Category: BIDDEFORD NEWS

UNE blasted before Biddeford Planning Board

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

During Wednesday’s Planning Board meeting, not a single member of the public spoke in favor of the proposed location for a research-docking pier that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River.

Although several people told the board that they supported the idea of UNE building a new pier, they also said the proposed location for the pier is a bad plan and would adversely impact public recreation, nearby mooring owners and commercial fishing operations near the mouth of the river.

During the public comment period, which lasted nearly an hour, several people also complained about what they said is “a lack of transparency” about the project and the university’s closed-ranks approach to building the pier in their preferred location.

Alan Thibeault, the university’s vice president of operations, introduced the project to the board, stressing that prior boards “approved the pier concept, design and location” as part of the university’s overall master plan.

Thibeault told the board that UNE has spent many years planning and designing the proposed pier, considering nine different locations along the shoreline near the school’s Marine Sciences Center building.

Former city councilor Kyle Noble addresses the Biddeford Planning Board about the University of New England’s proposed research pier on the Saco River (Seaver Photo)

“We are here tonight to listen,” Thibeault said during his opening remarks, pointing out that project has already been approved by the Saco River Corridor Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

But many residents saw Wednesday’s meeting as their first opportunity for a bite at the apple for public comment and feedback of the project, which includes a 130-foot approach pier with an 80 by 20-foot pier head jutting out into the channel.

Former city councilor Kyle Noble who lives near UNE’s Biddeford campus, described UNE’s application as “incomplete.” Are you going to side with the public or UNE?” Noble asked the board. “If they were good neighbors as they so often claim, they would have designed this differently.”

Thibeault told the board that the university’s current research vessel is only 32-feet long, despite prior talk of a new, much larger vessel of more than 60-feet in length.

Dan Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster, told the board, “You don’t build an 80-foot pier for a 32-foot boat.”

Chadbourne said he thinks the university has needed a more adequate pier for a long time, going back decades to when the school was St. Francis College. “The location is the issue,” he said. “Where they want it is gonna catch ice, and they’re gonna be disappointed when they are unable to turn because of inadequate depth in that area.”

Although Thibeault told the board that mooring impacts would be minimal and that the university had tried to obtain maps of private moorings, several local mooring owners approached the podium one-by-one to say that their moorings would be adversely impacted and that UNE has done nothing to contact them.

Walter Alexander of Biddeford is the son of former harbormaster Marshall Alexander who was the city’s harbormaster for 37 years before retiring a few years ago and then died late last year.

The younger Alexander told the board: “My father was the one who gave UNE what he thought was a much better plan for their pier, closer and parallel to the shore,” he said.

“The university has deep pockets, and they have threatened the city with litigation if they don’t get the location they want,” Alexander said. “There has been a lack of transparency, and this whole thing has turned into little more than a big dock contest.”

Peter Mourmouras, the owner of Saco Bay Tackle, told the board that the proposed pier would essentially close off a very popular fishing area that generates revenue for the local economy from chartered recreational fishing trips.

John Schafer, the former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission, has been an outspoken critic of the project. He reminded the board that Biddeford’s former city manager “silenced both the city harbormaster and assistant harbormaster” from the review process last year. “Since then, there has been no local knowledge evaluating this proposal,” Schafer said. “The university has twice threatened to sue the city, as outlined in letters from February 2024 and again in March 2024.”

RELATED: City Manager quashes harbormaster

RELATED: Mayor defends city review of UNE proposal

Other representatives from the university attended Wednesday’s meeting, seated together in the back row, including the school’s senior attorney and a public relations representative. None of them addressed the board.

“There has been a lack of transparency,
and this whole thing has turned
into little more than a big dock contest.”

— Walter Alexander

At the end of the public comment period, several board members said they felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the project, including the school’s submission that is reportedly more than 1,000 pages of information.

Board members voted unanimously to conduct a site walk of the area, and a possible boat tour of the river area at low tide, stressing that the public would be notified and invited to participate.

Board chair Alexa Plotkin asked the university to provide some more details, saying the board would appreciate more than just “four or five days” to review additional information.

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Creative ideas floated for Biddeford traffic woes

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

A small contingent of downtown Biddeford business owners and residents filed into Mayor Marty Grohman’s office Wednesday morning to “brainstorm” and share ideas about how to soften the impact of an ongoing road construction project that sometimes snarls traffic.

Grohman set up the meeting last week after his voicing his own concerns about the situation in a Facebook post that showed him driving through the city.

RELATED: Mayor hopes to tackle traffic frustration

Grohman started the meeting by pointing out the window of his second-floor office at City Hall, which overlooks the intersection of Adams and Main streets.

A small group of residents and downtown merchants meet with the mayor to discuss ways to help downtown business and soften the impact of a “massive” road construction project (Seaver photo)

“There is literally no traffic right now,” Grohman said, pointing to an absence of traffic at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Just a few moments later, northbound traffic was backed up with a stream of vehicles, some of which were blocking the intersection, not allowing traffic to turn right or left onto Main Street from Adams Street.

Grohman described the sewer upgrade as a “massive job” mandated by the state in order to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Saco River.

Those attending the meeting said the city needs to change its “messaging” about the project.

“it really doesn’t matter why it has to be done,” said Jon Phillips, co-owner of Time & Tide Coffee on Main Street. “People either already know why the project has to be done or they don’t care.”

Peter DiPietrantonio, the owner of 3D’s Variety on Main Street, agreed with Phillips. “There are a lot of angry drivers out there,” he said. “And they are just making it worse for everyone.”

Although the group shared their frustrations, most of the conversation centered upon ways to possibly reduce the traffic impacts and help struggling business owners.

“We have to find new and creative ways to bring people back into downtown,” said Carolyn Schmidtke of Better Biddeford, a downtown advocacy group. “Our downtown businesses are really hurting.”

Phillips said his revenues are down roughly 30 percent, while DiPietrantonio said his business is down 10-15 percent. Ian Kern, co-owner of Nibblesford on Washington Avenue, reported his business is down roughly 40 percent.

“People are avoiding downtown because they don’t want to get stuck in traffic,” said resident Barbara Pelletier. “But the reality is that even when traffic is bad, it takes only a couple of extra minutes to get from one place to the next.”

“We have to find new and creative ways
to bring people back into downtown.”

— Carolyn Schmidtke

The group discussed ideas such as a “downtown passport” program where downtown visitors could get a stamp in a booklet at different locations and then be entered for a raffle prize.

Other ideas suggested included holding additional downtown events and programs.

The group also discussed potential ideas aimed at easing traffic concerns, including allowing traffic to turn right on red at the intersection of Hill Street, possibly hiring traffic guards to direct traffic in high-volume areas, including near Mechanics Park and increasing signage about the project along the city’s outer perimeter near the entrance of the Turnpike.

Ted Sirois of Saco said he understands why motorists are frustrated. Sirois told the group that he has been avoiding downtown because of the project, saying he used to visit Dupuis Hardware on Elm Street but now uses the turnpike to go to Ace Hardware in Scarborough.

Public Work Director Jeff Demers said he does not understand that logic. “I’m not saying that things are easy, but I go to local merchants because I like the owners, I like the service and the products,” he said. “If it’s going to take me a few extra minutes, so what?”

