A University of New England spokesperson writes that an April 9 story -- regarding the school's real estate transactions and how it impacted public policy -- missed the mark and needs more context Editor: An April 9 Biddeford Gazette article [The city, the convent and the university: What happened?] suggested that the University of New England … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
Tag: Biddeford Gazette
Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
John Gold, Kayla J. Lewis and Annika Sovetsky each bring a unique set of talents and perspectives to the Gazette's Community Advisory Council John Gold Kayla J. Lewis Annika Sovetsky ____________ By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The Biddeford Gazette is very pleased to announce that three more community members have joined our Community Advisory Council. … Continue reading Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
City Manager finds some significant savings while councilors consider deep cuts to social service funding requests; a public hearing will be held tonight By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the start of the Biddeford City Council’s budget workshop meeting on Monday, City Manager Truc Dever walked members of the council through several pages of a … Continue reading Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
Democrats say the narrowly approved budget reflects Maine values and will help working-class families; Republicans say the spending package is irresponsible and not sustainable By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Maine lawmakers last week approved a supplemental budget of more than $500 million for the next fiscal year. Gov. Janet Mills signed the spending package -- … Continue reading NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
OPINION | A Maine reporter explains Graham Platner’s campaign success
Platner is not just running ahead of Gov. Janet Mills for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. He’s possibly the most remarkable political story in the country. [Republished, with permission] Maine’s Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate, between the two main candidates of Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, has become perhaps the country’s clearest … Continue reading OPINION | A Maine reporter explains Graham Platner’s campaign success
OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford The Biddeford Gazette’s editor recently opined that Biddeford residents are being asked—again—to accept a familiar argument: rising taxes are unfortunate, but necessary, and worthy social programs like the McArthur Library should be shielded from scrutiny because they serve the public good. (City should fully fund McArthur Library’s budget request; Biddeford … Continue reading OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
It looks like spring is finally springing here in Biddeford. Spring is exciting and refreshing, but it also means we have to come out of hibernation and begin some hard tasks, including spring cleaning, yard work and the arduous task of preparing local, county and state budgets for the next fiscal year. The Gazette is … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Follow Your Bliss
EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
The McArthur Library on Main Street has been serving every citizen of Biddeford --regardless of income -- for nearly 125 years. They deserve our full support. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Many Biddeford residents – rightfully so – are very concerned about the city’s ongoing debate regarding next year’s municipal budget. Without even considering likely … Continue reading EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind Teams Named World Finalists
[Contributed Story] By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department Among the 77 teams representing Divisions I, II, and III at the Maine Odyssey of the Mind (OM) State Finals Tournament on April 4, 2026, two of the four Biddeford teams placed in their divisions. Both the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) Performance Team and the Biddeford … Continue reading Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind Teams Named World Finalists
IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
[Contributed Story] A new 40-unit affordable housing community at 37 Barra Road marks Westbrook Development's first project in Biddeford and the first phase of a broader housing partnership with the city Westbrook Development Corporation (WDC), in partnership with the city of Biddeford, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Thatcher Brook Apartments, a new 40-unit … Continue reading Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
During Tuesday's public hearing about next year's municipal budget, a majority of those speaking supported increased spending and no cuts to social service programs By RANDY SEAVER | Editor More than 60 people – including many supporters of the McArthur Library -- packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to listen and speak at the … Continue reading Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
APRIL 6, 2026 Dear Editor: As I approach my 18th birthday, I would like to reflect on my experience in Scouts BSA with Scouting America. When I started as a Cub Scout, I was a goofy kid just wanting to have fun. But through my 11 years of scouting, I have learned more than how … Continue reading LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
The standout student receives high praise from her teacher and other community members By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department Biddeford High School (BHS) Senior Katarina De La Torre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), is given annually to a senior … Continue reading De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
By JILL (JC) NEWMAN | Biddeford On April 7, the Biddeford City Council will hear a statement from the reestablished 2026 Biddeford Cable Television Committee, which will speak in support of reviving the Biddeford PEG (Public, Educational, Government) Access Television station. Residents supportive of Biddeford PEG Access are encouraged to attend. The meeting will begin … Continue reading OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
Wave gauges deployed off the Saco shoreline join a growing network of sensors spearheaded by UNE researchers to inform coastal resilience planning for weather-beaten communities By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Researchers from the University of New England have installed specialized wave-monitoring equipment off the coast of Saco to better understand how a … Continue reading NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
NEWS | City, school officials discuss and react to budget increase requests
Members of the Biddeford City Council and School Committee engaged in a sometimes-tense joint discussion about the proposed city and school budgets for FY'27 By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated Wednesday in a sometimes-tense joint discussion about their respective, proposed budgets. Discussion centered upon … Continue reading NEWS | City, school officials discuss and react to budget increase requests
COMMUNITY | Honoring the legacy of Don Wilson
Editor's Note | The Biddeford Gazette was proud to make a modest donation to this effort. We strongly encourage our readers to also consider supporting this community project and honor the memory of one of Biddeford's greatest citizens. By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department For generations of students, athletes, and families in Biddeford, Don … Continue reading COMMUNITY | Honoring the legacy of Don Wilson
OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
City councilor explains the challenges and economic realities Biddeford is facing, asks for public input and guidance By BRAD COTE | Biddeford City Councilor Special to the Biddeford Gazette As I read the well-written piece by Emma Bouthillette, (Biddeford's looming budget; get involved) it got me thinking about the budget process and everything that goes … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 