Mike Clukey was a regular customer at George’s Sandwich Shop on Franklin Street in Biddeford for several years. In fact, he liked the sandwiches so much that he jumped at the opportunity to purchase the iconic Biddeford landmark a little more than three years ago. “We have a fantastic crew, and they are the ones … Continue reading George’s: Keeping a beloved tradition alive
Tag: Biddeford
Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
Following a two-year period of tumultuous staffing turnovers at Biddeford City Hall, another department head has announced his resignation. The Biddeford Gazette was able to confirm today that George Gervais-- the city's director of economic and community development -- has resigned his position, a little less than 18 months after he was hired by the … Continue reading Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
OPINION: Step forward and be heard
We are now officially in the middle of summer but the next municipal election in Biddeford will be here before you know it. In fact, nomination papers for this year's election will be available in about 60 days. If you live in Biddeford and ever thought about ways that you could make a difference in … Continue reading OPINION: Step forward and be heard
City alleges ‘breach of contract’ by former city manager
According to documents filed in York County Superior Court, the city of Biddeford is asking the Court to dismiss a complaint filed earlier this year by former city manager James Bennett. In his lawsuit against the city, Bennett claims that he is entitled to more than $200,000 in wages and other compensation, as outlined in … Continue reading City alleges ‘breach of contract’ by former city manager
City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
Despite receiving a blistering and somewhat embarrassing report last week about the city’s financial controls and procedures, Biddeford officials are remaining tight-lipped about the abrupt departure of former city manager James Bennett. In fact, Bennett has filed a civil complaint against the city in York County Superior Court. During a public review of the city’s … Continue reading City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’
Matt Lewis sees nothing but potential in the Biddeford-Saco area. Lewis, 58, was hired in May as the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lewis moved to Maine from the San Francisco area a little more than two years ago. California, he said, is still struggling from the aftermath of … Continue reading New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’
Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers … Continue reading Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration a success
By Emma Bouthillette, Contributing writer Maine still holds the title for the whitest state in the country, but as historian and retired journalist Bob Greene is quick to point out, Black history has deep roots in Maine. Greene was welcomed as the keynote speaker at Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the city’s Diversity, Equity and … Continue reading Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration a success
La Kermesse 2025: A lot of work to have a lot of fun
Today (Thursday, June 19) is the first day of the 42nd annual La Kermesse Festival. But the volunteers who make the annual festival possible have been working hard behind the scenes for the last 11 months in order to make this year’s celebration even more festive. Although the festival celebrates the region’s Franco-American culture and … Continue reading La Kermesse 2025: A lot of work to have a lot of fun
Planning board hits pause button on UNE pier
Following more than an hour of impassioned public testimony, the Biddeford Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to table further review of UNE’s controversial pier proposal until all board members can participate in a site walk. Although the Planning Board conducted a site walk at the university on June 9, board member Roch Angers was unable … Continue reading Planning board hits pause button on UNE pier
New manager explains her excitement about Biddeford
Truc Dever -- the woman hired to become Biddeford’s next city manager – told the Biddeford Gazette that she and her husband are excited about moving to Maine and have long referred to the state as their “forever home.” The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Dever with a two -year contract that … Continue reading New manager explains her excitement about Biddeford
Downtown merchants struggle, remain hopeful
There has been almost endless talk on local social media sites about recent traffic congestion in Biddeford and Saco. The seven-month sewer upgrade project began in April and is expected to be completed in November. In the meantime, traffic sometimes becomes snarled near the cities' downtown core. That traffic and constant negative chatter on social … Continue reading Downtown merchants struggle, remain hopeful
Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24
In just a few days, General Marquis de LaFayette – a hero of the American Revolutionary War -- will be making his triumphant return to Biddeford. Well, sort of. Members of the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center and the Biddeford Historical Society are now busy preparing for some festivities that will celebrate LaFayette’s last visit … Continue reading Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24
City manager will earn $200k per year
The Biddeford City Council is expected Tuesday to confirm the appointment of Truc Dever as city manager. Dever is being offered a two-year contract that can be renewed. She will be paid a base salary of $195,000 during her first year of employment and $200,00 during her second year. Dever’s contract also includes a monthly … Continue reading City manager will earn $200k per year
NEWSLETTER: A big week for the Biddeford Gazette
A lot can happen in just a few days, and that’s especially true when you’re in the news business. Over just the past few days, we added a new staff member to the Gazette team, got a huge compliment from one of Maine’s most respected journalists and stumbled across a significant story that is still … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: A big week for the Biddeford Gazette
Big laughs in Biddeford this week
Why did the reporter cross the road? To interview a comedy promoter. Duh! Okay, so that’s not very funny, but maybe you are one of those people who can always make people laugh. Have you ever thought about doing some stand-up comedy? If so, Patrick ‘Buzz Gordon’ Ouellette of Biddeford wants to talk with you. … Continue reading Big laughs in Biddeford this week
Council pauses on major development project
Several members of the Biddeford City Council expressed significant and pointed concerns during Tuesday’s council meeting about a proposed affordable housing project near the corner of Lincoln and Pearl streets. Westbrook Development Corp. is hoping to construct approximately 90 units of affordable housing for residents over the age of 55. The developers say the monthly … Continue reading Council pauses on major development project
Biddeford voters will decide school budget
Biddeford voters will soon be asked whether they approve a $49.3 million budget for operation of Biddeford’s public schools during the next fiscal year. The $49,269,781 school budget was ratified by the city council on May 8 and represents what School Supt. Jeremy Ray describes as a “carefully managed” expenditure increase of slightly more than … Continue reading Biddeford voters will decide school budget
Biddeford kicks off Pride month
A crowd of roughly 50 people gathered Monday for the raising of the Pride flag at Biddeford City Hall. Monday's ceremony kicks off at a month-long celebration of activities and events, all aimed at promoting the ideals of inclusivity, respect and diversity -- especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community -- in Biddeford and beyond. … Continue reading Biddeford kicks off Pride month
UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
Just a few days after hearing several negative comments from the public about their proposed research and docking pier, officials from the University of New England distributed a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document with the media and community leaders. The university (UNE) says the FAQ document is intended to clarify “a variety of misunderstandings [that] … Continue reading UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