Demers shared that the project was well coordinated in its planning stages and continues to be a collaborative project with city officials in Saco, the Maine Turnpike, the Maine Department of Transportation, fire and police services in both communities and the city’s engineering staff.

“Summer is coming,” said resident Amy Francouer. “But at what cost? We have worked so hard over the last few years to bring people into downtown. How do we get them to keep coming here?”

Phillips said he is hoping the community will rally as it did during the early weeks of the Covid pandemic. “We’re one community,” he said. “We can do this if we work together.”

Grohman said he is planning another public meeting next week.

“I think we heard some good stuff today, hopefully we can come up with some positive solutions,” the mayor said. “I’m pleased that we have people willing to help and I think we can be creative.

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Remembering ‘Vinny’

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council set aside some time at the beginning of Tuesday’s council meeting to remember and honor one of the city’s most iconic Irish residents.

Patrick “Vincent” Keely, a former city councilor and the owner of the Wonderbar, died on April 8 this year. He was 90.

According to his obituary, Keely was born on August 20, 1934, in Galway, Ireland, to John and Delia (Walsh) Keely. He moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1960 and later to Biddeford in the early 1970s, according to his son, Brian.

Grohman described Keely as a bridge builder and community leader who had a special talent for bringing people together to resolve their differences. “He also could pour a perfect pint of Guiness,” Grohman fondly recalled, describing the downtown Wonderbar as a popular gathering spot for people of all backgrounds.

Members of Vincent Keely’s family pose with Mayor Marty Grohman (far right) and members of the Biddeford City Council to honor a man who has left a lasting legacy of respect and cordiality (Seaver )

Brian Keely told the council that his father “fell in love with Biddeford,” recalling how his father moved his family to Biddeford more than 50 years ago.

“It was a big change from Boston,” the younger Keely recalled. “There was no mass transit and we all kind of wondered why we were here, but we quickly fell in love with this community, too. My father made us see what Biddeford could become.”

“My father made us see what Biddeford
could become.”

— Brian Keely

Brian Keely told the council that his father knew everyone who came into the Wonderbar by name, and everyone — regardless of their political differences — was treated the same by the smiling man behind the bar.

“We could all learn a lot from my father,” Brian told the council. “About being kind to one another, about treating everyone with respect.”

Brian told the council that his father always envisioned Biddeford as a “gem in the rough.” He would be proud of what the city has become today, the younger Keely said.

Keely was also known for doggedly ensuring the annual raising of the Irish flag at City Hall to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each year

Patrick Vincent Keely

Grohman asked the council and members of the public to stand for a moment of silence to honor Keely’s legacy of community service in Biddeford.

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New program aims to employ unhoused people

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

A new program is being launched in Biddeford to help find work opportunities for unhoused individuals in the community.

Organizers are calling it the “Biddeford Opportunity Crew,” and it is a collaborative effort between several organizations to help “champion a workforce with purpose.”

The Biddeford Opportunity Crew is a new initiative based on a nationwide model that provides paid, meaningful work for local residents who face barriers to traditional employment. Primary project partners include the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, Seeds of Hope, the Heart of Biddeford and the city’s General Assistance office.

Organizers say the new program will “give participants purpose, income, job readiness, and a direct way to contribute to the community.”

In a notice released by the Chamber, organizers said that “many people in our city want to work — but are held back by housing instability, a prior record, lack of transportation or work clothes. The Opportunity Crew will give them a path forward.”

From June 1 through Labor Day, a supervised team of five individuals will be hired to complete beautification and maintenance projects throughout the city – from public parks to sidewalks to eligible clean-up tasks for small businesses. Workers will earn minimum wage, receive breakfast and lunch, and be supervised by a city staff member. The program will operate two days a week for the pilot year and be managed through the city of Biddeford’s General Assistance office.

This will be a city-run program, but it’s powered by community partnership, say organizers, hoping area businesses will help support the new program with donations, sponsorships and job opportunities. Participating businesses will be mentioned in press releases and updated social media posts about the initiative if desired.

“I’m really excited about this program,” said Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center on South Street. “We’ve been talking about this for a few months, and I think it’s going to be a really great opportunity for people trying to put their lives back together.

“We want to help people restore their dignity and self-worth,” she added.

Fowler said the new program will not be mandatory or a requirement to receive benefits. Instead, the new program is intended to give unhoused people an opportunity to begin putting their lives back on track.

To learn more or become a sponsor of the new program, please contact Jake Hammer, Biddeford’s General Assistance Supervisor at | 207.298.3913 or jacob.hammer@biddeformaine.org

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Biddeford ‘close’ to announcing new city manager

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Word on the street is that the city of Biddeford is “pretty close” to hiring a new city manager.

City officials say they will likely be ready to make a formal announcement within the next few days.

The council is scheduled to conduct a closed-door executive session at its Tuesday night meeting to discuss “labor negotiations.”

Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, has been serving as acting city manager since late February, when embattled city manager James Bennett was removed from office well ahead of his planned resignation date.

It still remains unclear why the council removed Bennett in February, roughly two months ahead of his planned resignation.

A search committee, including citizen members, has reportedly interviewed “several” qualified candidates.

The new city manager will be the city’s fifth professional manager since 1996. Prior city managers include Bruce Benway, Ed Clifford, John Bubier and Bennett.

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Mayor hopes to tackle traffic frustration

~ Randy Seaver ~ 5 Comments

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman took to social media Saturday to express his own frustrations about an ongoing sewer update project and its impact on local traffic and downtown businesses.

In the short video clip that was posted to Facebook on Saturday, Grohman reminded residents that he too is sometimes frustrated by the work and hopes people will still support downtown business owners.

Beyond sharing his frustration about local traffic, Grohman will be hosting a public meeting on Wednesday morning in the mayor’s office at City Hall on Main Street. He says he is looking for a wide range of public “brainstorming.”

Click here to watch the mayor’s video:

Grohman says he is hoping that members of the public will bring forward some creative ideas and constructive criticism to help the city as the ongoing project continues through the summer and into November.

“People need to remember that this is a project that could no longer be ignored,” Grohman said of the ongoing construction. “None of us want raw sewage seeping into the Saco River. We can no longer afford to keep kicking this can down the road.”

This photo, taken last month, shows the traffic impact of the ongoing sewer upgrade project (Seaver photo)

The mayor says he will make the meeting live on Zoom for people who want to participate online. He also says he will be joined by other city officials and downtown business advocates, including the Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street.

“I’m really hoping we can get sone good, positive feedback,” Grohman said during an interview on Sunday. “Downtown is open for business, and I’m confident that we can do some good brainstorming to make things just a bit easier.”

Wednesday’s public meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

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Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will be held in Biddeford this year

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

The cities of Biddeford and Saco will once again be honoring fallen veterans during an annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.

The Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Monday, May 26, beginning at 10 a.m.

Contributed photo by Andrew Dickinson

Organizers say this year’s ceremony will be “a heartfelt tribute to those who gave their lives in military service.”

Hosting the ceremony at Waterhouse Field will allow ample parking for community members, according to organizers.

“Holding the ceremony at the stadium gives us a special opportunity to come together in one place where everyone can clearly hear the speaker and enjoy the full band performances,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford, one of the event organizers. “With accessible parking and space for all generations to gather, we’re hoping for good weather and an even better turnout this year.”

