Hopefully, you are all enjoying the beautiful weather this week! I am on semi-vacation, pinging back and forth between our campsite at Rangeley Lake and Biddeford.
No matter where you find yourself, this is a good week to be living in Maine.
This is also a very good week for those of us who closely follow local politics.
WELCOME TO BIDDEFORD POLITICS
Every two years, Biddeford voters select a mayor, city councilors and school committee members.
If you’re considering running for one of these positions, you first need to take out nomination papers and get the required number of signatures to place your name on the November ballot.
This will be the Biddeford Gazette’s first election season, but I have been watching and reporting on this city’s local elections for nearly 30 years, and I can guarantee you the Gazette will be providing comprehensive coverage and the latest daily updates.
We are already running down information, including all the latest developments: reports of former councilors seeking a return; new faces considering a run, and incumbents who may or may not seek reelection.
There are already two candidates vying to be the city’s next mayor: Incumbent Marty Grohman and Councilor Norman Belanger. I would not be surprised to see some other people toss their hats into the ring. Stay tuned, and we’ll have some fun!
Nomination papers will be available beginning Thursday (July 24) at the City Clerk’s office.
A BIG MILESTONE
When Laura and I decided to formally start the Biddeford Gazette in January, we told ourselves we would not invest too much money into the venture and would wait six months before committing more time or resources.
Last week, the Gazette hit that six-month marker, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far.
The Gazette is not about me. The Gazette is about Biddeford, and our mission has not changed. We believe the city of Biddeford and its people deserve a dedicated, community-driven news source, something that has been missing for a few years now.
Over the last six months, the Biddeford Gazette has published 81 news stories, many of which were exclusive and most were reported days and even weeks before other media outlets filed reports.
We have also published 14 feature stories and seven “Community Voices” stories, which are written or submitted to us by other community members. That’s the part we’re really hoping to grow as we move forward.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have started a new business section, a rudimentary community calendar — and beginning this week we will launch our newest feature, FLUFF PIECES – a project we are doing in partnership with the Animal Welfare Society to feature a different pet available for adoption each week.
We received hundreds of clever and funny suggestions from the community about the naming of this new section. Thank you to all who offered so many very cool suggestions!
I am especially pleased to announce that we are also now in the process of putting together a seven-member community advisory board.
If the Gazette is going to truly serve the community, it must have the pulse of the people who live, work and play here. We need and want constructive feedback from the community. We want to hear a diversity of new ideas and suggestions.
I think that’s more than enough for one newsletter. Get out there and enjoy Maine’s beaches, lakes and public parks. Be safe and have fun!
As always, thank you for reading!
—Randy Seaver, editor
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Whenever elected officials or media outlets use the words “affordable housing,” there is often an almost immediate pushback from people who say those housing units are not really “affordable.”
This is especially true in the city of Biddeford, the latest community to join southern Maine’s so-called “gold coast.”
Until just a few years ago, Biddeford was an anomaly among coastal communities in southern Maine. It was a mill town. Its demographics were dominated by working-class families.
The city’s downtown struggled throughout the 1990s, as the mills began closing. The city’s biggest downtown asset and largest overall taxpayer was the MERC trash incinerator that produced foul odors while burning trash from all over Maine.
That’s all changed over the last few years. Today, Biddeford is a desirable community and has the state’s highest number of younger adults. Biddeford is now a “cool place” to live, and people from all over New England and beyond are moving here for a better quality of life.
That positive change, however, has a big impact on regional housing costs.
So, what is “affordable” housing?
“A lot of this is subjective,” said Mayor Marty Grohman during a previous interview. “What is affordable for one person may not be affordable for another person.”
So, who decides if a housing unit is “affordable?”
Federal, state and local rules
State Rep. Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) is also a senior development officer for Avesta Housing, Maine’s largest, non-profit housing development firms.
“The term ‘affordable’ really depends on the family or the individual.”
— State Rep. Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford)
“There is no state or county in the United States where a renter working full-time at minimum wage can afford a two-bedroom apartment,” according to Avesta’s website. “Housing availability has shrunk to record lows while rental costs have increased dramatically. The magnitude of the affordable housing crisis we are currently facing calls for bold and innovative solutions.”
Fecteau says that he and other legislators view the need for affordable housing in Maine as a top priority.
“The term ‘affordable’ really depends on the family or the individual,” Fecteau said. “But we do have state and federal requirements that developers need to follow if they want tax credits or other incentives to build housing projects.”
Fecteau says the city of Biddeford has made significant strides in addressing a wide range of housing needs, including low-income projects, senior housing and affordable housing.
For most of York County, Fecteau said, low-income is considered to be 60 percent or below of the area’s median income (AMI).
Today only a person earning $44,900 or less qualifies for low-income housing. Low-income housing (usually including basic utilities) is targeted to cost 30 percent of the household’s net income.
The Adams Point project in Biddeford is expected to open in March 2026, offering 39 low-income rental units. (Seaver photo)
Guy Gagnon, executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority, says his non-profit organization caps their low-income rental costs at $1,350 for a one-bedroom apartment; and $2,125 for a three-bedroom unit.
Fecteau and Gagnon both point out that there is sometimes a big difference between low-income housing and other housing that is described as “affordable.”
Missing puzzle pieces
Gagnon points out that providing affordable housing is not just a Biddeford problem.
Since 2018, the rental cost burden across the state has increased sharply for most households, especially for those with household incomes between $35,000 and $75,000 in total household income.
According to George Gervais — Biddeford’s Director of Community and Economic Development — the city had 10,576 housing units at the beginning of March this year.
In just the last few months, several new housing units have been added to the mix, including projects such as The Levee and The Eddy, both of which are described as “affordable housing.”
More low-income housing is also being added to the mix. Within a few months, the Adams Street project will offer 39 new units for low-income renters.
Gervais said rental units make up slightly more than 53 percent of the city’s occupied housing.
Despite the increasing supply of housing, average monthly rents in Biddeford remain steep, ranging between $1,700 and $3,200, from studio apartments to three-bedroom units.
City Council President Liam LaFountain said he is feeling a bit discouraged because the increasing amount of housing is not doing much to drive down rental costs or the cost of a single-family home.
The average home values in Biddeford are continuing to rise, outpacing employment earning gains. The average home value in the city is slightly more than $478,000.
Earlier this year, Gervais told the city council that more than 2,100 units of housing are currently in some form of development.
Of those 2,100 new housing units, only 319 units are planned as affordable housing units in which rental costs are calculated by the area’s median income.
Grohman said that he and the city council set a goal last year to create 180 units of ‘affordable” housing every year for the next five years.
But can Biddeford residents keep up with rising housing costs?
Gagnon and LaFountain said they and others are doing everything possible to address the issue, at least on the local level.
“Our mission is to touch as many demographics as we can,” said Gagnon. “From our unhoused population to affordable apartments and homes for families and seniors.”
Gagnon said he is particularly concerned about families of two or more people being able to find an affordable living solution.
“You hear a lot of talk about one and two-bedroom apartments, but you don’t see much about three or four-bedroom units,” Gagnon said.
The Biddeford Housing Authority was responsible for the development of 47 “market-rate” units that range from $925 a month for a one-bedroom unit to $1,100 for a two-bedroom unit.
