Month: January 2026

NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

~ Randy Seaver ~ 10 Comments

According to blogger Mat Zucker, it is becoming more and more important for news outlets to have a pithy, clever tagline that differentiates them from an overflowing pot of news sources and media sites.

“The motto of a news organization is more than just marketing,” Zucker writes. “It’s a declaration of journalistic purpose. These short phrases encapsulate an outlet’s mission, values, and unique approach to reporting.”

Help the Gazette create a tagline, get a gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery File photo

As the Biddeford Gazette begins its second year, I’m asking our readers for suggestions and ideas about a possible tagline for our humble, hyper-local organization.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are a couple of ideas that have been rattling around in my mind.

We could co-opt the New York Times famous tagline: “All the news that’s fit to print,” how about this? 

The Biddeford Gazette — All the Biddeford news that’s fit to publish on the internet.

Or maybe we could bend this oft-mentioned piece of writing advice:

Biddeford Gazette — An economy of words; a wealth of Biddeford information

One of my favorite potential taglines came to me last year while talking with former mayor Marty Grohman:

The Biddeford Gazette — We’re free, and we’re worth it!

Of course, we could always take the serious and boring route:

The Biddeford Gazette — Your trusted source for Biddeford news and information;

According to the experts, your tagline should really describe your brand and reputation. So, how about:

The Biddeford Gazette — There’s no such thing as a day off in our newsroom?

But my all-time favorite has to be this one from a former colleague who wished to remain anonymous:

The Biddeford Gazette — Where cranky, old-school journalists go to die in southern Maine.

What do you think should be our motto? Send your suggestions to biddefordgazette@gmail.com

If we pick your original suggestion, you get a $20 gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery. Yum!

A busy week!

It’s been a busy week here in the Biddeford Gazette’s newsroom.

We started off the week with a rather interesting story featuring local author Susan Graham’s new book about the “Great Fires of 1947” and how that disaster impacted several Biddeford neighborhoods.

That story was one of the most popular pieces we have published. Dozens of people emailed me their own recollections and the stories that were passed down from generation to generation.

Speaking of fires, we also published an exclusive interview with Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best about the city’s ongoing discussions about a potential substation that would be located in the eastern part of the city.

Of course, we updated a story we first published last year about more than $500,00 of fines the city of Biddeford is facing in IRS penalties for failing to submit employee health insurance records in 2021.

Our original story about the city’s financial problems – including the city’s IRS exposure — was first published in the Biddeford Gazette on March 10, 2025.

All I can say is that I am happy that we now have a new city manager, a new finance director, a new mayor and a relatively new city council.

Our exclusive reporting continued this week on an updated story about a complaint the city filed against the University of New England in York County Superior Court.

Finally, we received a press release a couple of weeks ago from State Rep. Marc Malon of Biddeford about a new bill he introduced.

We could have just copied and pasted Malon’s press release, but we decided to dig a little deeper about his proposal to prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports gambling.

At first blush, I considered Malon’s proposal to be yet another example of government overreach into private affairs, but he convinced me otherwise.

In closing, a funny story about the power and benefit of local news, the flexibility of the internet and accessible reporters. Malon really liked the story, but he was a bit uncomfortable with our original headline: “Online gambling addiction troubles Biddeford lawmaker.”

When Malon texted me to ask if we could change the headline, I was more than happy to oblige. Some people were inferring that Malon was having personal problems with a gambling addiction.

One of my old editors – Harry Foote – was likely rolling in his grave. I had forgotten the most basic fundamentals of headline writing: Short, clear in subject-verb-object order.

And that’s a wrap! Stay warm and be safe!

P.S. Oh, yeah. . . . almost forgot to mention: The Biddeford Gazette is now a registered and incorporated as a non-profit entity in the state of Maine!

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved, Biddeford Gazette, Inc.

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Biddeford Middle School presents ‘Moana JR.’

~ Karen Garnett ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Disney’s Moana JR. is playing at Biddeford Middle School’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, and Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

The 60-minute musical, adapted from the book by Susan Soon He Stanton and the 2016 Disney animated film, brings the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The Biddeford Middle School Drama Club’s cast includes 85 students led by Coleen Hatt and Rob Petit. 

“Much like Moana’s journey, this production is about courage, curiosity, and discovering your own voice. Our students have taken creative risks, supported one another, and grown tremendously throughout this process,” said BMS Drama Teacher Coleen Hatt.  “Performing for a live audience brings that journey full circle, and we hope our community will join us in celebrating their hard work, growth, and the joy of storytelling on stage.”

Moana JR. tells the story of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.  

Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome,” with orchestration adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger.  

Both shows are open to the public with donations accepted at the door. Seating is general admission, and doors will open at 6: p.m. The Facebook event can be found at https://bit.ly/4k5LAvQ.

Disney’s Moana JR. is presented through a special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are provided by, Music Theatre International (www.mtishows.com). 

For more information about licensing Moana JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.

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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.

She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Over just the last few years, online gambling has exploded in popularity all over the country and its impacts are being felt here in Maine — on several different fronts.

That gambling explosion – especially the rise in online sports/fantasy wagering – has also caused some problems, most notably a sharp increase in gambling addiction.

In response, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) has introduced a bill to provide additional safeguards for Mainers struggling with gambling addiction. LD 2080, Malon says, is designed to prohibit the use of credit cards in online sports betting.

State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) testifies before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. Committee about his bill to prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports betting (Contributed photo)

Although at first glance, it may seem that his proposed legislation is just another example of government overreach into private affairs or the expansion of a so-called “nanny state,” Malon points out that several large, national gambling sites already prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports betting.

In fact, DraftKings – one of the nation’s largest online fantasy sports and sportsbook betting sites – decided last year to discontinue allowing its players to use their credit cards for online wagers.

“You can rack up a lot of debt real fast by using your credit card,” Malon said. “That’s especially true in the highly addictive realm of online gaming.”

Malon also points out that current state law prohibits the use of credit cards at casino slot machines.

During an interview last week with the Gazette, Malon said he struggled when Gov. Janet Mills did not veto an internet gaming bill. “That was one of the hardest decisions I had to make as a state legislator,” he said.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), online gambling addiction is a growing problem in the United States.

In Maine, more people are calling the Maine Problem Gambling Hotline since the state legalized online sports betting over a year ago, according to a Feb. 7, 2025 story by Madi Smith of Maine Public.

In 2018, a Supreme Court ruling struck down a federal sports betting ban, and gambling skyrocketed in subsequent years. Today, roughly 22 percent of Americans—and 48 percent of men ages 18–49—report having at least one online sportsbook account, according to the Siena Research Institute.

As of December 2025, 31 states, plus Washington, D.C., allow for some form of online sports betting, according to Hopkins Bloomberg Health Magazine.

“Legal and regulated gaming creates jobs and provides significant revenue to our state,” said Malon. “But as the popularity of sports wagering grows and as iGaming comes online, the Legislature must prioritize measures that balance sports betting’s economic benefits with modest guardrails to protect Mainers from addiction and falling into debt. This bill strikes that balance.”

Malon cited research which shows that enabling credit card payments for online betting and sports gambling contributes to higher wagering amounts, increased rate of compulsive gambling and greater financial consequences, as people can more easily accumulate debt.

There are currently seven states, including Maine’s neighbors of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, that already have this prohibition in place, Malon said.

