The news was inevitable, but still sad. We learned yesterday that the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier will no longer be printed and now accessible only in digital form, online. This is just part of a global trend in the newspaper industry. Let’s face facts. The cost of printing and distribution are significant. But while technology marches … Continue reading OPINION | The Times, They Are A Changin’
Tag: Randy Seaver
Political gamesmanship threatens vulnerable Mainers
By HENRY INGWERSEN, State senator The last time I wrote to you, I spoke about the importance of MaineCare, our state’s version of the Medicaid program. MaineCare provides health care to low-income families and children, people with disabilities and pregnant women, and is overwhelmingly supported by Maine people. I also wrote about how Maine faces … Continue reading Political gamesmanship threatens vulnerable Mainers
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
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A lawsuit filed against the city of Biddeford and a local real estate developer has been withdrawn by two residents who were upset about a proposed housing development near Clifford Park in Biddeford.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
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
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
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
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
Housing, budget: top priorities for Biddeford lawmakers
As Maine lawmakers gear up for what is expected to be a grueling session, there are two topics that both Democrats and Republicans agree should be a top priority. The 132nd Legislature will consider several bills aimed at tackling the state’s housing crisis while also addressing a projected $450 million budget shortfall and a new … Continue reading Housing, budget: top priorities for Biddeford lawmakers
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
Hello, Goodbye
Dear readers, Once again, I have some good news and some bad news. Let’s start with the good news. Roughly 24 hours ago, Laura told me it was time for me to get a bit more serious about the Biddeford Gazette, an online multi-media news source focused on the city of Biddeford. Instead of trying … Continue reading Hello, Goodbye
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