What’s next as UNE’s Biddeford pier project moves forward

Saco River Pier Extension Approved, Prompting New Push‑back in Biddeford

Biddeford, Maine – The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) granted the University of New England (UNE) a two‑year extension to its proposed year‑round research pier on August 27, 2026, a decision that has reignited long‑standing disputes between the university, the city of Biddeford, and local residents.

The pier, which would be built adjacent to the university’s Arthur P. Girard Marine Science building on the Saco River, is intended to support marine‑science research, aquaculture projects and student training. The extension gives UNE a new window to obtain the final approvals it needs to begin construction.

A Controversial Buffer

The SRCC’s approval was not without controversy. In 2001 the commission had imposed a 250‑foot buffer zone along the river, a restriction that many residents say makes the pier unnecessary or dangerous. The city of Biddeford, which had previously passed a 180‑day moratorium on UNE developments in January 2026, argues that the buffer should still apply. The commission, however, stated that “buffer zones are almost a category of suggestion” and that “situations change.”

“We approved it once with our eyes wide open. They met our standards,” said SRCC Commissioner David Robinson of Standish. “They’re working with us to make the river better.”

Mooring Concerns

Beyond the buffer, residents have expressed worry that the pier could displace existing moorings on the river. UNE claims only one mooring would be affected, while the city says the impact could range from two to six. The SRCC has not provided a definitive answer, and the Biddeford harbor master, Paul Lariviere, has not yet commented.

City and Legal Reactions

Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain said the city is “looking at the implications” of the commission’s decision and that legal counsel will update the City Council after a full review. He declined to speculate further.

The city has appealed the commission’s decision to Maine’s highest court in April 2026, asking whether the SRCC had acted within its authority in 2024. That appeal followed a lower court judge’s refusal to consider the matter, citing timing and jurisdictional concerns.

In May, UNE filed suit against the city, challenging its refusal to issue a permit for tree removal near the proposed pier site. The university also seeks a ruling that the moratorium violates state law. The lawsuit highlights the parallel legal battles the city and the university are fighting in court.

Resident Voices

John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission, slammed the SRCC’s decision. “The commissioners committed reputational suicide last night,” he said. “The SRCC is criticized for being capricious and arbitrary. Last night, they proved that.”

Schafer added, “The SRCC’s decision to extend UNE’s permit hurts their reputation very badly.”

UNE’s Position

UNE’s spokesperson Sarah Delage expressed gratitude for the extension. “The research pier will support UNE’s educational and scientific mission by expanding opportunities for marine science research, student learning, and partnerships that contribute to a greater understanding of Maine’s coastal environment,” Delage wrote in a statement to the press.

Delage noted that the university has not yet started construction, awaiting a lifting of the moratorium by Biddeford’s Institutional Zone Review Committee. “Once it gets the green light to do so, UNE plans to begin work by clearing trees on the site,” she said.

Next Steps

With the extension in place, UNE must now secure a permit for tree removal and address the mooring issue before it can move forward. The city is reviewing the SRCC’s decision and will provide its council with a legal assessment. The legal disputes between city and university are still active, with the outcome of the state supreme court appeal and the university’s lawsuit likely to influence the project’s future.

Biddeford residents and environmental groups continue to watch the development closely, wary that the pier could alter the character of the Saco River and its surrounding communities. The outcome of the upcoming legal and municipal reviews will determine whether the university’s vision for a year‑round research hub will materialize or be put on hold once more.