In related news, the owners of Oxford Casino — one of Maine’s two casinos – told WGME-TV earlier this week that they will be suing the state over a new law that allows Maine’s four federally recognized tribes to offer iGaming.

Oxford Casino calls that an “unlawful monopoly” and says it’s “discrimination” based on “race.”

The lawsuit says internet gaming could take away from its revenue, causing “substantial job losses and hundreds of millions of dollars in lost economic output.”

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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City seeks public input on recreation priorities

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

According to a press release, the city of Biddeford is inviting residents to share their feedback on recreation needs and priorities in Biddeford through a short public survey. The survey is designed to inform future decision-making on the use of the $6 million General Obligation Bond approved by voters in November 2025 to fund improvements to the city’s recreation facilities.

Photo: City of Biddeford Recreation Department

The survey is available online at www.biddefordmaine.org/recbondsurvey.

Residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the future of recreation in the community.

Community engagement on the recreation bond will continue throughout the spring, including planned ward meetings, a public hearing, and interactive outreach at upcoming community events. These efforts are intended to ensure residents have multiple opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.

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OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By STATE SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN, Special to the Gazette

On the first day of the legislative session, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate at a press conference to outline our sweeping “Lower Costs, Stronger Communities” bill package. From health care and energy to childcare and housing, we are going to work hard to lower everyday costs for Maine families.

As part of this package, I’d like to highlight my bill, LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs.” It seeks to address Maine’s childcare crisis by creating a network of regional hubs to connect families, childcare providers and employers with much-needed information and support. It would help them locate early childhood programs and similar resources, including training opportunities for providers in the state. I know that childcare is a personal issue for many, and, as a grandfather, it’s personal for me and my family, too.

Photo: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families

In that same vein, following another press conference a couple of weeks later with Senate President Mattie Daughtry, parents and childcare workers, I introduced a bill to invest in Maine’s essential child care system. I presented LD 2066, “An Act to Establish the Child Care Employment Award,” to the Health and Human Services Committee, which I chair. 

Seeking to build on a successful two-year pilot program, the bill would make the Child Care Employment Award (CCEA) a permanent component of Maine’s child care subsidy system, supplemented by the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP). The CCEA maximizes existing public investments in child care and gives an added boost to those who work as child care professionals. 62% of participating families are eligible for the CCAP and receive subsidies from it. The CCEA covers the required co-payments for those children whose parents are child care professionals at an average of $114 per child. That’s real money that parents can keep in their pockets. This is an added incentive to the child care staff who currently are some of the lowest-paid professionals in Maine.

At its core, this bill recognizes a simple truth: our child care system cannot function without the educators and staff who show up every day to care for Maine’s youngest children – and those workers must be able to afford child care themselves. When child care workers can afford care for their own children, staffing levels stabilize, classrooms stay open and parents across all sectors can continue working. This program is not simply a benefit for individual educators – it is essential infrastructure.

I told the Committee: As of September 2025, the program currently supports 511 Maine children from 313 working families. Without additional funding, 470 children from 312 families will remain on the waitlist. These children – and their hardworking parents – have already waited too long. We need to get them off the waitlist and into child care centers across the district, like St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford.

I had the opportunity to tour St. Louis Center in Biddeford in the fall. During the visit, I learned about the high-quality childcare that St. Louis has been delivering to children of all backgrounds and needs for over 35 years. Indeed, the Center has extensive experience navigating Maine’s childcare system, and they excel at working with families from all walks of life. I especially appreciated their comments and feedback on how we can make the childcare system less burdensome for care providers and families alike.

I, along with some of my colleagues, have taken that feedback to heart. The child care workers at St. Louis emphasized the importance of predictability and stability in state child care programs in order for centers to keep their doors open and retain staff. We need to continue to fund and support the child care subsidy system, and we need to be creative in making it work for more families.

With these critical investments, we can support Mainers with children and those who take care of them, making it easier and more affordable to start a family here in Maine.

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State Sen. Henry Ingwersen represents the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman in the Maine Senate. (District 32)

He may be contacted at henry.ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov

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UNE, SRCC ask court to dismiss Biddeford’s complaint

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The University of New England (UNE) and the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) are both asking the York County Superior Court to dismiss a civil complaint that was filed against them by the city of Biddeford.

The requests for dismissal were each filed earlier this month after the city formally brought its complaint to the court in December.

The city’s complaint — according to City Attorney Harry Center – was triggered by new information that came to light in an Oct. 14, 2025 story published by the Biddeford Gazette: UNE Pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake.

The Superior Court has yet to hear oral arguments in Biddeford’s complaint about the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission.

At the center of its complaint, the city argues that the SRCC neglected to consider its earlier ruling in 2001, which created a 250-foot no-development buffer zone between UNE’s campus and the Saco River.

Despite that 2001 ruling, the SRCC approved UNE’s request to construct a large-scale pier on the Saco River in August 2024. That pier will require construction of a paved access road through the buffer zone.

In October, SRCC Executive Director Cherie Dunning described the situation as a mistake that could not be remedied retroactively because the time frame for an appeal of the agency’s decision has expired.

 “It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” Dunning told the Gazette in October.

Only weeks after the city’s biennial election, Biddeford’s new mayor and city councilors decided that the issue warranted further review and consideration.

RELATED: City files court challenge for UNE pier approval

Center told the Gazette this week that the court has yet to hear any arguments. He also said that he – on behalf of the city – has filed a request to have the court hear oral arguments.

 In their motion to dismiss, the university listed several reasons why the city’s complaint should be dismissed by the court, arguing that the “court lacks jurisdiction to consider the untimely complaint and that the city failed to exhaust any administrative remedies.”

Furthermore, UNE claims that the Saco River Corridor Commission did not fail to do its due diligence in reviewing the university’s application.

The university also says the city does not have standing to bring the complaint.

The controversial pier project was narrowly approved by the Biddeford Planning Board (3-2) in August 2025.

A group of Biddeford residents then filed an appeal of the planning board’s decision but that appeal was rejected by the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

The research pier was also approved last year by both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The city has not yet issued a required building permit for the pier project.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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York County government, college celebrate regional training partnership

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By TAMMY WELLS, Contributing Writer

Come spring, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Life Support training programs will be in place at York County Regional Training Center. Advanced EMT classes and labs are ongoing now at the new facility. Firefighting classes are happening. Law enforcement classes are scheduled. A citizens’ academy that gives residents a look at policing meets there weekly.

The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder training is now a firm reality.

And a couple of old friends have teamed up to offer it all, together.

York County Regional Training Center is up and running. (Contributed photo)

The relationship between York County government and York County Community College began several years ago. Now, it is stronger than ever, with the signing of an agreement that further formalizes their relationship.

“I call it taking a handshake agreement and turning it into a true partnership,” said YCRTC Director Roger Hooper as York County Manager Greg Zinser and YCCC President Michael Fischer put their signatures to paper on Jan. 21.

What it means is that YCRTC instructors will be guiding firefighter training outside at the drill tower, sharpening their skills in safely rescuing a person trapped inside a burning building. Back inside the vast training center, YCCC instructors in an EMS lab outfitted with patient mannequins and a mock ambulance, will be leading another class.

A real jail cell will be a tool to aid those training as corrections officers, and other instructional equipment, like a dispatch console, is being considered. There’s a decontamination unit, an auditorium, and much more.

The collaboration is a system that works, those involved say.

“(This agreement) represents years of collaboration, careful planning and a shared belief that the best way to serve our communities is to invest in the people who protect them,” said York

County Manager Greg Zinser. “These agreements define roles and responsibilities, but more importantly, they align our missions.”

