Residents and visitors to Biddeford now have access to a free online community calendar that is designed to be a one-stop resource regarding local events. The Yodel Event Calendar represents a collaborative project between four organizations: the Heart of Biddeford; the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce; the Biddeford School Department and the city of Biddeford. … Continue reading What’s happening in Biddeford?
Category: ARCHIVES
Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Following a rather tense and emotionally-charged discussion, the Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to give preliminary site approval for the University of New England’s proposed research pier. The controversial pier proposal has generated widespread public discourse for more than a year, even before the application was formally submitted in June 2024. This aerial photograph … Continue reading Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Nominations being sought for 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame
According to a recent press release, he Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) is now seeking nominations for the 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame. Now in its eighth year, the annual BCHC program recognizes and celebrates citizens of Biddeford or others who have contributed to the history, heritage, and culture of the city or the … Continue reading Nominations being sought for 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame
Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
Biddeford voters could be asked to approve more than $47 million in municipal bonds to support ongoing sewer separation work and improvements to the city’s parks and recreational facilities. During their July 15 meeting, city councilors discussed the prospect of an overall spending package intended to address items that would be much more costly if … Continue reading Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
What is ‘affordable’ housing?
You see it all the time. Whenever elected officials or media outlets use the words “affordable housing,” there is often an almost immediate pushback from people who say those housing units are not really “affordable.” This is especially true in the city of Biddeford, the latest community to join southern Maine’s so-called “gold coast.” Until … Continue reading What is ‘affordable’ housing?
‘For Biddeford’ event draws 150 volunteers
By JUSTIN SWEENEY, New Life Church, Lead Pastor (Photos by Joe McKenney) On Saturday, July 12, New Life Church hosted its 8th annual “For Biddeford” event, a citywide serve day where close to 150 volunteers spread out across Biddeford to complete 10 service projects to bless the community. For Biddeford is built on a simple … Continue reading ‘For Biddeford’ event draws 150 volunteers
OPINION: A missed opportunity for leadership
According to his Facebook campaign page, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is “feeling frustrated” about being called out for not disclosing some relevant campaign donations made to his mayoral campaign nearly two years ago. Apparently, Marty still doesn’t get why I mentioned his failure to disclose those donations in my story about a large-scale development that … Continue reading OPINION: A missed opportunity for leadership
EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Biddeford City Councilor Norman Belanger confirmed Friday that he will be running against Mayor Marty Grohman to become the city's next mayor. Belanger, 68, has served on the council since 2017, including two years as council president. When asked why he is running, Belanger said: "The city needs strong leadership, and I believe I am … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Tempers flare at city council meeting
Mayor breaks several tied votes Although the Biddeford City Council recently approved the creation of more than 150 housing units, several people who watched the June 17 Biddeford City Council meeting said they were “stunned” by the raw emotion and frustration on display by councilors and others who attended the meeting. The rather tense, marathon … Continue reading Tempers flare at city council meeting
George’s: Keeping a beloved tradition alive
Mike Clukey was a regular customer at George’s Sandwich Shop on Franklin Street in Biddeford for several years. In fact, he liked the sandwiches so much that he jumped at the opportunity to purchase the iconic Biddeford landmark a little more than three years ago. “We have a fantastic crew, and they are the ones … Continue reading George’s: Keeping a beloved tradition alive
Tensions in Biddeford increasing
A number of elected and appointed officials in Biddeford are now expressing increasing frustration about how the city is handling some large development projects, including an affordable housing development in downtown and a large-scale research pier being proposed by the University of New England. This short video clip was distributed Tuesday as part of a … Continue reading Tensions in Biddeford increasing
Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
Following a two-year period of tumultuous staffing turnovers at Biddeford City Hall, another department head has announced his resignation. The Biddeford Gazette was able to confirm today that George Gervais-- the city's director of economic and community development -- has resigned his position, a little less than 18 months after he was hired by the … Continue reading Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
OPINION: Step forward and be heard
We are now officially in the middle of summer but the next municipal election in Biddeford will be here before you know it. In fact, nomination papers for this year's election will be available in about 60 days. If you live in Biddeford and ever thought about ways that you could make a difference in … Continue reading OPINION: Step forward and be heard
Magic awaits near Cascade Falls
By WENDY WEILER, Contributing Writer Do you need a little magic in your life? Would you like to visit a magnificent waterfall close by? Please join Saco Bay Trails for the fourth annual Fairy House Building Day at Cascade Falls in Saco. This is a free, magical event designed for all ages. (Contributed Photo) You … Continue reading Magic awaits near Cascade Falls
Bringing a bit of southeast Asia to Biddeford
Almost two years ago, Sima and Breese Reagle opened their sandwich store on Main Street in Biddeford with a simple mission: to bring the flavors of Cambodia to southern Maine. In just a short amount of time, the BiddoBanh shop has built a loyal fan and customer base. Breese and Sima Reagle help a customer … Continue reading Bringing a bit of southeast Asia to Biddeford
City alleges ‘breach of contract’ by former city manager
According to documents filed in York County Superior Court, the city of Biddeford is asking the Court to dismiss a complaint filed earlier this year by former city manager James Bennett. In his lawsuit against the city, Bennett claims that he is entitled to more than $200,000 in wages and other compensation, as outlined in … Continue reading City alleges ‘breach of contract’ by former city manager
City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
Despite receiving a blistering and somewhat embarrassing report last week about the city’s financial controls and procedures, Biddeford officials are remaining tight-lipped about the abrupt departure of former city manager James Bennett. In fact, Bennett has filed a civil complaint against the city in York County Superior Court. During a public review of the city’s … Continue reading City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’
Matt Lewis sees nothing but potential in the Biddeford-Saco area. Lewis, 58, was hired in May as the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lewis moved to Maine from the San Francisco area a little more than two years ago. California, he said, is still struggling from the aftermath of … Continue reading New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’
Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers … Continue reading Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
Biddeford receives ‘troubling report’ about the city’s financial management.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the Biddeford City Council received a blistering report Tuesday from the city’s independent financial auditor, Runyon, Kersteen and Ouellette (RKO). Although Tuesday’s audit presentation focused on the FY 2023 audit -- overdue for more than two years -- it also painted a troubling picture about how the city’s … Continue reading Biddeford receives ‘troubling report’ about the city’s financial management.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 