“We were able to pull that off because a lot of things went right for us,” Gagnon said. “We got our financing from a local lender with a very competitive interest rate and term. We were then able to pass those savings on to the renters.”
Gagnon said it is difficult for both non-profit and private developers to offer “affordable housing.”
“You have to consider interest rates, material and labor costs and lots of other factors,” Gagnon explained. “Typically, you don’t begin to see a return on your investment for 15 years or more.”
Gagnon said many people might be surprised to learn that it was President Ronald Reagan – a staunch fiscal conservative – who helped create federal tax credits for developers willing to build affordable housing for lower income families.
Gagnon says he would like to see the city and state move from a focus on creating more units and instead use that extra funding to develop fewer units that could be less expensive.
“People are generally impatient,” said Gagnon. “They want it fixed now, but the reality is that this is not just a Biddeford problem.”
Gagnon does, however, acknowledge that the city has some unique challenges.
“There are two very different groups of people in Biddeford,” Gagnon explained. “There is the old Biddeford and the new Biddeford. The new Biddeford people have access to higher regional incomes and can live here while tele-commuting.
“Meanwhile, the old Biddeford people are still relying on traditional incomes. I had a friend recently tell me that if Portland is Manhattan, then Biddeford is Brooklyn.”
The median household income in Biddeford is $69,794. For comparison purposes, the median household income in Saco is $84,328; and $93,167 in Kennebunk.
How do city officials define ‘affordable’ housing?
LaFountain says the city of Biddeford is using a diverse set of tools to address the costs of housing, including creating Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) rules that require any developer proposing to build more than eight units to offer at least 10 percent of those units within AMI guidelines.
“There should be housing that is attainable for all Biddeford residents,” LaFountain said. “That is the goal, but it’s going to take time, money, effort and a lot of other things beyond the city’s control to make that happen.”
The city of Biddeford describes affordable housing in the following ways:
Low-income: A development in which a household whose income does not exceed 70 percent of AMI as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stipulating that rental costs cannot exceed 30 percent of the household’s monthly income.
Owned housing: A development in which a household whose income does not exceed 120 percent of AMI;
Affordable housing: Housing for which the percentage of income a household is charged in rent and other housing expenses or must pay in monthly mortgage payments and does not exceed 30 percent of a household income.
Workforce housing: Housing where the rent is affordable to a household earning 80 percent or less than AMI, and where the units are rented to a household earning 80 percent or less than AMI.
“I understand why some people balk when we talk about affordable housing,” LaFountain said. “It is a subjective issue, but is also a very important issue.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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According to his Facebook campaign page, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is “feeling frustrated” about being called out for not disclosing some relevant campaign donations made to his mayoral campaign nearly two years ago.
Apparently, Marty still doesn’t get why I mentioned his failure to disclose those donations in my story about a large-scale development that was approved by the city council during its June 17, 2025 meeting.
Allow me to explain.
Just a few weeks ago, Biddeford Planning Board Member Susan Deschambault made a point of offering a public disclosure even before the planning board was set to begin considering an application from the University of New England to build a controversial pier on the Saco River.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman (Seaver Photo)
Deschambault knew that the project had created controversy. She knew that both opponents and proponents of the project were sitting in the room, all waiting to see how the board was going to tackle the issue.
She began the meeting by saying she thought it was important for everyone to know that she had been a student at the university, even though it was many years ago – back when the school was then called St. Francis College.
Does anyone really think that Deschambault may be biased about the pier project simply because she went to college at the Biddeford campus nearly 50 years ago? No. Of course not.
But to her credit, Deschambault just wanted to make sure that everyone at the table was aware of a fact that was already a matter of public record.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past year, most people know that Biddeford has been facing some serious “red-flag issues” at City Hall. Public confidence in local government is not exactly overflowing.
Just minutes before the mayor provided his tie breaking votes regarding the proposed development project, the council and public heard a scathing report from an independent accounting firm about the city’s two-year overdue audit.
The accounting firm said they found “several serious deficiencies,” including how the city handles cash reconciliations and federal grant monies.
Furthermore, Mayor Grohman stalled this reporter, only reluctantly confirming information about the former city manager and his lawsuit against the city, not to mention the city’s counter claims.
This is all stuff that has come to light in just the past 30 days, never mind the upcoming stories or the last several months of various problems at City Hall.
Let’s be real. Grohman only received about $391 from the developers who came before the council on June 17. Those donations happened two years ago. There was no way for the developers to know that Grohman would be in a position to break several tie votes.
There is no criminal conspiracy here. After selling his company several years ago, Grohman is financially speaking quite comfortable. To think that his votes could be bought for less than $500 is laughable.
But that’s not the point.
There was absolutely NOTHING wrong about Marty accepting those donations. There was absolutely NOTHING wrong in how the mayor chose to exercise his rare voting power. Honestly, I would have probably voted the same way.
Marty’s mistake was one of poor leadership. If he had just briefly mentioned the small donations he had received two years ago, we would not be having this conversation today.
Marty’s mistake was one of poor leadership. If he had just briefly mentioned the small donations he had received two years ago, we would not be having this conversation today.
Maine voters are vigilant about government transparency. We have a “clean elections” law and rigorous reporting requirements even for local candidates.
Campaign finance reports are not intended to just “check the box” and then reside in the bottom of a dusty file cabinet. Sure, they are public records, but the public relies on the media and other observers to stay on top of those issues.
Given the current atmosphere at City Hall; given the magnitude and benefits of the development project, Grohman should have simply disclosed that he received donations from the very same developers sitting in the room.
Susan Deschambault understood the importance of integrity and leadership. Sadly, Mayor Grohman missed this point.
I think we’re all “feeling frustrated.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Although the Biddeford City Council recently approved the creation of more than 150 housing units, several people who watched the June 17 Biddeford City Council meeting said they were “stunned” by the raw emotion and frustration on display by councilors and others who attended the meeting.
The rather tense, marathon meeting lasted more than six hours, ending shortly after midnight on June 18.
The meeting included discussion of a planned affordable housing development near the Pearl Street parking garage; a mixed-use development of three phases planned for the other side of the garage; and a joint development agreement for the ongoing redevelopment of the Marble Block building on Main Street, where a street-level bowling alley is scheduled to open later this summer.
Absence of disclosure
Mayor Marty Grohman — who appeared quite frustrated at several points in the meeting — was able to cast the deciding vote on a number of key issues that favored the developers, including an investment group known as 3 Lincoln LLC, which is planning a large-scale, mixed-use development near the site of the former Maine Energy trash-to-energy incinerator on Pearl Street.
Councilor Roger Beaupre was out of town with an excused absence. During rigorous and often emotional discussion, the remaining eight city councilors found themselves evenly split (4-4) on several key votes regarding development projects.
Council rules allow the mayor to vote only to break a tie.
Mayor Grohman received campaign donations from the same developers who appeared before the council for approval of their projects, according to campaign finance reports
During his votes, Grohman did not provide any disclosure or a brief statement regarding contributions made to his 2023 mayoral campaign by many of the very same developers who appeared that evening before the council.
According to campaign finance reports, Jim Brady one of the developers tied to the 3 Lincoln, LLC project, donated $100 to Grohman’s first bid to become mayor.