“When public entities work together with clarity and purpose, our communities are stronger,” said York County Community College President Michael Fischer.

“By aligning the County’s facilities and expertise with the College’s educational offerings, curriculum review processes, and assessment standards, we are able to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences that support education in fire safety, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and related public safety fields in a way that is coordinated and intentional,” he added.

York County Regional Training Center director Roger Hooper points out features of the drill hall to reporters and others during a tour. (Contributed photo)

Richard Clark is in his ninth year as a York County Commissioner and previously served 18 years as a Wells selectman – and he pointed out, in both levels of government, the hiring and retention of public safety personnel figures largely.

“Training is continuous,” Clark said. So, when commissioners learned York County would be awarded $40 million under the American Rescue Plan Act – what they knew would be a once in a lifetime award – they sought community input and mulled several projects.

Ultimately the board decided on two major projects: a first responder training center and a separate substance use treatment and recovery center – the latter currently under construction – as well as providing financial support for in-house projects and for initiatives by area nonprofits.

“We knew we wanted to do something to benefit all of York County,” said Commissioner Donna Ring.

YCCC Criminal Justice Program Chair Tim Burton said the new first responder facility helps expand the college footprint further into the county – Alfred is the geographic center of York County.

“(It gives) York County residents greater access to courses,” Burton said. “It increases opportunities.”

The training center is a $24 million project, funded with a combination of ARPA money, congressionally directed spending funds, grants and county funds.

York County Regional Training Center is at 79 First County Way, off Route 4 and Layman Way in Alfred.

More information, including upcoming course opportunities, can be found at: Regional Training Center | York County Maine Government.

An open house is planned for later this year.

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Tammy Wells is a media specialist at York County government.

City facing $500k in IRS penalties, fines

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The city of Biddeford is now facing roughly $500,000 in penalties and fines from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to City Manager Truc Dever, the issue traces back to 2021 when the city failed to submit specific forms detailing employee health insurance.

“Initially, the fines and penalties were approximately $700,000,” Dever told the city council during last week’s meeting.

Dever said the city already paid the IRS roughly $200,000 in fines. She also said that the city is working closely with staffers in U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ office to help rectify the issue.

Dever told the council that she is expecting an answer from the IRS sometime before March.

The issue first came to light in 2024, and several councilors asked whether the issue was isolated to just the 2021 incident.

RELATED: City facing significant financial issues, IRS fines

Dever said the fines are incurring compounded interest payments.

Councilor Dylan Doughty asked whether the city could renegotiate the penalty payments and whether they could be spread over a period of time.

“If the IRS determines that there was no harm, no foul – will we get the $200,000 back?” Doughty asked.

Dever said she was not sure how the IRS will proceed.

City Attorney Harry Center told councilors that the IRS determined the city’s penalties by calculating the number of its employees. The city has roughly 700 employees, he said.

Mayor Liam LaFountain asked Dever if the city could be facing other penalties for different tax years and whether processes have been put in place to prevent the situation from happening again sometime in the future.

Dever told the mayor that the issue was contained to the 2021 filing and that the city is monitoring and updating all of its tax and federal filing obligations.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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Eastern fire substation moving through review process

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

NOTE: This story has been updated in order to clarify that city of Biddeford has not had any formal discussions with the owners of the Biddeford Pool volunteer fire station. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

It is an idea that has been discussed for nearly a decade, but it now appears that momentum is increasing to finally create a full-time substation of the Biddeford Fire Department somewhere on the eastern side of the city.

According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the overall goal is to reduce emergency response times in areas from the intersections of the Guinea Road, easterly, along both Pool and West streets, toward the coastal neighborhoods of Hills Beach, Granite Point, Fortunes Rocks and Biddeford Pool.

During an interview with the Gazette last week, Best said he is looking at multiple location options.

Biddeford Fire Department Chief Larry Best (City photo)

Two of the most talked about options include converting the privately-owned Biddeford Pool volunteer firehouse; and purchasing a parcel of land now owned by the University of New England (UNE) near the intersection of Pool Street and Newtown Road.

A little more than three years ago, former mayor Alan Casavant created a committee taskforce to review potential sites and various ways to improve emergency response times.

Ward One City Councilor Pat Boston represents that part of the city, a role she held previously before taking a hiatus from serving on the council.

Boston also served on the task force created by Casavant.

“It was always about response times, and that is what drove the bulk of our conversations,” she said.

Best told the Gazette that emergency response times should not exceed a window of more than four to six minutes, at least 90 percent of the time for all calls.

Best also says that the easterly part of the city has seen an increase in demand for service, including an average of 160 calls per year from the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

Boston quoted former city councilor Norman Belanger, saying that public safety is one of the three major functions the city should provide.

“Response times are important,” Boston said. “But it’s also important to remember that there is a substantial cost involved. Whichever option we choose we need to make sure that choice addresses both current and future needs.”

Boston says she likes the idea of converting the Biddeford Pool Fire station into a full-time, 24-7 substation staffed and operated by the city, but said she is also keeping an open mind about other potential locations.

Best describes the 30-acre parcel owned by UNE as his ‘Plan A” site but concedes that there are several potential issues that could limit or prevent future development.

“That site has some vernal pools and wetlands that would not be appropriate for development,” Best said. “As the fire chief, it is my responsibility to keep an eye out for all the options.”

Best said there would be a significant cost associated with converting the privately owned Biddeford Pool fire station into a full-time “livable station.”

“We are not having any formal discussions with the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association at this time, Best said. “I have had a couple of high-level concept discussions, but nothing formal.”

He says that the Biddeford Pool option would not necessarily meet the objectives of reducing response times in other parts of eastern Biddeford, including homes along the Guinea Road and Hills Beach Road, which cuts through UNE’s campus.

Best made a detailed presentation about the ongoing discussions and goals of creating an eastern fire substation a few weeks ago during the Dec. 16 Biddeford City Council meeting.

Best told the council that the UNE property continues to be the preferred location for a substation given its location and travel routes. “A majority of the fire/EMS calls in this area can be reached from this location within the national standard response time of four to six minutes,” he said.

Where are we, and where do we want to go?

Best joined the Biddeford Fire Department as its new chief in 2023.

The city’s Central Fire station still lives up to its name today because of its central location even as the city expands in both an easterly and westerly direction, Best said.

Today, Best describes his department as “fully staffed” with a total of 52 full-time employees, including 48 employees trained as both firefighters and paramedics, including EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money,” Best said. “All of our firefighters have dual training. This gives us the flexibility we need to handle every call for service.”

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“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money.”

— Fire Chief Larry Best

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Current response times to the eastern part of the city can take 12 to 14 minutes. “That is a long time to wait if you’re in an emergency situation,” Best said.

Best said Biddeford has “outstanding” mutual aid agreements in place with several surrounding communities.

“This job requires me to be vigilant and always scanning the horizon for new opportunities and planning ahead for potential challenges,” he said.

Best said he is looking forward to an upcoming workshop meeting with the mayor and city council.

“A workshop meeting is a more relaxed setting than a regular council meeting,” Best said. “This will give the council an opportunity to ask questions and for us to make sure that they have all the information they need or want.”

Editor’s Note: You may view and/or download the Dec. 16 presentation to the city by clicking the link below.

