Door-to-door sales | Know your rights

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 ~ Jim Krause ~ 1 Comment

4–6 minutes

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 of sales pitches—solar panels, replacement windows, driveway or roof repairs, house painting, “faster and better internet,” and whatever the latest sales trend happens to be.

*It’s the season of door-to-door salespeople*

While researching this article, we quickly realized how complicated the issue of door-to-door solicitation can be.

What started as a simple topic turned into a deep dive into city ordinances, state regulations and company practices. Before getting into the details, there’s one key takeaway everyone should remember:

Never invite strangers into your home, and
don’t be afraid to say “No, thank you.”

During my research for this story, I spoke with a young woman who knocked on my door and was very persistent about selling solar panels.

To be fair, she seemed polite and professional—much more so than many door-to-door salespeople I’ve encountered. However, it became clear that she likely knew little beyond the basic instructions she had been given: knock on doors, promote solar panels, and try to earn commission.

Through her, I was eventually able to speak with one of her supervisors. That conversation led me to even more research—and more confusion.

When I asked the salesperson about her solicitation permit, which is required by the city of Biddeford, she said she didn’t personally have one but that her company was permitted to solicit in the city.

I already knew this wasn’t accurate, because the city website lists the companies currently allowed to solicit. Still, it’s very possible she simply didn’t know.

Many companies that rely on door-to-door sales—regardless of the industry—hire temporary local workers, often younger people or college students looking for flexible ways to earn money.

They’re given a clipboard and sometimes a bright vest to appear official, then sent out to knock on doors.

One company involved in these efforts is Freedom Forever, which is currently in the process of merging with another solar company, VITL Power. However, neither company is currently registered to solicit in Biddeford.

According to the Maine Attorney General’s Office website, neither company is licensed for transient sales in Maine at the moment.

Both companies previously held licenses but allowed them to expire or canceled them—VITL Power in June 2025 and Freedom Forever in April 2024.

During a phone call with a manager from Freedom Forever/VITL Power, Owen Haglund stated that the company operates in Maine as “commercial travelers” or “transient sellers,” and therefore believes they do not need a solicitation permit in Biddeford.

However, according to the Maine Attorney General’s website, transient sellers must still be licensed by the state and must follow the regulations of any municipality where they operate.

Which companies are permitted to knock on doors in Biddeford?

Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson confirmed that neither Freedom Forever nor VITL Power is currently permitted to solicit within the city. She also clarified that even transient sellers must obtain permits for each employee who plans to go door-to-door under the city’s ordinance.

At this time, Patterson said the only companies currently permitted to solicit in Biddeford are Fidium Fiber, Fox Pest Control and Renewal by Andersen.

Residents can check the city website at any time to see which companies are properly permitted.

The city website also advises residents to ask to see a solicitor’s permit. Anyone legally going door-to-door is required to carry one.

A sample of the permit is available on the website so residents know what to look for.

If you believe someone is soliciting without a permit, behaving aggressively, or failing to provide a required buyer’s rights statement, residents can contact the Biddeford Police Department’s non-emergency line at 207-282-5127.

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk emphasized one key safety point during our conversation: never allow a solicitor into your home.

When asked about “No Solicitation” signs, Fisk noted that signs can help discourage law-abiding salespeople, but many solicitors simply ignore them.

In most cases, door-to-door solicitation is regulated by city ordinance rather than criminal law. However, that doesn’t mean problems can’t arise—which is why it’s important to keep interactions at the door and never invite strangers inside.

Fisk also encouraged residents to review both the city’s solicitation ordinance and the information provided by the Maine Attorney General’s Office to better understand their rights as consumers.

So, here’s the short version:

Door-to-door solicitation in Biddeford can be frustrating, but it isn’t going away.

The city has rules in place to regulate it, and reputable companies will follow those rules. Those regulations are designed to protect residents.

However, residents also need to take steps to protect themselves. Don’t invite solicitors into your home, ask to see permits when appropriate and know your rights under the city ordinance.

Salespeople are supposed to show their permit. They’re supposed to respect your decision if you say no. And if you do sign a contract, there are specific consumer protections they must follow before work can begin.

A “No Solicitation” sign can help, but it’s not a guarantee.

As the saying goes, signs keep honest people honest—just like locks keep honest people out.

In the end, the best protection is simple: know your rights, use common sense and don’t be afraid to close the door.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Jim Krause is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He can be contacted at jiggyjim@live.com

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Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?

March 5, 2026March 9, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 5 Comments

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 chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission, claims the university misled the public during the application review process of a large-scale and somewhat controversial research pier that UNE is hoping to construct on the Saco River.

Moreover, Schafer is also raising questions about a $3.5 million grant that UNE secured through the efforts of U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

*U.S. Senator Collins (R-Maine) ,chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee*

Schafer points out that more than three years ago, UNE released a map called “Restrictions on Developable Areas.”

While Schafer says that map clearly shows where construction on the UNE campus was “illegal,” UNE representatives adamantly denied those claims, saying that it is Schafer who is misleading the public.

“The suggestion that we deliberately misled anyone is simply untrue,” said Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson. “UNE has been open and honest with all government agencies throughout this process, including Senator Collins’ office and the federal agency that awarded the grant.”

Buffer Zone | A matter of semantics?

Schafer and others – including Biddeford’s city attorney Harry Center – say the 250-foot buffer zone shown on the map illustrates an agreement that UNE made with the SRCC in 2001 when it wanted to build two new dormitories.

In fact, the so-called buffer zone is a central argument in the city’s lawsuit against UNE and the SRCC.

*The map provided by the University of New England*

Delage and other UNE officials describe the buffer zone as a “vegetative buffer” that does not preclude certain activities, such as the need to construct a paved access for the proposed pier.

“This type of buffer is not a “No-Build” buffer,” Delage told the Gazette during a March 4 telephone interview. “It designates an area where additional permits and oversight are required for approval to build anything new.

“It is not prohibited to build within a buffer, provided you obtain the proper permits,” Delage added. “This is standard practice under Maine’s shoreland zoning rules and is not unique to UNE’s property.”

Center, speaking as Biddeford’s chief legal counsel, told the Gazette that the buffer has indeed become a matter of semantics.

“What’s the point of a ‘vegetative buffer’ if it doesn’t preclude development within that area?” Center asked.

“They [UNE] admitted and acknowledged the existence of that buffer as recently as 2022,” Center said. “It’s an issue that the SRCC ignored in their own review of the proposed pier project.”

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“What’s the point of a ‘vegetative buffer’ if it doesn’t preclude development within that area?”
— Harry Center, Biddeford’s attorney

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Center says the issue will be a statutory matter for a Superior Court judge to decide later this year.

For his part, Schafer points to an Oct. 14, 2025 Biddeford Gazette story and the comments then offered by Delage, saying that the Saco River Corridor Commission did not impose a ‘no-build’ or ‘no construction’ zone within a 250-foot zone from the river.”

“Well, I guess at least now the university is finally admitting that there actually is a buffer zone,” Schafer said, pointing to the university’s own map.

Federal law | Was Collins wrong to provide funding?

Schafer said he is troubled by the fact that Senator Collins’ office announced a $3.5 million grant for the research pier roughly one month after the university released its own map clearly showing the buffer zone.

“Federal grants typically take many months or even years to secure,” Schafer says.

“Two scenarios are possible,” he added. “Either Susan Collins and federal authorities are incompetent, or UNE deliberately withheld information from Collins and the feds as the university chased taxpayer funding.”

Phoebe Keller, a spokesperson for Senator Collins, told the Gazette today that the senator’s office would be unable to provide any “on-the-record” comments regarding this story.

Schafer says he does not believe that Collins or any other member of Congress did anything wrong in supporting the university’s funding request.

Instead, Schafer says he believes the university withheld information about the buffer zone when applying for the federal grants.

Delage, however, says there was no deliberate plan to omit any factual information during the federal application process.

“We did not get into any of those types of specifics because it’s not part of the process of seeking funding for a project,” Delage said. “The use of grant funds for any project is predicated on securing required local and regulatory approvals and securing a grant does not circumvent or negate the need for securing approvals.”

Furthermore, Delage said that “singling out” the SRCC misses the point that the project also required approvals from the Biddeford Planning Board, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Each of those review agencies, Delage noted, approved the university’s proposed pier project.

