A University of New England spokesperson writes that an April 9 story -- regarding the school's real estate transactions and how it impacted public policy -- missed the mark and needs more context Editor: An April 9 Biddeford Gazette article [The city, the convent and the university: What happened?] suggested that the University of New England … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
Tag: Sarah Delage
Court rules against Biddeford
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the Biddeford City Council heard some disappointing news today when they learned that a York County Superior Court justice has decided to dismiss a lawsuit the city filed late last year against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) – and by extension, the University … Continue reading Court rules against Biddeford
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 considers gas line extension project
From staff reports Representatives from the University of New England say they are now in “early conversations” with Biddeford city officials about the possibility of extending a natural gas line from the city’s downtown area, along the Rte. 9 corridor, to the school’s Biddeford campus. A UNE spokesperson said the potential infrastructure project could bring … Continue reading UNE considers gas line extension project
City files court challenge for UNE pier approval
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal in August, a required building permit will not be issued by the city until a decision comes down from the York County Superior Court. The city has filed a formal complaint against the Saco River Corridor … Continue reading City files court challenge for UNE pier approval
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
Back to the drawing board for UNE?
City attorney finds new info, says UNE pier should go back to planning board By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford City Attorney Harry Center says that the Biddeford Planning Board should reconsider its prior approval of the University of New England’s controversial research pier. Although the planning board narrowly approved the university’s proposal in August, Center … Continue reading Back to the drawing board for UNE?
City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River. In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals … Continue reading City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
UNE pier opponents ramp up their efforts
Even as the University of New England begins construction of its controversial research pier, opponents of the project are ramping up their own efforts and raising new concerns about how the City of Biddeford handled its review of the project. A group of Biddeford residents are now circulating a petition to require the mayor and … Continue reading UNE pier opponents ramp up their efforts
Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Following a rather tense and emotionally-charged discussion, the Biddeford Planning Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to give preliminary site approval for the University of New England’s proposed research pier. The controversial pier proposal has generated widespread public discourse for more than a year, even before the application was formally submitted in June 2024. This aerial photograph … Continue reading Tensions run high during Planning Board review of UNE’s proposed pier
Board members get front-row view of UNE’s controversial pier proposal
A small group of slightly more than 40 people attended a Biddeford Planning Board site walk near the location of where the University of New England wants to construct a new pier to dock its marine research vessel. The proposed pier includes a 130-foot approach pier with an 80 by 20-foot pier head jutting out … Continue reading Board members get front-row view of UNE’s controversial pier proposal
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’
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
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 GAZETTE 