Due to an ongoing major road construction project, event organizers say having a parade was not feasible this year because Main Street in both Biddeford and Saco cannot be closed to motorists.

The twin-city ceremony will be emceed by Kayla Lewis, a U.S. Navy veteran and local leader known for her work in community development and veteran advocacy.

Attendees will again be treated to musical performances by the Thornton Academy Marching Band, the Saco Middle School Band, and the combined Biddeford High School and Middle School bands, who will help set a reverent and patriotic tone.

This year’s guest speaker will be Don Chretien, a retired U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot and author from Biddeford.

The event will also recognize Grand Marshal
Raynald “Ray” Hallczuk, a Vietnam War
veteran and respected leader
in Biddeford’s veterans community.

Organizers say that Chretien’s remarks will be especially timely as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, making this year’s ceremony a particularly meaningful opportunity for remembrance and reflection.

The event will also recognize Grand Marshal Raynald “Ray” Hallczuk, a Vietnam War veteran and respected leader in Biddeford’s veteran community.

Earlier in the morning, a small contingent of veterans and city officials will carry out the traditional placement of memorial wreaths—first in the Saco River and later at Veterans Memorial Park—accompanied by brief pauses for Taps. A wreath is placed in the Saco River to honor those lost at sea and to recognize the service of Navy and Coast Guard members.

Residents are encouraged to arrive at the stadium prior to 10 a.m. to gather with neighbors and veterans in shared remembrance.

Prior to and after the ceremony, “touch a truck” vehicles and possibly classic cars will be on display near the stadium. Accessible and veterans’ parking will be available for free near the home team stadium seating at Waterhouse Field. Additional parking can be found on surrounding streets, with overflow free parking available at the JFK School parking lot nearby.

This ceremony is made possible with the coordination of Heart of Biddeford, with support from the American Legion, AmVets, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Mayor’s Veterans Committee, and city departments in both Biddeford and Saco.

Those who wish to volunteer are encouraged to sign up here are asked to visit this website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JRnmE5_tyieoCirrjTQ_DvmKj7W4D9mjkJDnzdibHPg/edit

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Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Mike Ramunno, a tuna fisherman from Biddeford, has owned his mooring in the Saco River for more than six years. He says no one from the city of Biddeford or the University of New England has contacted him about the university’s plan to build a large pier for their 60-foot research vessel.

The university’s plan is scheduled to go before the Biddeford Planning Board for review on Wednesday, May 21.

Ramunno is just one of many fishermen and recreational boaters who say they will be adversely impacted if the university is allowed to construct the pier in their preferred location near the mouth of the river.

Several mooring owners have made it clear that the University of New England will face legal battles if they keep demanding preferential treatment that will impact almost everyone who uses the Saco River for recreational and commercial use.

“If this plan goes through, they [UNE] will essentially be closing off the river to everyone else who uses the river,” Ramunno said. “When you plan to build a house and go to the planning board, you have to notify your abutters. Why doesn’t the university have to notify us about their plan?”

The mouth of the Saco River is a popular place for both commercial and recreational fisherman. Now a coalition of mooring owners are raising concerns about the impacts of a large pier the University of New England wants to build near its Biddeford campus (Seaver photo)

A UNE spokesperson declined an offer to comment on this story.

Ramunno is not alone in his concerns. He and six other mooring owners sent a notice of their concerns to the planning board earlier this week.

The university is hoping to construct a pier consisting of a 28-foot long by 24-foot-wide landing; a 90-foot long by 14-foot-wide approach pier; and an 80-foot long by 24-foot-long pier and a floating dock system.

UNE’s plan has already been approved by both the Saco River Corridor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The mooring owners and others – including John Schafer, former chair of the Biddeford Harbor Commission and Daniel Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster – have formed an informal alliance. They adamantly maintain that “the university has no power to compel them to move.”

“This might be checkmate,” said Schafer who has been pushing for more transparency in the regulatory process. “We shall see, but I can’t imagine any scenario in which UNE is able to steamroll these mooring owners out of the way. Except possibly in a courtroom, but that would take years. Private property is private property.”

Greg McPherson keeps his 21-foot vessel at a mooring that will be impacted by the university’s plans.

“If this plan goes through, they will
essentially be closing off
the river to everyone else
who uses the river,”

— Mike Ramunno

“It’s already a very narrow part of the river,” McPherson said. “For the life of me, I cannot figure out why no one from the city or the university has contacted me.”

In addition to impacts on mooring owners, both Ramunno and McPherson say that if UNE is allowed to build the pier as it is currently configured recreational fishermen who troll the river will also be impacted.

“That’s a very popular area for striper fishing,” Ramunno added.

“It’s very shallow where they want to put their pier,” Ramunno said. “Why are they refusing to consider the alternative location that will give the depth they actually need? I have a 34-foot boat, and I sometimes find it challenging to turn about at low tide.”

Mooring owners often have to wait years to get a private mooring on the river. They also have to pay $150 per year to the city for their mooring.

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New twist in Sunday shooting incident

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Victim says community needs to do more in addressing crime, mental health needs and homelessness in the downtown area

Although his story has been shared in several other media outlets over the past 48 hours, Joshua Wolfe contacted the Biddeford Gazette in hopes of ending rumors and speculation about a shooting that happened in Biddeford on Mother’s Day.

Wolfe, 32, was shot in the leg by someone he did not know outside of his Elm Street office. He was treated and released from the hospital that same afternoon.

Police arrested Derick Dorais, 34, of Elm Street, Biddeford, shortly after the shooting, said Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk

Shooting victim Joshua Wolfe says the community needs to do more to address downtown crime, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health concerns. (Contributed photo)

Fisk said that Dorais has been charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Dorais was unable to make bail, said Fisk. He was taken to the York County Jail in Alfred, where he remains as of press time.

Because of the intense media coverage, Wolfe says that too many people are reacting without understanding what actually happened. He says that he been “bothered” by some of the commentary he has seen on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.

Wolfe said people need to understand the “randomness” of the attack, and he wants the city to address the issues of rising crime, lack of mental health and substance abuse services and homelessness.

“If this happened to me in broad daylight it could happen to anyone,” Wolfe stressed during a Tuesday afternoon interview. “Imagine somebody leaving a downtown restaurant or attending the River Jam Festival and boom, you get shot. It’s not okay. People should not have to live in fear.”

A 2010 graduate of Thornton Academy, Wolf is a successful entrepreneur who works as a business consultant and stockbroker.

Now – just 51 hours after the incident — Wolfe is trying to figure out the best ways to build community awareness and advocacy for people suffering from addiction or mental health issues.

As he has done with other media outlets, Wolfe shared video footage of the incident that was recorded on security cameras near his Elm Street office, directly across from Rent-A-Center.

If this happened to me in broad daylight
it could happen to anyone

— Joshua Wolfe

In the video footage, Wolfe can be seen turning into the driveway near his office while Dorais and another man were walking along the sidewalk. According to Wolfe, Dorais became upset because he thought that Wolfe had somehow disrespected his friend.

The video shows that Dorais walked by and then returned to the driveway just a few minutes later.

Wolfe walked out of his of his office and asked Dorais to leave his property, pointing to security cameras. The video shows Dorais holding both a cellphone and small handgun. Allegedly, Dorais said he was going to shoot Wolfe and post it on social media.