And Delage said that the map now being circulated by Schafer and others concerned about the project is not a smoking gun.

“It simply shows standard environmental zoning boundaries routinely used by the city of Biddeford, the SRCC and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection,” Delage said.

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“We did not get into any of those types of specifics because it’s not part of the process of seeking funding for a project,”
— Sarah Delage, UNE spokesperson

Schafer says he will continue raising concerns and asking “tough questions” about the university’s pier project.

“I’ve asked the president of UNE [Dr. James Herbert] three times to release the application they filed with the feds,” Schafer said. “The Biddeford Planning Board also asked them to release an exact copy of that application. They [UNE] have consistently refused to answer that question.”

Schafer says that UNE’s consistent refusal to discuss whether they specifically included mention of the buffer zone likely explains how the project received a $3.5 million federal grant.

“Senator Collins is not incompetent, nor is the federal agency that issued the grant, but they were intentionally deceived,” Schafer said.

UPDATE | Phoebe Keller, a spokesperson from Sen. Susan Collins’ Washinton, DC office, contacted the Gazette following the publication of this story, asking to provide updated information .

““Sen. Collins and Sen. King secured $3.5 million for the University of New England to construct a coastal research deployment facility to be located somewhere in Biddeford, Maine,” Keller wrote. “ The senators do not determine the specific location of the project, which is set by the grantee in coordination with all relevant local and state authorities.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

York County jail gets perfect score

March 5, 2026March 11, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

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 Jail.

“We’ve been close, gotten scores into the 90s, but never 100 percent,” said York County Jail Administrator Major Lori Marks.

York County Sheriff William L King Jr. said Maine Department of Corrections officials emphasized how rare it is for a facility to achieve a 100 percent compliance rating.

“They were very complimentary on how well York County Jail is operated,” said King. “I am very proud of this rating. Lori and her team are dedicated professionals, and they do a remarkable job.”

The standards encompass every facet of the jail operation, from specifying clothing items issued to inmates to control center operations, documentation of inmate counts, facility searches for contraband, medical care, use of force, food service requirements, programs, and a host of others.

“A perfect score in two years is very commendable,” said Steven French, Manager of Correctional Operations and Compliance for the Maine Department of Corrections.

The inspection program requires documentation of how each standard is achieved, followed by an intensive two-day in-person facility inspection by Maine DOC.

“The inspection encompasses every corner of the jail, from maintenance to community programs – everything in the jail,” said French. “They did very well.”

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OPINION | Protecting manufactured‑home residents protects municipal budgets

March 5, 2026March 9, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By KATHY DOBBINS, Special to the Gazette

Maine’s manufactured‑home communities are facing pressures that many towns and cities can no longer afford to ignore. When municipalities choose not to adopt basic resident‑protection measures—such as rent‑stabilization ordinances or guardrails on pass‑through utility charges—the consequences fall directly onto residents and, ultimately, onto local taxpayers.

Across the state, residents are experiencing steep, repeated increases in lot rents and fees with no protections in place. These are not luxury communities; they are some of the last remaining sources of naturally affordable housing in Maine. When costs rise faster than wages or fixed incomes, families are pushed into impossible choices month after month.

*A manufactured home at Blue Haven in Saco (Photo ReMax Realty)*

Without local action, towns should expect to see more residents advocating publicly for relief and more households turning to General Assistance simply because their money no longer goes as far as it used to. This is not speculation—it is a predictable outcome of inaction.

We all understand that mobile home parks are a business, and businesses make money. But when the profits generated from Maine residents do not stay in Maine, that becomes a direct problem for our communities.

If these equity firms were locally owned—if the revenue from lot rents circulated back into our local economy, our infrastructure, and our tax base—this conversation would look very different. Instead, we are watching the opposite happen.

Take Saco as a clear example.

Blue Haven Mobile Home Park’s majority ownership is held by the BRT Charitable Foundation, a California‑based nonprofit with tax‑exempt status. They do not pay state or federal taxes, and their reported donations and contributions are made entirely in California. Nothing we have seen indicates that any portion of the profits generated from Saco residents are being reinvested here in Maine.

When out‑of‑state equity firms extract revenue from Maine communities without reinvesting in local infrastructure, services, or the residents who generate that revenue, the burden shifts directly onto municipalities.

Local taxpayers end up subsidizing the gaps—whether through increased General Assistance requests, strained social services, or the long‑term costs of deferred infrastructure maintenance inside these parks.

Nothing we have seen indicates that any portion of the profits generated from Saco residents are being reinvested here in Maine

This is not just a housing issue. It is an economic leakage issue, a municipal budget issue, and a community stability issue. Maine towns and cities have a choice: put reasonable protections in place now or continue absorbing the financial and social consequences later.

Residents are already feeling the strain. Without action, municipalities will feel it next.

Kathy Dobbins, president

Blue Haven Committee, Saco

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NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette strongly encourages reader feedback and public commentary regarding our coverage and issues directly related to the city of Biddeford. To submit a letter to the editor or guest column, please contact us at biddefordgazette@gmail.com

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‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular

March 4, 2026March 7, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

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 Director Lisa Thompson who said she was pleased by the robust public turnout for the event.

*Lt. Normand Allaire; Deputy Chief Steve Gorton and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk answered a variety of questions and offered some sage advice, including the hazards of distracted driving. (Seaver photo)*

“This is something that has been done in many other communities across the country,” Thompson said. “Many communities – including right here in Biddeford – host Night Out events and other ways to get residents better connected to the law enforcement officers who serve the community.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk, Deputy Chief Steve Gorton and Lt. Normand Allaire attended the event, fielding a variety of questions from the public and then later posing for photos with folks who were anxious to have their picture taken with a uniformed officer.

“It’s a lot of fun for us, and we enjoy the opportunity to connect with people in the friendly way – in a more relaxed and casual setting,” Gorton said. “Things like this are really the foundation of community policing.”

Roughly 25 people attended the 90-minute event, and the questions were rapid-fire and sometimes complex.

The officers answered questions on topics ranging from appropriate medication disposal to traffic accident investigations and how police handle protection from harassment orders.

*Officers pose with a few of the residents who attended the Coffee With a Cop event (Seaver photo)*

The mood in the room was friendly. And residents listened intently – even when officers were forced to decline talking about specific personal matters or ongoing investigations.

Officers also shared some of their pet peeves.

“For goodness’s sake, please put down your phones when you’re driving behind the wheel,” Allaire told the group of residents. “Even, when I’m off duty, I see it happening all the time – and I yell out ‘somebody call the police.’

Thompson said she was pleased that the event proved popular and said she would like to do another event with the officers.

“I always think it’s a good idea for us to collaborate with other city departments to promote community engagement and hopefully increase understanding of what’s happening in our city.”

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Biddeford-Saco Restaurant week returns

March 4, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

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 by Saco Main Street, Heart of Biddeford, and the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Week in Biddeford and Saco has its own personality — distinct from statewide programs that focus primarily on prix-fixe dinners.

Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week returns March 15 – 22 (Photo: Heart of Biddeford)

“Our Restaurant Week is a little more grassroots,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford. “Not all of our food businesses are sit-down restaurants. We have breweries, bakeries, sandwich shops, sushi counters, an arcade, coffee roasters — you name it. So we leave room for creativity in how businesses participate.” Saco’s executive director, Angie Presby added, “Honestly, we may need to rename it ‘Foodie Week’ because it’s about restaurants but so much more.”

That flexibility allows each business to design an offering that fits their style, their space, and their customers.

A Taste of This Year’s Offerings

With more than 20 participating businesses, Restaurant Week highlights the full spectrum of the local food scene. Diners can find everything from raclette poured over toasted baguette at Nibblesford to a secret Peruvian Steak Frites special at Magnus on Water, comfort classics like Frito Pie at Ore Nell’s Barbecue, and creative multi-course meals at Jin Sushi and Ramen.

*Nibblesford in Biddeford will be one of more than 20 participating businesses in this year’s event.*

It’s not just restaurants, though. Participants can enjoy bracket-style “Mocha Madness” at Time & Tide Coffee, gameplay-and-dinner combo deals at Rift Arcade, and special deals at Banded Brewing Co. The range reflects what makes Biddeford and Saco unique: a food culture that blends serious culinary talent with creativity, comfort, and fun.

