By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Guy Gagnon – the longtime executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority – has been placed on administrative leave and is no longer working for the non-profit agency, according to multiple sources. Amy Clearwater, chair of the BHA’s board of directors, confirmed that Gagnon was relieved of his duties earlier … Continue reading Housing authority dismisses its executive director
Category: ARCHIVES
Restored funds ease increase to proposed York County budget
The restoration of the $400,000 in state funding was good news at a time when expenses are increasing for everyone [ Contributed Story ] By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media When York County Commissioners approved the proposed $31.64 million county operating budget for the next fiscal year April 8 and turned it over … Continue reading Restored funds ease increase to proposed York County budget
LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
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 … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
John Gold, Kayla J. Lewis and Annika Sovetsky each bring a unique set of talents and perspectives to the Gazette's Community Advisory Council John Gold Kayla J. Lewis Annika Sovetsky ____________ By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The Biddeford Gazette is very pleased to announce that three more community members have joined our Community Advisory Council. … Continue reading Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
City Manager finds some significant savings while councilors consider deep cuts to social service funding requests; a public hearing will be held tonight By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the start of the Biddeford City Council’s budget workshop meeting on Monday, City Manager Truc Dever walked members of the council through several pages of a … Continue reading Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
Democrats say the narrowly approved budget reflects Maine values and will help working-class families; Republicans say the spending package is irresponsible and not sustainable By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Maine lawmakers last week approved a supplemental budget of more than $500 million for the next fiscal year. Gov. Janet Mills signed the spending package -- … Continue reading NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford The Biddeford Gazette’s editor recently opined that Biddeford residents are being asked—again—to accept a familiar argument: rising taxes are unfortunate, but necessary, and worthy social programs like the McArthur Library should be shielded from scrutiny because they serve the public good. (City should fully fund McArthur Library’s budget request; Biddeford … Continue reading OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
It looks like spring is finally springing here in Biddeford. Spring is exciting and refreshing, but it also means we have to come out of hibernation and begin some hard tasks, including spring cleaning, yard work and the arduous task of preparing local, county and state budgets for the next fiscal year. The Gazette is … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
The McArthur Library on Main Street has been serving every citizen of Biddeford --regardless of income -- for nearly 125 years. They deserve our full support. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Many Biddeford residents – rightfully so – are very concerned about the city’s ongoing debate regarding next year’s municipal budget. Without even considering likely … Continue reading EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind Teams Named World Finalists
[Contributed Story] By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department Among the 77 teams representing Divisions I, II, and III at the Maine Odyssey of the Mind (OM) State Finals Tournament on April 4, 2026, two of the four Biddeford teams placed in their divisions. Both the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) Performance Team and the Biddeford … Continue reading Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind Teams Named World Finalists
IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
[Contributed Story] A new 40-unit affordable housing community at 37 Barra Road marks Westbrook Development's first project in Biddeford and the first phase of a broader housing partnership with the city Westbrook Development Corporation (WDC), in partnership with the city of Biddeford, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Thatcher Brook Apartments, a new 40-unit … Continue reading Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
During Tuesday's public hearing about next year's municipal budget, a majority of those speaking supported increased spending and no cuts to social service programs By RANDY SEAVER | Editor More than 60 people – including many supporters of the McArthur Library -- packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to listen and speak at the … Continue reading Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
APRIL 6, 2026 Dear Editor: As I approach my 18th birthday, I would like to reflect on my experience in Scouts BSA with Scouting America. When I started as a Cub Scout, I was a goofy kid just wanting to have fun. But through my 11 years of scouting, I have learned more than how … Continue reading LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
The standout student receives high praise from her teacher and other community members By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department Biddeford High School (BHS) Senior Katarina De La Torre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), is given annually to a senior … Continue reading De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
NEWSLETTER | Brace for Impact
BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET Biddeford’s annual budget process is always important and often controversial, but this year the stage has been set for a very harsh reality and some (likely) very tense and frank community decisions. In case you missed it, you want to make sure to check out the Gazette’s exclusive coverage (including video) of … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Brace for Impact
FEATURE | A Trip Down Biddeford’s Memory Lane
A classic 1958 high school football game; an appreciation for the Dutremble family name, compelling headlines from the now deceased Journal Tribune. Join us for a fun look at the history that guides Biddeford today By RANDY SEAVER | Editor It is not lost on Chuck Cote of Biddeford that he has an almost inherent … Continue reading FEATURE | A Trip Down Biddeford’s Memory Lane
NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill
[ Contributed Story ] Gov. Janet Mills gave State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) one more thing to celebrate this Easter holiday weekend. On Friday, the governor signed a law a bill that Malon introduced earlier this year to help curb online gambling addiction. RELATED | Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction As amended, LD … Continue reading NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill
OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
By JILL (JC) NEWMAN | Biddeford On April 7, the Biddeford City Council will hear a statement from the reestablished 2026 Biddeford Cable Television Committee, which will speak in support of reviving the Biddeford PEG (Public, Educational, Government) Access Television station. Residents supportive of Biddeford PEG Access are encouraged to attend. The meeting will begin … Continue reading OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 