Council unanimously halts UNE development

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Despite the impassioned pleas of some nuns from the St. Joseph’s Convent, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a temporary development moratorium on the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Mayor Liam LaFountain proposed the moratorium and the creation of an ad-hoc committee in order to give the city time and flexibility to review and consider several significant developments planned by the university.

Although not located on their campus, it was recently revealed that the university had ongoing plans to purchase the St. Joseph’s Convent in order to redevelop that property into additional student housing. The convent is located approximately two miles west of UNE’s main campus.

Representatives from the Good Sheperd Sisters of Quebec – the current convent owners — attended Tuesday’s meeting, saying the proposed moratorium would quash their planned sale of the convent to UNE. That sale, according to the Sisters, has been in consideration since 2017 and was scheduled to be finalized next month.

The Sisters said they can no longer afford to operate the convent. They said the moratorium would be “devastating psychologically, physically and spiritually.”

During their discussion of the issue, Councilor Jake Pierson pointed out that the moratorium would do “nothing to prevent the sale of that property.” The moratorium, he said, would only pause the university’s planned redevelopment of the property.

Although the university does not yet own the St. Joseph’s parcel, they already received approval of their reconversion plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission in November.

*The St, Joseph’s Convent in Biddeford is slated to become more student housing for UNE*

Former city councilor Kyle Noble told the council that UNE is pushing for projects that would be “once in a lifetime, forever decisions” that warrant careful review.

“I find it offensive that this real estate transaction has been known since 2017, and we’re just finding out about it now,” Noble said.

Councilor Dylan Doughty also expressed surprise that the university was able to get approval of their plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission before they actually owned the property.

Alan Thibeault, vice president of operations at UNE, said the city’s proposed moratorium took school officials “by surprise.”

Thibeault told the council that UNE has not built a new building on its campus since 2018. He made no mention of the controversial, large-scale pier that the university is planning to construct on the Saco River. He also did not talk about the school’s plan to add new student housing at the St. Joseph’s convent.

Instead, Thibeault reminded the council that UNE is “a major employer and economic driver” in Biddeford. “We do not believe that we have been a burden on the city,” Thibeault said, pointing out that UNE has its own wastewater treatment facility.

Furthermore, Thibeault said the university has significantly decreased its impact on the city by its decision three years ago to move roughly 360 students and 120 staffers to the school’s Portland campus that now houses UNE’s medical school programs. That move, he said, significantly reduced traffic and other impacts at the Biddeford campus.

Thibeault said the moratorium could place the university at financial risk. He said colleges and universities across the country are closing at a rate of one per month because of changing demographics.

Councilor Brad Cote, however, balked at Thibeault’s concerns about the economic impacts of the moratorium.

“I find it a little offensive that the university would come to us and express financial worries,” Cote said. “Let’s remember that their campus in Biddeford sits on land that has an assessed value of roughly $82 million.”

Thibeault said UNE appreciated that its president – James Hebert – was appointed to the city’s newly created ad-hoc committee.

“We welcome a genuine relationship with the city,” Thibeault told the council.

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

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School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?

December 8, 2025December 9, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Tomorrow night – Dec. 9 – the new members of the Biddeford City Council will be getting some required “training” for their new roles in city government.

The city council workshop –– ostensibly open to the public, but why? — will feature four breakout sessions, including updates from City Manager Truc Dever, City Attorney Harry Center, City Clerk Robin Patterson and Executive Assistant Shelly MacNeill – the person who answers calls and schedules appointments for the mayor and city manager.

No, I am not making this up.

It’s probably safe to say that veteran councilor Marc Lesard will not be required to attend the Tuesday workshop meeting, given the fact that he’s been serving on the council since before Abraham Lincoln was shot, back in the days before Alan Casavant was Biddeford’s mayor.

It remains unclear whether Councilors Patricia Boston and Brad Cote will need a refresher course in protocol, since they both previously served on the council – back when Barack Obama was president.

But newbie councilors Lisa Vadnais, David Kurtz, Jake Pierson and Abigail Woods will likely enjoy the various breakout training sessions, learning new skills such as how to control your gag reflexes during public meetings, the secret handshakes used during closed-door executive sessions and the limit of eyerolls that can be used whenever Richard Rhames approaches the podium.

But seriously, there are some protocols and procedures that city councilors must follow. So, it makes sense to learn the ground rules before you can actually start doing some serious damage to the city.

One thing blatantly missing from Tuesday’s training session: how to deal with the media.

