Tag: Biddeford Maine

Is the Gazette biased against UNE?

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England.

In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s coverage of issues connected to UNE.

Roy specifically raised concerns about our March 5 story | Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?

Roy also expressed outrage that the Gazette “ignored” a letter-to-the-editor he sent to us on Feb. 28, somehow missing the fact that his letter was actually published by the Biddeford Gazette three days later, on March 2, 2026.  LETTER | City is Treating UNE Unfairly

Is the Gazette’s coverage of UNE biased?

The Gazette regularly and frequently publishes a high volume of news focused on the city of Biddeford. Thus, it is understandable how Roy could have missed seeing his letter published on our site.

The Gazette strongly encourages and promotes transparency and reader feedback regarding our coverage. Go here to submit your own letter

In the interests of transparency and full disclosure, the Gazette is sharing its unedited emailed response to Mr. Roy today, March 7.

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Dear Mr. Roy,

I would advise you to tread carefully before you accuse me and/or the Biddeford Gazette of any negative “bias” toward the University of New England.

1.) We did, in fact, publish your letter to the editor on Monday, March 2, which coincidentally was my birthday and a very busy news day. Here is the link to your piece in the Gazette: LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

2.) I did feel compelled to attach an “editor’s note” to your submission. I know that you grew up in Biddeford and graduated from Biddeford High School (Class of 1971) so I was quite surprised that you would complain about how poorly your sister was treated by parking enforcement at Goose Rocks Beach. Most Biddeford folks know that Goose Rocks Beach is located in the town of Kennebunkport, not in the city of Biddeford. I also was left scratching my head, trying to figure how that particular incident has any bearing on the issue at hand.

Numerous Biddeford residents shared concerns about development at UNE during a March 2, public hearing, the same day that the Gazette published Mr. Roy’s letter to the editor.

3.) Not only did I publish your letter, I also published your sister’s letter — and another guest column from someone else who is equally upset about how “unfairly the city is handling issues connected to UNE.” If you visit the Gazette’s website and simply use the “Search” function, you will find everything we have ever published about the university.

No Apologies

4.) I make absolutely no apologies for being a reporter and for rigorously covering this issue, which has been almost virtually ignored by every other media outlet in southern Maine. In fact, I am often the only reporter covering meetings about UNE, including the very first meeting of the newly formed Institutional Zone Review Committee on February 19, coincidentally my mother’s birthday. New UNE oversight committee begins work – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

UNE Is a Big Part of Biddeford

5.) Frankly, I do not understand why issues connected to UNE do not receive more attention from other media outlets, besides the Biddeford Gazette. As you, your sister and others have pointed out — the University is a major and vibrant part of the Biddeford community.

The university is one of the city’s largest employers and offers numerous and quite tangible economic benefits to its neighbors throughout the city. Development on UNE’s campus — most notably its proposed and controversial research pier — will have numerous impacts (positive and negative) on the community, from environmental impacts to public recreation on the Saco River and impacts to commercial fishermen who now lease moorings in proximity to the proposed pier. No one from the university has seen fit to return calls or answer questions from these mooring owners. They remain consistently ignored.

Criticism With a Familiar Theme

6.) Your recent letter has somewhat familiar fingerprints. The same recurring themes — and almost verbatim language — have been used repeatedly to criticize the city. It almost feels as if it’s part of a coordinated attack. You, your sister and others should relax. Despite being told repeatedly that the recent, temporary moratorium on development at UNE’s Biddeford campus has absolutely no bearing on the St. Joseph’s Convent — located roughly two miles away from the campus main entrance — that issue has become a red herring that you and others are trying to exploit. As a Catholic, I find such a move to be offensive.

City of Biddeford is Being Fair to UNE

7.) When he decided to establish a new committee to comprehensively review and evaluate potential changes to UNE’s master plan (last updated nearly a quarter century ago), Mayor Liam LaFountain took great pains to be fair. In fact, his first pick for the committee was Dr. James Herbert, the university’s president. All of the IZ Review meetings are held publicly, televised, and available to watch online. The media and all citizens have complete and unfettered access to the committee’s work and comments. Does this really strike you as unfair, or somehow nefarious?

The Gazette’s Real Relationship with UNE

UNE students help with dune grass restoration
UNE students help string downtown holiday lights

8.) It should be noted that I have a friendly, cordial and cooperative relationship with UNE, including its leadership team and members of its communications department including both Vice President Alan Thibeault and Sarah Delage, the university’s senior spokesperson. Over the past few weeks, the Gazette has published several “news releases” sent to us by the university, including a recent announcement about students helping to restore dune grass: COMMUNITY NEWS – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

9.) I was recently invited to have lunch on UNE’s campus by Dr. Michael Cripps, a professor at UNE’s School of Arts and Humanities. Dr. Cripps and I had a thoroughly enjoyable discussion that culminated with a conversation about having UNE students who are interested in journalism and communications serve as unpaid interns with the Biddeford Gazette. Do you suppose Dr. Cripps was aware of my horrific bias toward the university when he bought me lunch? (In fairness, I only had a salad).