Fire Station PDFDownload

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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The Fire of 1947’s devastating impact on Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Local author Susan Graham discusses her book that recounts devastating damage to Fortunes Rocks and other Biddeford neighborhoods

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

It would become the largest natural disaster in Maine’s history, and it destroyed dozens of homes in many of Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods.

Overall, the “Great Fire of 1947” caused more than $30 million in damages (roughly $438 million in today’s dollars) destroying entire towns and leaving more than 2,500 Maine people homeless.

Though the fires caused considerable damage in several communities, including Bar Harbor, York County was especially hard hit.

“It was devastating for so many families, especially in Fortunes Rocks,” says local author Susan Graham.

Graham recently published “Lost Fortunes Rocks: A Maine Summer Colony and the Fire of 1947,” a detailed account of how the devastating fires impacted the city of Biddeford, including its major employers and local government.

Local author Susan Graham holds a copy of her latest book, which offers detailed information about the “Great Fires of 1947” and how they destroyed entire neighborhoods and impacted Biddeford. (Seaver photo)

Graham’s book offers more than 180 pages of historical photos and meticulously researched information about the fire’s impact on local families, including her own parents who had moved to Biddeford from Kennebunkport just before the fire.

“It was a labor of love,” Graham said during a recent interview about her book at the Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. “I just found it fascinating, and I had this personal connection to the fire because of where my family lived at the time.”

Much of Graham’s research was conducted at the McArthur Library in Biddeford during the COVID pandemic.

“The library was a treasure trove of information,” she recalled. “They are such a wonderful resource for the community.”

Graham said it seemed – at the time – that all of York County was on fire. In fact, the fire caused extensive damage in the western parts of the county, including the small towns of Newfield and Parsonsfield – but its most devastating impact in York County happened along the shoreline from Kennebunkport to Biddeford Pool, including the resort villages of Goose Rocks Beach, Granite Point and Fortunes Rocks.

According to Graham, the weather conditions that fueled the fire were quite similar to last year’s drought conditions in southern Maine.

“The summer of 1947 was exceptionally dry,” Graham explained. “It made heavily wooded rural areas into a virtual tinderbox.”

There are many theories about what ignited the blaze that raged for nearly two weeks in mid-October. Graham and other historians say it could have been a combination of things including human activity such as a tossed cigarette or autumn brush burning.

Graham said bucket brigades worked around the clock near Fortunes Rocks Beach, but those volunteers and the city’s firefighting resources were pulled away from the coast and redirected to protecting the central part of the city.

“There were concerns that the fires would continue up Rte. 111 from Arundel and cross Five Points, threatening the city’s hospitals, “Graham said. “The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals. Who could question that decision?”

___________

“The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals.”

— Susan Graham

____________

Graham says the fire raged from treetop to treetop, fueled by 40 mph wind gusts. Though roughly 50 people remained in Fortunes Rocks to fight the blaze, it was not enough to prevent what she describes as devastating damage to that neighborhood.

Large local employers, including the Saco-Lowell shops, shut down production so that their employees could help the city fight the rampaging fires.

About 60 homes were destroyed in Fortunes Rocks, Graham says, pointing out that eastern portions of Biddeford were at the time a “rural bread basket” that included several farms and a major source of food for the region.

Graham says it took her almost two years to compile the research and self-publish her book.

Copies of Graham’s book – in both hardcover and paperback — are available for sale at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk and online at grayeaglebooks@gmail.com

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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NEWSLETTER: Baby, it’s cold outside

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Just as I was getting used to the lull of the holidays and a slower news pace during the early days of January, the local news cycle basically exploded and caught me a bit off guard.

For the first time I can remember, I have seven stories in development and stacked up for publication. I like it this way.

Keeping busy keeps me out of trouble; well, sort of.

Some cool stuff is happening on the sidelines.

Even polar bears think it’s too cold outside Photo: Wikipedia commons

Our sister city and an introduction to journalism

I more or less stumbled onto an opportunity to interview the mayor of Bideford, our sister city in England.

According to some of the town’s residents, Bideford and Biddeford seem to have many things in common. Bideford was once England’s third largest port and its history is steeped in manufacturing, including shipbuilding.

You can start to learn more about our sister city here: Bideford | Wikipedia

In other news (no pun intended), I am excited about an upcoming class I will be teaching through Biddeford Adult Education.

The tentative name of the class, scheduled to begin in April, is Introduction to Journalism: Inside the Craft.

The course is being described as follows: “Students will learn about the rapidly changing world of journalism from a veteran reporter and editor. This course will prepare students to pursue a career in journalism and will offer discussions regarding AP-Style writing (Associated Press); journalism ethics; and in-depth discussions about the impacts of advancing technology in the field of journalism. 

The class will also feature lecture-and-answer discussion about the history of journalism in the United States; the rising trend of “citizen journalism” and a review of how media has changed over the last 50 years.”

Pretty cool stuff, eh?

Speaking of cool stuff, I had the pleasure this week of meeting up with one of Maine’s most prolific and respected reporters.

Chris Williams spent time as a reporter working at the Portland Press Herald, the Nashua Telegraph, the Portland Evening Express, the Lewiston Sun Journal and several other publications.

Turns out that we both worked for Harry Foote, one of Maine’s most beloved newspaper editors at the American Journal in Westbrook.

Chris reached out to me and said he really likes what we’re doing with the Gazette. He offered me some very valuable insights and suggestions and said we should stay in touch. It was the highlight of my week.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Of course, the news that is dominating media outlets all across Maine is centered upon this week’s ramped up enforcement efforts by the U.S. Immigrational & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) here in southern Maine.

This is an emotionally and politically-charged story that is extraordinarily fluid and rapidly changing. Journalists all across the state are struggling to keep up with this story, which includes activity happening here in Biddeford.

As a service to our readers, the Biddeford Gazette has created a special section on our website to give our readers updates and links to community resources and ongoing media coverage. You can find that resource page here: ICE | Biddeford.

Over the last few days, we have also published a wide range of stories, including our exclusive coverage of how a controversial downtown parking plan was funded; and a heart-felt story about a beloved McArthur Library security guard who has been sidelined by a serious spinal injury.

After suffering a serious spinal injury, Don Creighton is not sure how he is going to survive. The community — in including his co-workers, downtown merchants and library patrons — is rallying around him.

The best part of being a journalist is being able to help people in need. Within just a few hours of publishing our story, financial donations soared by more than $4,000.

This truly is a great community. Go here to read Don Creighton’s story and learn how you can help.

Looking ahead

We have some awesome stories in production, including an in-depth interview with State Rep. Marc Malon about his bill to prohibit the use of credit cards for mobile gambling sites; and another exclusive story about a book written by a local author that details how the notorious 1947 wildfires engulfed the Fortune’s Rocks neighborhood and even threatened downtown Biddeford.

We also sat down this week with Biddeford Fire Chief Larry Best to talk about the plans to build a new substation closer to the eastern portion of the city.

There’s a lot more, but I should probably focus on getting caught up with our news coverage.

It looks like we’ll be starting off the week with a big winter storm and some especially frigid temperatures.

Be safe, stay warm and have fun!

RECENT STORIES:

Questions raised about how a parking program was funded

Council unanimously approves UNE moratorium

Council rejects freeze on rising mobile home park fees

Community rallies around beloved security guard

Lessard blasts downtown parking program

___________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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Lessard: ‘I am not so ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya’

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Finance Committee takes a closer look at how a downtown parking plan was funded

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

A controversial and temporary downtown parking program will be reviewed by the Biddeford City Council at its next meeting, Feb. 3.