*A photo of downtown Biddeford taken shortly after Marc Lessard was first sworn into office as a city councilor. This is satire, feel free to smile.*

The new councilors should be aware that a former member of British Parliament – reportedly one of Lessard’s classmates – once opined that the press is the proverbial “fourth estate of government.”

The point Edmund Burke was trying to make back in the late 1700s was that the press held almost as much power and influence in policy as government officials, both elected and appointed.

But let’s turn the tables for a moment and examine first what our new councilors should expect from the media.

First and foremost, government officials should expect members of the media to be accurate. Secondly, responsible journalists should always be fair and strive for objectivity. Thirdly, journalists should treat government officials with respect and basic civility.

Now what does the media expect of government officials?

The top-three things? (in order) 1.) Honesty. 2.) Honesty and 3.) Honesty.

Seriously, always be honest, even if it means you’re not able to offer a comment because of state or local laws and ordinances. No one can fault you for following the law.

If a member of the press takes the time to call you, return the call. If you’re busy, ask the reporter if he or she is on a deadline. If you don’t know the answer to a reporter’s question, simply say, “I don’t know.”

This is the same basic advice I offer to my public relations clients. Don’t panic when a reporter calls. Just be polite and honest.

Finally, on your way home from Tuesday night’s workshop meeting, maybe swing by Kohl’s and get yourself a pair of big boy pants.

You – despite logic and common-sense – signed up for public office, which means you are now fair game for public criticism. For your own sanity, you’re gonna have to learn how to let some stuff just roll of your backs.

Actually, Marc Lessard provides an excellent example of how to deal with media criticism: You just ignore it. Seriously. It’s not personal. It’s business.

No city official – past or present – (okay, maybe Joanne Twomey) has endured more media criticism and bloviating from me than Marc Lessard.

*City Councilor Marc Lessard (official photo)*

For nearly three decades, Marc and I have sparred on several issues. I have publicly called him to task on countless occasions and roundly scolded him in long-winded, poorly-written editorials for his positions, comments and actions.

“That’s billion with a B, boys.” (Inside joke probably only remembered by Lessard and Harry Center)

Nevertheless, Lessard always returns my calls promptly. He’s always ready to defend and explain his positions. He is invariably cordial and professional.

Make no mistake. Reporters – especially this one – can be a pain in the ass, but we could all learn a lot from Marc Lessard.

Now, is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes?

Good luck, newbies! And thanks for stepping up to serve the city!

_________________________

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

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OPINION: A change will do us good?

November 19, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber — back row and closest to the door.

With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room.

That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that the shit hits the fan.

I almost didn’t go to the meeting. I had a pretty bad headache, and Laura suggested that I could just stay home and watch the meeting online.

Nope, I said, reaching for my jacket. This would be the last meeting for this current group of city councilors.

It would also be the last council meeting for Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman.

*The last regular meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)*

Tuesday’s council meeting was yet another significant moment in our city’s history. The transition process has begun. A new administration will take over the reins in less than two weeks, during the Dec. 2 inauguration ceremony at City Theater.

I am excited about the change, but I am also feeling some trepidation and even some sadness.

Over the last two years, this current council has become akin to a favorite chair that is a tad worn, a bit stained — but always a good fit and comfortably familiar.

Yes, it’s time for a new chair. But I am going to miss this one.

Waiting for the meeting to start, I began pondering all the ups and downs that this council and mayor have faced over the last two years.

There were some high points and some low points. There was anger and there was laughter. I suppose the same could be said for any governing body, but you simply cannot deny that this council was battle-tested during the last two years.

You simply cannot deny that
this council was battle-tested
during the last two years.

Change is an unavoidable part of life. We have to let go of the familiar in order to discover new opportunities. That is often easier said than done.

You say hello, and I say goodbye

The mayor seemed somewhat somber during Tuesday’s council meeting. He smiled and laughed during some of the meeting’s light-hearted moments, but you could almost feel his sadness.

And who could blame him? Marty put his heart and soul into the job. When he took over the reins two years ago, he was brimming with ideas and energy.

He was a fresh voice following a 12-year run by his predecessor and mentor, Alan Casavant.

*Mayor Marty Grohman (right) chairs the final city council meeting of his term while mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) reviews an agenda item during Tuesday’s meeting*

Marty pledged to hit the ground running. And he made good on that promise. So, naturally, it’s easy to understand why his loss for a second term stings – and will probably sting for a long time to come.

When Marty took over, he inherited some challenges that were not his fault. Former city manager James Bennett was acting like a petulant overlord at City Hall, and he would treat city councilors like a group of adolescents learning how to French kiss.

There were other challenges: a skyrocketing unhoused population, a finance department in chaos and the hemorrhaging of city staff.

