đź“°BIDDEFORD | City of Biddeford and University of New England Announce Collaborative Path Forward on Key Community Projects
Submitted by City of Biddeford and University of New England
October 8, 2026, The City of Biddeford and the University of New England have announced an important milestone in a collaborative effort to advance key projects that support education, research, economic vitality, and the long-term interests of the Biddeford community.
On October 6, the Biddeford City Council voted to lift the moratorium affecting the University's proposed research pier and Decary Hall renovation projects. On October 7, the Biddeford Planning Board voted to extend UNE's permit for the research pier project. Together, these actions provide a path forward for two projects that have been the subject of extensive public discussion and review.
"This week marks an important step forward for both the University of New England and the City of Biddeford,” said UNE President James Herbert. “We are grateful for the work of City staff, City leaders, residents, and community stakeholders who have engaged in these discussions, often with deeply held perspectives and a shared commitment to our community. While there were disagreements along the way, this outcome demonstrates what is possible when people remain focused on finding constructive solutions.”
“Biddeford officials have taken residents’ concerns about institutional development along the Saco River seriously, including through the City’s prior court appeal and its recent testimony before the Saco River Corridor Commission,” said Mayor Liam LaFountain. “The Council’s vote addresses these two previously approved projects, while the moratorium remains in place for future proposals. This decision shows that we can address concerns thoughtfully while still supporting projects that enhance learning, research, and local opportunity.”
The Decary Hall renovation project will help modernize an important campus facility to house UNE’s College of Business, while the research pier will support year-round marine and environmental research, student learning opportunities, and UNE's educational mission. With this week’s municipal actions, UNE has moved to dismiss its court appeal of the moratorium’s application to those two projects.
In compliance with the Planning Board’s decision, any impacted moorings will be moved by the City at UNE’s expense.
The moratorium for future UNE projects will remain in place until the Institutional Zone Review Committee’s proposed updated Institutional Zone Ordinance has been reviewed and approved by the City Council, which is anticipated later this year.
“The Institutional Zone Review Committee has done important work to update a framework that has not been comprehensively reviewed in more than 20 years, and we have been grateful for the support and involvement of President Herbert and the Committee members in this process,” Mayor LaFountain said. “I encourage residents to stay engaged as we work toward clear standards for future development, including its effects on surrounding neighborhoods and City services, and a constructive relationship with UNE that benefits both the City and the University.”
City and University leaders emphasized that the outcome reflects a shared commitment to working constructively on issues that are important to residents, students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
“We are proud to call Biddeford home and look forward to continuing our investment in this community through projects that support education, research, economic vitality, cultural enrichment, and responsible stewardship of our coastal resources," said President Herbert.
“As Biddeford grows, careful planning and strong partnerships are essential,” said Mayor LaFountain. “UNE plays a meaningful role in Biddeford’s future, and we look forward to continued collaboration that strengthens both the University and our community.”
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