As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette earlier this week, Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the city council were unaware that nearly $20,000 was being spent to offset parking costs for business owners and their employees during a seven-month long sewer upgrade project in the downtown area.

RELATED: City investigating use of taxpayer funds for parking plan launched  by former mayor

The parking plan was never reviewed or discussed by the city council or Finance Committee before it was launched last year, but the subject dominated Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which raised new questions and drew a sharp rebuke from City Councilor Marc Lessard.

Biddeford’s Pearl Street Parking Garage (City photo)

Subsequent to the Jan. 19 story, the Biddeford Gazette conducted additional interviews and filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for more information, much of which was discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.

City Attorney Harry Center told the Finance Committee that he was “troubled” by how the plan was implemented.

“I’m not a CPA. I’m not an auditor, but it troubles me as a lawyer regarding how the [invoices] were characterized as professional/consulting services,” Center said.

City Manager Truc Dever told committee members that the plan was envisioned to be “net neutral” and would not add additional spending beyond the ongoing subsidy payments that the city gives to the city’s parking garage operators, Premium Parking.

According to Dever, the city makes two payments each year to the parking garage owners so that they are guaranteed a profit — an agreement the city made years ago to entice developers to build the parking garage on city-owned land.

The most recent payment to Premium Parking was $146,570 to cover the period from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Brad Favreau, the city economic development coordinator, said that Brian Phinney – then the acting city manager – assured him that the program would be revenue neutral. He said it was Phinney who decided which account would be used to make the payments.

Phinney retired from the city earlier this month.

Favreau told the committee that former mayor Marty Grohman approved the project after some discussion between Grohman, Phinney, Favreau and Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, a private downtown booster organization.

Favreau said only 43 downtown employees took advantage of the program.

Dever — who began her job weeks after the parking program was launched –described the program as “well-intentioned” and said no one tried to keep it a secret.

Dever said flyers about the program were made and distributed and it was posted on the city’s website and discussed during a May 28 meeting of the Downtown Development Commission (DDC).

Poupore told the Gazette that her organization was aggressive in raising awareness about the program and that she and Favreau both handed out flyers to merchants throughout the downtown area.

Former city councilor Neva (Gross) Lance served as the city council’s liaison on the DDC. She told the Gazette on Wednesday that she recalled “some vague discussion” but no official decision or approval was made at that May 28 meeting.

Councilor Lessard – a member of the Finance Committee – said it does not matter if the program was well intentioned.

“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle makes me raise my eyebrows,” Lessard said. “If this program was so good, it would have been brought to the council.

“Instead, it was buried in an innocuous budget line. Call me a little bit crazy, but I’m not so ready to say that there is nothing wrong with this. I’m not ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya,” Lessard said.

Councilor Dylan Doughty said he was concerned that the program was being funded by TIF (Tax Increment Finance) funds, which are strictly regulated.

“As a whole, we have committed ourselves to accountability and transparency,” Doughty said, adding that he thinks the city should take a closer look at how all TIF funds are being used to ensure that the city doesn’t end up in a “questionable position.”

__________

“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle

makes me raise my eyebrows.”

— Councilor Marc Lessard

__________

Mayor LaFountain told the committee he shares their concerns about how the program was launched and operated.

“My concern is not the intentions of the program,” LaFountain said. “We’re just coming off the review of a FY 23 audit that was quite scathing. When we go down this route, we lose public confidence.”

LaFountain told the city manager he would like to see plans and policies put in place to prevent another similar event. “It doesn’t matter who is sitting in these seats,” the mayor said. “We have process failures that we need to correct.”

________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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COMMUNITY: When the helper needs help

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Those who know Don Creighton will tell you that he is always the first to step up and help others in their time of need.

Unfortunately, Don is now on the other end of that equation and wondering how he’s going to make it through the next few weeks and months ahead.

Creighton, 57, is a beloved security guard at the McArthur Library. Over the last two years, he has developed quite a fan base and has become a well-known fixture in Biddeford’s downtown area.

Don Creighton, a beloved security guard at Biddeford’s McArthur Library, is facing an uncertain future. (Contributed photo)

Don’s co-workers at the library describe him as a “gentle soul,” and as a “man with a very big heart.”

Whether he is greeting an excited second-grader or a struggling member of Biddeford’s unhoused community, Don treats everyone the same: a big smile, a warm welcome and a commitment to respect.

“Everyone deserves to be treated nicely,” Don explains. “I may be a security guard, but I see my role as being a resource. I’m there to greet people and let them know that this a safe and welcoming place, no matter who they are.”

A few weeks ago, Don had a sudden seizure while working at the library. He was unconscious for several moments and was transported to the hospital.

According to his medical providers, Don had what is known as Non-Epilepsy Seizure (NES). During the seizure and resulting convulsions, Don suffered compression fractures along his spine.

Every day since has been an ongoing battle with pain so intense that Don has a hard time moving from room to room in his small apartment on Main Street.

After returning home from the hospital, Don says he avoided eating for several days because “sitting in the bathroom was just too painful.”

Several years ago, Don experienced a similar seizure while working on a lobster boat. “There is no history of epilepsy in my family,” he said, pointing out that he does take medication to prevent seizures.

Don lives alone with his dog, Mya. He describes Mya as his only source of optimism.

He says he misses his co-workers and the people he would see every day at the library.

“I love that job,” he said. “I get to spend a lot of time talking to people, and we also have a great staff – we’re like a big family.”

The isolation, combined with the pain, is taking a toll – physically, financially and spiritually.

Although he has health insurance, he has still racked up roughly $40,000 in co-pays, medicines and day-to-day expenses including rent, utilities and food.

“I live alone, and my family is trying to help me as much as possible,” he said. “I have already drained my savings – and I’m not sure what my next steps will be.”

A community begins to rally

If you visit the library, you will likely notice that Don’s work station has been decorated by colorings and drawings done by some of the library’s youngest patrons.

“Saying that Don is missed at the library is a gross understatement, said Joe Sanderson who is the library’s technical coordinator and sometimes works at the adult reference desk.

Don Creighton’s work station at McArthur Library has been decorated by younger library patrons who miss their friendly security guard. (Contributed photo)

“He is a big part of our community,” Sanderson said. “Almost daily, we are asked about how he is doing – people want updates. They want to see him back at the library.”

Sanderson and some of his co-workers have started a GoFundMe campaign to help Don cover some of his most basic expenses.

“It’s the least we can do,” Sanderson explains. “Don is always so willing to help others. Now it’s time for us to help him.”

Sanderson and his co-workers have made flyers and distributed them throughout the downtown area.

“The response from the business community has been great,” he said. “People know Don. They know how important his presence is in our community.”

For his part, Don says he finds it hard to ask for help.

“It’s been very stressful,” he said. “It’s also very scary not knowing if my spine will heal. It’s easy to get stuck in your own mind with a lot of worry.”

Editor’s Note: If you would like to contribute to Don’s GoFundMe page, please click this link: Don Creighton Support Page

__________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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Gazette creates ‘landing page’ for ICE info in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

At the advice and direction of several of our advisory board members, the Biddeford Gazette has created a special page for updates and community information regarding ramped up enforcement activities by the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) in Biddeford.

According to multiple sources, ICE began an operation known as “Catch of the Day” in Biddeford and several other southern Maine communities in southern Maine beginning on Jan. 20, 2026.