Marty rolled up his sleeves and jumped immediately into the deep end of the pool. He never checked the water temperature or whether there were other swimmers in his path.

You have to go back more than 30 years to find another mayor who only served one term in office. Talk about a lonely-hearts club.

During a break of Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Marty Grohman invited the public and city councilors to join him for a ceremonial piece of cake to mark the last meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)

The perfect storm

Two years ago, the city’s elections could easily be described as a “sleeper” affair. Only two city council seats were being contested. Every sitting councilor sought another term.

By contrast, this year’s elections saw contests in five of the seven ward council seats and a three-way contest for the two at-large council seats.

Moreover, Councilors William Emhiser, Scott Whiting and Neva Gross decided to step down this year. Councilors Norman Belanger and Liam LaFountain gave up their seats to run for the mayor’s chair.

There was some excitement in the air this year. Six political newcomers decided to run for council and three of them won their respective campaigns (Abigail Woods, David Kurtz and Jake Pierson).

This last election also broke records in voter turnout for off-year, municipal elections.

What was behind that groundswell of interest in Biddeford’s municipal affairs?

The short answer is: a lot.

But I think the real reason is a bit nuanced and somewhat complex. There is no denying that there has been a cloud of discontent hanging over Biddeford for almost two years.

There was some
excitement in
the air this year.

What’s the frequency, Kenneth?

Almost out of the gate, Marty and the current council were knocked on their heels by back-to-back resignations. Both former Ward Four Councilor Bobby Mills and then — two weeks later – former Ward Five Councilor Julian Schlaver resigned, both citing “personal reasons.”

Dyland Doughty won a special election to take over Mills’ vacated seat; and Neva Gross was appointed to serve the remainder of Schlaver’s term.

Only a few weeks ago, former at-large councilor Doris Ortiz announced her resignation because she was moving to a new home outside of the city.

Three resignations in one term? That seems like a record to me.

Two years ago, Councilor Liam LaFountain jockeyed to become council president, ousting Councilor Norm Belanger from that role in a 6-3 vote.

Affordable housing became the focus of the new administration.

Earlier this year, the council received a blistering report about its delayed financial audits from an outside accounting firm.

*Wade Goldthwait addresses the city council during a citizens grievance meeting about the University of New England’s planned research pier*

Former city manager James Bennett was finally ousted from his office and then filed a lawsuit against the city.

The city hired Truc Dever to become the new city manager.

A major sewer upgrade project along Elm Street drew the ire of residents and downtown business owners who were impacted by the seven-month construction project.

In the background – beyond the council’s purview – there was increasing tension and controversy brewing about a proposed pier that the University of New England hopes to build on the Saco River.

The city ramped up efforts to address the issues of homelessness, clearing out a large encampment near Mechanics Park.

Planning Board Member Roch Angers spoke at a city council meeting regarding his concerns about the UNE pier. The mayor then tried to have Angers removed from his position on the planning board.

Citizens circulated petitions and collected enough signatures to trigger a “citizens grievance” meeting about the UNE pier.

In July, residents saw one of the most heated and tense council meetings in recent memory, calling into question two major development projects on Pearl Street.

Of course, there were many other things that shaped this current council and Marty’s term as mayor but now it is time for us to turn and face the winds of change.

It’s time to recycle that old, comfortable recliner. Let’s see what the future brings.

________________

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

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Mayor offers more selective endorsements

October 25, 2025October 25, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is making more endorsements in some city council races but will not make any endorsements in the three-way at-large council race and in the Ward Six race.

When asked why he will not make endorsements in those two races, Grohman said he has “strong relationships” with all of the candidates in those two races.

The mayor said he will not offer any endorsement in the three-way at-large council race between City Councilor Marc Lessard, Nasreen Sheikh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais, nor will he make an endorsement in the Ward Six race between Roger Hurtubise and Jake Pierson.

Grohman yesterday endorsed city council candidate Brad Cote in the Ward Seven race over Sam Pecor; and says he hopes that John McCurry will defeat Abigail Woods in the Ward Two race.

Grohman today said he is also endorsing Jim LaBelle over Patricia Boston in the Ward One race; and City Councilor Dylan Doughty over former councilor Bobby Mills in the Ward Four race.

“It looks like he is attempting
to set an agenda of more of the same.”
–– Candidate Bobby Mills

In our previous story about the mayor’s endorsements, Pecor said he is not surprised that Grohman is endorsing Brad Cote in Ward Seven. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Pecor offered sharp criticism of the mayor.

In the Ward One council race, former councilor Patricia Boston said she is “not at all surprised” that Grohman endorsed her opponent, Jim LaBelle.