“I didn’t know what he was going to do,” Wolfe said. “For all I know he was going to execute me inside my office.”

Wolfe was able to overcome Dorais in a scuffle, but Dorais allegedly refused to surrender his gun. During the scuffle, the gun was fired.

Wolfe says he is still “processing” the incident, but now wants to turn a bad event into “something good for the community.”

Wolfe says he is considering working with other downtown business owners and approaching the Biddeford City Council about growing “concerns in the downtown area.”

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he looks forward to meeting with Wolfe and helping him in his quest for increased public awareness about the city’s need to provide services.

“I really commend him,” Grohman said Tuesday afternoon. “He’s taking what could have been a much worse incident and turning it around to increase public awareness. That’s a really good thing, and I look forward to meeting with him if he wants.”

Editor’s Note: In a previous version of this story, Wolfe was identified as Jason Wolfe. His name is actually Joshua Wolfe. It was my error, and I apologize for the mistake.

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Biddeford faces federal lawsuit regarding police

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

A federal lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, Mayor Marty Grohman and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk has been filed in U.S. District Court, alleging that the city mishandled the criminal investigation of a traffic accident that occurred on April 4 this year.

The plaintiff, Katie Elie, 35, of Saco. has retained Biddeford attorney Jason Litalien to represent her in the proceedings.

According to court documents, Elie is alleging that her constitutional rights were violated by the Biddeford Police Department in their subsequent investigation of a vehicle that was found unoccupied off the side of the road near the intersection of River and South streets, a rural area known by longtime residents as ‘Molly’s Crotch.’

Litalien says his client drove off the road and then got a ride home from someone known to her.

On the next day, the Biddeford Police Department towed the abandoned vehicle – a 2022 Ford Expedition — to the police impound lot. When Elie returned to the scene of the incident at about 10 a.m., she noticed that her vehicle had been removed, claiming nobody notified her that her vehicle had been towed and was now impounded by the police.

The intersection, known as ‘Molly’s Crotch’ at the intersection of South Street and River Road in Biddeford, was the location of a traffic accident that triggered a federal lawsuit, (Seaver photo)

In the complaint, Litalien says his client’s passport, some medications and other personal items were left in the vehicle and were not immediately available to his client as police began their investigation.

Litalien said that his client contacted police on Sunday April 6 and was told her vehicle was “seized.” Elie then contacted her attorney for help getting her vehicle back.

In the complaint, Litalien alleges that police did not notify his client that her vehicle was being impounded, furthermore Litalien says the police did not have probable cause for the seizure. He also says police had not filed criminal charges against his client and had not obtained a warrant before conducting their search.

Litalien says his client is seeking $500,000 in punitive damages.

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette for comment, Police Chief JoAnne Fisk said she could not comment on an ongoing investigation and because the matter is now a matter of pending litigation against the city.

According to police records, Elie was charged with two counts on May 5: Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and driving to endanger.

Like Fiske, Mayor Marty Grohman also declined to comment on the story, saying City Attorney Harry Center should be the contact person.

Center told the Gazette that the matter is being handled by another attorney, John Wall, a partner at Monaghan Leahy, a Portland law firm that represents the city’s insurance company, Paquin & Carroll.

When contacted Tuesday, Wall said he would not comment on the complaint because his client had yet to decide how to respond to the suit. Wall says the law provides his client with 60 days to address the pending suit.

Litalien said police violated several other rights held by his client and all U.S. citizens.

For example, even though Litalien had notified police that he was representing Elie in the matter, they contacted his client directly to inform her that she could pick up her passport and her medications.

“They told me on April 6 that the vehicle was impounded and sealed for investigation,” Litalien said. “They told me that I could not get her passport and medications. That’s just not acceptable.”

Litalien said the police then called her directly to say she could retrieve her passport and medications, a violation of state statute and an act of “bad faith” by police, he said.

Some 16 days after the incident, Litalien contacted the York County District Attorney’s office. He says the office confirmed that “no charges had been filed,” nor had a warrant been issued.

Litalien said his client filed the suit for three reasons. First, that city had violated her civil rights; secondly that she wanted to retrieve her property and finally to seek punitive damages.

Litalien says the Biddeford Police Department violated his client’s Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.

In the suit, Litalien described the police conduct as “reckless, extreme and outrageous.”  He says the way police acted caused his client “severe emotional distress, anxiety and psychological harm that no reasonable person could be expected to endure.”

“They held her passport and her medications,” Litalien said. “Not only was she prohibited from traveling internationally but she has been put through the wringer, something that should never happen to anyone.”

Litalien says his client has suffered a loss of sleep, a loss of appetite and a constant fear that she will face further retribution from police.

In the lawsuit, Litalien points out that his client was forced to rent another vehicle, pay for replacement medications and endure severe emotional distress.

Litalien described police conduct in this matter as “willful, wanton, reckless and malicious.”

Litalien narrowly lost a 2019 bid to oust then Mayor Alan Casavant. Then, in 2023, Litalien lost a bid against former Police Chief Roger Beaupre for the Ward Three City Council set.

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Police arrest suspect with gun near Biddeford High School

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

A 21-year-old Biddeford resident is now in police custody after being spotted with some type of firearm near the entrance of Biddeford High School on Maplewood Avenue early Friday morning.

After receiving a report from an unnamed student, the school’s police resource officer was able to arrest Mohammed Hussein Kamalulldeen without incident.

The high school went on an immediate “lock down” and other schools in the city were placed on “hold” out of an abundance of caution, according to Superintendent Jeremy Ray.

Police declined to say what type of weapon was spotted.

“This is still an active and ongoing investigation, Police Chief JoAnne Fisk said during a brief press conference at the high school just three hours after the incident.

School Superintendent Jeremy Ray speaks to the media just hours after a man was arrested with a firearm near Biddeford High School (Seaver photo)

Fisk said Kamaluldeen has been charged with possession of a firearm near a school building. She said the suspect is in custody and may face additional charges.

Police declined to speculate about the suspect’s motives for having a firearm so close to a public school.

High School Principal Martha Jacques declined to confirm that Kamalulldeen was a former student at Biddeford High School, saying the situation is still under investigation.

“This was another clear example of our community
stepping up to a challenge by working together.

— Mayor Marty Grohman

The police chief, the superintendent and Mayor Marty Grohman all expressed gratitude that the situation did not escalate and that the student made the right decision and followed the school’s guidelines of “If you see something, say something.”

“I am very proud of our community and the way everyone responded to this situation,” Grohman said. “This was another clear example of our community stepping up to a challenge by working together.

Ray also praised parents and the community for giving police and the school an opportunity to dismiss students in an orderly fashion.

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Mayor defends city review of UNE pier proposal

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

During a sometimes terse and heated meeting, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman defended the way the city has acted during the review of a controversial pier that the University of New England wants to construct on the Saco River.

The nearly hour-long meeting was held at the request of John Schafer, the former chair of the Biddeford Harbor Commission and a Hills Beach resident who has been outspoken about the need for transparency during the review process.

City Attorney Harry Center also took part in the late Monday morning meeting in Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall.

Center stressed that the meeting was strictly informal and not part of the review process. “The mayor has simply set aside some time to listen to the concerns of a constituent,” he said.

Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission John Schafer points to a diagram that shows inadequate depth where UNE is hoping to build a 177-foot pier to dock its research vessel near the mouth of the Saco River (Seaver photo)

No one from the university was at the meeting, and other media outlets declined invitations to attend, according to Schafer.

Schafer’s concerns center on three essential points: the impact and necessary removal of at least seven private moorings on the river if the project is approved; concerns about the water depth where the university wants to construct its pier; and the process that has been used to review the university’s proposal.

The permitting process for the proposed pier is complex and multi-layered, requiring the review and approval by several state, federal and local agencies.

Earlier this year, UNE cleared two major hurdles in the review process, winning approval from both the Saco River Corridor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But a very critical part of the review process is expected to begin in just a few weeks when the Biddeford Planning Board begins its formal review of the proposal.

“I don’t have any say over what the Planning Board does or doesn’t do,” Grohman said during Monday’s meeting. “I simply appoint members, and those appointments are then confirmed by the council. I think we have a really good planning board, and I have full confidence in them.”

But Schafer said he is concerned about the lack of public input during the review process and how the city has approached the project thus far. He also criticized the university for its “lack of transparency” and for “bullying those who raise questions and concerns” about the proposed pier.

“I think [UNE’s] application is both incomplete and full of misinformation,” Schafer told the mayor. “Don’t you think it’s a bit presumptuous for a private entity to dictate how the city will review its application; to show no regard for those who have private moorings in that area just so they can construct a vanity pier?”

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette, a university spokesperson declined an opportunity to address Schafer’s remarks.

“Since this was not an open meeting and a representative from UNE was not present, it would not be appropriate to comment on the conversation that took place,” wrote Sarah Delage in an email response. “UNE will continue to follow the public regulatory process, and we look forward to presenting our application to the Planning Board.”

Schafer said he and “a growing coalition of residents” have no problem with the university building a pier to dock its 60-foot research vessel. Instead, he says, all the concerns boil down to the exact location of the pier and the dismissal of public concerns about the project.

Survey says?

Schafer roundly criticized Grohman for allowing former City Manager James Bennett to “silence” the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster last year, preventing them from participating in the city’s review of the proposal simply because they voiced concerns about the pier’s location.

But Grohman shot back and said Bennett was simply trying to avoid the appearance of bias. He also reminded Schafer that the harbormaster’s role – as outlined in city ordinances – is strictly an “advisory position,” a change that was first proposed by Schafer himself last year when he was chair of the harbor commission.

Schafer said a growing number of residents have serious concerns about a review process that seems to have a pre-ordained outcome, pointing to the results and comments found in a recent public survey about the project.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had a
“very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process,
while roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they
had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

The online survey was conducted over several days in late April on a Facebook page called “UNE Pier Review,” a group that Schafer has helped organize.

The survey asked respondents a wide range of questions about the proposed pier and the review process thus far. The survey allowed respondents to maintain their anonymity.

The multi-question survey included feedback from 156 respondents, showing an overwhelming lack of public confidence on the issues of transparency and the mayor’s handling of the issue.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process. And roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

City Attorney Harry Center (left) and Mayor Marty Grohman listen as John Schafer details his concerns about UNE’s proposal

Fewer than 10 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very high” confidence in the process, while slightly less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they are not sure.

Many respondents added comments saying the city has been “too secretive” while other questioned the motives of city officials, speculating that some members of the city seem to have a “cozy relationship” with the university.

Grohman described the survey as “interesting,” but also said it was not a professional survey conducted by a polling firm.

“An anonymous survey is not something that a public permitting process could use, as it does not include an opportunity for all parties involved to publicly comment,” Grohman wrote in a text message to the Gazette after the meeting.

Schafer told the mayor that several mooring owners have already written to regulatory authorities stating quite plainly that they have “no intentions of moving their moorings where UNE wants to build their pier.”

Schafer also said that UNE has threatened the city with litigation if its desired location for the pier is not approved, referencing a letter sent to the city by Ron Schneider, the university’s lead attorney, several months before the university had submitted its application for review.

Grohman described Schafer as a good friend, and said he was happy to hear the concerns that were raised.

In a moment of levity during the meeting, Grohman pointed out that the mayor does not vote on or control the regulatory review process. “I don’t have the authority to change what sodas are sold in the vending machines downstairs,” Grohman laughed.

After the meeting Schafer said he very much appreciated the opportunity to share his concerns with the mayor. “Nothing in the meeting surprised me,” he said. “It’s about what I expected.”

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Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Tucked away in one of Biddeford’s former mill buildings on Pearl Street, there is a growing and thriving display of underwater life – from tropical coral reefs to freshwater rivers and lakes.

The Northeast Aquarium Science Center attracted hundreds of visitors Saturday during its grand-opening event that showcased several species of sea life and an opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems.

Emma Balboni is the president of the science center, and she says the aquarium’s mission is to help educate people about the environmental importance of marine life and also raise awareness about the challenges being faced by working waterfronts all over the globe.

“We’re really excited to offer the public access to a world that is often overlooked,” Balboni said. “We want the next generation to know and appreciate where seafood comes from.”

Hannah Bonaventura and her daughter, Maeve, take in the views of a freshwater ecosystem. (Seaver photo)

Balboni grew up in Cape Cod and spent summers in Maine. Her great grandfather is from the coastal, fishing town of Cutler, Maine. “These are issues that are near and dear to my heart,” she explains. “It’s basically in my blood.”

Balboni says it is critically important to protect both the fishing industry and the ecosystems that have fueled Maine’s economy for centuries.

According to the organization’s website, the aquarium is “currently home to a variety of different species of aquatic fauna, invertebrates, and fish, including an alien-like sea apple, a genetically distinct clownfish and even a mimic octopus.”

The overall goal, Balboni said is “to take these extraordinary exhibits with us through our growth and allow for many other exhibits to join them along the way.”

Once finished, the aquarium will feature exhibits from the Gulf of Maine, Maine’s lakes and rivers, the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, major rivers, and major lakes across the world.

But beyond the dazzling aquatic displays, there is also emerging educational opportunities, including microscopes that visitors can use to study microscopic seal life.

“We’re really excited to offer the public
access to a world that is often overlooked”

— Emma Balboni

Balboni says the center hopes to bring exhibits and information about Maine’s lobstering, aquaculture and ecotourism industries to Biddeford.

Rick Oellers of Saco heads up the education programs at the science center. A master aquarist, Oellers was a former adjunct professor at the University of New England.

“I have been keeping tropical fish for 62 years,” Oellers said. “I have been blessed because now I am living my dream. My hobby is now my business.”

Oellers says that science-based hobbies, such as astronomy and other subjects are quickly disappearing as a new generation connects primarily to their smart phones for both recreation and information.

“We want to get kids interested in marine life, starting at an early age including elementary schools and even daycares,” he said. “We want to give kids and others a chance to explore what is happening just below the surface.”

The non-profit aquarium is located at 22 Pearl Street and does not have a set admission price, asking visitors to donate whatever they can afford.

For more information about the North East Aquarium Science Center, you can visit their website: https://www.northeastaquariumsciencecenter.org/

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FEATURE: Glory Days; they will pass you by

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields.

