By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
Tag: Saco River
Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
UNE’s new dormitory plan approved
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted 9-2 Monday to approve a plan that will allow the University of New England to transform a former convent on the Saco River into a student dormitory. The Biddeford convent was built in 1986 and features a 57-bed nursing home on a 21.4-acre parcel along the banks of … Continue reading UNE’s new dormitory plan approved
Zoning Board sides with UNE
The University of New England cleared another hurdle Thursday when the Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted unanimously to reject an appeal of the university’s proposed research pier. Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved the controversial pier in August, a group of private citizens – led by the former chair of the Biddeford … Continue reading Zoning Board sides with UNE
Planning board member blasts mayor, city council over UNE proposal: ‘something feels fishy’
In a surprise move, Roch Angers -- a former Biddeford city councilor and current member of the city’s planning board – told members of the city council Tuesday that he has serious concerns about the University of New England’s plans to construct a large pier on the Saco River. “Something about this whole mess doesn’t … Continue reading Planning board member blasts mayor, city council over UNE proposal: ‘something feels fishy’
Mooring owners to mayor: ‘We’re not budging’
A stalemate is brewing on the Saco River. Several private mooring owners in Biddeford say they are being ignored by city leaders and will not move their moorings on the Saco River to accommodate the University of New England’s proposal to build a new pier for its research vessel. The university’s proposal was given preliminary … Continue reading Mooring owners to mayor: ‘We’re not budging’
UNE blasted before Biddeford Planning Board
During Wednesday’s Planning Board meeting, not a single member of the public spoke in favor of the proposed location for a research-docking pier that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River. Although several people told the board that they supported the idea of UNE building a new pier, they also … Continue reading UNE blasted before Biddeford Planning Board
Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier
Mike Ramunno, a tuna fisherman from Biddeford, has owned his mooring in the Saco River for more than six years. He says no one from the city of Biddeford or the University of New England has contacted him about the university’s plan to build a large pier for their 60-foot research vessel. The university’s plan … Continue reading Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier
UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week approved an application from the University of New England (UNE) for the construction of a controversial pier proposal on the Saco River in Biddeford. Although UNE is still required to clear several more permitting hurdles before construction can begin, the Army Corps approval represents a significant boost … Continue reading UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal
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
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