UNE President Dr. James Herbert was appointed by Mayor LaFountain to serve on a new committee tasked with reviewing development on the Biddeford campus

News, Not Public Relations

10.) Yes, I have covered UNE rigorously. There is absolutely no question that the Gazette has taken a leadership role in ensuring rigorous public conversation and overview of these important issues in our community. I am aware that my reporting has perhaps made some folks connected to UNE feel disquieted or otherwise uncomfortable. Tough cookies. I am a journalist, not a PR hack for the university. You may be interested to know that my reporting on these issues has earned accolades and praise from many of colleagues across the state of Maine.

Shoreline Buffer Concerns Are Not Random

Mayor Liam LaFountain is bending over backward to be fair to UNE

11.) Concerns about the “buffer” that will be impacted by the pier have been shared by Mayor LaFountain and each and every member of the Biddeford City Council who voted unanimously to seek relief on that issue in York County Superior Court, an argument supported by City Attorney Harry B. Center, esq. Hardly “random grievances” from one man, who happens to be the former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission

As with everything I publish on the Biddeford Gazette website, I am completely comfortable with my fair, reasonable and dogged approach to covering important issues. If you have a problem with that, I invite you to send us another letter to the editor.

Cheers,

Randy Seaver, editor

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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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Door-to-door sales | Know your rights

~ 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.

144331912

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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Our editorial standards and policies: Biddeford Gazette | Standards & Policies

© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE

~ 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.

RELATED: UNE is a ‘major prize’ in Biddeford

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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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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BPS kids give editor birthday greeting

~ 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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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism

Our editorial standards and policies: Biddeford Gazette | Standards & Policies

© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast.

We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout.

Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.

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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results

City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.

In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.

Find all the official results from the Biddeford City Clerk’s Office here.

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NOTE | You can see my previous interview with Randy — where we talked about my 2024 Top 20 local politicians and policy maker list — at the link below.

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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results

City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.

In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.

Find all the official results from the Biddeford City Clerk’s Office here.

Two Biddeford men convicted for drug trafficking

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, two Biddeford men were convicted for drug trafficking and other felony offenses.

 The two men were found guilty on June 17, of interfering with commerce by robbery; conspiring to traffic cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl; using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking; and illegally possessing a firearm. The verdict came following a six-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Portland.

According to court records and testimony at trial, Nathaniel Ashwood, 37, and Lloyd Lyttle, 35, of Biddeford distributed narcotics in the Biddeford area and defended their narcotics distribution interests with violence and threats of violence.

Witnesses at trial testified that during the evening of July 28, 2023, Ashwood and Lyttle robbed and assaulted a rival drug dealer and two other individuals in the area of Cutts Street in Biddeford using firearms and physical force to intimidate local residents and establish their control of the local drug market.

Nathaniel Ashwood (Photo by Fox 23 News)

At the time Lyttle and Ashwood committed these assaults they had both been convicted of felony offenses that prohibited them from possessing firearms.

Ashwood faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life. Lyttle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years with a maximum sentence of life.

Both men will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.


The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Biddeford Police Department investigated the case, with the assistance of the Springfield, Vermont Police Department.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford hires new city manager

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Following a nationwide search, the Biddeford City Council is expected next week to confirm the hiring of Truc Dever as the city’s next professional manager.

Dever currently serves as the public works director for the city of Kirkland, Wash., a city with a population of roughly 93,000 people located about eight miles east of Seattle.

Dever’s hiring caps several months of controversy that surrounded former city manager James Bennett who was ousted from office in February after announcing his planned resignation in October last year.

According to Mayor Marty Grohman, Dever will begin her new job in Biddeford in August. Details about her contract will not be available until her hiring is confirmed by the city council next week.

Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever

“Truc distinguished herself as the top candidate for the position for several reasons,” said Mayor Martin Grohman. “She brings over two decades of public sector leadership across a range of city operations, as well as experience in human
resources and public health. The members of the city council and I are excited to welcome her to Biddeford.”

In her previous position as public work director in Kirkland, Dever oversaw a staff of more than “170 employees across multiple divisions, including utilities, transportation and capital projects,” according to the city’s website.

Dever held various leadership roles before becoming Kirkland’s public works director, including serving as human resources director in Kirkland; general manager at Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, and director of community affairs within the same agency, where she managed public health communication initiatives.

She also has experience as a small business owner and working in public relations and media roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from UCLA and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Fullerton.

“I am honored to be considered for this position as Biddeford’s next city manager,” said Dever. “I look forward to working alongside city leaders and community members to continue building a future focused on opportunity, sustainability and resiliency.”

