The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette's request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20. The Gazette first learned that Bennett was leaving his post early by obtaining a February .20 email that was distributed to all municipal employees. The Gazette subsequently … Continue reading City denies FOIA/FOAA requests
Tag: Marty Grohman
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
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
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A lawsuit filed against the city of Biddeford and a local real estate developer has been withdrawn by two residents who were upset about a proposed housing development near Clifford Park in Biddeford.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
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
Editor's Note: This is the first installment of a three-part series that examines Biddeford's housing crisis. A large conference table takes up the center of Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall. On that table is a large aerial photo of the city’s downtown area, where several new housing projects are either under … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
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
‘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
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
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
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