By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
The Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-1 Wednesday to table the University of New England’s request for an extension of their permit to construct a 180-foot research pier on the Saco River.
The planning board narrowly approved the project last year but construction of the controversial project has been delayed by a city-imposed development moratorium and new questions raised about a 250-foot shoreline buffer zone that may have been overlooked during the lengthy and complex permitting process.
Last week, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) held its own public hearing about whether that agency should also give UNE an extension for a project they approved two years ago.
The SRCC is scheduled to vote on UNE’s request at its next meeting on Aug. 26 in Dayton.
The 250-foot buffer zone was created more than 25 years ago as a compromise that would allow UNE to construct two dormitories that exceeded Biddeford’s 35-foot height restriction.
In October, the SRCC admitted they failed to consider the shoreline buffer zone when they first approved the pier nearly two years ago.
Planning Board member Roch Angers made the motion to table UNE’s extension request, saying the planning board should wait for the SRCC to make its own decision about granting an extension.
Angers has previously raised concerns about the approval process for the controversial pier.
Just days before the planning board was scheduled to vote on the UNE pier last year, Angers raised concerns about the project — speaking as a citizen — at a Biddeford City Council meeting.
“Something feels fishy about this,” Angers told the council.
Subsequently, former Mayor Marty Grohman tried to have Angers removed from the planning board, but got no support from the city council.
When contacted Thursday morning, UNE spokesperson Sarah Delage said the University is reviewing its options and next steps.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 