A University of New England spokesperson writes that an April 9 story — regarding the school’s real estate transactions and how it impacted public policy — missed the mark and needs more context
Editor:
An April 9 Biddeford Gazette article [The city, the convent and the university: What happened?] suggested that the University of New England was hiding its real estate negotiations with the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec. I want to respectfully offer some important context that the article omitted.
On November 13, 2024, UNE issued a public press release disclosing that negotiations with the Sisters had begun in 2017, that UNE had purchased an initial four-acre parcel in March 2024, and that the agreement grants UNE an option to purchase both the convent building and the surrounding land. That press release was picked up and published by the Portland Press Herald and the Saco Bay News. The notion that UNE was operating in secrecy is simply inconsistent with these facts.
The article specifically states that the press release contained “no information or details about the 25-year option.” That is not accurate. The release stated plainly that UNE holds an option to purchase both the convent building and the surrounding land. The specific duration and financial terms were not included, but that is standard practice in any real estate announcement.
Beyond the press release, UNE took additional steps that the article did not mention. We formally notified abutting property owners, both businesses and residents, when we submitted a change of use application to the Saco River Corridor Commission in September 2025.
The city was notified at the same time, and several city officials, including then Council President Liam LaFountain, the City Clerk, and the Planning and Code Enforcement Offices, received notice of the Commission’s approved permit in November 2025.
The Good Shepherd Sisters, a small
and aging religious community,
asked UNE to avoid publicizing
the transaction while it was ongoing
so that they could inform their own
congregation with appropriate
care and sensitivity.
Furthermore, UNE met directly with city staff on multiple occasions regarding the convent property before the March 2024 purchase agreement was finalized, and again in early 2025, to discuss a conditional use at the property.
These meetings were referenced in a detailed timeline we provided to the Gazette before the story was published.
The article also omits the reason for the discretion that was exercised during negotiations.
The Good Shepherd Sisters, a small and aging religious community, asked UNE to avoid publicizing the transaction while it was ongoing so that they could inform their own congregation with appropriate care and sensitivity.
UNE honored that request out of basic respect for their community. That is a far cry from concealment.
We recognize that UNE can always do more to communicate proactively with the city of Biddeford and the public, and we are committed to improving our communication efforts.
But the record shows that UNE went well beyond its obligations to inform both city officials and the general public about this transaction. We hope this fuller account of the facts is useful to anyone interested in this project.
Sarah Delage | University of New England, Biddeford
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