Scores of Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for the first of two public hearings on the city's proposed budget. Only one resident -- former City Councilor Michael Swanton -- suggested a budget cut, calling on the council to close and sell the city's public access television station on Pool Road. "Technology has zoomed by cable … Continue reading Support for library, and a new bathhouse
Tag: Biddeford
Joint budget workshop: ‘A Tough Pill to Swallow’
With a “challenging” budget hanging over their heads, members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated in a joint workshop meeting Monday to examine the proposed budget. Monday’s joint meeting was a rare occurrence that has happened only once before over the past 10 years. “This is an unusual opportunity,” said … Continue reading Joint budget workshop: ‘A Tough Pill to Swallow’
Iconic 5-Points signpost may get a new look
An iconic, but long neglected, sign post in Biddeford may be getting a new lease on life. The former MOBIL gas station sign – nearly 40 feet tall- sits near the center of the Five Points intersection. It is visible to commuters traveling on both Route One and Route 111. It is also visible to … Continue reading Iconic 5-Points signpost may get a new look
Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’
The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager. There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council. Because of a technical glitch, … Continue reading Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’
Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April
The seven-month project is expected to have a "significant impact" on local traffic No matter how you slice it, there is no denying that a major road repair project will significantly impact traffic in Biddeford and Saco. City officials are asking motorists in the two cities to prepare for significant delays, plan accordingly and try … Continue reading Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April
Chamber director announces pending departure
After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry. LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership. “It’s not an easy decision because I really … Continue reading Chamber director announces pending departure
City responds to questions about financial problems
On Saturday, the Biddeford Gazette sent a list of questions to Biddeford's acting city manager regarding concerns about financial problems the city is facing. Less than 48 hours later, we received a detailed and comprehensive reply from Brian Phinney, the acting city manager. Below, you will find our list of questions along with the unedited … Continue reading City responds to questions about financial problems
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Three
Editor's note: This is the third and final installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford's housing crisis. When discussing Biddeford’s housing crisis, the bulk of the conversation often settles upon issues of homelessness, low-income housing or so-called “affordable” housing projects. But there is another important piece to the puzzle. Over the last few years, pricing … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Three
A season not soon forgotten: Coach Jeannine Paradis
More than 48 hours after the final buzzer, Coach Jeannine Paradis’ voice is still hoarse, and she jokingly said that her blood pressure has not yet returned to normal. Paradis is the head coach of the Biddeford High School Girls’ Basketball team, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, … Continue reading A season not soon forgotten: Coach Jeannine Paradis
Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
Earlier today, the Biddeford Gazette learned that an email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett was sent from one member of the Biddeford City Council to Mayor Marty Grohman and every other member of the council. According to our sources, the email was sent at 7:05 a.m. today (Feb. 27, 2025). … Continue reading Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
Biddeford Deserves Better | OPINION
I honestly don't get it. Six days ago, I broke and published a news story that Biddeford City Manager James Bennett was abruptly removed from his post. Bennett, well-known in several communities throughout Maine, capped off his nine-year stint in Biddeford under a cloud of mystery. Six days ago. I understand why the city is … Continue reading Biddeford Deserves Better | OPINION
NEWSLETER: Feb. 23, 2025
Just when you think things are going to slow down and become more manageable, some big stories come from out of nowhere and demand your immediate attention. Such was the case last week, with two stories that were both exclusive to the Biddeford Gazette. First, the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, … Continue reading NEWSLETER: Feb. 23, 2025
BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week. Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city's chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to finish out the remainder of … Continue reading BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
Activists drop lawsuit against city, developer
A lawsuit filed against the city of Biddeford and a local real estate developer has been withdrawn by two residents who were upset about a proposed housing development near Clifford Park in Biddeford. According to court documents, the plaintiffs Loren McCready and Christopher Quint both own property that abuts the proposed housing development. The withdrawal … Continue reading Activists drop lawsuit against city, developer
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: The experts speak
Editor's Note: This is the second installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford's housing crisis. A panel of experts offered their perspectives and guidance regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis during a special city council workshop meeting earlier this week. For more than two hours, the nine panelists each offered their professional insights and took questions from … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: The experts speak
Biddeford’s Winterfest 2025 is a hit
Hundreds of people flocked to downtown Biddeford on Saturday for the 13th annual Winterfest celebration. The giant sledding hill on Adams Street was once again a popular attraction, but there were also a lot of other things happening, including tours of the newly renovated City Hall clock tower, dancing and music. The Adams Street sledding … Continue reading Biddeford’s Winterfest 2025 is a hit
NEWSLETTER: From Me to You
Hard to believe it’s been two weeks since our last newsletter. A big thank you to all of you who have decided to join us on this journey by subscribing and/or following and liking us on Facebook. A quick review: Things at the Biddeford Gazette have been moving quickly and there are exciting changes on … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: From Me to You
Community rallies for fallen officer’s family
Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer. Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December. Biddeford Mayor Marty … Continue reading Community rallies for fallen officer’s family
Council discusses winter parking bans
With another winter storm looming on the horizon, members of the Biddeford City Council discussed the city’s policy regarding overnight parking bans. At the tail end of Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilor Neva Gross – who represents much of the city’s downtown area -- raised the issue to her fellow councilors, asking if there is more … Continue reading Council discusses winter parking bans
UNE Refuses Citizen Request for Information
The University of New England (UNE) is, apparently, refusing to provide information to the public and the media about a federal grant the university received to construct a new “research pier” on the banks of the Saco River. Over the last few weeks, John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor … Continue reading UNE Refuses Citizen Request for Information
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