“This news has created considerable community concern and some misinformation,” said Randy Seaver, the Gazette’s editor. “We felt the responsible thing to do was to provide a resource page where residents could find more information about what is happening and how it is impacting our community.”

The ICE | Biddeford page and its resources can be found here: COMMUNITY: ICE | BIDDEFORD

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Council rejects moratorium on mobile home park fees

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Following more than an hour of passionate and sometimes tense debate, the Biddeford City Council voted 6-3 (Cote, Kurtz and Woods) Tuesday to reject a proposed 90-day moratorium on rental and lease fee increases at mobile home parks in the city.

More than 20 mobile home park residents packed the council chambers, making their support for the moratorium known both in attendance and sometimes emotional testimony before the council.

The moratorium was proposed by Ward Seven City Councilor Brad Cote whose district includes one of several mobile home parks in the city.

Mobile home park resident Chris Parsons addresses the Biddeford City Council saying fee increases should be reasonable, in accordance with “Maine values.” (Seaver photo)

Donna Porter, a resident at the Granite Estates mobile home park, told councilors that most of her neighbors are elderly and on fixed incomes. She said the park was sold to a new out-of-state owner in 2021 and that monthly rent fees have increased dramatically since then.

“Most of us are elderly and on a fixed income,” Porter said, claiming that incremental increases have seen monthly lot fees increase by more than $250 per month over the last five years.

Porter told the council that she and other residents are offered no tangible amenities other than weekly trash pickup and snow removal.

“We pay for our own heat, water, electricity and sewer,” Porter said. “What we are facing now is nothing but blatant corporate greed.”

Chris Parsons, another Granite Estates resident, said he does not object to a private business earning a profit.

A self-described semi-retired, small business owner, Parson told the council that the park’s new owners “are certainly entitled” to making a profit, but it should be done in a “reasonable way” that is consistent with Maine values. “Where are we supposed to go?” he asked the council.

The Maine Legislature is currently wrestling with the mobile home park fee dilemmas across the state.

Alex White, a self-described “real estate professional” cautioned the council against enacting a moratorium, arguing that such a move would have a “chilling effect” on potential investors who are looking to do business in Biddeford.

“I don’t really have a dog in this fight, but at the risk of being tarred and feathered, I would say that a moratorium is an unnecessary step, which should be reserved for real emergencies.”

White said the council could easily consider the issue and possible policy changes without enacting an emergency 90-day moratorium.

The council debate touched on several issues, and Cote was visibly frustrated by the remarks from some of his fellow councilors, most notably commentary from at-large Councilor Marc Lessard, a self-described fiscal conservative.

Lessard described the proposed moratorium as the first step on a “slippery slope” that could lead to the implementation of rent control in Biddeford.

Pointing out that more than 50 percent of housing units in Biddeford are rental units versus owner-occupied homes, Lessard argued that the city should not put its thumbprint on private business.

“Where does this end?” Lessard asked, rhetorically. “Do we tell Hannaford that they cannot raise their costs because food is too expensive?”

Lessard said the city would never approve a moratorium on property tax increases but is trying to tell the private sector how much their prices can increase.

“I empathize with the plight of those who are here tonight,” Lessard said. “There are no easy answers to this.”

Cote said the council is facing a potentially hypocritical dilemma.

“How, on God’s green earth, are we going to claim that this council is going to address affordable housing with a straight face if we can’t pass a simple 90-day moratorium to examine this issue?” Cote said. “You don’t want to see unhoused people downtown. Well, things are just going to get worse.”

Other councilors, including Patricia Boston and Roger Beaupre, pointed out that the 90-day moratorium would have no tangible benefit to either the city or park residents.

“It might look good, but nothing we do tonight would impact these residents,” Boston said, suggesting that the council should consider a broader policy that could include updated state policy recommendations.

“Ninety days is simply not enough time to craft an ordinance,” Beaupre added. “I empathize with the people here tonight. I would like to have a moratorium on my cable bill.”

______________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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Council unanimously halts UNE development

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Despite the impassioned pleas of some nuns from the St. Joseph’s Convent, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a temporary development moratorium on the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Mayor Liam LaFountain proposed the moratorium and the creation of an ad-hoc committee in order to give the city time and flexibility to review and consider several significant developments planned by the university.

RELATED: Mayor proposes development halt at UNE

Although not located on their campus, it was recently revealed that the university had ongoing plans to purchase the St. Joseph’s Convent in order to redevelop that property into additional student housing. The convent is located approximately two miles west of UNE’s main campus.

Representatives from the Good Sheperd Sisters of Quebec – the current convent owners — attended Tuesday’s meeting, saying the proposed moratorium would quash their planned sale of the convent to UNE. That sale, according to the Sisters, has been in consideration since 2017 and was scheduled to be finalized next month.

The Sisters said they can no longer afford to operate the convent. They said the moratorium would be “devastating psychologically, physically and spiritually.”

During their discussion of the issue, Councilor Jake Pierson pointed out that the moratorium would do “nothing to prevent the sale of that property.” The moratorium, he said, would only pause the university’s planned redevelopment of the property.

Although the university does not yet own the St. Joseph’s parcel, they already received approval of their reconversion plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission in November.

The St, Joseph’s Convent in Biddeford is slated to become more student housing for UNE

RELATED: University’s new dormitory plan approved

Former city councilor Kyle Noble told the council that UNE is pushing for projects that would be “once in a lifetime, forever decisions” that warrant careful review.

“I find it offensive that this real estate transaction has been known since 2017, and we’re just finding out about it now,” Noble said.

Councilor Dylan Doughty also expressed surprise that the university was able to get approval of their plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission before they actually owned the property.

Alan Thibeault, vice president of operations at UNE, said the city’s proposed moratorium took school officials “by surprise.”

Thibeault told the council that UNE has not built a new building on its campus since 2018. He made no mention of the controversial, large-scale pier that the university is planning to construct on the Saco River. He also did not talk about the school’s plan to add new student housing at the St. Joseph’s convent.

Instead, Thibeault reminded the council that UNE is “a major employer and economic driver” in Biddeford. “We do not believe that we have been a burden on the city,” Thibeault said, pointing out that UNE has its own wastewater treatment facility.

Furthermore, Thibeault said the university has significantly decreased its impact on the city by its decision three years ago to move roughly 360 students and 120 staffers to the school’s Portland campus that now houses UNE’s medical school programs. That move, he said, significantly reduced traffic and other impacts at the Biddeford campus.

Thibeault said the moratorium could place the university at financial risk. He said colleges and universities across the country are closing at a rate of one per month because of changing demographics.

Councilor Brad Cote, however, balked at Thibeault’s concerns about the economic impacts of the moratorium.

“I find it a little offensive that the university would come to us and express financial worries,” Cote said. “Let’s remember that their campus in Biddeford sits on land that has an assessed value of roughly $82 million.”

Thibeault said UNE appreciated that its president – James Hebert – was appointed to the city’s newly created ad-hoc committee.

“We welcome a genuine relationship with the city,” Thibeault told the council.

_____________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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OPINION: Credit Enhance Agreements aren’t the problem

~ Sam Pecor ~ Leave a comment

By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette

A January 13 City Council workshop meeting included an in-depth presentation by Philip Saucier of Bernstein Shur on TIFs (tax increment financing) and CEAs (credit enhancement agreements).

These terms get thrown around like they’re the same thing. They’re not. They’re separate tools, each with a purpose and each capable of being used well or badly.

