LETTER | Biddeford is on the right track with UNE

“In the last decade certain processes have been sloppy. Our elected officials are now determined to clean it all up, not an easy task.”

Editor:

I totally agree with the analysis in an opinion piece by Ben Neveux (Biddeford needs economic engines like UNE, May 18). I am thankful that the Biddeford Gazette routinely makes room for such intelligent contributions.

He wrote that UNE is an economic engine in this city, a workforce developer, research partner, and a long-term investor in Maine’s future. He recommended that we should recognize every opportunity to strengthen partnerships with the university. Discussing the proposed marine sciences pier, Mr. Neveux wrote that endless opposition is not an answer.

I agree with him 100 percent, because he wrote that blind approval of the pier is also not an answer.

Right now, city officials — led by a new mayor and city council — are reviewing the law. The law as defined by previous council orders, city ordinances, municipal administrative actions and previous orders of the Saco River Corridor Commission.

To put it kindly, in the last decade certain processes have been sloppy. Our elected officials are now determined to clean it all up, not an easy task.

I’m sure they will succeed, and then blind approval will be impossible. Mr. Neveaux wrote about the pier, “Done correctly, it could deepen the city’s relationship with the waterfront instead of limiting it.”

He’s right on the money.

Every neighbor I know wants UNE to have their research pier, and we believe it can be done correctly.

In my opinion, Mayor [Liam] LaFountain and our city councilors have very strong support for their current effort to make sure laws and appropriate review are applied with transparency and integrity. When that work is finished, “opposition” will instantly melt away.

John Schafer | Biddeford

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