📰BIDDEFORD | UNE Responds to City’s Litigation

📰BIDDEFORD | UNE Responds to City’s Litigation

December, 4, 2025, The following message was recieved from the University of New England regarding the City of Biddeford’s litigation pertaining to the UNE Pier.

"The University of New England is aware of the City's litigation against the Saco River Corridor Commission. UNE respectfully disagrees with the City's position. As the Saco River Corridor Commission confirmed after seeking counsel from their lawyer at the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the pier project received proper approval from the SRCC. We are confident in the validity of our SRCC permit, as is the SRCC, and we will respond appropriately through the legal process.

The permit issued in 2001 does not preclude the building of an access road within the 250-foot vegetative buffer along the river. It allows for development within that zone if the SRCC reviews the plan and finds that it adequately maintains appropriate vegetation levels. During the SRCC approval process for this project, the SRCC provided feedback on UNE’s re-vegetation plan. The project that was ultimately approved reflects that feedback.

Additionally, contrary to the City’s claims, no UNE official, including prior presidents, ever claimed that the University would never propose any activity within the vegetative buffer.

The research pier is an important educational and scientific asset that will support UNE's marine science programs and contribute to environmental research benefiting our coastal community. UNE is committed to responsible development and environmental stewardship of our waterfront campus."