I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of old newspapers, a reporter’s notebook and two pens (always two).

The other presenters were so much cooler and interesting. The police K-9 officer and her dog showed up, a firefighter arrived wearing his helmet with a large oxygen tank on his back. There was a nurse with a stethoscope draped around her neck.

For Pete’s sake, Graig Morin of Brown Dog Trucking even brought one of his 18-wheeler trucks for the kids to explore.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I waited for my first of three-groups of students to arrive in my designated classroom. It’s been a while since I have been grilled by a group of nine and ten-year-olds.

Tempus Fugit: Lessons learned from a stack of old newspapers

If you’re not careful, they can really get into your psyche and throw off your whole game. For example, during one of the Q & A sessions, one young lady asked me if I was afraid of heights. I quickly admitted that I am terrified of heights.

“What about snakes?” was her follow-up question. “Yes,” I responded, I am also very afraid of snakes.”

A quarter century? Really?

On the night before the event, I ventured into my basement and hauled out an old-cargo chest that holds scores of old copies of the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. I was in a rush, so I just reached in and grabbed five copies, paying no particular attention to the dates or the stories.

I have worked for several newspapers, but most people ‘round here equate me to my fun-filled days as the Courier’s editor (1997-2006) and my infamous weekly column, All Along the Watchtower.

As I was waiting for the kids to arrive, I started flipping through the old papers. Yes, I know that all past issues of the Courier are available on microfiche at the McArthur Library, but this seemed like a more practical way to make my presentation.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years ago. It seems like yesterday, but it was a quarter-century ago. A quarter century.

Just a few weeks ago, the Courier’s new owners (the Portland Press Herald’s parent company) abruptly announced that they will no longer offer print versions of the paper that had been delivered to every household in the Biddeford-Saco area since 1989.

When I heard that news, I didn’t realize how deeply that weekly paper was connected to the community. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through the pages of yesteryear.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed
were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years
ago. It seems like yesterday,
but it was a quarter-century ago.

Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.

The kids were eager to pore through old copies of the Courier. Sure, I still write news and opinion, but I can’t imagine 25 years from now that a bunch of kids would be so excited about reviewing a web site.

It was interesting to see what caught their eyes and their imagination. Each of the newspapers had a full back-page ad from Marc Motors. Apparently, in April of 2000, you could buy a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire for $10,995 or a weekly payment of $38. Or you could get a 1997 Ford F-150 for $17,995 (or $65 per week).

In April [2000], we ran a contest: Find the Mistakes in the Courier. The person who found the most verifiable mistakes each week got a free lunch at the Wonderbar. We were all glad when that contest ended.

A lot of the names have changed, but the news back then was not much different than it is today.  Ironically, one of the headlines told readers that Biddeford voters may soon be asked to approve construction of a new school to address overcrowding. That school? Yup, the Biddeford Intermediate School, where I was sitting yesterday morning.

The Old Orchard Beach School budget was up $500,000. There was an explosion of a propane tank at the former Maine Energy trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford. Another story explained how Biddeford’s tax rate would increase $1.50 if MERC left town. The top five taxpayers then were MERC, IBC (Nissen Bakeries), Central Maine Power, Walmart and D.K. Associates Limited.

Saco residents were faced with a possible pay-per-bag trash disposal fee, a downtown landlord in Biddeford found himself in hot water with the city’s code enforcement office.

On and on. Into infinity and beyond.

I asked the kids if any of them remember the Yellow Pages. They were stumped; their brows furrowed with intrigue. It’s quite likely that someday the same fate that killed the Yellow Pages will finally overcome print newspapers.

I don’t look forward to that day.

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City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette)

Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering “real results” in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a “coordinated, compassionate approach.”

At the core of this success is what Mayor Marty Grohman describes as a “Weekly Homeless Huddle,” where city and Seeds of Hope staff come together with outreach workers and service providers to identify and assist those most in need. This focused, whole person-centered effort has led directly to dozens of people moving into stable, permanent housing, according to a press release distributed Monday

“This is what progress looks like,” said Grohman. “Thanks to the dedicated team at Seeds of Hope and strong coordination across agencies, we are actively finding solutions to homelessness, one person at a time. All Biddeford residents deserve the opportunity for a safe and healthy existence indoors, and our partnerships are allowing us to make that a reality.”

The partnership model was launched in July 2024 after the closure of a major encampment near Mechanics Park on Water Street. That encampent was highly visible and located across the river from a new, upscale housing development in Saco.

This is a photo of a homeless encampment that was destroyed by the city last year (Seaver photo)

The Biddeford City Council authorized the creation of a temporary overnight center at Seeds of Hope to offer safety and stability. Through a generous grant award, MaineHousing provided additional support to the overnight center throughout the winter months, enabling daytime services on weekends. Connections with key service providers such as The Opportunity Alliance’s PATH program help neighbors access critical resources such as mental health and substance use treatment services.

Although the city was planning to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to renovate the Seeds of Hope, that funding mechanism hit a snafu earlier this year.

This significant increase in services available at Seeds of Hope since July has enabled staff to develop relationships with neighbors, a key factor for building trust and paving the way for long-term housing placements, according to the mayor’s office.

As more individuals are housed, the organization anticipates a decrease in the number of people needing services, marking a hopeful turning point for the community.

“We are finally seeing the kind of change that comes from sustained, collaborative commitment,” said Vassie Fowler, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. “When we meet people with dignity and consistent support, housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

As spring arrives, we expect to serve fewer people—not because needs are going unmet, but because more and more people are into permanent housing.”

When we meet people with dignity and consistent support,
housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

__ Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope

Spokespersons for the city and Seeds of Hope say that they remain committed to this partnership and to expanding opportunities for every resident to live with dignity and stability.

In late April, financial support from MaineHousing for extended weekend hours will conclude, though the City-supported overnight program will continue to operate. Seeds of Hope will build on the strong foundation of success already achieved by providing more focused and intensive coordination of services, and guiding individuals through housing, substance use disorder treatment and mental health resources. There is also on-the-street outreach planned to connect with unhoused neighbors who are not already seeking services.

But there are still funding challenges to provide these services for unhoused residents.

RELATED: Budget tensions included funding for unhoused programs

“The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning,” Grohman said. “We’re proving that when we work together with compassion and dedication, real change is possible. Biddeford is building a future where no one is left behind, and we’re going to keep pushing forward until everyone has a place to call home.”

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FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

The acting director of Biddeford’s McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries

Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library – – you are no longer in your father’s library.

Gone are the days of strident, middle-aged ladies admonishing you for the volume of your voice or the mounting late fees on your overdue books.

Today’s libraries have evolved and are working to keep pace with both technology and a changing community. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the McArthur Library.

Nicole Clark

Originally housed in the “City Building” (City Hall), a devastating fire in 1894 gutted the building and forced the library’s trustees to search for a ‘stand-alone’ location. The library is today housed in the former Pavilion Church on Main Street.

Over the years, the library has been expanded and renovated and continues to be a hub of activity for people of all ages in the downtown area.

Once again, the McArthur Library is facing another transition.

Earlier this year, long-time director Jeff Cabral accepted a position at another library in New Hampshire. While the library’s trustees are in the middle of a search for a new director, Nicole Clark – the Adult Services supervisor – has been serving as a temporary director.