Dever will become the city of Biddeford’s fifth city manager, taking over the helm from acting City Manager Brian Phinney. Previous city managers include Bennett, John Bubier, Edward Clifford and Bruce Benway.

According to the Kirkland city website, as the city’s human resources director, Dever “helped negotiate six collective bargaining agreements with the city’s labor unions; spearheaded the effort to provide affordable, accessible, and quality childcare benefits to Kirkland employees.

Grohman said Dever was selected from a pool of 34 applicants in a nationwide search for candidates.

Dever will begin her tenure Monday, August 11. Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, will continue to serve as
acting city manager until Dever’s contract begins.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Budget tensions include homeless funding

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Last week, more than two dozen people appeared before the Biddeford City Council, each of them requesting varying amounts of public funding for their respective non-profit organizations.

It is an annual process that is just one part of the city’s annual budget.

None of the public presenters were questioned or challenged about their funding requests – except one.

Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center, was questioned about her funding request by veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard.

Fowler told the council that her organization’s budget has exploded over the past 12 months, from a total of $345,000 last year to a projected $1.1 million this year.

Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope

“It’s hard for me to even say that number out loud,” Fowler told the council.

Last year, Fowler asked the council for a $50,000 donation. Ultimately, the council then approved a $28,000 expenditure for Seeds of Hope.

This year, Fowler is asking the city for a contribution of $180,000 primarily to support the installation of fire sprinklers on the second floor of the former church on South Street, where between 40 and 50 unhoused residents stay during the evening.

Fowler told the council that she expects to pay $150,000 for the sprinkler system, and said her organization is in “serious need” to support its daily meals, pointing out that a single gallon of orange juice now costs $8.

Fowler said Seeds of Hope served more than 36,000 meals last year. “We are focused on getting the most out of every dollar,” she said. “At this, point finding solutions to the growing need seems impossible.”

Fowler said her organization was quite different than other organizations asking for funds, such as the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, LaKermesse or Subscircle, a community arts program.

“What we do is not fun to talk about,” she said.

After Fowler completed her presentation, Mayor Marty Grohman asked if any of the councilors had any questions. Lessard raised his hand.

Lessard pointed out that last summer the city committed $1.3 million to begin a new “test program” to provide structured services for unhoused residents. Almost nine months later, the city still does not have a permanent plan to address the issue.

City Councilor Marc Lessard

“We have no guarantees about what your operation will look like or how it will function after November,” Lessard said to Fowler.

During a telephone interview on Sunday, Lessard said he was simply asking the same questions he asked last year when Grohman and former City Manager James Bennett outlined a plan that would allow the city to close a sizeable homeless encampment near Mechanic’s Park.

“I am concerned that we have no long-term security in how this program will operate in the future,” Lessard said. “There’s nothing stopping them from becoming a for-profit organization or shutting down.

“I just want some assurances,” Lessard said. “I am trying to safeguard the city.”

Growing questions and a growing need

The city began its new “homeless approach” in July 2024, after the annual budget was already approved.

Bennett told the council then that the city could tap into some of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that the city had received.

Bennett laid out a two-phase approach, the first part of which would be to hire a new homeless outreach worker and provide several zero-gravity chairs to Seeds of Hope. The second-phase included funding to make repairs and upgrades to the former church that included the installation of several shower stalls and a new kitchen.

But after learning that the city could not use the CDBG funds for work on an historic building, the renovation project was abruptly halted as the city struggled to find a new way to fund the renovation project.

Fowler said that once Seeds of Hope was asked to provide the city with overnight services, her operating costs skyrocketed because of the need for additional staffing, utility costs and other supplies.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,”

— Vassie Fowler

“I think it’s important to remember that this was the city’s plan,” Fowler told the Biddeford Gazette during a subsequent interview. “We’re just the vehicle the city decided to use to tackle this problem.”

When asked by Lessard about a guarantee or assurances, Fowler said it depends on what the city wants.

“We will always be a non-profit,” Fowler replied. “The answer is that’s a conversation that needs to happen. I’m open to it. I have always been open to it. We’re open to all possibilities.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,” Fowler added. “This is working. We are finding permanent solutions to homelessness in our community. I cannot imagine why we wouldn’t continue to do that.”

As a resident of Biddeford, Fowler told the Gazette that she very much appreciates Lessard and his fiscally-conservative perspective.

“Marc really cares about this city, and we need people like him who are going to keep a close eye on things,” Fowler said.

For his part, Lessard told the Gazette that it is sometimes hard being in the minority on the council.

“I have a very deep appreciation for everything that Vassie and Seeds does for our community,” Lessard said. “I don’t feel as if I’m asking for a lot by looking for some concrete assurances.

“We are facing a budget that is putting a big strain on the backs of most taxpayers,” he added. “We talk a lot about affordable housing but then we go ahead and make housing less affordable. It’s just not sustainable.”

“That’s a good back and forth,” Grohman said of the exchange between Fowler and Lessard on Thursday evening.

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

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