Although Grohman received several other donations—many of which were of greater amounts, the second round of required campaign finance reports showed that he also received contributions from others directly tied to the 3 Lincoln, LLC project, including Brian Eng of Portland ($191.70) and Marieke Thormann ($100.)
“It’s a reported donation, and it didn’t influence my vote one way or the other,” Grohman told the Gazette during a follow-up interview. “It has absolutely no relation to anything.”
In fact, Grohman said he was proud of the meeting’s outcomes, saying he is “excited” about the prospect of new development near the city’s core.
“The city doesn’t build anything, we simply till the soil,” the mayor said. “I do support all the efforts to make the pathway clearer and more consistent for future projects.”
Grohman pointed to the condominiums being proposed by 3 Lincoln, LLC as a coup for the city of Biddeford. The starting price for those condominiums with a river view will be $280,000, according to the developers.
“We pulled off a hell of a project,” Grohman said. “Where in southern Maine can you buy a brand-new home with a river view for $280,000?”
“The city doesn’t build anything, we simply till the soil.”
— Mayor Marty Grohman
Grohman told the Gazette that it’s critical for the city to address the need for workforce housing to meet the region’s employment needs, including teachers, nurses and police officers.
Concerns raised, frustrations vented
Several councilors – including those who voted in support of the developers’ positions – also complained about a council process that is often chaotic, pressure-driven and last minute.
“I don’t want to ever have a meeting like this again,”
–– Councilor Dylan Doughty
Councilor Dylan Doughty – a former Planning Board member – expressed frustration about an ongoing pattern of last-minute maneuvering presented to the council as crucial, time-sensitive matters that need immediate approval.
“We don’t really have a strategy to develop affordable housing,” Doughty said. “What we’re doing is piecemeal, and we are effectively knee-capping other potential developers.”
Doughty ultimately supported many of the proposals that came before the council during the meeting, but said his patience was at an end.
“I don’t want to ever have a meeting like this again,” Doughty said from the council dais. “Many times, we are getting information only hours before the meeting. I find this approach and the delay of information to be demeaning, patronizing and incredibly insulting.”
At-large councilor Doris Ortiz, however, said she empathized with developers such as Westbrook Development Corp., a non-profit organization that wants to build as many as 80 units of affordable housing for those over the age of 55.
“This makes me ridiculously uncomfortable, This is not a good look for the city.”
— City Council President Liam LaFountain
She also praised Fathom Development, the company behind the 3 Lincoln, LLC project.
“They (Fathom) have been very gracious and accommodating,” Ortiz said, pointing to the fact that Fathom was willing to make changes to the plan and working closely, in-tandem, with Westbrook Development on the construction of affordable housing units.
“We have an incredible opportunity tonight,” Ortiz said. “And they (Fathom) are taking all the hits.”
Council President Liam LaFountain offered a sometimes scathing and emotional critique of several items that came before the council, most notably the plans for a mixed-use commercial development that would also include market-rate condominiums that would sell for an average of $450,000.
Taxpayers are still paying off a $6.5 million bond that was used to purchase the former MERC site. The city will continue making $350,000 annual payments for the property, despite selling the parcel to developers for one dollar.
Taxpayers are still paying off a $6.5 million bond that was used to purchase the former MERC site. The city will continue making $350,000 annual payments for the property, despite selling the parcel to developers for one dollar.
“I have always supported every credit-enhancement agreement for affordable housing because it is a good goal,” LaFountain said. “But we can’t be expected to do deals when they just don’t make sense.”
LaFountain pointed out that the city spent $6.5 million for the former MERC site in 2012. Today, city taxpayers are shelling out roughly $330,000 in annual debt service for that property, a payment arrangement that is scheduled to continue until 2033.
The city has now offered to sell that parcel of land to Westbrook Development for $1. LaFountain raised concerns about what could happen if the developers chose to walk away from the project. “Once we give up the land, it’s gone,” he said.
Later in the meeting, while seeking some detailed information from City Planner David Galbraith about a different proposal, LaFountain expressed shock and disbelief that Galbraith turned to the developers for the information.
“This makes me ridiculously uncomfortable,” LaFountain said. “This is not a good look for the city.”
Local real estate developer Mike Eon gave the council a visual reminder of why they need to be careful and deliberate in their review of complex projects.
Eon held up a large photo of the former MERC waste incinerator that occupied the lower end of Lincoln and Pearl streets for nearly three decades.
“This is the kind of stuff that happens when things get rushed through,” Eon said. “All kinds of promises were made. This time, let’s make sure we really do our homework.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Almost two years ago, Sima and Breese Reagle opened their sandwich store on Main Street in Biddeford with a simple mission: to bring the flavors of Cambodia to southern Maine.
In just a short amount of time, the BiddoBanh shop has built a loyal fan and customer base.
Breese and Sima Reagle help a customer inside their shop at 299 Main Street(Seaver photo)
But like many other downtown merchants, Breese and Sima also say their business has been adversely impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project that sometimes snarls traffic but is often exaggerated on social media.
“On the positive side, we have seen a significant uptick in people using DoorDash and other delivery options,” Breese explains. “But overall, our business is down.”
When asked what people should know about their business, Sima smiles and says “We’re just two people who like to cook and share our food.”
In addition to running their shop, Breese and Simi both enjoy being part of the larger community and collaborating with other merchants.
BiddoBanh participated in last month’s Juneteenth celebration and were also at the most recent Confetti Bazaar in downtown Biddeford.
“We’re just two people who like to cook and share our food.”
–Sima Reagle
“We really like being part of this community,” Sima says. “We’re not Portland, and we’re conscious of that. We’re part of the working class, and while we always strive to offer the highest quality food, we also work really hard to keep our prices affordable.”
So, what can you expect to find at BiddoBanh? Their summer menu features Cha lobster, a lemongrass falafel and Cambodian-style shaved ice.
Other menu items include a wide array of rice bowls, such as a ginger soy-glazed chicken bowl that is served with pickled vegetables and fresh cucumber.
“If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food,” Sima laughed.
BiddoBanh is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day from 11.a.m. to 6 p.m.
In fact, Bennett has filed a civil complaint against the city in York County Superior Court.
During a public review of the city’s long overdue FY ’23 audit, accountants from Runyon, Kersteen and Ouellette (RKO) told the mayor and city council last week that they found “several serious deficiencies” in how the city handled its finances over the past two years.
Sarah Dodge – an accountant at RKO – told the council that her firm found an absence of cash reconciliations and what appeared to be mismanagement of federal grant money that was awarded to the city.
Former Biddeford City Manager James Bennett (File Photo)
Although Dodge stressed that RKO found no evidence of fraudulent activity at City Hall, new questions are now being raised about Bennett’s performance and responsibilities.
“How can a city, run by a professional city manager, lack basic financial controls for critical financial management including an absence of cash reconciliation?” asked Biddeford resident Kathy Russell.
Russell was a city council candidate in 2017, and she says the auditor’s report should be a “wake-up call” for Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council.
“The taxpayers were providing Mr. Bennett with a very nice salary and benefits,” Russell said. “We expected that he would be responsible and transparent.”
