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"All 9 people were displaced and are being assisted by Red-Cross and the City’s General Assistance Office with housing and other needs." May 15, 2026, According to a press release from the Biddeford Fire Department, "this morning shortly after 5:30am the Biddeford Regional Communications Center received a 911 call for a building fire at #49 Granite Street." The release goes on to state, "Biddeford Fire Department Car 7, Engine 22, Squad 28 and EMS 14, along with an Engine fro

“Our findings tell us something really significant. Maine businesses want to be here, Maine investors want to be part of the Maine economy,” By Katie Clark, MSCCMDF, Contributing Writer May 12, 2026, The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine Development Foundation today released Maine Economic Vision 2035, a new long-term economic roadmap outlining key goals and policy priorities to strengthen Maine’s competitiveness, support workforce and wage growth, increase investment

"Monthly downtown event celebrates local art, music, and community" By Larry Weyand, Art of Biddeford, Contributing Writer May 11, 2026, The Biddeford Art Walk returns on Friday, May 15 from 5 – 8 p.m., kicking off the 2026 season with local art, live music, performances, exhibitions, food, and community programming throughout Main Street, the mills, and downtown storefronts. Presented by Art of Biddeford with support from Heart of Biddeford, the free, self-guided event takes

By Justin Chenette, York County Commissioner, Contributing Writer May 11, 2026, Three local high school seniors have been named the 2026 recipients of the Chenette Leadership Scholarship, an award recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, civic engagement, and leadership. This year’s scholars represent Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, and Bonny Eagle High School. Each recipient was selected based on their proven track re

By Victoria Foley, Contributing Writer The proposed increase is approximately 26%, far outpacing inflation May 8, 2026, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford), Senator Henry Ingwersen (D-York), and Representative Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), today issued the following statements in opposition to a 26% rate increase proposed by Maine Water: “This request could not come at a worse time for ratepayers who are facing strained household budgets just about everywhere they turn. This

By: Jason Litalien, Contributing Writer, Independent Candidate Maine Senate 32 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a program from the State that allows us to retain additional tax money received from that district without having to share it with the County or the State. When structured properly, TIFs can be a great tool for redevelopment. Unfortunately, that is where part of the problem begins. Another part of the problem is the Credit Enhancement Agreement, which is a public su

"If the proposed rate increase is approved it could go into effect by May 12, 2027" May 6, 2026, Residents from Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach, met this evening at Saco City Hall to testify in front of State of Maine Public Utilities Commissioners and representives from Maine Water, regarding a recent proposed increase of approximately 26% for water bills of residents in the Saco-Biddeford area. L-R: Commissioner Carolyn Gilbert, Comissioner Philip Bartlett Utilities

"Staff will be available to assist students in contacting home when needed..." Please note: This article pertains to the entire district (all schools in Saco, Biddeford and Dayton). May 6, 2026, Recently, the Maine Legislature made updates to LD 2212 that included a provision requiring all public schools in Maine to adopt (and enforce) a "bell-to-bell" cell phone policy. According to Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, "Beginning August 1, 2026, all public schools across Ma

"...in an effort to involve community members, Stantec will be hosting "public engagement feedback sessions, during the planning process". May 5, 2026, This past February we published a story announcing the City of Biddeford was "accepting proposals for the 5-Points intersection" located in the area of 392 Elm Street. The previous article about the proposal announcment can be viewed here: https://www.biddefordbuzz.com/post/biddeford-city-accepting-proposals-for-5-points-inte

"My belief is that.... the moratorium was in effect" - ZBA Board Member May 4, 2026, A big win for those who have expressed opposition to the University of New England building a new pier along the Saco River - at tonight's Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing, the ZBA voted to uphold the City's recent application denials issued to the University of New England pertaining to trees being "cleared" along the waterway, as well as the demolition of a building (Leonard

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer May 4, 2026, T he Biddeford High School (BHS) Athletics Hall of Honor welcomed six outstanding individuals and one historic team into its ranks during an induction ceremony held on May 2, 2026. This year’s honorees exemplify the legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication that define Biddeford High School’s athletic tradition. The Class of 2025 inductees include Gerry Berthiaume ’73, Carrie (Binette) LeGrow ’03, Brian Curit ’82, B

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer April 30, 2026, More than 700 Biddeford High School (BHS) students in grades 8 through 12 stepped outside the classroom and into the community on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for their Third Annual Community Service Day. Fueled by the values of Tiger PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Engagement), students dedicate their April Tiger PRIDE day to meaningful engagement and community impact by spending the day working

By Loren McCready, Contributing Writer April 30, 2026, The development at the end of Barra Road, including the recently announced Thatcher Brook Apartments, is being presented as progress in Biddeford. A closer look shows a pattern of decisions that prioritize speed and private return over long-term planning and public benefit. The financial structure makes that plain. Three separate Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs) have been established for this area, along with a Cr

“I want to take a moment to thank Truc for her service to the city over these last nine months…. Looking ahead, the city will be engaging an interim city manager and a process from outside the organization... I know, this process will raise a lot of questions, and I want you to know that the council and I are committed and focused on serving the residents of Biddeford and keeping all of you involved. ” - Mayor Liam LaFountain, Biddeford April 28, 2026, This evening, Mayor LaF

April 27, 2026, the following letter was sent this evening to Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain from University of New England President Dr. James Herbert. In the letter, Dr. Herbert writes to the Mayor to discuss "current inability of the City leadership and the University to work together constructively." Later in the letter, Herbert reminds LaFountain, "As you know, you are in receipt of correspondence from UNE on April 15 requesting that you agree to an independent mediator

"Stepping away is a matter of professional integrity and self-respect... It is difficult for me to acknowledge, but I will be candid and say that had the full extent of these conditions---and the limitations imposed on this role-been apparent when I applied, I would not have pursued the position." April 27, 2026, Earlier today we shared the news that recently hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever has submitted her resignation to Mayor LaFountain and City Councilors effectiv

By Danica Lamontagne, Contributing Writer April 27, 2026, Truc Dever, hired last summer to replace former city manager Jim Bennett, submitted her letter of resignation to the Biddeford City Council and Mayor Liam LaFountain Sunday evening. During her time in Biddeford, Dever led the City through a difficult and demanding FY27 budget season and supported ongoing municipal operations. In her letter of resignation, the outgoing city manager acknowledged "the scope and complexity

April 26, 2026, below is a statement from Vassie Fowler, Executive Director for Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, pertaining to recent public dialog regarding the center and 2027 city budget propsoal - please see below: By Vassie Fowler, Executive Director, Seeds of Hope THE TRUTH ABOUT BIDDEFORD’S OVERNIGHT PROGRAM, AND WHAT NO ONE HAS BEEN SAYING For weeks, Seeds of Hope has remained quiet while misinformation, assumptions, and personal attacks have circulated online and i

April 26, 2026, At approximately 1:00 - 1:15 AM this morning, Biddeford Police aressted and charged 27 year old Scott Allen of Biddeford. Allen was charged with Domestic Violence, a class D misdemeanor, and was transported to the York County Jail. Allen remained incarcerated until 12:35 PM today and was released after posting $200 cash bail. Class D crimes in Maine are considered a serious misdemeanor and are punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and carry sign

FULL STATEMENT FROM BIDDEFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT INCLUDED BELOW April 23, 2026, Firefighters are currently working to extinguish a structure fire in an apartment building located in the area of 13 Hazel Street. According to a Firefighter on the scene, the fire has been contained and they are working to fully secure the area. We can confirm that Scarborough Fire Department is currently assisting by manning the Biddeford Firestation while our department addresses the issue with t