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May 26, 2026, According to University of New England’s Associate Vice President of Communications, Sarah Delage, "University of New England (UNE) today announced it has filed an appeal in Maine Superior Court after a series of actions by the City of Biddeford that have disrupted approved projects, undermined established regulatory processes, and jeopardized significant investments in the community." The legal action follows the Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals’ decision to u

"This is the second porch fire in the City of Biddeford this week. Please remember fire safety and proper disposal of any smoking materials." May 20, 2026, At approximately 7:00PM this evening, the Biddeford Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the area of 25 Clifford Street. In addition to BFD, Saco Professional Firefighters were also called to the scene. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and there has been no reports of injuries at this time.

By Danica Lamontagne, City of Biddeford Communications, Contributing Writer May 20, 2026, At the June 9, 2026 Election, voters who are registered to the Democratic Party or Republican Party will participate in their party's Primary Election for U.S. Senator, Representative to Congress, Governor, State Senator, State Representative, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, District Attorney, and County Commissioner. If you are a registered voter but are unenrolled, you ca

By Danica Lamontagne, City of Biddeford Communications, Contributing Writer May 19, 2026, As the nation celebrates National EMS Week (May 17-23) under the 2026 theme “Improving Outcomes, Together,” the City of Biddeford recognizes the dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals of the Biddeford Fire Department for their essential role in protecting community health and safety. In 2025, Biddeford Fire Department members responded to nearly 4,400 EMS incidents, ope

May 19, 2026, Although not the full amount that was cut from the budget for the Biddeford Police and Fire Departments, during tonight's second and final reading of the City of Biddeford's FY 27 budget, Council President Roger Beaupre motioned to add back $60,000 for the Police and $25,000 for Fire - and the council voted unanimously in favor! Prior to the motion being made, several residents spoke out regarding the public service cuts and asked the council to consider adding

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer l May 18, 2026, While many students spent spring break relaxing or enjoying vacation with family, a group of Biddeford High School (BHS) students traveled halfway across the world to Thailand, where they planted gardens, supported food sustainability efforts, cared for elephants, and immersed themselves in hands-on service learning experiences designed to make a lasting impact on local communities. (L-R) Bidde

May 17, 2026, At approximately 3:50PM today, The Biddeford Fire Department received reports of a possible structure fire located in the area of 146 Cleaves Street. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a "small cardboard fire" on a third floor porch that was believed to have been caused by the ember of a cigarette. Out of an abundance of precaution, Saco Fire Department was also on the scene to offer aid if needed. As shown in the footage below, firefighters were able to exti

"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