Clark, 31, is a native of Kittery and attended the University of Maine Farmington where she earned a degree in teaching. She taught high school English for a little more than four years but says she became “burned out from teaching” and took a job in the Goodall Library in Sanford before making her way to Biddeford.

We caught up with Clark recently to ask her how the library is changing and adapting and about some of the challenges facing today’s board of trustees.

Why did you switch from teaching high school English and theater to working in a library?

“Teaching was a rewarding career, and I loved working with my students. The changes in education recently, and the expectations put on teachers and just the lack of support that teachers have; I just got burned out. I loved it, but I could tell that I was not myself. 

“Working in a library was just a much better fit for me. I fell in love with it. You’re not teaching to a test or facing mounting standards and regulations. I always loved books and helping people. You get to connect people with things that they enjoy, whether it’s literature or a fun program or helping with a bit of research.”

Have you put your hat in the ring to become the library’s next director?

“It’s not something that I was originally considering at all. I like being a librarian, I like connecting with the public, I like the front-facing nature of it. Being a director is oftentimes more the big picture, the behind-the-scenes stuff: administrative tasks, dealing with the stakeholders, the politics and the budget.

“I feel a little back and forth about it because I think this library deserves someone who is passionate about those things. If for some reason, somebody doesn’t come forth who is passionate about all those things and serving the community . . . it just depends on what is best for the library. I would very happy, either way.”

What do you think are some things that the public should know about today’s library?

The library is one of the last places
in the country where you can exist
without the expectation of spending money

— Nicole Clark

“I love that question. In this day and age, the library is not just a repository for books anymore. The library has evolved. Yes, we still have many, many books that we love to connect our patrons with, but we also have a slew of programming for all ages. From author events to children’s story time that connects them with animals or music, to technology classes for seniors.

“This is a place where people come to socialize, to connect with other people; to learn something or to feel a sense of warmth and joy and not have to stress about having to spend money to get that.

“The library is one of the last places in the country where you can exist without the expectation of spending money. The reason we provide all of our services for free is to provide access. That’s one of the biggest things about the library.

“We want people to access information, entertainment; to access everything from WiFi connectivity to a social coffee hour for seniors so that there’s someone to chat with on a Thursday morning, and you don’t have to worry about spending money to do that.”

We all know that you can check out books from the library, but what are some of the other things you can check out for free?

“People may know about our expanding list of DVDs, but we also have a library of things – it’s a recreation collection. People can check out things like fishing poles or a croquet set if you have people over for a barbecue.

“People can check out things that they may not have the money to buy. For example, we check out a telescope so that kids who might be learning about the moon and the stars have access to the resources they need. That can be an expensive item that some parents may not be able to afford.

“We have snowshoes and sleds available in the winter, we have portable DVD players or even a Ukulele.

As libraries evolve, how are you keeping pace with instant, on-demand information resources such as Google or Wikipedia?

“You can ask Google anything, but you can’t necessarily be sure that the information is accurate, but a professional librarian can help you look at information sources that are trustworthy and cross-reference.

“On the other hand, we are embracing technology, providing people with a quiet space to do their own research. We offer free WiFi throughout the building, and we also provide free phone chargers and access to public computers.

“We provide free access to things like Ancestry.com without the paywall you would have to pay for at home.”

Recently, there has been some negative chatter on social media about unhoused persons ‘loitering’ at the library.

“A public library is a library for everybody. We are here to provide safe, warm, welcoming and equitable access for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, age or anything to do with their identity.

“We do have a significant population of people who are unhoused in the downtown area, and the library being one of the places where they are not expected to spend money, and where they can be warm, safe and charge their devices and take a break from some of their struggles.

“We are definitely an open-door to them and to those who are not going through that.  The majority of our unhoused visitors are just lovely human beings. We love getting to know them and learning about the things that interest them.

“As with any population, there are some folks who have challenges and bring those challenges into the library. We do have a security officer who is just a wonderful human being. He gets to know just about everybody who comes into the library.

On the issue of unhoused people, the library has an upcoming event regarding the issues of homelessness in Maine.

“Yes, we’re looking forward to the free Biddeford screening of a documentary that showcases stories from Maine with a message that there is hope to ending the suffering of homelessness.

“After the film, we will be hosting a panel discussion with from local folks such as Jake Hammer from the city of Biddeford’s General Assistance office and Vassie Fowler from Seeds of Hope.  That will be taking place on May 29th at 6 p.m.

You have a new program starting soon about downtown.

“Yes! The theme of our summer reading program this year is “Summer on Main Street.” We will be working with different businesses here downtown. Especially amidst the construction and detours to encourage foot traffic to all businesses downtown.

“We’ll be offering raffles, gift cards and lots of fun ways for people to connect with downtown and all the businesses here.”

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Nightmare on Elm Street: FAQs

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

A few days, ago, a major road construction project commenced on the lower end of Elm Street in Biddeford. As expected, the project has created delays and other impacts for drivers because of necessary detours.

A lot of people have been complaining and asking questions about the project, so the Biddeford Gazette decided to do a little digging. We reached out to the Biddeford’s Public Works, Fire and Police departments

Here are answers to some of the most discussed questions and complaints.

It should also be noted that we reached out to these individuals on Saturday evening, and our e-mails were answered only a few hours later. Do you answer work emails on your day off?

Why not do the project at nighttime when there is less traffic?

According to both the city and the contractor, doing the work at night would triple the project cost. The noise would also adversely impact residential neighborhoods, and the detours would still need to be in place.

Detoured traffic backs up on Main Street last week (Seaver photo)

Why keep the detours in place 24/7 even when there is no work being done?

According to Public Works director Jeff Demers: “There is no room to stack vehicles on Elm, causing side street and business entrances being blocked if we opened and closed daily and weekends. Also, it would require contractor to close hole tightly and would be very time consuming, to say the least. The decision was made to keep detour through out project. Patience will be key.”

How will this project impact emergency responders near the project area?

According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, “we have access to all the areas around the construction site. We also worked with Saco to have the SFD respond jointly with us to the area north of the railroad bridge on Elm Street. This is a joint response for both fire and EMS calls to try and ensure there are no delays.

“With regards to getting through standing traffic, we have special traffic pre-emption lights on our vehicles which turn the traffic lights to green in the direction we are traveling which helps move cars forward and out of the way. We have also preplanned alternate routes to try to avoid some the traffic congestion if possible.

How much will the project cost?

Biddeford is estimating $3 million; the Maine Water company is estimating $2 million for its role in the project.

How long will the project last?

It is anticipated that this project will be completed in early November.

Why not have an automated traffic light near the project site to allow alternating traffic flow?

Public Works Director Jeff Demers: “Lights on Elm was thought through, but there would be no room to stack vehicles on Elm Street, causing side street and business entrances being blocked. Motorists would have gotten confused if we opened and closed daily and weekends. Also causing contractor to close hole tightly.”

What is this project, and why do we have to do it now?

Major road construction projects cannot be done during winter months. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has been pushing Biddeford to do this state-mandated project for several years.

Ultimately, this project is designed to separate sewer and storm water.

RELATED: Biddeford’s Big Dig Will Begin in April

Editor’s Note: If you have questions or concerns about the project, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to get you timely and accurate information.