In my day-to-day life, I might go from using my computer to using a table saw. Both are tools. Both can do real damage if you use them carelessly. The solution isn’t to ban computers because identity theft exists, or to ban table saws because they can take a finger.

Photo By Patrick Fitzgerald -Wkipedia

The solution is guardrails: good practices, good rules, and an understanding of the risks.

CEAs work the same way. A CEA isn’t automatically “a giveaway.” It’s a contract that can be written with real conditions. It can be as simple as reimbursing a percentage of new tax revenue, or it can be designed to pay only when specific outcomes are delivered. That distinction matters because Biddeford’s biggest redevelopment controversies haven’t been about the existence of a tool. They’ve been about leverage.

My interest in municipal governance was spurred by the MERC redevelopment process, a slow, meandering saga that’s now closing in on a decade since the first site concepts were drafted.

When you read the agreements closely, what jumps out isn’t just time. It’s how little enforceable leverage the city retained to shape a defining downtown project. Ironically, one of the most criticized mechanisms in these deals is also one of the best ways to demand results: a well-structured CEA.

If the city wants outcomes like housing units, specific mixes of development, public infrastructure commitments, and timelines that actually mean something, CEAs can be written to require them. Tie reimbursements to milestones. Build in performance metrics. Use phased triggers and claw backs when promised deliverables don’t show up.

That’s not anti-development. That’s basic accountability.

So, while I understand the instinct to be skeptical of CEAs, especially given how some have been structured in the past, I’d caution the City Council against rejecting a tool that can provide serious negotiating leverage.

The problem isn’t CEAs. The problem is CEAs written with no teeth. CEAs are a tool. Like a table saw, they deserve respect. Used well, they build something real.

Used carelessly, people get hurt.

___________

Sam Pecor

Sam Pecor is a Biddeford resident and a member of the Biddeford Gazette’s advisory board. The views expressed are those of the author. The Gazette welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from our readers.

For more information, please contact us

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City investigating use of taxpayer funds for a parking plan launched by former mayor

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

According to documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, the city of Biddeford is now investigating why more than $16,000 was spent on a downtown parking plan that was never reviewed or authorized by the city council or its Finance Committee.

At Mayor Liam LaFountain’s request, City Attorney Harry B. Center was asked to investigate questions about a temporary program that used various budget lines to fund a free parking program for downtown merchants during last year’s downtown sewer construction project.

The parking project, according to Center’s memo, was allegedly initiated by former Mayor Marty Grohman roughly 90 days before the city’s biennial election. The program was disbanded in mid-November just days after Grohman lost his reelection bid.

The municipal parking garage on Pearl Street (City photo)

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette on Sunday, LaFountain confirmed that neither he nor any other elected official was told about the parking program.

LaFountain said he asked Center to investigate how the parking program was launched, operated and funded.

“It appears that it was kept within a small circle of people,” the mayor said. “Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell the council or the Finance Committee.”

LaFountain said he only found out about the project when City Manager Truc Dever asked if he wanted the program to continue.

“I didn’t even know the program existed,” LaFountain said. “It’s certainly troubling. The public expects us to be diligent and careful with public monies. Any major expenditures should be approved by the Finance Committee and then the full city council.”

______________

“It appears that it was kept within a small circle of people”

— Mayor Liam LaFountain

_____________

According to Center’s memo, the parking plan was initiated just weeks before City Manager Truc Dever began her new position with the city.

As part of his investigation, Center spoke with Finance Director Gerry Matherne.

“There was no council approval,” Matherne told Center. “Marty [Grohman] just did it.”

According to Center, Matherne confirmed that the funding source came from the Route 111 TIF (Tax Increment Finance) fund. under a line item known as “Other Professional Consulting Services.”

The funds were disbursed to Premium Parking, the private company that operates the city’s parking garage and several surface lots throughout the downtown area.

The funds were used to offset the cost of parking for vehicles with certain license plate numbers and designed to make street parking downtown much easier during the sewer construction project.

_____________

“There was no council approval. Marty just did it.”

— Finance Director Gerry Matherne

_____________

LaFountain told the Gazette that he was “troubled” by the situation, and said it only further erodes public confidence in City Hall.

Last year, during a review of the city’s FY 2023 audit, the city received a blistering report from its professional auditors who raised concerns about possible mismanagement of federal grant funds and a sloppy cash reconciliation process.

Matherne was hired in February and is continuing her work to address prior problems in the city’s Finance Department.

RELATED: Auditors give city a blistering report

“Director Matherne is being asked to clean up and reconcile numerous issues that took place before she was hired,” said LaFountain. “Her professionalism and hard work are exactly what the city needs as we try to sort things out.”

Former mayor defends program

Former Biddeford mayor Marty Grohman told the Gazette that he was “unaware” that the city was giving money to Premium Parking to offset costs and provide free parking for certain downtown merchants and their employees.

Grohman said the plan was intended to be “revenue neutral,” and said he never authorized any extra payments to Premium Parking.

Grohman says the paid parking plan came from an idea first discussed during his weekly meetings with downtown merchants and others who were struggling with snarled traffic.

“I didn’t set it up,” Grohman said. “It was Brad Favreau (from the city’s economic development office) who set it up.”

Because of the holiday weekend, City Hall was closed and Favreau was unavailable for comment.

Although Grohman said he thought the program would be revenue neutral, he later said he did “not recall the source of the funding” that would be used.

Grohman said the idea behind his plan was to simply reconfigure spaces and designations of certain downtown parking lots.

Grohman described the plan as a “goodwill agreement” between the city and Premium Parking.

“They (Premium Parking) must have misunderstood the intent of the program,” Grohman said, when asked why the company billed the city an extra $3,170 every month between August and November 2025.

More than two years ago, Grohman was a city councilor and hoping to become the city’s mayor.

Grohman pledged then to “get tough” on the privately operated garage that is still subsidized by the city.

During a May 21, 2023 interview with this reporter, Grohman said the city should not be using TIF funds to make its subsidy payments to Premium Parking.

Grohman then said he considered the use of TIF funds to continue funding revenue shortfalls at the garage as “galling.”

“Our debt service is more than $4 million a year,” Grohman said during that 2023 interview. “I don’t think this [funding of garage revenue shortfalls] is the best use for the TIF funds.”

Next steps

Center’s memo about the parking plan is expected to be addressed during Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. in the council chambers.

From Center’s memo: “In summary, the former mayor on his own initiative –without City Council or Finance Committee vote — directed that the payments be made to Premium Parking for private downtown business employees to park in the parking garage as well as surface lots during the Elm Street sewer construction project.

“Following an initial payment on August 26, 2025, in the amount of $3,690, four additional monthly payments of $3,170 were made from the “Route 111 TIF Fund” totaling $16,370. The payments were for parking but were made from a line item designated “Other Professional/Consulting Service Expense.”

The Gazette has filed a Freedom of Information request for emails that were circulated between July and October between the mayor’s office, Favreau’s office and Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford.

“This situation is outrageous,” said At-Large Councilor Marc Lessard. “You can’t just spend taxpayer dollars to make people feel warm and fuzzy. Our ordinances spell out a process.

“Citizens expect us to adhere to those processes and follow the city charter,” Lessard added.

This story will be updated.

Editor’s Note: The Biddeford Gazette has filed a FOIA request related to this developing story. You may view/download our request by clicking on the link below:

Jan. 19, 2026 FOIA request (2)Download

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved

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Mayor proposes moratorium on UNE development

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain is proposing a temporary moratorium on all development projects at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

LaFountain is also scheduled to nominate UNE president James Hebert to serve on an ad-hoc committee that will focus on development at the school’s Biddeford campus.