New in 2026: The Brightr Passport

To encourage diners to explore multiple locations, this year introduces the Brightr Restaurant Week Passport — a simple, web-based experience (no app required).

Customers register by scanning a QR code displayed at participating businesses. Once registered, they can view all Restaurant Week offerings and “check in” at each location they visit by scanning that business’ unique QR code. Each day of Restaurant Week, one winner will be randomly selected from that day’s Passport check-ins to receive a $25 gift card, for a total of eight daily winners. At the end of the week, one participant who checked in at three or more businesses will be awarded the $100 grand prize.

Alex MacPhail, the executive director of the Biddeford Saco Chamber explains, “The more places that participants explore, the more chances they have to win — and the more local businesses they support!”

Ticketed Events: Art, Storytelling & Culinary Showdowns

Restaurant Week also features two dynamic ticketed events that bring the community together in creative and unexpected ways.

Food Collider: March 12

An early kick-off to Restaurant Week, the Food Collider transforms Pizza by Alex into a one-night pop-up gallery and storytelling experience. Presented by Art of Biddeford in partnership with Pizza by Alex, the March 12 event blends art, food, and story inside one of Biddeford’s most iconic spaces.

Part art exhibition, part live gathering, each ticket includes pizza nibbles, entry to a curated food-themed gallery, and eight creative “collisions” — five-minute presentations weaving together storytelling, music, history, and reflections on everything from family tables to farms to the systems that bring food to our plates. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Biddeford Food Pantry.

FYOOD Cooking Competition: March 18

*BRCOT culinary students will be participating in this year’s event*

The week continues with FYOOD (pronounced “feud”), a high-energy cooking competition hosted at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Culinary Program kitchen.

Amateur home chefs team up to face off in two mystery ingredient challenges (one savory, one sweet) with just one hour to create and plate their dishes before a panel of professional chefs, local personalities, and Culinary Program Director Chef Steve.

Audience members enjoy front-row views from the dining room, a live video feed from inside the kitchen, and a made-to-order pasta meal from the culinary students.

Meanwhile, competitors battle for the FYOOD trophy and serious bragging rights. Limited to four teams, the event highlights both the creativity of local home cooks and the real-world experience gained by BRCOT culinary students preparing and serving guests in a fast-paced environment.

Tickets and team registrations for both events are available via Eventbrite.

More Than a Meal

Biddeford–Saco Restaurant Week is about connection as much as cuisine. It’s about supporting small businesses, celebrating creativity, and giving people a reason to explore both downtowns — one check-in, one meal, one shared table at a time.

For the full list of participating businesses and complete details, visit the official Restaurant Week webpage

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Restaurant Week is made possible by generous sponsorship from Saco & Biddeford Savings.

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Free Senior Safety Fair | Scam recognition, safe driving tips and lunch!

March 3, 2026March 4, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS, York County Government Media

ALFRED — Many would agree that those who identify as “senior citizens” are an independent, capable lot. Most seniors, with the benefit of decades of experience, are comfortable and adept at managing their lives.

But aging impacts everyone a bit differently, and seniors can be vulnerable. Driving might be a bit more of a challenge than it used to be for some folks. Silver-tongued scam artists with an eye on someone’s bank account can be very clever and deceptively engaging.

Education is key and, with that in mind, folks in the senior citizen age bracket are invited to a totally free Senior Safety Fair on March 13 to listen and learn. The event will be hosted at the brand-new York County Regional Training Center at 79 First County Way, off Rte. 4 and Layman Way in Alfred.

York County Sheriff’s Office, TD Bank and AAA Northern New England are teaming up to offer the day of conversation, learning and fun. They will be joined by representatives of the York County Elder Abuse Task Force, Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Maine’s Elder Justice Investigator Candice Simeoni.

*York County Sheriff Williiam King (County photo)*

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and donuts. There is an opportunity for drivers to have their vehicle’s battery checked and windshield washer fluid topped off, followed by presentations (with a break in between!), lunch, some socialization and a few raffles, according to York County Sheriff William L. King Jr.

“This day is focused on senior safety, but we encourage family members and caregivers to also come and participate. There will be something for everybody!” said King.

AAA Northern New England Traffic Safety Education Specialist and former longtime law enforcement officer Tom Baran will give a workshop called “Keeping the Keys.” Designed to help older adults minimize their driving risks, topics include how driving changes with age, how to safely adapt driving as we age, knowing all about the vehicle you’re driving, and more.

“Being able to run your own errands can give older adults a greater level of independence,” said Baran. “However, the physical and cognitive changes that come with aging, along with medical conditions and increased medication use, can put older drivers at greater risk when driving.”

“The York County Sheriff’s Office sees the Senior Safety Fair as an opportunity to leverage private resources for the public’s good,”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drivers 70 and older have a higher crash death rate per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-45. The higher crash death rates among the 70-plus age group are primarily due to increased vulnerability to injury in a crash.

A presentation by TD Bank is next, offering TD SAFE (Security Awareness for Everyone), a fraud-focused session to help seniors understand how scams operate and how to protect their financial assets and identity.

How prevalent are scams? Consider this: There were 608 internet fraud complaints filed by Maine people 60 and older totaling just under $13 million in losses, according to the 2024 FBI Annual Internet Crime Report. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams and identity theft resulted in a total of $23.9 million in fraud losses in Maine across all age groups, with the highest concentration of reports from York County.

A flyer that details the March 13 event (Courtesy photo)

Scams happen every day, and the perpetrators are clever and relentless. They’ll befriend you, flatter you and take your last dime.

“Fraud and scams are constantly evolving, and it is impacting our communities more than ever,” said Christopher Blackmore, Senior Manager of Customer Education at TD. “Being a victim of a scam can be embarrassing and one of the main reasons it is under reported. It all starts with education and that’s why we developed the TD SAFE program.”

The TD team works directly with communities to provide guidance and trusted advice whether those participating are TD clients or not. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to help keep our communities safe,” said Kate Burns, Retail Market President, New England North/South, TD. “We’re proud to partner with the York County Sheriff’s Office, AAA Northern New England, and other community organizations to help raise awareness about fraud, identity theft, and the steps individuals and families can take to stay informed and protected.”

King said he is pleased that community partners like TD Bank, AAA Northern New England and others stepped forward.

“The York County Sheriff’s Office sees the Senior Safety Fair as an opportunity to leverage private resources for the public’s good,” said King. “These events are much more impactful when community partners are engaged.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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Nursing scholarships are again available

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Regular Gazette readers may recall that Eliza Doyon – a 2025 Biddeford High School graduate – was one of only four students in New England who was chosen last year for an annual scholarship awarded each year by FedPoint, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Life & Health Insurance company.

It’s a new year, and once again FedPoint is offering scholarships to qualifying students who are planning to pursue a career in nursing, but the application deadline is soon approaching.

The company will award four $5,000 scholarships, with recipients to be announced in May during National Nurses Week, which occurs from May 6-12.

“Nurses serve as a critical foundation of the healthcare system,” said FedPoint CEO Kevin Hill. “Our scholarship program is designed to attract and develop the next generation of nursing talent and reinforce our communities’ ability to meet future care demands.”

*Eliza Doyon of Biddeford was one of four students in New England chosen for the annual FedPoint Nursing Scholarship Program. Doyon is studying nursing at St. Anslem College.*

Eligible applicants for the merit-based scholarships include graduating high school seniors, adult learners, and individuals pursuing a career change.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in New Hampshire, Maine or Massachusetts who are entering their first year of an accredited nursing program in the fall of 2026.

More details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, decision criteria and important dates are available at fedpointusa.com/scholarships.

FedPoint employs several dozen nurses who provide care coordination and planning services to thousands of claimants and their families.

The company introduced the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship in 2023 to promote nursing as a highly rewarding career and help bolster the future nursing workforce in northern New England and beyond.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 FedPoint Nursing Scholarship is Friday, March 20, 2026.

The scholarship review panel will include members of FedPoint’s own care coordination team, as well as nurses from the Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association.

For more information on the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship, visit fedpointusa.com/scholarships

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ABOUT FedPoint

FedPoint® creates and operates digital benefits marketplaces that make it easy for its millions of federal and military customers to understand, select, and use their benefits. A wholly owned subsidiary of John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, FedPoint was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Portsmouth, NH. For more information on FedPoint, visit fedpointusa.com.

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Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

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, listened carefully to some often-heated public testimony during the hour-long hearing.

*UNE President Dr. James Herbert and IZ Review Committee Chair Pat Boston listen to public testimony during Monday’s public hearing regarding the city’s Institutional Zone (Seaver photo)*

Several residents said they were not there to “bash the university,” but rather to urge the committee for a more thoughtful and deliberate review process when it comes to the city’s Institutional Zone residents.

Many residents expressed anger, frustration and concerns about recent development projects planned by the university.

Gary McMullen of Biddeford told the committee that he hopes they can “do something to improve the process” regarding how development at UNE’s campus is approved.

“I don’t have anything against UNE,” McMullen said. “It’s about the process.”

McMullen talked about how Paul Lariviere – the city’s harbormaster – was removed from the review process of a controversial, large-scale research pier the university is hoping to soon construct on the Saco River.

McMullen cautioned the committee from accepting a false narrative that Lariviere was opposed to the project, saying the harbormaster was only opposed to the exact location being proposed by UNE.

Bunny Wermenchuk of Biddeford told the committee that her family’s property – which they first purchased in the mid-1970s – was then located near the former St. Francis College.

Over the years – Wermenchuk said – her family’s home became surrounded by sprawling growth, after St. Francis College became the University of New England.

“I’m not here to bash the university,” Wermenchuk said. “I’m here to talk about our ordinances for development at the university.”

Wermenchuk remined the committee that it has been more than 25 years since the university’s master development plan has been updated and approved by the Biddeford Planning Board.

“Over the last 24 years, there has been a lot of growth at UNE,” she said. “I support that growth, but I want to make sure it is happening the right way.”

Wermenchuk said UNE’s waterfront location impacts many things that affect the community – from the environment and fisheries to the concerns of mooring owners in proximity to the campus.

*Biddeford resident Kelly Mourmouras addresses the IZ Review Committee (Seaver photo)*

Kelly Mourmouras told the committee that there is a long history of UNE doing things differently than what was told to Hills Beach residents.

Mourmouras — who graduated from UNE — said her husband served as vice president of the Hills Beach Neighborhood Association when the city’s first Institutional Zone Review Committee was formed in the mid-1990s.

“I want to thank Mayor [Liam] LaFountain for establishing this committee,” she said. “The transparency and honesty in the process are important. We had numerous meetings with the university, and it was always very challenging.”

Diane Doyle, a Saco resident, told the committee she was concerned about UNE’s plans to purchase the former St. Joseph’s convent property, which is located on the shores of the Saco River, roughly two miles west of UNE’s main campus.

Doyle said she and her neighbors across the river have now noticed many “bright lights” being erected on what was once a relatively quiet and hidden property.

“We are concerned about how UNE is going to develop that particular property,’” Doyle told the committee.

City Councilor Pat Boston – the committee’s chair – reminded the audience that the convent property is not located within the city’s Institutional Zone, and thus concerns about that specific property are not relevant to the committee’s work.

Does UNE benefit Biddeford?

Over the last few weeks, the Biddeford Gazette has received and published several letters to the editor and guest columns related to the University of New England and its numerous benefits to the community.

But Biddeford resident Joe Emmons challenged many of those positive assumptions.

“How, exactly, do Biddeford residents benefit from what is happening at UNE?” Emmons asked rhetorically.

Lori Nerbonne described herself as a newer Biddeford resident and raised concerns about a property that the university recently purchased near her Red Oak Lane neighborhood.

Resident Paul Brady, a residential waterfront property owner said Biddeford needs a “watchdog” to monitor “all of us on the river.” He said he hopes communication between UNE and its neighbors can improve. (Seaver photo)

“There has always been a buffer between the university and our residential neighborhood via UNE’s access road’ (to the beach),” Nerbonne told the committee. “Now, there is no buffer because the property they purchased is a home inside the residential zone in our very small neighborhood.”

Shawn Tibbetts – one of seven mooring owners who could be impacted by the university’s pier – blasted the city for a lack of communication about ongoing development at the university campus.

Tibbetts, a commercial fisherman, said no one from the city or the university would even return his calls and emails about how the proposed pier could impact his livelihood.

“At no point, were local harbormasters involved in the review of the pier UNE wants to build, and that was a huge mistake,” Tibbetts told the committee. “This is the stuff UNE doesn’t want to talk about.”

Tom Hatch, another Biddeford mooring owner, said his concerns and questions last year about UNE’s proposed pier project were ignored by the city.

“I reached out to the former mayor, the former city manager and even Senator [Susan] Collins.” Hatch told the committee. “I got a grand total of zero response.

“As a taxpayer and a stakeholder, you expect—at least – to get some kind of response.”

Hatch told the committee he hopes to see a “dramatic improvement” in how the city and the university communicate with residents.

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“As a taxpayer and a stakeholder, you expect—at least – to get some kind of response.”

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Resident Paul Brady – a waterfront property owner – told the committee that “the city needs a watchdog to watch all of us on the river.”

*Approximately 30 people attended Monday’s public hearing about development at UNE’s campus. (Seaver photo)*

Following the hour-long public hearing, the committee opted to immediately go back to its ongoing review and examination of development issues within the Institutional Zone.

Boston reminded the audience and those watching online that additional comments and concerns can be sent to the committee via a group email at InstitutionalZoneReview@biddefordmaine.org

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Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

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, who retired in January, recently sent a letter to Mayor Liam LaFountain, City Manager Truc Dever and each member of the city council to provide detailed information about an item that the city council is scheduled to consider at tonight’s (March 3, 2026) meeting,

In order to “ensure accuracy,” Phinney also sent a copy of his letter to the Biddeford Gazette and copied Finance Director Gerry Matherne and City Clerk Robin Patterson on his correspondence to provide “verification” of his statement in case questions are raised at tonight’s meeting.

Former Acting City Manager Brian Phinney (center) listens as former Mayor Marty Grohman reads an item during a 2025 council meeting. City Clerk Robin Patterson is seated at Phinney’s right side. (Seaver photo)

Clarifying the city’s audit process

Specifically, Phinney wants to ensure that the council has historical details regarding the city’s FY 2024 audit related to the possible hiring of CBIZ, an accounting firm, that the council is considering for conducting the overdue audit.

The council will be asked whether to approve spending $103,000 to conduct the audit, including both the city and school department.

Phinney says the city is on the verge of a “duplicate” approval.

“The executive summary section states that this is a retroactive approval and discusses compliance with the purchasing policy rules as the basis for the retroactive approval,” Phinney wrote in his message to the council.

“[This] item was brought to the Finance Committee for discussion on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in the Other Business section [of the meeting] and was subsequently approved by the full council, unanimously, that same evening.”

Phinney suggested that council members review the video transcript of the Finance Committee’s Sept 2, 2025 meeting, suggesting that current city officials to the video time stamp of 22 minutes, 58 seconds.

“At [that] meeting, Gerry Matherne is asked by Mayor LaFountain (at that time, council president) to provide an update,” Phinney said. “She [Matherne] did and the committee members asked questions.

“Funding was discussed as coming from the city’s audit account with an understanding that the expense would exceed the budgeted amount,” Phinney wrote. “This is the same account that is referenced in the March 3 [council] packet.”

Phinney points out that then Council President LaFountain made a motion to forward the item to city council for approval based on the dollar amount.

The motion passed unanimously (Lafountain, Beaupre, Lessard), Phinney noted, emphasizing that item was listed in the Finance Committee’s packet under Other Business as a discussion item.

The Finance Committee, Phinney said, voted on the item and advanced it to the council agenda.

Later that same evening (Sept. 2, 2025) – during the City Council meeting — Mayor Marty Grohman made an adjustment to the agenda, adding the item at the request of the Finance Committee, Phinney wrote, again suggesting that councilors watch the video transcript of that meeting, beginning at timestamp 7 minutes, 55 seconds.

“The item was discussed at timestamp 30 minutes, 28 seconds,” Phinney wrote, adding that the vote of the full council was unanimous. “Because this item was advanced by the Finance Committee the Order was created in series after the fact.

Phinney says the he signed the CBIZ agreement later that evening, but only after Finance Committee and City Council approval — and in full compliance with the purchasing rules in effect at that time.

“I am bringing this to your attention so that you do not waste time at the meeting duplicating previous approvals,” Phinney wrote. “And [I want] to ensure that the record accurately reflects the conditions supporting my signature.”

Following the city council’s decision to suddenly remove former City Manager James Bennett from office, Phinney served as Biddeford’s acting city manager from Feb. 20, 2025, until City Manager Truc Dever began her duties in August 2025.

Correction: In an earlier version of this story, we indicated that Phinney served as the city’s chief financial officer. That is incorrect. Phinney — in addition to briefly serving as acting city manager — was Biddeford’s chief operating officer. We apologize for the error.

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LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly

March 2, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

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 who aspire to better themselves and get good paying jobs.

In addition, UNE provides jobs for residents from Biddeford and surrounding areas to maintain the building, grounds and services. UNE is not a burden to residents of Biddeford.

The Portland Press Herald had an article (Biddeford Committee plans public hearing, Feb. 24, 2026) about the moratorium, which revealed the hidden agenda for this moratorium.

It appears the Hills Beach residents want to constrain development and growth of UNE. They are more interested in keeping people out and the coastline to themselves for nothing more than selfish reasons.

Biddeford has failed to provide public parking at every beach in Biddeford for all the residents. When I drive through Biddeford Pool these days, I noticed all the places I had parked to go scuba diving when I was in high school are now blocked or have no parking signs, essentially keeping city residents out.

The Biddeford City Council recently enacted a six-month moratorium on continued development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus to allow city officials and a new subcommittee time to review and recommend potential changes

If you drive to Goose Rocks Beach, you are welcomed with a sign that says, “welcome to Goose Rocks Beach, no parking on any street any time”. When you drive through, you can see a beautiful beach near the road.

Most of the time there are very few people on the beach. But there is no public parking anywhere. Instead, you find a pseudo security guard following you to make sure you leave. He essentially chases you out.

My sister stopped there last year to show her daughter the beach and was rewarded very quickly with a parking ticket. I thought, here I am a resident of Biddeford and could not go to one of our beaches.

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Editor’s Note: Goose Rocks Beach is located in and controlled by the town of Kennebunkport, not Biddeford)

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Driving through, I noticed most of the license plates are from out of state. Is this where Hills Beach is going to not provide any public parking?

We see our coastline being bought up by many who are from out of state and moving to Maine to retire. If you read the Portland Press Herald article on February 18, Maine has become the oldest state, where people over 65 outnumber the people under 18 in Maine.

It is one thing to buy up the coastline, but another when these people do whatever they can to prevent Maine residents from accessing the beaches in order to keep the coastline to themselves. I have 22 nieces and nephews and only two still reside in Maine. The others all had to go out of state to find good paying professional jobs.

If you watch the video of the public hearing meeting just before the city council voted for the moratorium, you will see there was absolutely no interest of any city council member to listen to public inputs. They were simply going through the motions and had their minds made up.

It will be interesting to see if the public hearing meeting (March 2) will be a repeat of that or whether anyone on the city council will listen to public inputs and take them into account.

Council members should be representing all city residents, not just a handful in Hills Beach.

When one sees the committee made up of three city council members who live in Hills Beach and Patricia Boston, a Hills Beach resident heading up the committee, there is little faith they will do their job of representing all residents of Biddeford, but more for their own benefit.

I believe this committee is a serious conflict of interest and unethical. I hope the mayor and other city council members choose to do that right and just thing and abandon this moratorium.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bernard Roy is a former Biddeford resident, and 1971 graduated of Biddeford High School. Today, he resides in Ada, Michigan

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BPS kids give editor birthday greeting

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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 it was fitting to read “Oh the Places You’ll Go’ as part of the Read Across America initiative.

Thanks, kids! You made me cry!

*Randy Seaver reads “Oh the Places You’ll Go” to some second graders at Biddeford Primary School*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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NEWSLETTER | Paradise City

March 1, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

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 news stories. I never appreciated that fact until I decided to launch my own publication.

Spreadsheets, meeting with our attorney, tracking expenses, insurance, content distribution, reviewing analytics and coordinating other people’s work.

It’s a lot. And I’m not getting any younger. More about that in a moment.

*Running a news organization involves a lot more than writing news,*

Beyond all the tedious business stuff (all of which is well outside of my comfort zone), our news and editorial content is growing by leaps and bounds.

Consider this: In February 2025 – about three months after the Gazette was created – we published 14 items on our website, not including our weekly obituaries.

Flash forward one year, and we have seen an increase of more than 300 percent! During the month of February 2026, we published 49 items on the Gazette’s site.

The good news is that nearly 40 percent of that material was generated by the community, not by us.

These community contributions include several letters to the editor, guest columns and high-quality news and feature pieces, such as last week’s story from Tammy Wells about a new partnership between the Catholic Church and the York County Jail, allowing inmates to celebrate weekly Mass.

When Rep. Ryan Fecteau – Speaker of the Maine House — wanted to share his thoughts about recent ICE enforcement efforts in Maine, he asked the Gazette to publish his column.

State Rep. Marc Malon and State Sen. Henry Ingweresen also publish their regular monthly columns in the Gazette. Former mayor Marty Grohman submitted his own op-ed last month in the Gazette.

We are honored that so many people in the community regard the Gazette as a reliable and trusted source for community news and information.

Getting older; Biddeford Primary School Fun

On a personal note, this is my last day of being 61, and tomorrow (March 2) will be the first birthday that I wanted to avoid.

Every Sunday morning for the past 14 months, I spend a few hours editing, formatting and publishing local obituary notifications.

With increasing frequency, I am posting the obituaries of people who were younger than me at the time of their passing.

Statistically speaking, the average life expectancy of an American man is 76 years.

That means I likely have only 14 years or fewer remaining — for the rest of my life.

I remember clearly where I was 14 years ago today. It goes by really fast. Really fast.

All the advice from my friends, family and the expert gurus suggests that you should live each day to its fullest and focus on the things that make you happy.

So, I am pleased to announce that I have once again been invited to read to students in Ms. Jillian Palladino’s second-grade class at Biddeford Primary School. It’s the one part of my upcoming birthday that I am actually excited about.

Coincidentally, March 2 is also the birthday of Theodore Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss . . . what a wonderful confluence of events!

Quick recap and preview

*Ward Five City Councilor David Kurtz (Seaver photo)*

My favorite story this week comes from my thoroughly enjoyable interview with City Councilor David Kurtz. I will be doing similar interviews with each member of the city council over the next few weeks. (Chatting with City Councilors)

Our goal is to peel back the perfunctory layers to give our readers some deeper context about the men and women running our city.

Our most popular story this week – by far –was our exclusive coverage and tour of the Adams Point Family Housing project that is scheduled to open in April. That story blew up our email and social media accounts, underscoring Biddeford’s pressing need for more affordable housing.

What’s coming up?

I will cap off my birthday celebration tomorrow (March 2) by attending the first public hearing for the Institutional Zone Review Committee, which will be making recommendations about ongoing development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

That meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Biddeford City Hall.

Hope to see you there! Have a great week!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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OPINION | A Charter Moment for Biddeford

March 1, 2026March 9, 2026 ~ Sam Pecor ~ 1 Comment

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 municipal charter.”

The issue received little coverage at the time. It deserves far more attention now.

Don’t be misled by the word “revising.” In Maine, a charter revision can mean anything from targeted amendments to a ground-up rewrite. Those elected to this Commission will determine the scope of the work, and voters will ultimately have the final say at a future referendum. The direction depends entirely on who chooses to serve and who chooses to participate.

So, what exactly is a charter?

The National Civic League, in its Guide for Charter Commissions, describes a local charter commission as “the closest thing we have to being part of a constitutional convention.” In practical terms, the charter is Biddeford’s governing framework. It determines how power is structured, how elections function, how authority is divided, and how accountability is maintained. It is the rulebook beneath the ordinances and policies we debate each year.

Here in Maine, we operate under the principle of ‘home rule,’ meaning municipalities retain all powers not in conflict with state or federal law. A charter defines how we exercise those powers. It is not symbolic. It shapes how the city works.

Biddeford last adopted a new charter in 2006, followed by amendments in 2012 and 2016. Past revisions have tended to be limited in scope and relatively quiet affairs, often drawing little public attention. That may be comfortable, but it is not ideal for something that governs the structure of local power.