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BHS Odyssey of the Mind Team: State Champions

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Three of the eight Biddeford teams placed in the State Competition; two move on to the World Finals  

 By KAREN GARNETT

Among the 71 teams representing Divisions I, II, and III at the Maine Odyssey of the Mind (OM) State Finals Tournament on April 5, three of the eight Biddeford teams placed in the Top 3 of their divisions. Both the Biddeford High School (BHS) Technical and Performance Teams were named State Champions and will compete in the World Finals in Michigan this May, while the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) Performance Team placed third in the State. 

This marks the 14th time a Biddeford OM team has placed among the top three in the State and 12th time they have qualified for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, a testament to the district’s long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and student-led learning. Over the years, Biddeford’s teams have consistently demonstrated their ability to tackle complex problems with originality and teamwork, earning them national recognition and repeated invitations to the global stage.

Biddeford High School’s Performance and Technical Teams are named Maine State Odyssey of the Mind State Champions and World Finalists. Left to right: (Front row) Hugo Crockett-Current, Emily Michael, Elliott Aranovitch, and Troy Keddy; (Back row)  Emma Cote, Kyle Perkins, Lara Galiardi, Ella Ireland, and James Cote; and (Missing from photo) Kayla Arsenault.

“The level of imagination, creativity, and problem solving skills from our students continues to amaze me,” said Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind District Coordinator Victoria Salo. “The best part of OM is the ability for each child to be themselves and use their strengths to create a team that works together and has fun in the process. I have seen past OM members become artists, singers, performers, and engineers. This program truly is for all students and their success could not be possible without the dedication and support of coaches and families.”

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, problem-solving, extra-curricular program involving students from kindergarten through college. Teams of up to seven students work together at length, with limited guidance from a coach, to solve a predefined long-term problem and present their solution to the problem at a competition. From students in special education to the top academic performers, from athletes to drama students, or those interested in math and engineering, the OM Teams are an eclectic mix of various backgrounds and interests. 

Biddeford’s OM program has grown significantly, with team participation increasing by 75% over the past eight years. This year, eight teams consisting of 48 students competed across Division I, II, and III levels: one team at Biddeford Primary School (BPS); three teams at Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS); two teams at Biddeford Middle School (BMS); and two at Biddeford High School (BHS).

“The level of imagination, creativity, and problem-solving
skills from our students continues to amaze me.”

— Victoria Solo, district coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who won medals during the State Tournament: BHS Technical Team members Kayla Arsenault, Emma Cote,James Cote, Lara Galiardi, Ella Ireland, and Kyle Perkins (coached by Suzanne Tighe); BHS Performance Team members Elliott Aranovitch, Hugo Crockett-Current, Troy Keddy, and Emily Michael (coached by Victoria Salo); and BIS Performance Team members Pacey Eagle, Olivia Foster, Lillianna Forrest, Ripley Haskell-Murray, Alexander Haskell-Murray, Gabriella Norris, and Hayden Norris (coached by Teila Norris-Julien and Nicole Eagle).

Odyssey of the Mind hosts fundraisers throughout the year to support students attending World Finals. Fundraisers to date have included Family Fun Days, yard sales, bottle drives, baked sales, raffles, and calendar fundraisers. To be kept informed of upcoming fundraisers, please follow the Biddeford Odyssey of the Mind Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/biddOotM. 

To make a contribution to the OM program directly, checks can be made payable to Biddeford High School with Odyssey of the Mind noted in the Memo Field and mailed to 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME 04005.  

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford-Saco school system. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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No more trash containers at Rotary Park

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season.

When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, including pet waste, after spending time in the park.

According to a press release from the city, the new policy is intended to “remove unsightly trash from parks that wildlife can get into and make a mess,”

City officials say the new policy also discourages pests from the parks in picnic and play areas. “Wasps, bees and other rodents are naturally attracted to trash, which can create an unpleasant environment for visitors,” according to the press release.

Rotary Park is located on outer Main Street and includes recreational facilities, including a dog park and small boat launch area (City of Biddeford photo)

“We are excited to launch this new initiative in our community and hope to see both environmental and financial benefits from the change,” said Lisa Thompson, the city’s recreation director.

“It currently takes two city employees two to three days per week to empty all the trash cans that are located throughout the city,” Thomson said. “By reducing the number of city trash cans, our staff’s time and the cost savings from paying to dispose of garbage can be redirected to improve our parks in other ways.”

The pilot program will be assessed throughout the season, with a goal of extending it to all city parks and beaches in future years if the desired outcomes from the program are met.

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UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week approved an application from the University of New England (UNE) for the construction of a controversial pier proposal on the Saco River in Biddeford.

Although UNE is still required to clear several more permitting hurdles before construction can begin, the Army Corps approval represents a significant boost for the pier project.

Earlier this year, the Saco River Corridor Commission also gave its approval for the project, which includes a permanent pier consisting of a 28-foot long by 24-foot-wide landing; a 90-foot long by 14-foot-wide approach pier; and an 80-foot long by 24-foot-long pier and a floating dock system.

The proposed pier is intended to serve and dock UNE’s 60-foot marine research vessel.

UNE Spokesperson Sarah Delage said the university is “pleased to be moving forward” through the permitting process.

Construction of the pier relies upon a $3.5 million federal grant the university received last year.

When asked about the uncertainty of federal funding created by the Trump Administration, Delage said UNE is monitoring President Trump’s executive orders, but the project is expected to stay on track.

“Like all colleges and universities, as well as other research organizations, UNE is monitoring executive orders and other federal actions closely for potential impacts on the university,” Delage said. “Having said that, we have no reason to believe the funding for the project is at risk.”

But not everyone is celebrating the Army Corps’ decision to approve the project, including John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission.

“I do not know why, but in this case
several ‘powers that be’ seem absolutely
determined to exclude local knowledge
from the permitting process.
That is just wrong.”

— Dan Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster

During a recent telephone interview, Schafer said he is “extremely disappointed” by the Army Corps’ decision.

Schafer — who has been doggedly seeking information about the pier and its review process for more than a year — said the Army Corps made its decision without public comment and without input of “local knowledge,” most notably from the city’s harbormaster, Paul Lariviere.

Schafer also shared several letters from people who have existing moorings that would be impacted by the pier proposal.

As of press time, the Army Corps has not responded to our request for public comment.

However, in an email response to Schafer’s questions about the lack of public comment during the Army Corps’ review, Project Manager Jana Jacobson of the Army Corps wrote that “the project was reviewed for verification under the Maine General Permit, which are issued for use on a five-year cycle. Therefore, there was no public comment period.”

Dan Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster, sent a pointed letter to Jacobson, disputing UNE’s claims that the pier would only impact one existing mooring.

Chadbourne said seven moorings will be impacted if UNE is allowed to build its pier.

“There is absolutely no substitute for local knowledge when evaluating such a sizeable intrusion into a popular waterway like the Saco River,” Chadbourne wrote. “I do not know why, but in this case several ‘powers that be’ seem absolutely determined to exclude local knowledge from the permitting process. That is just wrong.”

Delage said once all regulatory approvals are received — including from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Biddeford Planning Board – the university must then obtain a building permit from the Biddeford Code Enforcement Office.

Delage said UNE will continue to follow the review process, but declined to speculate about how long that process will take.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

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