Mount Desert Comp Plan Committee Settles on Four Growth Areas

The Comprehensive Plan Committee met October 1 to review the future land use map and a draft document describing proposed growth areas. Members agreed to designate four growth areas (Somesville A, Otter Creek, Northeast Harbor, and Seal Harbor) and to remove the yellow "lower growth" areas from the map. The committee also set a public meeting for November 12 at the Neighborhood House.

Key points

• Members agreed to make Otter Creek a growth area (red) to match Somesville A, after debate over why the two were categorized differently when neither has water service.
• The committee decided to remove the yellow "lower growth" areas, including Hall Quarry and parts of Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor, from the map.
• Debate centered on whether designating areas as growth implies zoning or economic consequences, with one member raising concerns about economic separation and another noting seasonal water limits in some areas.
• Members discussed whether to keep a question about the feasibility of bringing water to Somesville A, with some saying it implies water is reasonably possible.
• The committee agreed to add language about Otter Creek's proximity to Jackson Lab and its role as a year-round community, and to address short-term rental conversion concerns.
• The public meeting was set for November 12 rather than November 5, since the earlier date falls just after the election.

Next steps

• Committee aims to finish its part of the process by January to allow time for board input, state review, and the town meeting.
• A public meeting is scheduled for November 12 at the Neighborhood House, with a format combining presentation and science-fair style elements.
• The committee will continue reviewing inventory chapters, formatting the final document, and integrating Climate to Thrive's vulnerability assessment summary.
• The next committee meeting is scheduled for October 15.

Read the full transcript