Two years ago, Boston served as campaign treasurer for Susan Deschambault in the 2023 mayoral race between Grohman and Deschambault.

Boston is currently serving as campaign treasurer for mayoral candidate Norman Belanger.

Former city councilor Bobby Mills described Grohman’s endorsements as “weird.”

“I’ve never heard of a mayoral candidate struggling for a reelection bid endorsing candidates, specifically not the ones critical of him,” Mills said.

“It looks like he (Grohman) is attempting to set an agenda of more of the same.”

City Councilor Marc Lessard said he is somewhat baffled by Grohman’s decision to make endorsements in only some of the contested races.

Lessard has served on the city council off and on for more than 30 years. He recalled mayoral races from the 1980s, 1970s and before, in which a mayoral candidate would choose a slate of council candidates to run on a specific “ticket.”

“I’m almost positive that the practice of running with a slate of council candidates last happened in the mid-1990s, when Jim Grattelo won his campaign for mayor,” Lessard said.

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

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Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat

October 8, 2025October 24, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council.

Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge — and the ward is bordered by the town of Dayton.

The mostly residential ward is comprised of relatively newer single-family homes and quiet neighborhoods, featuring pastoral landscapes that include farmland pastures.

Ward Six has been represented by Councilor Norman Belanger since 2018. Belanger is giving up the seat in order to run for mayor on this year’s ballot.

Roger Hurtubise, 80, served on the city council in the late 1990s during the Donna Dion administration.

He returned to the council for one term in 2013, upsetting incumbent Rick Laverriere, 331-236. He currently serves on the Biddeford Housing Authority’s board of directors.

Jake Pierson, 42, is making his first bid for elected office, but has been actively involved in city government, serving on the Policy Committee for three years; the Police Advisory Committee for two years; and the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee for two years.

Hurtubise, now retired, is well-known for his volunteer work with La Kermesse and the area’s Franco-American community, including a weekly radio show that he hosts about southern Maine’s Franco culture. In 2019, he was inducted into the state of Maine’s Franco-American Hall of Fame.

Hurtubise also served on the city’s 2012 Charter Review Commission and has been an active member of the city’s Cable Television Committee.

Pierson is a nursery professional, joining the family-owned Pierson Nurseries, Inc. in 2004.

Pierson told the Gazette that affordable housing is one of his top concerns.

“We need to address the need for more cost-effective housing in our city,” Pierson said. “I think the incentives that the city has attempted to put into place are a start but I believe [that we need to take] a more direct role in creating that housing, using city property and resources.”

Hurtubise said rising property taxes are putting a significant strain on many homeowners, especially seniors and those living on fixed incomes.

“If elected, I will work to be a strong advocate for accountability and transparency,” Hurtubise said. “I want to make sure citizens know about how the city’s mil rate is being impacted by the council’s decision making.”

I will work to be a strong advocate
for accountability and transparency,”
— Roger Hurtubise

Pierson said he will advocate for continued “intelligent” development in the city’s downtown area.

“Downtown is a cornerstone of our community,” Pierson said. “It led directly to our rebirth as a destination city. We need to keep working towards smart and balanced development downtown to keep it vibrant and attractive.

“By being engaged as a council with the downtown development commission, we can allow development to continue to happen with an eye toward increasing diversity and options in the downtown district.”

Hurtubise said he is concerned about the city’s “aging infrastructure,” including roads, drainage systems and hydrants. “I also want to keep an eye on the city’s telecommunications systems, broadband connectivity, our electrical grid and street lighting,” he said.

Pierson said the city need to improve its transparency regarding operations.

“Recently, the public’s faith in our city government has been tested by poor performance of some staff and a lack of communication by staff, elected officials and volunteer members of our boards, commissions and committees,” Pierson said.

“We need to do a better job of keeping
the business of governing transparent
and continue to improve the communications
coming from the city.”
–– Jake Pierson

Hurtubise said creating a “fiscally responsible” budget will be one of his priorities if he is returned to the council.

“Our city is facing some serious headwinds,” Hurtubise said. “If elected, I vow to work tirelessly for all citizens and will demand accountability from all city departments.”

Pierson said he believes strongly in civic duty.

“If you can — and have the willingness to serve the public good — you should do it,” he said. “I enjoy dialogue and problem solving. As a business owner, I feel that I have the requisite skill set to be an effective leader and collaborator at the city level.

“Being a part of the governing process is one of the most important things that an American citizen can do,” Pierson continued. “I want to be part of solving today’s problems, not just complaining about them. Progress is only made when folks get involved and roll up their sleeves to work towards it.”

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

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