📰BIDDEFORD | UNE Alleges City is "Jeopardizing Community Investments"
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
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 uphold the denial of two permits based on its interpretation of a moratorium on UNE development.
According to Delage, "The decision follows months of unsuccessful efforts to engage City leadership in constructive dialogue, including a proposal to utilize an independent third-party mediator to resolve outstanding issues."
“Appeal through the courts is not our preferred path,” said UNE President James Herbert. “However, the City’s actions have left us with no viable alternative to protect the University, our students, and the investments we are making in Biddeford.”
UNE secured the necessary approvals for projects from city, state, and federal regulatory bodies before Biddeford passed a moratorium on UNE development to review local zoning laws. Despite this, the City has taken steps to amend and nullify those approvals in violation of state law and has delayed or halted important University initiatives.
These actions represent a significant departure from the longstanding collaborative relationship between UNE and the City, a partnership that has historically supported economic growth, job creation, and community development.
The appeal filed today seeks to:
Have the court declare that the City applied the moratorium in violation of Maine law to stop work already approved by the Planning Board and other regulatory bodies
Prevent further unlawful delays or interference with Planning Board permits properly granted through established regulatory processes for the pier project. UNE will subsequently file an appeal to challenge the delay and interference of its approved renovation of Decary Hall, which will be home to UNE’s College of Business
Protect the University’s ability to carry out its academic, research, and community mission
“We are ready to resolve these issues and move forward,” Herbert added. “The University and the City are stronger when we work together.”
UNE is one of Biddeford’s largest employers and economic drivers, contributing significantly to the local economy through jobs, research activity, and community partnerships.
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