📰BIDDEFORD | Neighbor from Hell? | Resident alleges vindictive behavior and contract violations from YCJC - Asks leadership for accountability

“…good neighbors, they've been anything but… they've been acting like they’re above the law, which is really disappointing for the judicial branch of our state, to be treating our community and our code enforcement officer so poorly… they should be getting fined like any other business or private residence that would violate a contract zone… that fine would range from $100 to $2500 per day…” Sterling Roop, Ward 7 Resident

January 13, 2026, During each Biddeford City Council meeting, attendees are provided two opportunities to speak directly to the council pertaining to topics, questions, concerns, etc. that are not included on the meeting's agenda.

Both opportunities are listed as items on the agenda and are titled “Public Addressing the Council” (PAC). The first period of PAC limits speakers to 3 minutes, whereas the second PAC allows individuals a full 5 minutes to speak.

BiddefordCity Council meeting 1/6/26

During the first PAC session at the City Council meeting that took place last Tuesday (1/6/26), a resident from ward 7 addressed the Council expressing not only their concerns of a breach of contract, but also what were accusations of “vindictive” behavior from the York County Judicial Center (YCJC)... And yes, we’re talking about the big, shiny, new courthouse at 515 Elm Street (Route 1).

Sterling Roop, who’s residence abuts YCJC, and who since 2019 has spoken on record on behalf of several other abutters, took to the mic to urge leaders for a “coordinated effort” from city councilors, the mayor's office, and city manager, to “back up code enforcement… because Robbie [Director of Code Enforcement & Emergency Management] has been doing all that he can… and they won’t listen.”

 “Thank you to code enforcement and Robbie, he has been trying for years to get the judicial branch to comply with their contract zone… trying to enforce the code that the council passed… for this building in a residential neighborhood… promises were made… and they’ve failed to comply”, said Mr. Roop.

York County Judicial Center

Sterling went on to claim that as of late, the staff at the YCJC have “become vindictive”, citing a recent example, alleging that when issues of leaving lights on were raised, staff then retaliated by “turning on all the lights to disturb the abutters more.”

Mr. Roop added, “They’ve been out of compliance with their contract zone… they should be getting fined like any other business or private residence that would violate… that fine would range from $100 to $2500 per day… it’s been more than a year that they've been served with notice of not being in compliance…” 

Sterling then turned the conversation towards money; "Talking about money, we sold that piece of property for an $80,000 profit for it to never be taxed again… [with a fine of] $200 per day, and it’s been 400 days since they've been out of compliance, that’s another $80,000 for the city… They’ve been treating us and our community like they don’t have to follow the laws”.

To listen to Sterling’s full comments please visit: https://biddefordme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3059/files/agenda/5861

Although city leadership listened attentively, it’s unclear what direct steps, if any, they will take to address the concerns of Mr. Roop and his fellow abutters regarding YCJC… However, it’s worth mentioning that this past December, the City Council authorized the creation of an ad hoc Institutional Zone Review Committee that could potentially be engaged for matters such as this.

UPDATE (1/14/26): Since publishing yeaterday, WE HAVE HEARD BACK FROM CITY OFFICIALS AND THIS ISSUE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE SCOPE OF THE INSTITUTIONAL ZONE REVIEW COMMITTEE. It is still unclear who, if anyone, will be addressing this issue.

The committee was formed for the purpose of reviewing all Institutional Zone provisions of the Biddeford Zoning Ordinance, including but not limited to the Institutional Zone and the Institutional Master Plan ordinance, together with all related standards, procedures, and review criteria.

The Committee is charged with the following responsibilities:

1. Reviewing the full ordinance language governing the Institutional Zone and the Institutional Master Plan.

2. Evaluating whether existing standards and processes appropriately guide institutional development and fully account for impacts on the City, including land use considerations, municipal service demands, infrastructure capacity, and long-range implications for planning and overall fiscal health.

3. Considering best practices from comparable municipalities regarding institutional growth, neighborhood compatibility, and the broader implications of institutional expansion.

4. Identifying proposed ordinance revisions necessary to ensure these provisions reflect the long-term best interests of the City.

5. Preparing written recommendations for City Council consideration.

   
   

The Committee will include four resident members, one of which will be designated by the Mayor to serve as an Associate Member who will vote only in the absence of another resident member. To learn more about the committee please visit: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/5839/Institutional-Zone-Review-Committee

As this is a newly established committee, we will have to wait and see how they operate and what matters they entertain.

We will continue to monitor the concerns and allegations from Mr. Roop and the other abutters of YCJC, and will update the public as information becomes available. Please note, we did reach out to the parties involved and at this time, have not yet heard back.