Following a nationwide search, the Biddeford City Council is expected next week to confirm the hiring of Truc Dever as the city’s next professional manager. Dever currently serves as the public works director for the city of Kirkland, Wash., a city with a population of roughly 93,000 people located about eight miles east of Seattle. … Continue reading Biddeford hires new city manager
Tag: NEWS
UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
Just a few days after hearing several negative comments from the public about their proposed research and docking pier, officials from the University of New England distributed a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document with the media and community leaders. The university (UNE) says the FAQ document is intended to clarify “a variety of misunderstandings [that] … Continue reading UNE hopes to correct ‘misinformation’
Remembering ‘Vinny’
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council set aside some time at the beginning of Tuesday's council meeting to remember and honor one of the city's most iconic Irish residents. Patrick "Vincent" Keely, a former city councilor and the owner of the Wonderbar, died on April 8 this year. He was 90. … Continue reading Remembering ‘Vinny’
Biddeford ‘close’ to announcing new city manager
Word on the street is that the city of Biddeford is "pretty close" to hiring a new city manager. City officials say they will likely be ready to make a formal announcement within the next few days. The council is scheduled to conduct a closed-door executive session at its Tuesday night meeting to discuss "labor … Continue reading Biddeford ‘close’ to announcing new city manager
Mayor defends city review of UNE pier proposal
During a sometimes terse and heated meeting, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman defended the way the city has acted during the review of a controversial pier that the University of New England wants to construct on the Saco River. The nearly hour-long meeting was held at the request of John Schafer, the former chair of the … Continue reading Mayor defends city review of UNE pier proposal
Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford
Tucked away in one of Biddeford’s former mill buildings on Pearl Street, there is a growing and thriving display of underwater life – from tropical coral reefs to freshwater rivers and lakes. The Northeast Aquarium Science Center attracted hundreds of visitors Saturday during its grand-opening event that showcased several species of sea life and an … Continue reading Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford
City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness
(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette) Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering "real results" in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a "coordinated, compassionate approach." At the core of this success is what … Continue reading City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness
FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library
The acting director of Biddeford's McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library - - you are no longer in your father’s library. Gone are … Continue reading FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library
Nightmare on Elm Street: FAQs
A few days, ago, a major road construction project commenced on the lower end of Elm Street in Biddeford. As expected, the project has created delays and other impacts for drivers because of necessary detours. A lot of people have been complaining and asking questions about the project, so the Biddeford Gazette decided to do … Continue reading Nightmare on Elm Street: FAQs
Biddeford Marching Arts named New England champions
Blackout Percussion earns first place while Blizzard Winds secures second place. By KAREN GARNETT Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is closing out a remarkable season with top honors at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Percussion Finals. BlackOut Percussion earned first place, while Blizzard Winds secured a strong third-place finish, solidifying Biddeford’s standing as … Continue reading Biddeford Marching Arts named New England champions
No more trash containers at Rotary Park
The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season. When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, including pet waste, after spending … Continue reading No more trash containers at Rotary Park
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
Budget tensions include homeless funding
Last week, more than two dozen people appeared before the Biddeford City Council, each of them requesting varying amounts of public funding for their respective non-profit organizations. It is an annual process that is just one part of the city’s annual budget. None of the public presenters were questioned or challenged about their funding requests … Continue reading Budget tensions include homeless funding
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 is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
During the March 4 Biddeford City Council meeting, acting city manager Brian Phinney provided the council with some concerning and significant updates regarding the finance department. According to Phinney's regular report to the council, the city could be facing: Potential penalties of $790,000 from the Internal Revenue Service; Penalties of roughly $350,000 from the federal … Continue reading Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
City denies FOIA/FOAA requests
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
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
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 