UNE sues Biddeford after city denies permit for controversial pier project

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 26, 2026

The University of New England is suing Biddeford in York County Superior Court, where the school said it is asking a judge to reverse the city’s denial of a permit request. UNE has already appealed to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, which upheld the denials earlier this month. The school wanted a permit to remove about 50 trees from its property, to allow for an access road to a planned research pier on the Saco river. Commercial fisherman who say they fear the construction will disrupt their moorings.