Even as the University of New England begins construction of its controversial research pier, opponents of the project are ramping up their own efforts and raising new concerns about how the City of Biddeford handled its review of the project. A group of Biddeford residents are now circulating a petition to require the mayor and … Continue reading UNE pier opponents ramp up their efforts
Category: UNE
A collection of posts related to the University of New England, including the Gazette’s investigative reporting, feature stories submitted to us by UNE; and letters to the editor and guest columns about the university.
Planning board member blasts mayor, city council over UNE proposal: ‘something feels fishy’
In a surprise move, Roch Angers -- a former Biddeford city councilor and current member of the city’s planning board – told members of the city council Tuesday that he has serious concerns about the University of New England’s plans to construct a large pier on the Saco River. “Something about this whole mess doesn’t … Continue reading Planning board member blasts mayor, city council over UNE proposal: ‘something feels fishy’
Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Following a rather tense and emotionally-charged discussion, the Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to give preliminary site approval for the University of New England’s proposed research pier. The controversial pier proposal has generated widespread public discourse for more than a year, even before the application was formally submitted in June 2024. This aerial photograph … Continue reading Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Board members get front-row view of UNE’s controversial pier proposal
A small group of slightly more than 40 people attended a Biddeford Planning Board site walk near the location of where the University of New England wants to construct a new pier to dock its marine research vessel. The proposed pier includes a 130-foot approach pier with an 80 by 20-foot pier head jutting out … Continue reading Board members get front-row view of UNE’s controversial pier proposal
UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
Just a few days after hearing several negative comments from the public about their proposed research and docking pier, officials from the University of New England distributed a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document with the media and community leaders. The university (UNE) says the FAQ document is intended to clarify “a variety of misunderstandings [that] … Continue reading UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
UNE blasted before Biddeford Planning Board
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 … Continue reading UNE blasted before Biddeford Planning Board
Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier
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 … Continue reading Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier
UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal
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 … Continue reading UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal
UNE Refuses Citizen Request for Information
The University of New England (UNE) is, apparently, refusing to provide information to the public and the media about a federal grant the university received to construct a new “research pier” on the banks of the Saco River. Over the last few weeks, John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor … Continue reading UNE Refuses Citizen Request for Information
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