The Biddeford City Council is expected to vote Tuesday about Mayor Marty Grohman’s request to remove a member of the city’s planning board. And now, another member of the planning board is rising to the defense of his colleague, saying a removal is not necessary and that a written reprimand would be more appropriate. Grohman … Continue reading Angers will not go quietly into the night
Month: August 2025
City alleges misconduct by former manager
Did Jim Bennett manipulate the tax obligations on his own home? According to court documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, former Biddeford city manager James Bennett allegedly used his position to lower the tax assessment for his personal property. Earlier this year, after being removed from his office in February, Bennett filed a civil lawsuit … Continue reading City alleges misconduct by former manager
A new bridge between Biddeford and Saco?
It is a community project that has been in the “conceptual phase” for nearly two decades, but now the conversation about a new 'multimodal' bridge connecting the cities of Biddeford and Saco is once again bubbling to the surface. On Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council will hear a proposal about the multimodal bridge that would … Continue reading A new bridge between Biddeford and Saco?
NEWSLETTER: The power of the press
Edmund Burke, a member of British Parliament, once described the press and news media as the “fourth estate” of government during a 1771 speech. Burke reasoned that the press had broad and significant power to influence government and public policy. At that time, the other three estates of the realm were assigned to the clergy, … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: The power of the press
Turning addiction into something positive
Ryan Paige grew up in Biddeford, and he has now taken the worst part of his life and turned it into a resource that has helped hundreds of people achieve sobriety all across Maine. Paige, 43, has been sober and drug-free since 2019. Flash forward six years, and he is now running a statewide non-profit … Continue reading Turning addiction into something positive
Biddeford charity will finally get compensated by a national company
After almost two years of frustration, mixed signals and delays, it appears that a local charity will finally receive the roughly $35,000 that they raised to help develop a playground in Biddeford’s downtown area. Roxi Suger, a well-known business owner in Biddeford, is also known as the driving force behind the annual Biddeford Ball, a … Continue reading Biddeford charity will finally get compensated by a national company
Get on the bus! Check out ‘Childish Things’
Why run from your problems, when you can drive? Although they are not yet as famous as the Coen brothers, Cash and Nick Cassidy are already making quite a splash in the world of independent (indie) filmmaking. Their latest film – Childish Things – will kick off this year’s Vacationland Film Festival at City Theater … Continue reading Get on the bus! Check out ‘Childish Things’
Dupuis Hardware: A local staple trying to survive
One of Biddeford’s most beloved local businesses is also located in the epicenter of the so-called ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, the six-month-long sewer upgrade project that has significantly interrupted traffic flow on Elm Street. Dupuis Hardware is an old-fashioned hardware store, where knowledgeable employees can help you figure out what parts you need to repair … Continue reading Dupuis Hardware: A local staple trying to survive
OPINION: Texting while driving | The epidemic we’re ignoring
By GAIL TOUSSAINT, Gazette contributor I see it every day. Someone behind the wheel looking at their cellphone and not the road. Do you want to know how I spot them? They are unable to stay in their lane, veering into mine. This makes my blood pressure soar…they callously have a complete disregard for my … Continue reading OPINION: Texting while driving | The epidemic we’re ignoring
OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
Age has – apparently -- become a factor in Biddeford’s upcoming municipal election. Today, the Biddeford Gazette published an update to its ongoing updates of potential candidates, pointing out that two more former councilors are hoping for a political comeback: Patricia Boston in Ward One and at-large candidate Clem Fleurent. Former city councilor Clement Fleurent … Continue reading OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
Relief effort continues for fire victims
According to organizers, the relief effort to help families that were displaced by last week's fire on Brackett Street has received wide and 'overwhelming support" from the community. Jessica Johnson, a downtown business owner and former city council candidate, has been coordinating the effort to help provide essential items and clothing for people who "lost … Continue reading Relief effort continues for fire victims
How Maine towns are regulating development in flood zones
By EMMETT GARTNER, The Maine Monitor Early last spring, while still cleaning up the wreckage of devastating winter storms, southern Maine towns began drafting new rules governing how they’d rebuild or develop on stretches of land that were widely inundated months before. The process coincided with the adoption of new federal flood maps and is … Continue reading How Maine towns are regulating development in flood zones
Biddo | an insult, or a term of endearment?
"And these children that you spit onAs they try to change their worldsAre immune to your consultationsThey're quite aware of what they're going through" -- David Bowie, Changes According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Biddeford is Maine’s youngest city, with a median age of roughly 36 years. Take a moment and think about that. Thirty-six … Continue reading Biddo | an insult, or a term of endearment?
NEWSLETTER: Big news, big changes
Looking back over the last few days, I have to tell you, I am really looking forward to spending some relaxation time with Laura during our annual vacation on Moosehead Lake. Spending time at Moosehead is always good for the head, heart and soul. Henry David Thoreau thought the same thing. Mount Kineo sits in … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Big news, big changes
Relief effort underway for Biddeford fire victims
Jessica Johnson -- a well-known community volunteer, business owner and former city council candidate -- is coordinating a community relief effort to help the families that were displaced by a significant fire Thursday near the corner of Brackett and Myrtle streets. “I know this community, and I love that so many people are rallying to … Continue reading Relief effort underway for Biddeford fire victims
Ex-city manager wants city to pay expenses for Shriner clown events
Former Biddeford City Manager Jim Bennett is asking the city of Biddeford to financially reimburse him for expenses he incurred while performing as a Shriner’s clown in June and July this year. According to documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, Bennett is asking the city for a total of $798.92 in expense reimbursements, including an … Continue reading Ex-city manager wants city to pay expenses for Shriner clown events
Biddeford shooter arrested
According to a press release issued Friday, Biddeford Police arrested Emil Girard, a 26-year-old transient, on multiple charges on Thursday, August 7, stemming from two shooting incidents. Girard was arrested on Elm Street in Biddeford, and is now facing multiple charges, including parole violations in Maine and New Hampshire. Girard is also being charged with … Continue reading Biddeford shooter arrested
City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase
The Biddeford City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to give the city’s non-union employees a one-half percent pay increase. Earlier this year, the council completed negotiations with union employees. Those negotiations resulted in a four percent cost-of-living raise. Meanwhile, during this year’s budget process, non-union employees were allocated a 3.5 percent increase. All city employees -- … Continue reading City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase
Rollin’ with the punches: 3 Ds Variety
This week's installment of Taking Care of Business features the three DiPietrantonio brothers and their popular Main Street convenience store in Biddeford ______________ While Three D’s Variety on Main Street in Biddeford relies heavily on foot traffic, owner Peter DiPietrantonio says his neighborhood convenience store is also being impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project … Continue reading Rollin’ with the punches: 3 Ds Variety
City gives final approval for UNE’s pier proposal
The Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to give final approval for the University of New England’s controversial proposal to build a research pier on the Saco River in front of their Biddeford campus. The board’s decision caps off almost two years of a somewhat complex regulatory review process that included both state and federal … Continue reading City gives final approval for UNE’s pier proposal
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 