Biddeford withdraws its appeal to Maine’s highest court over UNE pier project approval

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 8, 2026

The city of Biddeford is withdrawing its pending appeal to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court over an approval of the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal, saying a recent decision makes such an appeal moot. In April, the city had asked the state’s highest court to review whether the Saco River Corridor Commission acted within its authority when it approved the pier project in 2024. But on Aug. 26, the commission voted, 7-3, to extend UNE’s permit for the project by two years. The city said Tuesday, there’s no point in continuing to appeal. Even if the court ordered another review of the matter, the decision would likely fall to the commission, leading to the same outcome.