Residents and visitors to Biddeford now have access to a free online community calendar that is designed to be a one-stop resource regarding local events. The Yodel Event Calendar represents a collaborative project between four organizations: the Heart of Biddeford; the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce; the Biddeford School Department and the city of Biddeford. … Continue reading What’s happening in Biddeford?
Tag: Biddeford
Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Following a rather tense and emotionally-charged discussion, the Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to give preliminary site approval for the University of New England’s proposed research pier. The controversial pier proposal has generated widespread public discourse for more than a year, even before the application was formally submitted in June 2024. This aerial photograph … Continue reading Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Nominations being sought for 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame
According to a recent press release, he Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) is now seeking nominations for the 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame. Now in its eighth year, the annual BCHC program recognizes and celebrates citizens of Biddeford or others who have contributed to the history, heritage, and culture of the city or the … Continue reading Nominations being sought for 2025 Biddeford Hall of Fame
Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
Biddeford voters could be asked to approve more than $47 million in municipal bonds to support ongoing sewer separation work and improvements to the city’s parks and recreational facilities. During their July 15 meeting, city councilors discussed the prospect of an overall spending package intended to address items that would be much more costly if … Continue reading Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
‘For Biddeford’ event draws 150 volunteers
By JUSTIN SWEENEY, New Life Church, Lead Pastor (Photos by Joe McKenney) On Saturday, July 12, New Life Church hosted its 8th annual “For Biddeford” event, a citywide serve day where close to 150 volunteers spread out across Biddeford to complete 10 service projects to bless the community. For Biddeford is built on a simple … Continue reading ‘For Biddeford’ event draws 150 volunteers
EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Biddeford City Councilor Norman Belanger confirmed Friday that he will be running against Mayor Marty Grohman to become the city's next mayor. Belanger, 68, has served on the council since 2017, including two years as council president. When asked why he is running, Belanger said: "The city needs strong leadership, and I believe I am … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Tempers flare at city council meeting
Mayor breaks several tied votes Although the Biddeford City Council recently approved the creation of more than 150 housing units, several people who watched the June 17 Biddeford City Council meeting said they were “stunned” by the raw emotion and frustration on display by councilors and others who attended the meeting. The rather tense, marathon … Continue reading Tempers flare at city council meeting
George’s: Keeping a beloved tradition alive
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
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
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 