After learning of the auditor’s report, Russell and many other residents are now asking why Bennett was abruptly removed from office nearly two months before his planned resignation date.
“We expected that he (Bennett) would be responsible and transparent.”
— Kathy Russell
Bennett – hired by the city in 2015 – was facing increasing public pressure on a number of fronts, most notably about rapid employee turnover, including seven finance directors in a five-year-period at City Hall.
Bennett publicly announced his resignation in October last year. He said that he would “retire” on April 18. Bennett, however, was ousted from City Hall on February 20.
“I sure hope that we are not still paying Bennett for the remainder of his contract,” said Mark Poirier, another Biddeford resident.
Poirier said he was especially concerned about the city’s deficient cash reconciliation processes.
“I want to know how long this has been going on,” Poirier said. “Taxpayers have a right to know what’s really happening at City Hall.”
Mayor Marty Grohman said he understands the inquiries about Bennett, but said he is legally prohibited from answering specific questions about the city manager because of state and federal laws regarding personnel issues.
“The city is committed to transparency but must also follow the applicable law in regard to employment and legal matters,” Grohman said. “We appreciate the public’s interest, and we’ll share more as we are able.”
Grohman, however, did confirm the Gazette’s inquiry about whether Bennett has filed a lawsuit against the city.
“This matter is now before the court, and we are confident in the city’s position,” Grohman said. “There are relevant filings in York County Superior Court that are part of the public record.” (Docket No. YORSC-CV-2025-98).
“The city has submitted both an answer and a counterclaim for declaratory judgment in response,” Grohman said.
Although Bennett was dismissed from his City Hall office in February, Grohman said the city continued paying Bennett’s salary until April 18, the date of his effective resignation.
Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, has been serving as acting city manager since Feb. 20. Truc Dever will take over as the city’s full-time manager on Aug. 11.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford).
The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers and others.
“Too often, the creation of new housing units is hampered by onerous and overly complex rules that make it too expensive, or too frustrating, for homeowners to build,” Fecteau said. “This law will cut red tape, remove government roadblocks, and empower everyday Maine people to build housing for their own families and neighbors.”
According to Fecteau, LD 1829 will reduce minimum lot sizes to no more than 5,000 square feet in designated growth areas and remove owner occupancy requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to unlock financing for construction.
Fecteau said LD 1829 will “streamline municipal review for smaller housing developments; create a one-story height bonus for qualified affordable housing and require training for municipal planning board members within 180 days of their appointment.
“This is a significant step toward addressing Maine’s housing shortage.”
__ Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford)
“Building any type of housing in Maine is extremely difficult and expensive. These costs and our home shortage are not isolated to one town or region. It is structural, systemic, and statewide,” said Laura Mitchell, executive director of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition.
“LD 1829 sets us on a better path,” Mitchell added. “Maine communities will always be able to shape their futures, but with the understanding that solving our shared housing challenge requires consistency and commitment at all levels of government.”
“This a significant step toward addressing Maine’s housing shortage,” said State Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford).
Bennett said the legislation “respects local communities and strengthens individual property rights.”
“This law cuts through outdated and overly restrictive regulations that have limited the ability of Mainers to make reasonable use of their own land,” Bennett added.
“I’m proud to have supported this bipartisan legislation that will help more Maine people secure housing they can afford.”
The bill will now go to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature and final approval.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Today (Thursday, June 19) is the first day of the 42nd annual La Kermesse Festival.
But the volunteers who make the annual festival possible have been working hard behind the scenes for the last 11 months in order to make this year’s celebration even more festive.
Although the festival celebrates the region’s Franco-American culture and heritage, there is lots to do, eat and see underneath the big tents and throughout the carnival fairway on St. Louis Field — no matter your own ancestry.
Volunteers ride a float during a previous La Kermesse parade (La Kermesse photo)
“It’s really an opportunity for the whole community to gather and celebrate all the things that make this such a great place to live,” said Abigail Worthing, the festival’s marketing director.
Worthing says that this year’s festival will include all the favorite things that people in the community look forward to each year, including a parade, live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night.
Because of an ongoing sewer upgrade project in the city’s downtown area, this year’s La Kermesse Parade on Friday will proceed along a different route, beginning at Biddeford Middle School and continuing to West Street and onto the field entrance on Prospect Street.
The parade begins at 6 p.m.
This year, local brewery Banded Brewing will be operating out of the Main Tent, offering bar and food services for guests over the age of 21 to enjoy.
But don’t be fooled. There will also be tons of activities for families with children.
In fact, Worthing recalls growing up with La Kermesse dominating some of her favorite childhood memories.
“It was always a big deal for my family,” she smiled while reminiscing about not wanting to leave the field when she was a little girl.
“I know how much this festival meant to me and my family over the years,” Worthing said. “Now, I am so honored to be part of all the hard work that goes into making this festival happen, continuing a cherished tradition.”
This year’s festival will include a car show, plenty of live entertainment and the traditional fairway that offers carnival rides and everything from sausage sandwiches to fried dough.
Featured entertainment includes local band The O Harrows on Thursday evening, and the Studio Two Beatles Tribute on Friday evening from 8:30-11:00 p.m.
On Saturday night, The Inflatables will perform with a fireworks intermission.
In traditional La Kermesse fashion, Alex Silver, Roger Hurtubise and Julia Pouliot will be treating guests to traditional French music throughout the weekend, according to event organizers.
A traditional fireworks show will once again take center stage on Saturday night during this La Kermesse festival (Contributed photo: La Kermesse)
Worthing says that area dance schools will also offer performances, including an Irish dance review.
“It’s a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time, but it’s so worth it when you see it come together,” she said. “When you see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
“I really want this to be a legacy, not just an event,” Worthing added.
Organizers are expecting good weather and look forward to crowds of 1,000 or more people. Attendance, Worthing said, has been resurging over the past decade.
Following more than an hour of impassioned public testimony, the Biddeford Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to table further review of UNE’s controversial pier proposal until all board members can participate in a site walk.
Although the Planning Board conducted a site walk at the university on June 9, board member Roch Angers was unable to attend. Alternate, non-voting board members Kayla Lewis and Stephen Beaudette were also not able to attend the prior site walk.
A large crowd turned out Wednesday to hear about and comment upon UNE’s controversial pier proposal during a Planning Board Meeting(Seaver photo)
Unlike the planning board’s previous meeting in May – in which all public comment came from those concerned with the pier’s planned location — a half dozen people – mostly UNE students, staff, faculty and board trustees – spoke in favor of the proposal.
But residents concerned about the impacts of the project still outnumbered supporters by more than a 2-1 margin.
“It seems that this review process has somehow morphed into a PR event for the university,” quipped Chris Stone, a Hills Beach resident.
City Attorney Harry Center has been providing the board with legal advice and updates regarding relevant criteria for their ongoing consideration of the proposal.
Center has previously told the board that issues such as water depth and river current are not relevant factors for the board’s consideration.
Despite questions from some community members about why the city’s former city manager sidelined the city’s harbormaster – Paul Lariviere – from review of the project last year, Center still defends that decision, saying the harbormaster was clearly biased against the university.
Center also maintains that the city has been in full compliance within its own ordinances even though the person hired to review UNE’s application is not a trained or certified harbor master.