This time could be different

November’s elections brought new energy to City Hall: a 28-year-old mayor, new city councilors, and a new city manager. Regardless of whether one supported those changes, it is difficult to argue that Biddeford is not at an inflection point.

Moments of transition are precisely when foundational questions deserve sunlight.

If we are serious about delivering on promises, including strengthening transparency, accountability or long-term vision — the charter is where those commitments can be formalized.

Each of the city’s seven voting wards will elect one representative to the nine-member commission, with two additional members appointed by the mayor.

Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk beginning March 2. Candidates must collect the required signatures and submit papers before the April deadline, with the election scheduled for June 9.

This is not a ceremonial body

It will decide what questions are asked and what proposals come before voters

That work should not happen in obscurity. It should involve broad conversation, thoughtful disagreement, and genuine civic engagement. Schools, civic groups, and residents alike can treat this as an opportunity to engage in the fundamentals of local self-government.

The outcome of this commission will reflect the level of participation it receives. If you believe Biddeford’s governing document should reflect the city we are becoming, not just the city we were, consider stepping forward or, at minimum, paying close attention.

Processes like this are rare. What we build, revise, or reaffirm now may guide the city for decades.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sam Pecor is a Biddeford resident. Although he currently serves on the Biddeford Gazette’s Advisory Board, his views do not necessarily reflect those of other advisory board members, the Biddeford Gazette’s publisher, staff, volunteers and supporters.

We welcome submitted commentary from our readers. For more information, please CONTACT US

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OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee

February 28, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

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 familiar. In practical terms, it is the zoning framework that governs development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

UNE’s campus sits largely within an area that, under typical zoning rules, is generally limited to single-family houses.

In 2001, the city created a dedicated zoning district to allow the university to build and grow in ways that no other entity could within that setting. The ordinance established a structured process requiring a comprehensive Institutional Master Plan, a document outlining anticipated growth over five to ten years and analyzing impacts on traffic, parking, infrastructure, municipal services, and campus design standards.

*Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain, City of Biddeford photo*

The University of New England has long been an important part of Biddeford’s civic and economic fabric. It is one of the city’s largest employers and contributes to the local economy, research activity and cultural life.

Students, faculty, and staff are neighbors and active participants in Biddeford. The relationship between Biddeford and UNE has evolved over time, shaped by growth on both sides.

The City’s zoning has long provided a clear pathway for institutional growth. However, the Institutional Zone ordinance has not been comprehensively updated in nearly 25 years. As both the university and the city have evolved, it is reasonable to review whether that framework remains aligned with current conditions and future expectations.

In recent years, several development projects within the Institutional Zone have generated strong reactions. Often, disagreements have centered less on whether development should occur and more on how clearly the ordinance defines what is permitted, how impacts are evaluated, and how decisions are made. When expectations among the university, the city, and residents are not fully aligned, even well-intended projects can become contentious.

That context, in part, led the city council to establish the Institutional Zone Review Committee at the beginning of this council term.

The committee serves in an advisory capacity. It does not approve projects, determine property sales, or make final legislative decisions. Its responsibility is to review the ordinance, gather public input, and recommend whether revisions are warranted. Any proposed changes will proceed through the standard public legislative process before the Planning Board and City Council.

Formed through the regular public appointment process, the committee operates in open session under Maine’s Freedom of Access laws. All members are Biddeford residents. The membership includes two city councilors, the president of the University of New England, the president of the Hills Beach Neighborhood Association, a facilities manager who previously worked for UNE and is a UNE graduate, and a local real estate professional. Together, they reflect a range of civic, professional, and neighborhood perspectives within the city.

Meetings are open to the public, materials are posted online, and the process is structured to ensure transparency, accountability, and broad participation before any ordinance changes are considered.

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The process is structured to ensure transparency, accountability,

and broad participation before any ordinance changes are considered.

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Residents may attend meetings in person or communicate directly with the committee via its group email account at InstitutionalZoneReview@biddefordmaine.org

As part of this review, the City Council adopted a temporary six-month moratorium on new institutional development and university uses. The pause is not directed at any single proposal and does not prohibit the purchase or sale of property within the Institutional Zone, nor does it prevent any property owner, including the University of New England, from entering into a real estate transaction.

It applies only to new development activity or changes of use during the review period, allowing the city to evaluate and, if necessary, update the ordinance before additional projects proceed under standards that may soon change.

Zoning ordinances shape municipalities for decades, influencing infrastructure investments, traffic patterns, public safety demands and neighborhood character.

Recent institutional projects have underscored the need for clearer expectations and a more consistent and transparent framework. As public interest has grown, so too has the expectation that development decisions be predictable and participatory. Reviewing the ordinance openly and deliberately is a responsible step toward that goal.

Public comment from Biddeford residents on March 2 and in the months ahead will help inform this work and strengthen the final recommendations. The objective is a regulatory framework that provides clarity, consistency, and confidence as institutional growth continues in Biddeford.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Liam LaFountain is serving his first term as Mayor of Biddeford and previously served two terms on the Biddeford City Council. He welcomes questions, comments, and ideas and can be contacted directly at liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org. The views and opinions herein are solely those of the author.

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LETTER | Let’s focus on collaboration, not division

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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 to remember that residency alone does not disqualify someone from serving fairly or objectively. Hills Beach residents are citizens of Biddeford, just as much as anyone living downtown, in the mills district, or elsewhere in the city. Suggesting that they are inherently incapable of acting in the broader public interest risks dividing our community rather than strengthening it.

The committee’s role is to review plans and gather input — including through a public hearing — not to act as “plaintiffs” or to obstruct progress. The public hearing itself is evidence of a transparent process that invites participation from the entire community.

The University of New England is indeed an asset to Biddeford. Its educational, economic, and cultural contributions are significant. At the same time, thoughtful review of development proposals is not the same as impeding progress. Responsible growth benefits from careful consideration of environmental impact, neighborhood character, traffic, infrastructure, and long-term planning. That is not obstruction — that is governance.

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“Thoughtful review of development proposals

is not the same as impeding progress.”

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If residents are concerned about representation, the solution is engagement. Attend the hearing. Submit comments. Volunteer for boards and committees. Run for office. Democracy functions best when more voices participate — not when we question the legitimacy of neighbors simply because of where they live.

Biddeford is stronger when we work together — university community, beach residents, mill district entrepreneurs, and long-time families alike. Let’s focus on collaboration rather than division.

Mark Poirier, Biddeford

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INTERVIEW | David Kurtz, city councilor, lawyer and hiker

February 28, 2026March 7, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

David Kurtz takes in a deep breath – pauses – and looks away, toward the coffee shop’s window before answering one of our questions during an informal and candid interview.

Kurtz, 39, is one of the three new Biddeford city councilors who were each first elected to office in November.

Despite the relaxed setting on a Tuesday afternoon at the Time & Tides coffee shop on Main Street, Kurtz approaches our questions with the same style of deliberative and thoughtful responses that are becoming his public trademark.

He is a serious man but is also equally funny and somewhat self-deprecating.

*Biddeford City Councilor David Kurtz (Seaver photo)*

Our hour-long conversation is free-wheeling. At times the mood is light and jovial. But Kurtz also doesn’t pull any punches when talking about growing up as “a geek” with divorced parents in southern Maine.

And he is as serious as a heart attack when discussing some of the issues now facing the city of Biddeford.

“There is absolutely no question,” he said. “We need to do better, but I also think we’re on the right track.”

Kurtz’s childhood was much less than anything that could be described as idyllic. His father struggled with a drug addiction. His mother did her best to raise her son alone on a meager income.

Despite those somewhat gritty circumstances, Kurtz heaped praise on both of his parents.

“They both loved and supported me unconditionally,” he recalled. “They were doing the best that they could do. Yes, my father had a substance use disorder, but he read to me every night when I visited him on weekends or vacation days.”

Here are three things everyone should know about David Kurtz.

First, he wore open-toed sandals to the interview, despite piles of frozen snow on the sidewalks and mid-February freezing temperatures.

A few hours later, he was dressed in a jacket and necktie for a meeting with his constituents at City Hall to discuss priorities for the city’s recreational assets. No sandals. Polished shoes.

Secondly, Kurtz worked in a liquor store when he was just 17 years old. “I looked more like 39 back then, than I do today,” he laughed.

Finally, Kurtz is often accompanied by his mother, Cynthia, during public events, including last week’s ward meeting and while enjoying the city’s annual downtown Winterfest celebration.

