By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River.
In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals from multiple agencies, including the Saco River Corridor Commission, a quasi-state agency that has jurisdiction regarding development along the length of the river’s shoreline.
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s project on Sept. 13, 2024. Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC abstained from the vote.
As the Biddeford Gazette first reported in October, the SRCC’s approval appears to contradict an earlier decision by that same agency.
In 2001, the university agreed to the creation of a 250-foot buffer zone as a compromise to build two dormitory buildings that would exceed a 35-foot height limit.
The university’s current proposal requires the construction of an access road for the pier. That road needs to accommodate large trucks, including rescue vehicles. The road would cut through the 250-foot vegetative buffer.
When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette in October, the SRCC’s executive director said the contradiction was an oversight.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” said Cherie Dunning, the SRCC’s executive director.
Following the Gazette’s story — Just two weeks before local elections — several city councilors said they want the advice of the state attorney general before the city issues any construction permits for the project.
“We want to make sure that we have done our due diligence” said Council President Liam LaFountain during a previous interview.
LaFountain won his bid Tuesday to become the city’s next mayor. His core campaign message focused on transparency and accountability.
Thursday’s resolution passed without any discussion or comments by council members.
LaFountain and Councilor Marc Lessard tried unsuccessfully to have an agenda item about the university’s proposal discussed at the Oct. 21 council meeting,
Mayor Marty Grohman said he did not realize the item was not on the agenda for that meeting.
A portion of Thursday’s resolve reads as follows:
“Questions have arisen as to whether the SRCC’s Permit #20-491 approval is consistent with, or in conflict with the SRCC Permit #20-209, and whether the existence of a vegetative buffer zone may affect the legal validity of the current pier permit.”
“This situation has created uncertainty for the city, the university, and the public regarding the . . . the city’s obligations under state law.”
Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said the school “does not oppose the council’s pursuit of clarification from the AG’s office.”
The full text of the council’s resolution may be viewed or downloaded here:
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Great “team” effort here! Much impressed with the effort including the articulation of the motion, the reporting and hNGING IN FOR THE LONG HAUL. tHANK YOU TO ALL.
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