In fact, in a June 11 memo to the planning board, Center points out that it was John Schaeffer – the former chair of the city’s harbor commission – who suggested the ordinance should be updated almost two years ago.
Schaeffer has been an outspoken critic of UNE’s proposal and resigned his seat from the harbor commission last year, citing concerns about transparency and government process.
Although the person who the city hired to ‘sign-off’ on UNE’s application is not a trained harbormaster, Center says that fact is irrelevant, especially since the city updated the ordinance at Schaeffer’s request in 2023.
Impassioned testimony from both sides
Although not relevant to the planning board’s criteria for approval, several people told the Planning Board that the university provides the city with numerous benefits and the proposed pier will only augment those benefits.
Tim Black, a retired federal judge who became a full time Biddeford Pool resident three years ago, told the board that they should listen to and follow [Center’s] advice.
“We have learned that power dictates the outcome. Powerful, well-connected interests are always able to get their way.”
— Richard Rhames
“UNE is one of the top-10 institutions in the United States for marine research,” Black said. “They also provide a substantial economic impact and benefit to the city of Biddeford. The moment is upon us.”
Nearly all those who raised concerns about the proposal shared a common message with the planning board.
“A lot of this has been examples in misdirection and obfuscation,” said Mike Gerstner of Biddeford. “We all agree that UNE should have a pier, our only issue is where that pier should be located.”
Skip Irving said he is a member of the university’s board of trustees. “I cannot simply stand by and listen to the rhetoric,” he said. “Our mission is to train students for important work that is critical to our future.”
UNE Assistant Professor Will Kochtitzky told the planning board that UNE offers several tangible benefits to the city and that their pier proposal should be approved. (Seaver photo)
Former city councilor Richard Rhames told the board that they should consider how much work volunteers put into serving on subordinate boards and committees.
“These volunteers, these people with no real power, are often ignored or worse,” Rhames said. “We have learned that power dictates the outcome. Powerful, well-connected interests are always able to get their way.”
Another resident said the pier controversy reminded him of a prior Planning Board’s decision to locate the MERC trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford nearly 40 years ago.
UNE Marine Sciences professor Will Kochtitzky told the board that “our world is constantly changing, and we owe it to our students to be prepared for the future by giving them the ability to conduct year-round critical research regarding marine ecosystems.”
Kochtitzky – who moved to Biddeford three years ago — also told the board that he is frustrated and angry about some of the “rhetoric” he has heard and read about from those who want to see the pier built in a different location, approximately 200 feet downriver.
“We cannot afford to let a toxic political climate trickle down from Washington and impact Biddeford,” he added.
Carol Alexander told the board: “The pier is not the problem. Its proposed location is the problem. This will affect and impact future generations.”
Former UNE student Mike Ramunno told the board that he will be adversely impacted if UNE is allowed to build its pier in their preferred location (Seaver photo)
Mike Ramunno, a former UNE student and nearby mooring owner, said he doesn’t know anyone opposed to the idea of UNE building a new pier. He reiterated a common theme: “It’s about the location,” he said. “UNE simply cares about the aesthetic appeal of this.”
_____________________
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Truc Dever — the woman hired to become Biddeford’s next city manager – told the Biddeford Gazette that she and her husband are excited about moving to Maine and have long referred to the state as their “forever home.”
The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Dever with a two -year contract that can be renewed.
During an exclusive interview with the Gazette, Dever said she is excited about coming to Biddeford, the city’s potential and the opportunity to be part of such a “warm and welcoming” community.
“I’m excited to lead this team of exceptional city employees and work alongside Biddeford’s council beginning this August,” Dever said. “From day one, my priority will be to engage and understand the needs of this community and immerse myself in Biddeford’s culture and history. “
Dever said that both she and her husband “love it here” and have been referring to Maine as their “forever home” for a long time. The couple owns a seasonal home here.
“When this position opened up, I jumped at the opportunity to come to southern Maine full-time,” Dever said. “There’s incredible opportunity in Biddeford— it’s well-situated between Portland and Boston, has sandy beaches and riverfront, has a rich and vibrant history, a diverse population, and untapped business development opportunities.”
Dever said those community assets “create the perfect formula to build on the momentum already underway in the city” to foster balanced growth and innovation in Biddeford.
From day one, my priority will be to engage and understand the needs of this community and immerse myself in Biddeford’s culture and history. “
Dever said she grew up in a small suburb in southern California surrounded by agriculture, the dairy industry and state preserved open spaces.
“While my resume may reflect a career in highly urbanized areas, I understand the importance of sustainable growth, preservation of history, and maintaining a deep sense of identity,” Dever said. “Biddeford seems to embody these values, and it’s what drew me to the opportunity to serve as city manager.”
But it was more than just a good job and a chance to live in Maine that made Dever want to work in Biddeford.
“What also caught my attention when I interviewed in May was how genuine and welcoming the staff and council were,” Dever said. “I sat in the hallway at City Hall waiting for one of my interviews and was approached by no fewer than five staff asking if they could assist me with anything.”
Dever said that culture and community truly matter to her, especially when she was determining where she wanted to devote her efforts and energy.
“Those seemingly small gestures were a great indicator of staff who care about each other and every member of their community,” she said.
When asked about the challenges facing Biddeford, Dever said every new job offers its own challenges.
“What I know of Biddeford’s challenges is what I’ve read,” she said. “My plan is to quickly come up to speed on the work that is underway and the issues facing the city so that staff, the city council, and community members can tackle them together.”
As previously reported by the Gazette, Dever’s two-year contract calls for her to be paid $195,000 during the first year of her employment and $200,000 for the second year of her contract.
Dever will take over the helm at City Hall on August 11.
Dever’s full contract with the city of Biddeford can be viewed or downloaded below.
There has been almost endless talk on local social media sites about recent traffic congestion in Biddeford and Saco.
The seven-month sewer upgrade project began in April and is expected to be completed in November. In the meantime, traffic sometimes becomes snarled near the cities’ downtown core.
That traffic and constant negative chatter on social media is taking a significant toll on several small, downtown businesses.
Linda Dobnikar and Anastasia Rizas, bartenders at Mulligan’s. say they have taken a “big hit” in tipped wages while their revenues have dropped by more than 40 percent during the last two months (Seaver Photo)
From restaurants to boutique stores, many merchants say they are seeing a drop of roughly 40 percent in revenues, compared to this same time last year.
“It’s really scary, especially for those of us who rely on tipped incomes,” said Linda Dobnikar, the night bartender at Mulligan’s on Lincoln Street.
Travis Kern, co-owner of Nibblesford– a gourmet cheese shop on Washington Street in Biddeford — says he’s trying to keep an open mind about the situation and is open to hearing suggestions from other merchants about creative ways to bring more customers downtown.
“It’s really frustrating,” Dobnikar said. “We had one regular customer from Old Orchard Beach who told us she won’t be coming back to Biddeford until this is all over.”
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman says he is also feeling frustrated about the issue.
Grohman has begun weekly community meetings in his office at City Hall in order to “brainstorm” with merchants, residents and others to find creative solutions that might ease the burden.
This new initiative is aimed at helping support local businesses by raising public awareness about the many different businesses and services that are located in downtown Biddeford and Saco.
