By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Given recent complaints about the city of Biddeford’s sidewalk snow removal policies, Jeff Demers, the city’s public works director, recently sent the Gazette a detailed explanation regarding his department’s priorities when it comes to clearing snow from city sidewalk policies.

Demers said resources are stretched thin, and if residents want changes, they should contact the city council and request more funding and manpower.

Here is a recent memo from Demers regarding sidewalk snow clearing:

“Sidewalks are a major concern for many people throughout our community year after year,” Demers wrote.

“Public Works can never do them all. As of today, we do an average of 34 miles of sidewalks taking up around 30 to 100 hours after any given storm.

“Not to mention the ongoing cleanup. More equipment and personnel are needed to add on more sidewalks at this time.

“If the City Manager and city council want to re-prioritize the way we do them today more discussion is warranted, in my opinion,” Demers said.

Demers said sidewalks are done by the following priorities.

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Shopping Centers
• Elderly care facilities.

RELATED: Behind the Scenes | Biddeford’s Public Works Department

_______________________

Never miss an update! Subscribe for free today!

THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism

Our editorial standards and policies: Biddeford Gazette | Standards & Policies

© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved