By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the Biddeford City Council heard some disappointing news today when they learned that a York County Superior Court justice has decided to dismiss a lawsuit the city filed late last year against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) – and by extension, the University of New England.
In December 2025, the newly elected city council voted unanimously to file the lawsuit, which challenges whether the SRCC failed to consider a so-called 250-foot buffer zone that was established 25 years ago during the agency’s more recent review of UNE’s controversial research pier proposal.
According to court documents sent to area media outlets today by the University of New England, Justice James F. Martemucci ruled against the city because their case did not have standing due to [legal timing issues].
UNE officials say the court’s decision means that UNE’s already-approved building permit for their pier “remains legal and valid.”
But City Attorney Harry Center told the Gazette today that the matter remains fluid and still “under review” by Biddeford officials.
“We have 21 days to file an appeal of this decision,” Center said. “I am planning to bring this matter before the city council during an executive session at their next regular meeting on April 7. We’ll go from there.”
LaFountain declined to offer any comment because the matter is still a pending legal matter.
Meanwhile, the mood on UNE’s Biddeford campus seemed somewhat celebratory when they announced the court’s decision today.
“We are pleased the court has resolved this matter, and we look forward to moving ahead with a project that will meaningfully expand our marine science research capabilities and benefit students, faculty and the broader scientific community,” said UNE spokesperson Sarah Delage in a prepared media statement.
Delage added that UNE “remains committed to being a responsible steward of the Saco River and to working collaboratively with our neighbors and regulatory partners on matters that affect our shared community and environment.”
Delage also stressed that the court’s dismissal resulted from the work and arguments from the Maine Attorney General’s office, which represents the Saco River Corridor Commission, a quasi-state regulatory agency with jurisdiction along the entire length of the Saco River in Maine.
UNE officials also provided area media outlets with a PDF copy of the court’s decision to dismiss the city’s claim.
The Gazette is providing its readers with a copy of that document that can be both viewed and downloaded by members of the public.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
York County Superior Court Decision
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 