By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school’s controversial research pier proposal.
Herbert’s statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials.
Herbert’s public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. Today’s statement follows increasing public frustration about the project, including a recent public hearing of the city’s newly formed Institutional Zone Review Committee.
Herbert was appointed to serve on that committee by Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain.
RELATED | Residents express frustration, anger regarding UNE development
In his statement, Herbert expressed frustration, writing that “the public discussion has also included anonymous attacks, misinformation, and reckless accusations circulating through social media and emails from untraceable and unresponsive sources.”
UNE also released its own timeline of events connected to the pier project (See Below)
The following statement was taken directly from a press release issued by the university earlier today.
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Dear Members of the Biddeford Community,
“In recent months there has been significant discussion about the University of New England’s proposed research pier on the Saco River. I understand that projects affecting our waterfront and local environment naturally generate strong interest and thoughtful questions from the community.
I want to begin by acknowledging something directly. Despite our best efforts, UNE has clearly fallen short in our communication efforts.
The extensive public meetings, project updates and community outreach efforts conducted with a goal of full transparency still left some residents with questions in the face of rumors and misinformation. For that reason, we are sharing the accompanying timeline so members of the community can better understand how this project evolved and the steps that have led us to this point. While the timeline is not inclusive of every action or conversation related to the project, it provides an overview of key milestones to date.
The idea of a research pier at UNE’s Marine Science Center has been under study for many years. Marine engineers and environmental specialists evaluated multiple potential locations before identifying the site that best balanced safety, environmental protection, minimization of impacts to navigation, water depth, and operational needs.
Over time, the design has been refined to reduce its footprint and address concerns raised during the review process. The project has undergone extensive regulatory review and has received approvals from the appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.
Throughout this process, many residents have participated in meetings and conversations with university representatives, and we appreciate the thoughtful engagement of those who have shared their perspectives and concerns in good faith.
Unfortunately, the public discussion has also included anonymous attacks, misinformation, and reckless accusations circulating through social media and emails from untraceable and unresponsive sources. These communications do little to advance a constructive conversation and instead contribute to confusion, distrust, and an inaccurate understanding of the project. In some cases, that seems to be their intent.
“The public discussion has also included anonymous attacks, misinformation, and reckless accusations circulating through social media and emails from untraceable and unresponsive sources
— UNE President Dr. James Herbert
UNE has been part of the Biddeford community for generations. Our students, faculty, and staff live, work, volunteer, and contribute to the vitality of this city. UNE is proud to be one of Biddeford’s largest employers and a major contributor to the economic, educational, and cultural life of the region. The proposed research pier is intended to support marine science research, education, and stewardship of the Saco River and the Gulf of Maine.
Biddeford is our home, and we remain committed to being a good neighbor and a contributing member of this community. We will redouble our efforts to keep residents informed as this project moves forward and to provide clear, fact-based information about the project and its benefits. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions you may have at researchpier@une.edu.
Sincerely,
James D. Herbert, President
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UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PIER TIMELINE
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In my opinion Mr. Herbert, your statement did absolutely nothing to provide justification for the continued resistance to moving the location of the pier to the alternative location which our former harbor master and current harbor master support.
I am disappointed and baffled by reluctance to accept this compromise.
Wade Goldthwait, Biddeford Pool, Maine.
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