280-acre set-aside than concrete suggestions on how to use the rest of the island. Fortunately, the process appears to be moving forward with the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between Searsport and the transportation department. It says the DOT will give “serious and earnest consideration to the advice and recommendation” of the town for uses of the island and that the department will work with the town to remove obstacles to such recommendations.

This document, which has yet to be signed by the parties, offers a positive way forward. The process could be further helped along by broadening the possibilities for the island. The state doesn’t often have nearly 1,000 acres of oceanfront real estate to entice new businesses, especially innovative ones. It should not let this opportunity slip away.

The alternative is continued disagreement that dooms the island to

its current status – a largely unknown place just far enough off Route 1 that few people are drawn there, instead spending their money in communities farther up or down the coast.