During an interview with the Gazette on Thursday, LaFountain said a temporary moratorium will allow the city to examine and evaluate the rapidly increasing pace and scale of development within the Institutional Zone (IZ).

In December, the city council voted unanimously to create an ad-hoc committee that will review and make recommendations about current and future development on UNE’s campus.

RELATED: New committee will review UNE development plans

“I want that review committee able to hit the ground running,” LaFountain said, pointing out that the IZ has not been amended or updated for more than 20 years. “We need just a short pause in order to catch our breath. The current language is somewhat vague and needs to be updated.”

Recent projects have highlighted the need for the committee, LaFountain said, pointing to the university’s controversial pier project, plans to develop a fire substation near the campus and a plan to convert a former convalescent home into new dormitories for the university.

LaFountain said he believes that university development will continue to play an important role in the city’s future.

“The question before the council is not whether such development should occur, but whether it should proceed under a regulatory framework that has not been comprehensively examined in more than twenty years,” the mayor said.

UNE President James Hebert is being appointed by Biddeford’s mayor to serve on an ad-hoc committee that will review ongoing and planned development within the city’s Institutional Zone (Photo: LinkedIn

The city needs the time necessary to complete that examination responsibly and to ensure that future decisions are guided by clear standards, shared expectations, and the long-term interests of the city as a whole, the mayor added.

During a previous city council meeting in December, Ed Cervone, director of external affairs at UNE, said the university is supportive of the city’s desire to review the Institutional Zone Ordinance and creation of the ad-hoc committee.

“UNE hopes that the creation of an Institutional Zone Review Committee can bring additional clarity to, understanding of, and confidence in the ordinance,” Cervone said.

During that December meeting, Cervone suggested that the new committee should include a Hills Beach Association representative; the city planner and Ward One Councilor Patricia Boston because of her historical knowledge about the Institutional Zone and a UNE representative.

LaFountain will ask the City Council Tuesday to confirm his appointments to the six-member ad-hoc committee, which will be chaired by Councilor Pat Boston, a Hills Beach resident; Matt Haas, a former UNE employee who first raised concerns about the Saco River Corridor Commission’s approval of the university’s controversial pier proposal; and residents Christine Stone and Betsy Martin.

LaFountain has also nominated Councilor Marc Lessard and James Hebert, UNE’s president, to serve on the committee.

Committee Objectives

In his memo to the city council, LaFountain said his proposed moratorium will accomplish several objectives, including:

• Orderly Review: It allows the Institutional Zone Review Committee, City staff, the Planning Board, and the City Council to complete their work without the pressure of pending applications advancing under rules that may soon change.

• Consistency and Fairness: It avoids applying one set of standards to some projects while others are reviewed under a revised framework, promoting predictability for applicants and the public alike.

• Public Confidence: It acknowledges heightened public interest in institutional development and demonstrates that the city is taking a deliberate, transparent approach to updating its zoning ordinances and policies.

• Long-Term Planning: It ensures that decisions with lasting impacts on neighborhoods, infrastructure, and municipal capacity are informed by a comprehensive policy review rather than piecemeal approvals.

“The moratorium is not intended to halt institutional growth indefinitely, nor to target any single institution, but rather to ensure that future development proceeds under a clearer and more durable regulatory framework,” LaFountain said.

Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said UNE’s president is looking forward to working with the city as a member of the newly created ad-hoc committee.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved, Biddeford Gazette, Inc.

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WinterFest returns to Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Contributed Story | Leinani Farnsworth, Heart of Biddeford

It’s that time of years again!

Locals and visitors of all ages are invited to the annual Biddeford WinterFest, a cabin-fever-busting weekend of outdoor fun, live entertainment, and community connection, returning Feb. 6–8, 2026. This year’s theme, “Unplug & Play,” highlights free, family-friendly, screen-free activities on Adams Street in downtown Biddeford.

Now in its 13th year, WinterFest is a collaboration between local organizations, volunteers, and the City of Biddeford. The festival traces its roots back to 2012, when then-Mayor Alan Casavant and longtime community volunteer John Maxson first imagined building a sledding hill in the middle of downtown. More than a decade later, the tradition continues to bring hundreds of residents together each winter.

Friday, Feb. 6 — WinterFest begins Friday evening with adults-only (18+) sledding on Adams Street from 6–7:30 p.m. followed by an après-sledding gathering at Brickyard Hollow from 7:45–9:30 p.m, hosted by Biddeford Recreation. The evening event includes sledding, complimentary food, door prizes, and a cash bar, with $10 tickets required in advance.

Friday night also features a 7:30 p.m. performance at City Theater featuring Piano Men – The Music of Elton and Billy, starring Joey Boucher. The show celebrates the legendary music of Elton John and Billy Joel through a high-energy piano-driven performance. Boucher brings powerful vocals, storytelling, and crowd-favorite hits to the stage in a concert-style experience. Tickets for the performance are available for purchase on the City Theater website.

Saturday, Feb. 7 — WinterFest continues with Winter Fun Time, the true heart of the celebration, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the heart of downtown Biddeford. Centered around the beloved sledding hill on Adams Street, this free, family-friendly event brings the community together for a full day of classic winter fun. Hosted by New Life Church, with activities provided by Biddeford’s Recreation Department and local organizations, the day features sledding, giant outdoor games, a Gaga Ball pit, mascots, and more! Families can also enjoy free food throughout the event, including pizza, hot dogs, walking tacos, popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate.

Live entertainment and activities take place throughout Winter Fun Time, including:

  • Main Stage performances from Nine Tigers Kung Fu, dance demonstrations and more.
  • Sparks’ Ark Animal Services demonstration inside the former Courthouse on Adams Street at 11:30 a.m. and 1:p.m.

Attendees can also meet Crusher, the Maine Celtics mascot, and WinterFest’s own Francoise, and take part in a free raffle featuring bikes, gift cards, and other donated prizes—making Winter Fun Time a can’t-miss day of winter fun for all ages.

Families are invited to a free screening of Balto at City Theater from 3:30–5:30 p.m., sponsored by McArthur Library. Saturday evening, City Theater will also host comedian Juston McKinney beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Maine native who has appeared on The Tonight Show, McKinney is known for his sharp, relatable humor and high-energy performances. Tickets for the comedy show are available for purchase on the City Theater website.

Also on Saturday, the inaugural “Big Chill” takes place at the Pepperell Center beginning at noon. Coordinated by Heart of Biddeford, the event features a business expo, art gallery, music, and local food and drinks available for purchase throughout the day. The Big Chill wraps up with a free, public dance party from 8–10 p.m., open to everyone with no tickets required.

WinterFest 2026 is a snow-or-shine event, with both outdoor and indoor programming planned throughout the weekend. “We’re thrilled to have the community return to the downtown to bust that cabin fever,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford – one of the planning partners. “We know that the community will also enjoy a great day of shopping and dining throughout the downtown.”

Sunday, Feb. 8 – The celebration wraps up on Sunday with one final, free event. The West Brook skating rink on Pool Street will be open for free skating and skate rentals on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (weather permitting) offering a fun and relaxed way to close out the WinterFest weekend.

For schedules, updates, and event details, visit BiddefordMaine.org/WinterFest. Please contact asstdir@heartofbiddeford.org for more information or questions and concerns.