Amid the ongoing and intensifying controversy surrounding the University of New England’s plans to construct a large research pier on the Saco River, the two candidates who hope to represent that area on the city council say they are watching the issue closely. Former city councilor Patricia Boston and political newcomer Jim LaBelle both say … Continue reading Candidates share concerns about UNE pier
Month: October 2025
Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE, Contributing writer Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY! Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back … Continue reading Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
OPINION: First board meeting, a success
What a fantastic first meeting of the Biddeford Gazette's Advisory Board! Our board offered us tons of valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas about the next steps on our continuing journey. The conversation was heartfelt and candid, including some constructive criticism regarding design, access and editorial roles. As we digest the valuable content of tonight's meeting, … Continue reading OPINION: First board meeting, a success
Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July. If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 … Continue reading Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
Liam LaFountain says he’s running for mayor because Biddeford needs a “course correction.” LaFountain, 28, was chosen by his fellow councilors as the council’s president two years ago, at the beginning of his second term as the council’s Ward Seven representative. Liam LaFountain A native and lifelong resident of Biddeford, he is the son of … Continue reading LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot. Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting. Biddeford residents … Continue reading ‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake
Although the University of New England has cleared all the reviews and hurdles needed to begin construction of a large pier on the Saco River, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) has now admitted it made a crucial mistake while approving the university’s application in 2024. The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted in August … Continue reading UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake
Biddeford mayor wants another term
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is hoping to keep his seat for a second, two-year term. Grohman, 57, said he wants to continue his work and the initiatives he started after being elected as mayor in 2023. Grohman and his wife, Amy, moved to Biddeford in 1999 and they both became active in the community, including … Continue reading Biddeford mayor wants another term
Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor
Norman Belanger points to his homegrown roots and professional accomplishments as reasons why he should be Biddeford’s next mayor. He said he is the only candidate who can bridge gaps between lifelong residents and a growing population of newer residents; a candidate with an intimate understanding of the city’s history and a vision for its … Continue reading Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor
NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage
Welcome to October! The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year! Autumn at Chez Seaver Biddeford Mayoral Debate Last night, I served as one … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage
Mayoral candidates square off at debate
NOTE: An unedited audio recording of this event can be found at the end of this article The three men who want to be Biddeford’s next mayor squared-off Friday evening during a public debate that was held at Biddeford High School. The candidates – including incumbent Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and City Councilor … Continue reading Mayoral candidates square off at debate
OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio? My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences. Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
By Thomas McPheeters, Contributing Writer In our not-too-distant future, the coast of Maine will look nothing like it does today — fewer beaches, many houses and businesses displaced, roads and utilities either abandoned or relocated further inland. That’s a certainty, according to Dr. Cameron Wake, a University of New England professor who served as the … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
[Contributed Sory] The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco. Organizers say that "this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction," all in a … Continue reading Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat
The two men who each want to represent Ward Seven on the Biddeford City Council have been regularly attending city council meetings over the last few months. And, once again, a former councilor is running against a political newcomer. The bulk of Ward Seven features working-class neighborhoods and includes the city’s industrial parks and the … Continue reading Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat
Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics
[CONTRIBUTED STORY] Marie Metcalf, 12, of Biddeford, has been named the STAR Student of September at Maine Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 7-12 statewide. Marie began her first year at Maine Connections Academy as a 7th grader this year, and she couldn’t be happier as she balances online schooling and her … Continue reading Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics
Biddeford schools release bedbug statement
The Biddeford School Department issued this statement in response to recent media coverage regarding bed bugs at Biddeford Middle School. We want to provide our community with complete and accurate information about what occurred. What Actually Happened: On October 6, 2025, we received a report of a possible bed bug sighting in Room 37, a … Continue reading Biddeford schools release bedbug statement
City manager outlines goals and objectives
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever took to the podium during Tuesday’s city council meeting to provide a snapshot of her objectives and goals over the next several months. According to Dever’s employment contract, she is required to provide the council with “specific, measurable performance goals” within 60 days of taking over the helm at City … Continue reading City manager outlines goals and objectives
Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat
A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council. Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge -- and the ward is bordered by … Continue reading Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat
Date set for ‘Citizens Grievance’ meeting
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman told the Biddeford Gazette Tuesday that a special, “Citizens Grievance” meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 23 and will be held in the council chambers at Biddeford City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. The special meeting will focus on the controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to … Continue reading Date set for ‘Citizens Grievance’ meeting
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 