Each week, a new business profile will be added. We will be working with our social media partners to share these stories with as many people as possible.
If you are a local merchant or would like to nominate a business to be profiled, please contact us.
The Biddeford City Council is expected Tuesday to confirm the appointment of Truc Dever as city manager.
Dever is being offered a two-year contract that can be renewed. She will be paid a base salary of $195,000 during her first year of employment and $200,00 during her second year.
Dever’s contract also includes a monthly automobile stipend of $700 per month but will not include mileage reimbursement. She will also accrue five weeks of vacation time each year and will enjoy all the other benefits now in place for the city’s non-union workers.
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever
Dever will not be allowed to serve on the boards or be in the employ of organizations, which either “have a history of or are likely to come before the city, its boards or committees, for funding, permits, approvals or regulatory activities.”
According to the proposed contract, Dever will be expected to be on-call to the city 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Dever is currently employed as the director of public works in Kirkland, Wash. She is expected to begin working in Biddeford on August 11.
For comparison purposes, former city manager James Bennett earned $170,000 per year as a base salary.
[UPDATE: An earlier version of this story reported that Dever will earn five days of vacation per year. She will accrue five weeks of vacation per year. It was a reporting error, and we apologize for the confusion.]
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Tuesday was an emotional day for teachers and staff at Biddeford’s John F. Kennedy Memorial School.
The original building was opened in 1965, but a long list of necessary and expensive repairs, upgrades and maintenance issues ultimately forced voters to approve a plan to close the school.
What will happen next to the building and its surrounding playground and parking lot is still unknown.
Earlier this year, the city council created a committee to consider future uses for the property, which is located near the intersection of West and Hill streets.
Photo by Maureen Grandmaison
Over the years, the school building has been expanded. The school once housed students from first to sixth grade, and then third, fourth and fifth grades. Today, the building serves kindergarten and Pre-K students only.
On Thursday, when the dismissal bell rings, the students walking out the door will board their buses and close the final chapter for a school that is fondly remembered by the community it served.
On Tuesday afternoon, current and former teachers and staff members gathered in the school’s gymnasium for an informal pot-luck dinner and an opportunity to share memories and experiences in the school.
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,” said Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal. “Although saying farewell is difficult, we are excited about what lies ahead for our students. The new space at BPS will allow for increased collaboration for teachers and create a community of Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,”
— Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal.
School Supt. Jeremy Ray said that moving the city’s youngest students to BPS will give those children more stability and a less fractured learning experience.
“Going forward, students will be in the same building from Pre- K to second grade,” Ray said. “This way, the kids have four years in one building with lots of familiar faces.”
Schrader agreed with Ray, saying that the new arrangement will also give second grade students the opportunity to be role models and mentors for their younger peers.
Retired teacher Pat Gagne attended Tuesday’s informal goodbye ceremony.
Gagne started teaching in 1977 and spent 16 years teaching at JFK. “It’s a sad moment, but it’s also nice to see our family here,” she said. “We all have so many great stories about working here.”
According to school officials, all kindergarten students will attend Biddeford Primary School while Pre-K students will temporarily be housed at Biddeford Intermediate School until construction of a new wing at the Primary school is fully complete.
The expansion project, launched in a September 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, is designed to bring PreK–2 students under one roof in a modern, developmentally supportive environment.
According to school officials, a 2002 assessment of the building determined that renovating JFK would cost significantly more than constructing a new space.
Last year, Biddeford taxpayers approved a $9 million construction bond to expand BPS—an investment estimated to save up to $16 million over the cost of renovating the aging JFK building.
“Closing JFK School is a significant milestone, not just emotionally but in terms of progress,” said Ray. “We’re incredibly grateful to the staff who have made JFK such a special place to Biddeford’s youngest learners.”
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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It’s been a while since my last newsletter, but I am feeling good about the Biddeford Gazette’s trajectory and its future.
From time to time, I have to keep reminding myself that this publication is only four months old. We have come quite a way in just the last few weeks.
We also have some pretty big – and interesting – stories on the immediate horizon, but I am quite glad to be taking a bit of a breather during this holiday weekend. This last week, especially, has been a whirlwind.
Speaking of the holiday, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the local volunteers, veterans, city officials and non-profit organizations who work so hard every year to pay a somber and meaningful tribute to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Although the major sewer/road project is preventing a parade this weekend, there will be a very special ceremony held at Waterhouse Field, complete with marching bands and everything else you would see in a parade. As Marshall Archer – Commander of Biddeford AMVETS Post No. 1 – said, ‘It will be just like a parade without all the walking.”
You can find more information about this year’s ceremony by clicking this link
I am also quite proud of what the Gazette has been able to accomplish, and I really appreciate all the great feedback I have been receiving.
Unlike other media sites, we publish local obituaries from area funeral homes every Sunday at no charge to the families or the public. People seem to appreciate the service, and according to our analytical indicators it remains as one of the Gazette’s most popular features.
With the help of our social media partners, we have access to more than 35,000 people in the Biddeford-Saco area.
People also seem to enjoy our Community Voices page, where we feature things written and submitted to us from other people. Over the past few weeks, we have published stories from others about a project to preserve dune grass at local beaches, the accomplishments of Biddeford students. — including the undefeated Biddeford Middle School math teams — and the perspective of a volunteer at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
We plan to be expanding this section in the coming weeks, including coverage of legislative issues that are being shaped in Augusta.
A unique approach to sharing news
There is also one thing we do that is pretty unique in the competitive world of gathering and sharing news.
We actually highlight stories about Biddeford from other media sites. We use our social media page to share stories about Biddeford from other journalists and publications, including Saco Bay News, the Portland Press Herald, Maine Biz, Spectrum News, WGME-TV and WMTW-TV.
We help direct more traffic directly to their websites or social media pages.
Why do we do this? We do it for you so that you can have all of the latest news and information about Biddeford, all gathered and easy to find in one place.
To the best of my knowledge, no other news site does this.
Lots happening in Biddeford
As I said near the top, we have some pretty exciting news stories on the horizon, including the fact that Biddeford is close to hiring a new city manager and my suspicion is that we have yet to hear the last from former City Manager James Bennett who was ousted from his office in February.
Over the past several days, we have been averaging one new – and often exclusive – news story per day.
For example, this week we continued our ongoing coverage of a massive sewer/road project that will be continuing until November. (Please try to support downtown merchants. Many of them are hurting because people are avoiding the area)
I think that about covers it. As always, thank you for reading! And if you haven’t yet, please join hundreds of others and subscribe to our site. Also, please like and follow us on Facebook. Tell your friends and family, too!
Enjoy your weekend, and let’s all hope that we can enjoy a few sunny days this summer.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Victim says community needs to do more in addressing crime, mental health needs and homelessness in the downtown area
Although his story has been shared in several other media outlets over the past 48 hours, Joshua Wolfe contacted the Biddeford Gazette in hopes of ending rumors and speculation about a shooting that happened in Biddeford on Mother’s Day.
Wolfe, 32, was shot in the leg by someone he did not know outside of his Elm Street office. He was treated and released from the hospital that same afternoon.