Sometimes people need to be willing to grab a shovel and help pick up some shit.”

In his very first bid for public office, Kurtz was unopposed in his quest for the council’s Ward Five seat.

Kurtz received 553 votes – a little less than 73 percent of the total ballots cast in that council race. According to the city clerk’s office, 211 voters in Ward Five left that particular ballot choice blank.

Ward Five – previously represented by Neva Lance, Julian Schlaver, Victoria Foley and Amy Clearwater – includes the city’s downtown area and a sprawling collection of repurposed former mill buildings.

While Biddeford is, in fact, Maine’s youngest city (35.6 median age), Ward Five is also arguably the most diverse, youngest and politically progressive of Biddeford’s seven voting wards.

Kurtz is a corporate lawyer. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine’s Law School in 2016.

Today, Kurtz is employed as a corporate lawyer for Robert S. Gitmeid & Associates, a New York-based firm with offices in all 50 states. Kurtz runs the firm’s Maine and Vermont offices.

Kurtz “shares a bed and custody of two cats” with his girlfriend, Dani, a veterinarian. The couple lives in a newly constructed residential building on Upper Falls Road (formerly Gooch Street).

Meet the new guy

Kurtz takes a sip from his coffee as we begin the Q & A portion of our meeting.

“Okay, I’m ready,” he laughed. “Let me have it.”

You double-majored in economics and bio chemistry at Hampshire College. Bio chemistry?

“All my friends were pre-med. I couldn’t keep up with their conversations, so I decided to try a new tact.” (Laughs)

How and why did you get involved in city politics?

“I served on the Recycling & Waste Management Commission. I found it fascinating. I got to work closely with [Public Works Director] Jeff Demers. Man, that guy knows a lot.”

“On that committee, I worked alongside [city councilors] Brad Cote, Jake Pierson and Abigail Woods and with Liam [LaFountain] before he became mayor.”

You’re not a Biddeford native.

“No. Almost, but not quite.” (Laughs) “I wasn’t born here, and I’m a bit self-conscious about that. I am from Maine, if that helps. (Laughs). My dad lived in Biddeford. My mom lived in Kennebunk. I commuted between the two communities during my childhood.”

You say you grew up in a financially challenged household, yet you ended up at Waynflete, a prestigious private high school. How did that happen? Good grades?

“Exactly. I was as shocked as anyone that I got in.”

Serving on the city council is often a thankless and tedious endeavor. Did you think it through before taking out nomination papers?

“Oh sure. I talked with [former Mayor] Marty Grohman and Norm [Belanger] and Liam – the three guys running for mayor. They didn’t try to talk me out of it.”

What motivated you to run?

“I saw where the city was heading, and I had my own concerns, I’m of the belief that sometimes people need to be willing to grab a shovel and help pick up some shit.”

What are your current committee assignments?

“I serve on the Policy Committee, the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. I also serve as the city council liaison on both the Biddeford Housing Authority and the Heart of Biddeford.”

You’re keeping busy.

“Pretty much. I also have a pretty time-consuming job. Dani and I are planning a vacation in 2028.” (Laughs)

You seem to be a good fit for this particular ward.

“Well. Thank you for that, kind sir. I feel at home in this ward. Many of my constituents are just like me – – relatively new arrivals in the city. I want to make sure their voices are heard.”

Future political plans?

“Nope. This is the end of the line for me.”

Your father read to you nightly. What books?

“Rudyard Kipling, Robert Heinlen, Issac Asimov – all the good Jewish writers.” (Laughs)

Hobbies? Background?

“I’m a big fan of long-distance hiking. I was actually a ‘ridge runner’ with the Appalachian Mountain Club.”

Is gentrification a concern for Biddeford?

“I think so, and I’m part of the issue. Higher-income, newer professional resident. We have to work through it without denying the challenges.”

You describe yourself as a “political leftie.” What’s your mission statement as a city councilor?

“I want the lowest taxes possible without cutting essential services.”

Note: The Biddeford Gazette will be conducting similar interviews with the other eight members of the city council over the next few weeks.

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BRCOT Students Place in Statewide Culinary & Hospitality Competition

February 26, 2026 ~ Karen Garnett ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

With the pressure of a Top Chef-style showdown—and none of the usual kitchen comforts—Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) Culinary and Hospitality students competed in the Maine ProStart State Invitational on February 24, 2026, placing second and third, respectively.

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s Culinary Arts students place second in the Maine ProStart State Invitational culinary competition. Pictured L-R: Maya Serrano (Thornton Academy), Marcus Ciccariello (Old Orchard Beach High School), Dominic Earl (Biddeford High School), and Elise Kazukiewicz (Thornton Academy). Missing from Photo: Team Manager Caleb Tardif (Biddeford High School). Contributed photo

Hosted by Hospitality Maine at the Holiday Inn By The Bay, the statewide competition challenged culinary students to prepare a three-course meal in just 60 minutes using only two butane burners—without access to running water or electricity. The BRCOT team prepared a “Dia De Los Muertos” menu featuring Mexican-style lobster tacos, pan-seared habanero-orange-glazed duck breast, and white chocolate mango mousse.

Teams were evaluated by industry professionals on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation, requiring students to rely on preparation, precision, and collaboration under intense time pressure. The high-pressure format mirrored the pace and expectations of professional kitchens, and BRCOT students rose to the occasion with creativity, precision, and confidence, impressing judges with both their technical ability and composure under the clock.

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s Hospitality students place third in the Maine ProStart State Invitational hospitality management competition. L-R: Instructor Nicki Bean, Aaleyah Sullivan (Thornton Academy), Olivia Hayford (Biddeford High School), Lyly Chhang (Biddeford High School), Jaice Cebula (Thornton Academy), and Noah Yum (Thornton Academy). Contributed photo

BRCOT’s Hospitality team presented in the Restaurant Management competition of the Maine ProStart State Invitational. The group submitted a comprehensive restaurant proposal for an international airport dining concept called World Table, featuring flavors from around the globe.

As part of the competition, students developed a complete business plan including menu design and pricing, marketing strategies, floor plan and decor, and operational planning before presenting their concept to the panel of industry judges. The project showcased not only their creativity, but also their critical thinking, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills—hallmarks of the Hospitality pathway at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

“Watching our students compete was like seeing classroom learning come to life,” said Nicki Bean, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Instructor at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “They had to think on their feet, trust each other, and deliver under pressure—and they did all of that with professionalism and creativity. It’s exactly the kind of experience that helps them sharpen their skills and opens doors for their future.”

The second-place culinary students receive a $1,500 scholarship, and the third-place hospitality students receive a $1,000 scholarship. Their placement reflects the hands-on, immersive nature of BRCOT’s Culinary and Hospitality programs, where students learn far more than just recipes and how to work in a restaurant.

Coursework includes food preparation and presentation, quantity food production, bakeshop, catering, classical sauces, and restaurant service, alongside hospitality fundamentals such as customer service, marketing, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students also explore careers through field trips, job shadows, and projects like designing their own restaurant concepts—building skills that translate well beyond the kitchen. Those enrolled can also earn transferable college credits, giving them an early advantage as they pursue college, careers, or entrepreneurial paths in Maine’s largest industry.

“This event captures exactly what career and technical education is all about,” said Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “Our students aren’t just learning technical skills—they’re discovering their passions, building confidence, and seeing how their interests can turn into real opportunities. Experiences like ProStart spark that interest and help students envision a clear path forward, whether they enter the workforce directly, continue their education, or pursue entrepreneurial paths in hospitality and beyond.”

The Maine ProStart State Invitational connects students with chefs, managers, and hospitality leaders while offering opportunities for scholarships and national recognition. BRCOT’s awards underscore how career and technical education can be both rigorous and exciting—preparing students not just to compete, but to thrive in fast-paced, real-world careers. The other schools involved included Sanford Regional Technical Center, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, and Capital Area Technology Center.

BRCOT is currently enrolling students for the 2026-2027 school year.

For more information about BRCOT and its programs, visit https://www.biddefordschools.me/o/brct.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Offering Hope | ‘What they’ve done is not who they are’

February 26, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ 1 Comment

By TAMMY WELLS, York County Government media

ALFRED, Maine – On a recent Saturday as the Mass at York County Jail neared its end, those eligible for Holy Communion moved to partake. Others were asked by Bishop Robert Deeley if they would like a blessing, and several residents stepped forward with their arms crossed on their chests, as instructed. He smiled at each one as he made the sign of the cross.

