By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
Category: BIDDEFORD NEWS
The latest news about the city of Biddeford
LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
By DIANE SNOW | Cumberland, Maine Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain’s recent op-ed regarding the city’s new Institutional Zone Review Committee (Biddeford Gazette, Feb. 28, 2026) is very interesting. The mayor mentions that it is time to review the zone ordinance since it has not been updated in nearly 25 years. He refers to a … Continue reading LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain told the Biddeford Gazette early Tuesday afternoon that he is optimistic about his proposal to bring in a temporary consultant to help city staffers and elected leaders address several critical issues that have been plaguing the city for more than two years. The city council is expected … Continue reading City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
NEWSLETTER | Oh, the Places You’ll Go
What a week! Considering it was the first birthday I was dreading; it turned to be the best birthday week I can remember. As we age, we are all reminded to focus on friends, family and doing what we love. Because I love writing news about Biddeford, I was able to accomplish all three of … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Oh, the Places You’ll Go
A very good night for Biddeford hockey fans!
The York/Biddeford/Old Orchard Beach Boys Hockey Co-Op hockey team won the state championship today, defeating Hampden Academy 3-2 in a thrilling game at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. The team has earned rounds of praise from throughout the Biddeford community, including congratulatory remarks on social media platforms by Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain and School … Continue reading A very good night for Biddeford hockey fans!
Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
UNE students will help plant dune grass
By DEIRDRE STILES, UNE Communications Specialist BIDDEFORD, Maine — For the second year in a row, University of New England students will help the Biddeford Pool Conservation Trust plant dune grass along a section of beach in Biddeford Pool to help make the beaches more climate resilient. UNE students help with dune grass restoration On … Continue reading UNE students will help plant dune grass
Door-to-door sales | Know your rights
By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer Spring and summer 2026 are right around the corner. In fact, Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8. Along with melting snow, muddy driveways and yards, and the first flowers of the season, another familiar trend returns to Biddeford: an increase in door-to-door sales. Each year brings a new wave … Continue reading Door-to-door sales | Know your rights
Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Even as a lawsuit filed by the city of Biddeford against both the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission continues winding its way through York County Superior Court, a Biddeford resident is ramping up his own efforts to raise awareness about the issue. John Schafer, the former … Continue reading Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
York County jail gets perfect score
By TAMMY WELLS | York County Media Specialist ALFRED, Maine – York County Jail has earned a 100 percent score on their recent biennial state inspection. That means the 294-bed facility aced all 145 mandatory standards, and all 95 essential standards for 2024 and 2025. The 100 percent rating is a first for York County … Continue reading York County jail gets perfect score
‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Despite the well-known urban legend that no cop can resist a donut, several witnesses who attended Wednesday’s Coffee With a Cop event at the Biddeford Community Center say none of the officers even touched one of the fine donuts that were provided by Reilly’s Bakery. Wednesday’s event was coordinated by Recreation … Continue reading ‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular
Biddeford-Saco Restaurant week returns
A Grassroots Celebration of Food, Flavor & Community -- with a New Digital Passport Contributed Story | Heart of Biddeford From bánh mì to barbecue, specialty coffee to steak frites, arcade combos to raclette, Biddeford–Saco Restaurant Week returns March 15–22, 2026, inviting residents and visitors to explore the region’s dynamic and ever-growing food scene. Organized … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Restaurant week returns
Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor One by one, more than a dozen area residents approached the podium to offer comments and concerns about development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus during a public hearing held by members of the newly created Institutional Zone Review Committee. The committee, which includes UNE President Dr. James Herbert, … Continue reading Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Brian Phinney -- Biddeford’s former chief operating officer, who also served several months as acting city manager – is today retired “and enjoying it,” but wants to make sure that the current city council will be using correct information at their next meeting, especially regarding materials that contain his signature Phinney, … Continue reading Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit
LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
By BERNARD ROY, Special to the Gazette I understand there is a moratorium on UNE initiated by the mayor and city council. UNE is an institution that is a huge plus for Biddeford. They hire professionals as professors, adjunct professors and administrators who live in our community. More importantly, UNE educates young people from Maine … Continue reading LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
BPS kids give editor birthday greeting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdPVkgXn36E Students at Biddeford Primary School wish the Gazette's editor a happy birthday. What a truly awesome way to celebrate your birthday! I used to be a second grader in Biddeford -- a long, long time ago, And that -- along with the fact that today is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss, I thought … Continue reading BPS kids give editor birthday greeting
NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
It’s been an interesting, busy and somewhat exhausting week here at the Biddeford Gazette. In fact, I was moving in some many directions that I forgot to send out this newsletter on Saturday. My former boss David Flood always used to say there’s a lot more to running a newspaper than just writing and publishing … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
OPINION | A Charter Moment for Biddeford
By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette On Monday (March 2) nomination papers become available for one of the most consequential civic processes Biddeford has undertaken in decades: -- the election of a Charter Revision Commission. In November, voters approved Question Three (The Establishment of a Charter Review Commission) “for the purpose of revising the … Continue reading OPINION | A Charter Moment for Biddeford
OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
By MAYOR LIAM LAFOUNTAIN, City of Biddeford On Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m., the Institutional Zone Review Committee will hold its first public hearing at City Hall. The meeting begins the public input phase of a broader review of how Biddeford regulates institutional development. For many residents, the term “Institutional Zone” may not be … Continue reading OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
LETTER | Let’s focus on collaboration, not division
City is on the right track in its thoughtful, measured review of UNE development plans I read the recent letter regarding the University of New England review committee with concern, but also with a sense that the issue deserves a more balanced perspective. What was city thinking? Biddeford Gazette, Feb. 28, 2026 It is important … Continue reading LETTER | Let’s focus on collaboration, not division
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 