Belfast’s East Side is a ‘business graveyard’ compared to Searsport

August 8, 2026 - 18:13

A new comparison between two Maine communities is turning heads, with one local writer describing Belfast's east side as a "business graveyard" next to Searsport. The comment comes from an opinion piece that contrasts how the two towns handle economic growth, and the difference is stark.

The author argues that Searsport has embraced a more practical, open-door approach to development. New businesses there face fewer hurdles, and the town seems willing to work with entrepreneurs rather than against them. That has led to a steady stream of new shops, services, and small manufacturers setting up along Route 1 and the waterfront area.

Belfast, by contrast, is painted as a place where good ideas go to stall. The writer points to a pattern of zoning rules, permit delays, and what they call a "culture of caution" that pushes potential investors toward the next town over. The east side, in particular, has seen multiple storefronts sit empty for years, even as Searsport fills its vacancies within months.

The piece does not blame any single official or board. Instead, it describes a systemic difference in mindset. Searsport treats new business as a win to be celebrated, while Belfast, the author suggests, treats it as a problem to be managed. The result is visible on the ground: one town has cranes and open signs, the other has for lease notices and boarded windows.

Not everyone will agree with this assessment. Belfast has its defenders who point to a strong downtown and a vibrant arts scene. But the author's core point is hard to ignore: when a business owner has a choice between two neighboring towns, they will go where the path is smoothest. Right now, that path leads to Searsport.