OPINION | Biddeford needs economic engines like UNE

Communities across the country spend years trying to attract institutions like UNE and MaineHealth that offer an elevated level of reach and stability

By BEN NEVEUX | Special to the Gazette

After some time “away,” I returned to Biddeford and worked closely with both the University of New England and MaineHealth during my time with the Maine Department of Labor.

I was working alongside several others who were all vested in Biddeford’s economic development, including former Mayor Alan Casavant, former city managers John Bubier and Jim Bennet; and others such as the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce. This was during a time when Biddeford was actively working to strengthen its economy and workforce partnerships.

I saw, firsthand, the scale of opportunity that institutions such as UNE and MaineHealth can bring to a community. They are not just employers. They are economic engines, workforce developers, research partners and long-term investors in Maine’s future.

Biddeford should recognize every opportunity to strengthen partnerships with UNE and MaineHealth because those opportunities could disappear before the train ever leaves the station.

Communities across the country spend years trying to attract institutions like UNE and MaineHealth that offer an elevated level of reach and stability. Biddeford already has them rooted here.

The city’s future cannot rely entirely on tourism, restaurants, breweries and seasonal business.

Long-term economic strength comes from healthcare, education, research and innovation. UNE and MaineHealth bring students, physicians, researchers, educators and skilled professionals into the region while creating jobs that support families year-round.

These institutions attract investment, encourage supporting businesses and help keep young professionals in Maine instead of losing them to Boston or beyond.

These institutions attract investment,
encourage supporting businesses
and help keep young professionals
in Maine instead of losing
them to Boston or beyond.

I eventually returned to Biddeford after college and a career. Most of my peers did not.

The debate surrounding UNE’s proposed research pier on the Saco River reflects a larger challenge facing the city.

Concerns about environmental impact, waterfront access, neighborhood character, traffic, and views are legitimate and deserve serious discussion. Residents should absolutely expect transparency and accountability from any large project along the river.

But there is also a danger in allowing fear of change to overwhelm the opportunity in front of us.

The answer is not blind approval, nor is it endless opposition. Courts are not the answer either.

The answer is collaboration and synergy. UNE, city leaders, residents, environmental advocates and business owners should work toward practical solutions that improve the project while allowing it to move forward responsibly.

Such an approach could include stronger environmental protections, design modifications, expanded public waterfront access, traffic mitigation, community oversight and architectural improvements that better fit the character of the area.

A research pier is more than a structure extending into the river. It represents marine science, climate research, education and the chance for Biddeford to strengthen its role as a center for coastal innovation in Maine. Done correctly, it could deepen the city’s relationship with the waterfront instead of limiting it.

The larger concern is the message repeated resistance can send.

Institutions like UNE and MaineHealth have options when deciding where to expand programs, invest resources, and grow partnerships. If Biddeford wants the jobs, innovation, and long-term economic benefits these organizations can bring, then the city must show it is capable of working together to solve problems instead of allowing opportunity to slip away.

If not, despite all of the improvements that have occurred here in the last 15-20 years, Biddeford will have missed the opportunity to become the sense of place we all want to call home.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Ben Neveux is a member of the Biddeford Gazette’s Community Advisory Council. He is a lifelong Biddeford resident; a 1981 graduate of Biddeford High School and 21-year United States Air Force veteran. Proud of his hometown and passionate about photography, Ben created the Facebook photo blog Biddeford, My Hometown to showcase his street and landscape photography and celebrate the city he calls home.

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