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
Tag: Biddeford
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A lawsuit filed against the city of Biddeford and a local real estate developer has been withdrawn by two residents who were upset about a proposed housing development near Clifford Park in Biddeford.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
AUGUSTA RECAP: State Rep. Marc Malon
By Rep. MARC MALON This week at the Statehouse was front-loaded and compact. Many of my colleagues traveled on the biannual Maine Development Foundation tour across the state, learning about economic development particularly in Penobscot and Aroostook Counties from Wednesday through Friday. I’ve always wanted to attend, but it’s difficult to manage with family obligations. … Continue reading AUGUSTA RECAP: State Rep. Marc Malon
Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions
(This is the first of hopefully many more 'Five Questions" interviews with a variety of people throughout the Biddeford Community) For nearly 14 years, Delilah Poupore has been at the helm of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization with a mission to “foster a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable downtown for residents, businesses and visitors.” … Continue reading Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions
‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event will support fallen officer
A group of former mayors and Biddeford’s current mayor are all hoping to run into you at one of several downtown restaurants on Wednesday evening (Feb. 5) The “Mayor’s Night Out” event will actually be a fundraiser to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who was … Continue reading ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event will support fallen officer
OPINION: Some notable changes in local media outlets
(Originally published on the Lessons In Mediocrity site) There’s no denying it. This is not your father’s news industry anymore. That’s good news, but it’s also very bad news. I’m writing this because there were three significant local changes in the news industry that happened in just the last two weeks. More about that in … Continue reading OPINION: Some notable changes in local media outlets
NEWSLETTER: Where are we going?
Wow! Just wow. When I started the Biddeford Gazette, I had no idea how well it would be received by the community. It’s a new year; we have a new president, and I now have a new project that will keep me occupied for the foreseeable future. Thus, welcome to my first newsletter! WHERE WE … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Where are we going?
City council covers project shortfall
The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to fill the gap in funding for repairs and renovations to the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, a private resource for the city’s unhoused residents. The council’s move Tuesday is expected to solve lingering issues and questions about a shortfall of $255,000 of the $1.2 million project. (See … Continue reading City council covers project shortfall
Biddeford struggles with communication
Despite spending a little more than $45,000 last year on upgrades and consulting services, the city of Biddeford is still wrestling to improve its external communication platforms. During almost every public meeting, the city struggles and stumbles as it attempts to allow people to remotely watch or participate in meetings at City Hall. As a … Continue reading Biddeford struggles with communication
FEATURE: McArthur Library partners to help fight cancer with special event
By JEFF CABRAL Special to the Gazette This is a story where community crosses all kinds of lines and partnerships are formed to benefit the greater good; a story that could only take place in New England, which often feels like a small town itself. Biddeford resident Jessica Johnson has been continuing her mother Dorothy's … Continue reading FEATURE: McArthur Library partners to help fight cancer with special event
OPINION: Biddeford’s Homeless: A volunteer’s perspective
By Tom McPheeters Special to the Biddeford Gazette I usually arrive for my shift at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center a little before 9 a.m. to get coffee going, but on this Monday, I am also delivering a large pan of American Chop Suey. Since I am not a native Mainer, I have no … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford’s Homeless: A volunteer’s perspective
Popular brewery closing Biddeford location this weekend
A popular Biddeford ‘tap room’ will soon be closing its doors in order to expand brewing operations that will support its other locations. According to co-owner Matt Haskell, the change at Blaze Brewing will allow the company to expand overall and the space will remain as a manufacturing location for at least the next few … Continue reading Popular brewery closing Biddeford location this weekend
Biddeford voters will decide school bond question
Although it may feel like the election season just ended, voters in Biddeford will have the chance next week to decide whether to secure some state funds for the purchase of learning equipment at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT). If approved, the referendum will have no impact on local property taxes. Instead, the … Continue reading Biddeford voters will decide school bond question
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