A York County Jail resident receives a blessing administered by Bishop Robert Deeley, who says Mass at the jail once a month for inmates who sign up to attend. While retired from administrative duties since 2024, he remains a priest and a Bishop and says Mass weekdays in his home parish. *(Courtesy photo)*

It was a special moment in an hour of special moments, as 17 general population jail inmates – some sentenced, some awaiting trial – took part in the Mass, repeating the familiar, and to some, not so familiar readings, and listening as Bishop Deeley delivered the homily.

Catholic Prison Ministry, a joint initiative of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and The Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, has provided a regular Catholic presence at York County Jail since 2018, after planning for a year, said member Raymond Wallace.

“They need to know what they’ve done is not who they are,” said Wallace of jail residents. “God has a better plan.”

The prison ministry group had long desired a Saturday evening Mass for inmates, but, as Bishop Deeley noted, Saturdays are busy times for priests, who regularly say Mass on Saturday evenings in their own parishes. Deeley retired from his administrative duties when James Ruggieri was appointed Bishop of Portland in 2024, but he remains a Bishop and a priest and recently began offering the Saturday evening Mass at the jail once a month.

*Brother Henry Monday, left, of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, and Bishop Robert Deeley take part in a recent Mass at York County Jail.*

Having Mass at the jail requires additional corrections officers to provide security, said Sheriff Bill King, and staffing levels are challenging so he, and Jail Administrator Maj. Lori Marks or an alternate attend to ensure the service is not cancelled. “It is truly an honor to have a retired Bishop come to the jail and celebrate mass,” King said. He said several inmates have become regular attendees and seem to have developed a connection with the Bishop – who recognizes “the regulars.”

Many of those attending on a recent Saturday weren’t Catholic – the Bishop said most aren’t. They listened and participated respectfully.

“I emphasize to the inmates how fortunate they are to have a Bishop celebrating mass at the jail,” said King. “Even amongst the non-Catholics, they seem to recognize the Bishop’s importance to the Catholic faith.”

York County Jail has an average daily population of about 230 people, who hail from many walks of life. Religious or spiritual services are offered to the majority of the jail population, who sign up to attend, said King.

He said groups like Catholic Prison Ministry provide mentorship. “I’ve seen where people released relied on them for guidance,” King said.

In addition to the Mass, Brother Henry Monday is a regular visitor to the jail, and is often sought out by residents for counsel, Bishop Deeley said.

Brother Monday put it simply: “When we come together, we are all children of God,” he said.

There are other services and opportunities for religious and spiritual counsel. Maj. Marks, the jail administrator, said Calvary Chapel hosts a Tuesday Bible study at the jail.

Rabbi Levi Wilansky is available to provide guidance to those of the Jewish faith, said King.

And York County Jail provides the services of a chaplain.

“Unlike chaplains in state facilities who often have the chance to build longer-term relationships, county jail chaplaincy mostly involves short-term care, meeting people facing an uncertain future and planting seeds of hope that may hopefully grow later,” said Chaplain Trent Boyd. “The Chaplain does their best to support each inmate’s right to practice their faith and to request reasonable accommodations for sincere beliefs.”

Bishop Robert Deeley, shown here greeting a York County Jail resident, is retired from his administrative work for the Diocese of Portland but remains a Bishop and priest, and says Mass once a month at York County Jail.

Boyd said chaplains listen, care, and are there to offer hope.

“A county jail chaplain tries to bring what we call “a ministry of presence” into the jail,” Boyd said.

On a winter Saturday evening, as the Mass was said, there was a warmth and a sense of peace and goodwill in the meeting room.

“I hope, through our presence with them, and having the Mass, they will know that whatever has gone wrong in their lives does not remove them from the love of God,” Bishop Deeley said of those who attend. “Remember that Jesus reached out to the prisoner next to him on Calvary. That prisoner is today in heaven. In whatever way we can help the people in the jail to know they are of great worth, and capable of doing great things, we have fulfilled our mission.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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OPINION | Biddeford should keep Center

February 25, 2026March 7, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain ran his campaign last year on a platform dedicated to restoring accountability and increasing transparency at City Hall.

Those were good messages, and the voters agreed with LaFountain, giving him the edge over the incumbent former mayor.

LaFountain pledged to hit the ground running, and he’s already made good on those campaign promises.

As an example, LaFountain – with unanimous support from the city council – was able to revive a new committee to review ongoing development at the University of New England.

LaFountain has also steadily pushed for transparency on issues ranging from the city’s overdue financial audits to how city spending is handled; and how major development projects are reviewed by city staff.

We applaud LaFountain’s commitment to transparency and accountability, but we would caution the new mayor to carefully consider and weigh a proposed change to how the city handles its legal matters.

Shortly after his inauguration in December, LaFountain proposed an idea to do away with having an outside, private attorney represent Biddeford as its city solicitor.

While the council supported renewing City Attorney Harry B. Center’s contract for only six more months, it’s unclear whether a potential change would ultimately be supported by every member of the council, when push comes to shove.

*Harry B. Center, a native son, has served the city of Biddeford for many years, first appointed by former mayor Roger Normand in 1992 (Courtesy photo)*

Regardless of how the council feels about ditching Center and instead hiring an in-house, full-time city attorney, we think such a move would be a mistake.

The basis of our opinion is founded upon three basic points: experience, local knowledge and financial costs to the taxpayers.

EXPERIENCE:

Center began serving Biddeford as its city solicitor more than 30 years ago, first appointed to the job by former mayor Roger Normand in 1992.

Since that time, Center has served as city solicitor under five different mayors, including James Grattelo, Donna Dion, Alan Casavant, Marty Grohman and now Liam LaFountain.

Although Center resigned his position in 2004 to pursue a new job in the private sector, he returned after being appointed by Casavant to replace Keith Jacques upon his retirement as city solicitor in 2022.

Over the last three decades, Center has served as the city’s chief legal counsel on a wide range of issues – including controversial matters related to the former Maine Energy trash incinerator and widespread citizen concerns about a controversial research pier being proposed by the University of New England.

Simply put, Mr. Center’s institutional knowledge cannot be matched.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:

Center is much more than just another department head or city employee. His roots in the community go back for generations.

He was born and raised in Biddeford. He attended St. Mary’s parochial school and then graduated from Biddeford High School in 1980.

If Biddeford needs representation on issues involving far-reaching implications for the city’s future, we think it makes sense to have an attorney who truly understands the community he is fighting for and representing.

Mr. Center is not only a highly qualified attorney and a partner in a Biddeford-based firm, he also understands the city’s history, its culture and its people.

Mr. Center’s blood runs black and orange, and that should count for something.

Although we have sometimes found ourselves in disagreement with some of Center’s opinions, we also feel strongly that he has consistently represented the city with passion, dedication and a deep commitment to the highest standards of his profession.

_________________

Mr. Center’s blood runs

black and orange; and

that should count for something.

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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Finally – although we recognize and appreciate some calls for a new approach and a breath of fresh air, we should all consider the financial implications of hiring an in-house attorney to serve as the city solicitor.

Currently, Center bills the city at an hourly rate of $255 per hour, a fraction of what most attorneys with his experience and credentials charge in the Portland metropolitan area.

The city’s primary financial advantage – in addition to Mr. Center’s deeply discounted fee — is the fact that he is not a full-time employee. Mr. Center receives no benefits from the city, unlike full-time department heads.

Center’s firm is headquartered on Main Street, almost directly across the street from City Hall’s main entrance. For all intents and purposes, he’s practically already ‘in-house’ counsel for the city.

Could the city hire a new attorney for less than what Center is charging? We strongly doubt that possibility, especially if the city wants someone with experience.

Moreover, creating yet another administrative position comes with all sorts of other somewhat hidden considerations, including office space, equipment and support staff, not to mention personnel benefits, including vacation and retirement benefits.

In summary, Harry Center has served the city of Biddeford with distinction and honor for many years. In our opinion, there is no compelling reason to throw away that experience and commitment on the gamble of a new approach.

That’s our opinion, and we welcome yours. You may submit either a guest column of the same length or a letter to the editor by contacting us at biddefordgazette@gmail.com.

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