Police arrested Derick Dorais, 34, of Elm Street, Biddeford, shortly after the shooting, said Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk
Shooting victim Joshua Wolfe says the community needs to do more to address downtown crime, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health concerns. (Contributed photo)
Fisk said that Dorais has been charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Dorais was unable to make bail, said Fisk. He was taken to the York County Jail in Alfred, where he remains as of press time.
Because of the intense media coverage, Wolfe says that too many people are reacting without understanding what actually happened. He says that he been “bothered” by some of the commentary he has seen on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.
Wolfe said people need to understand the “randomness” of the attack, and he wants the city to address the issues of rising crime, lack of mental health and substance abuse services and homelessness.
“If this happened to me in broad daylight it could happen to anyone,” Wolfe stressed during a Tuesday afternoon interview. “Imagine somebody leaving a downtown restaurant or attending the River Jam Festival and boom, you get shot. It’s not okay. People should not have to live in fear.”
A 2010 graduate of Thornton Academy, Wolf is a successful entrepreneur who works as a business consultant and stockbroker.
Now – just 51 hours after the incident — Wolfe is trying to figure out the best ways to build community awareness and advocacy for people suffering from addiction or mental health issues.
As he has done with other media outlets, Wolfe shared video footage of the incident that was recorded on security cameras near his Elm Street office, directly across from Rent-A-Center.
If this happened to me in broad daylight it could happen to anyone
— Joshua Wolfe
In the video footage, Wolfe can be seen turning into the driveway near his office while Dorais and another man were walking along the sidewalk. According to Wolfe, Dorais became upset because he thought that Wolfe had somehow disrespected his friend.
The video shows that Dorais walked by and then returned to the driveway just a few minutes later.
Wolfe walked out of his of his office and asked Dorais to leave his property, pointing to security cameras. The video shows Dorais holding both a cellphone and small handgun. Allegedly, Dorais said he was going to shoot Wolfe and post it on social media.
“I didn’t know what he was going to do,” Wolfe said. “For all I know he was going to execute me inside my office.”
Wolfe was able to overcome Dorais in a scuffle, but Dorais allegedly refused to surrender his gun. During the scuffle, the gun was fired.
Wolfe says he is still “processing” the incident, but now wants to turn a bad event into “something good for the community.”
Wolfe says he is considering working with other downtown business owners and approaching the Biddeford City Council about growing “concerns in the downtown area.”
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he looks forward to meeting with Wolfe and helping him in his quest for increased public awareness about the city’s need to provide services.
“I really commend him,” Grohman said Tuesday afternoon. “He’s taking what could have been a much worse incident and turning it around to increase public awareness. That’s a really good thing, and I look forward to meeting with him if he wants.”
Editor’s Note:In a previous version of this story, Wolfe was identified as Jason Wolfe. His name is actually Joshua Wolfe. It was my error, and I apologize for the mistake.
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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 Biddeford Harbor Commission and a Hills Beach resident who has been outspoken about the need for transparency during the review process.
City Attorney Harry Center also took part in the late Monday morning meeting in Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall.
Center stressed that the meeting was strictly informal and not part of the review process. “The mayor has simply set aside some time to listen to the concerns of a constituent,” he said.
Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission John Schafer points to a diagram that shows inadequate depth where UNE is hoping to build a 177-foot pier to dock its research vessel near the mouth of the Saco River (Seaver photo)
No one from the university was at the meeting, and other media outlets declined invitations to attend, according to Schafer.
Schafer’s concerns center on three essential points: the impact and necessary removal of at least seven private moorings on the river if the project is approved; concerns about the water depth where the university wants to construct its pier; and the process that has been used to review the university’s proposal.
The permitting process for the proposed pier is complex and multi-layered, requiring the review and approval by several state, federal and local agencies.
Earlier this year, UNE cleared two major hurdles in the review process, winning approval from both the Saco River Corridor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
But a very critical part of the review process is expected to begin in just a few weeks when the Biddeford Planning Board begins its formal review of the proposal.
“I don’t have any say over what the Planning Board does or doesn’t do,” Grohman said during Monday’s meeting. “I simply appoint members, and those appointments are then confirmed by the council. I think we have a really good planning board, and I have full confidence in them.”
But Schafer said he is concerned about the lack of public input during the review process and how the city has approached the project thus far. He also criticized the university for its “lack of transparency” and for “bullying those who raise questions and concerns” about the proposed pier.
“I think [UNE’s] application is both incomplete and full of misinformation,” Schafer told the mayor. “Don’t you think it’s a bit presumptuous for a private entity to dictate how the city will review its application; to show no regard for those who have private moorings in that area just so they can construct a vanity pier?”
When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette, a university spokesperson declined an opportunity to address Schafer’s remarks.
“Since this was not an open meeting and a representative from UNE was not present, it would not be appropriate to comment on the conversation that took place,” wrote Sarah Delage in an email response. “UNE will continue to follow the public regulatory process, and we look forward to presenting our application to the Planning Board.”
Schafer said he and “a growing coalition of residents” have no problem with the university building a pier to dock its 60-foot research vessel. Instead, he says, all the concerns boil down to the exact location of the pier and the dismissal of public concerns about the project.
Survey says?
Schafer roundly criticized Grohman for allowing former City Manager James Bennett to “silence” the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster last year, preventing them from participating in the city’s review of the proposal simply because they voiced concerns about the pier’s location.
But Grohman shot back and said Bennett was simply trying to avoid the appearance of bias. He also reminded Schafer that the harbormaster’s role – as outlined in city ordinances – is strictly an “advisory position,” a change that was first proposed by Schafer himself last year when he was chair of the harbor commission.
Schafer said a growing number of residents have serious concerns about a review process that seems to have a pre-ordained outcome, pointing to the results and comments found in a recent public survey about the project.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had a “very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process, while roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.
The online survey was conducted over several days in late April on a Facebook page called “UNE Pier Review,” a group that Schafer has helped organize.
The survey asked respondents a wide range of questions about the proposed pier and the review process thus far. The survey allowed respondents to maintain their anonymity.
The multi-question survey included feedback from 156 respondents, showing an overwhelming lack of public confidence on the issues of transparency and the mayor’s handling of the issue.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process. And roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.
City Attorney Harry Center (left) and Mayor Marty Grohman listen as John Schafer details his concerns about UNE’s proposal
Fewer than 10 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very high” confidence in the process, while slightly less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they are not sure.
Many respondents added comments saying the city has been “too secretive” while other questioned the motives of city officials, speculating that some members of the city seem to have a “cozy relationship” with the university.
Grohman described the survey as “interesting,” but also said it was not a professional survey conducted by a polling firm.
“An anonymous survey is not something that a public permitting process could use, as it does not include an opportunity for all parties involved to publicly comment,” Grohman wrote in a text message to the Gazette after the meeting.
Schafer told the mayor that several mooring owners have already written to regulatory authorities stating quite plainly that they have “no intentions of moving their moorings where UNE wants to build their pier.”
Schafer also said that UNE has threatened the city with litigation if its desired location for the pier is not approved, referencing a letter sent to the city by Ron Schneider, the university’s lead attorney, several months before the university had submitted its application for review.
Grohman described Schafer as a good friend, and said he was happy to hear the concerns that were raised.
In a moment of levity during the meeting, Grohman pointed out that the mayor does not vote on or control the regulatory review process. “I don’t have the authority to change what sodas are sold in the vending machines downstairs,” Grohman laughed.
After the meeting Schafer said he very much appreciated the opportunity to share his concerns with the mayor. “Nothing in the meeting surprised me,” he said. “It’s about what I expected.”
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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 opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems.
Emma Balboni is the president of the science center, and she says the aquarium’s mission is to help educate people about the environmental importance of marine life and also raise awareness about the challenges being faced by working waterfronts all over the globe.
“We’re really excited to offer the public access to a world that is often overlooked,” Balboni said. “We want the next generation to know and appreciate where seafood comes from.”
Hannah Bonaventura and her daughter, Maeve, take in the views of a freshwater ecosystem. (Seaver photo)
Balboni grew up in Cape Cod and spent summers in Maine. Her great grandfather is from the coastal, fishing town of Cutler, Maine. “These are issues that are near and dear to my heart,” she explains. “It’s basically in my blood.”
Balboni says it is critically important to protect both the fishing industry and the ecosystems that have fueled Maine’s economy for centuries.
According to the organization’s website, the aquarium is “currently home to a variety of different species of aquatic fauna, invertebrates, and fish, including an alien-like sea apple, a genetically distinct clownfish and even a mimic octopus.”
The overall goal, Balboni said is “to take these extraordinary exhibits with us through our growth and allow for many other exhibits to join them along the way.”
Once finished, the aquarium will feature exhibits from the Gulf of Maine, Maine’s lakes and rivers, the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, major rivers, and major lakes across the world.
But beyond the dazzling aquatic displays, there is also emerging educational opportunities, including microscopes that visitors can use to study microscopic seal life.
“We’re really excited to offer the public access to a world that is often overlooked”
— Emma Balboni
Balboni says the center hopes to bring exhibits and information about Maine’s lobstering, aquaculture and ecotourism industries to Biddeford.
Rick Oellers of Saco heads up the education programs at the science center. A master aquarist, Oellers was a former adjunct professor at the University of New England.
“I have been keeping tropical fish for 62 years,” Oellers said. “I have been blessed because now I am living my dream. My hobby is now my business.”
Oellers says that science-based hobbies, such as astronomy and other subjects are quickly disappearing as a new generation connects primarily to their smart phones for both recreation and information.
“We want to get kids interested in marine life, starting at an early age including elementary schools and even daycares,” he said. “We want to give kids and others a chance to explore what is happening just below the surface.”
The non-profit aquarium is located at 22 Pearl Street and does not have a set admission price, asking visitors to donate whatever they can afford.
(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 Mayor Marty Grohman describes as a “Weekly Homeless Huddle,” where city and Seeds of Hope staff come together with outreach workers and service providers to identify and assist those most in need. This focused, whole person-centered effort has led directly to dozens of people moving into stable, permanent housing, according to a press release distributed Monday
“This is what progress looks like,” said Grohman. “Thanks to the dedicated team at Seeds of Hope and strong coordination across agencies, we are actively finding solutions to homelessness, one person at a time. All Biddeford residents deserve the opportunity for a safe and healthy existence indoors, and our partnerships are allowing us to make that a reality.”
The partnership model was launched in July 2024 after the closure of a major encampment near Mechanics Park on Water Street. That encampent was highly visible and located across the river from a new, upscale housing development in Saco.
This is a photo of a homeless encampment that was destroyed by the city last year (Seaver photo)
The Biddeford City Council authorized the creation of a temporary overnight center at Seeds of Hope to offer safety and stability. Through a generous grant award, MaineHousing provided additional support to the overnight center throughout the winter months, enabling daytime services on weekends. Connections with key service providers such as The Opportunity Alliance’s PATH program help neighbors access critical resources such as mental health and substance use treatment services.
Although the city was planning to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to renovate the Seeds of Hope, that funding mechanism hit a snafu earlier this year.
This significant increase in services available at Seeds of Hope since July has enabled staff to develop relationships with neighbors, a key factor for building trust and paving the way for long-term housing placements, according to the mayor’s office.
As more individuals are housed, the organization anticipates a decrease in the number of people needing services, marking a hopeful turning point for the community.
“We are finally seeing the kind of change that comes from sustained, collaborative commitment,” said Vassie Fowler, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. “When we meet people with dignity and consistent support, housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”
As spring arrives, we expect to serve fewer people—not because needs are going unmet, but because more and more people are into permanent housing.”
When we meet people with dignity and consistent support, housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”
__ Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope
Spokespersons for the city and Seeds of Hope say that they remain committed to this partnership and to expanding opportunities for every resident to live with dignity and stability.
In late April, financial support from MaineHousing for extended weekend hours will conclude, though the City-supported overnight program will continue to operate. Seeds of Hope will build on the strong foundation of success already achieved by providing more focused and intensive coordination of services, and guiding individuals through housing, substance use disorder treatment and mental health resources. There is also on-the-street outreach planned to connect with unhoused neighbors who are not already seeking services.
But there are still funding challenges to provide these services for unhoused residents.
“The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning,” Grohman said. “We’re proving that when we work together with compassion and dedication, real change is possible. Biddeford is building a future where no one is left behind, and we’re going to keep pushing forward until everyone has a place to call home.”
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Scores of Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for the first of two public hearings on the city’s proposed budget.
Only one resident — former City Councilor Michael Swanton — suggested a budget cut, calling on the council to close and sell the city’s public access television station on Pool Road.
“Technology has zoomed by cable television,” Swanton told the council. “That’s $300,000 each year for something that only a handful of people use.”
Nearly 40 other people approached the podium one-by-one to voice support for various social service agencies, including the McArthur Library, Biddeford Community Gardens and the Heart of Biddeford.
Although there are more than 30 social service agencies requesting funding from the city, only three of them were mentioned during the public comment period — and once again — public support for the library dominated the 45-minute public hearing.
In a repeat of last year, the majority of comments came from people asking to fully fund the library’s budget request, which is just over $1 million this year, mainly to support ongoing renovations at the 160-year-old building. According to documents filed with the city, the library’s board of directors indicated that only 25 percent of their funding request would be used for salaries.
The McArthur Library is once again seeking roughly $1 million from the city.
“How we fund these things should reflect our values,” one man told the council.
More than 30 people spoke in support of the library, but 12 people expressed support for Biddeford’s Community Gardens; and one person spoke in favor of the funding request from the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
New Bathhouse Should be Ready on Memorial Day
Although the iconic Biddeford Pool Bathhouse in the Gilbert Boucher Park was destroyed during a January 2024 coastal storm, a new bathhouse is expected to be ready by Memorial Day.
After reviewing several bids from private contractors, the city council was poised to spend roughly $222,000 to build a 24 x 24-square foot replacement facility. Councilor Marc Lessard, however, suggested having the city’s Public Works Department submit their own proposal for the project.
Public Works Director Jeff Demers said his department could complete the task and construct a larger facility for roughly $135,000., a savings of roughly $87,000.
According to Recreation Director Lisa Thompson, the new bathhouse will be a 28 x 32-square foot structure that will include two regular bathrooms, a family bathroom, an accessible bathroom for persons with disabilities and outdoor showers.
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BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 