Biddeford Committee Revived to Review UNE Projects, Plans Public Hearing

The newly reformed Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee will hold a public meeting to gather input on University of New England's development plans.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee, which was reformed late last year, will hold a public hearing on Monday to hear input from residents on projects proposed by the University of New England. The committee, comprising city councilors, the UNE president, and three Biddeford residents, aims to review the university's planning documents over the past 20 years and make recommendations regarding future growth on the UNE campus.

Why it matters

The committee's revival comes after several UNE projects, including a proposed pier and a plan to transform a former convent into student housing, faced pushback from some Biddeford residents. The public hearing is an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns and help shape the committee's recommendations, which will ultimately go to the Planning Board and City Council.

The details

The public hearing is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers at Biddeford City Hall, with a remote viewing option available. The committee, which met for the first time last week, will also hold another meeting on Thursday night. The committee's final recommendations are expected in July and will first go to the Planning Board before being considered by the City Council.

  • The Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee was reformed late last year.
  • The committee held its first meeting last week.
  • The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • The committee will hold another meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • The committee's final recommendations are expected in July 2026.

The players

Patricia Boston

Biddeford City Councilor and member of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee.

Marc Lessard

Biddeford City Councilor and member of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee.

James Herbert

President of the University of New England and member of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee.

Christina Stone

Biddeford resident and member of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee, living in the Hills Beach area where UNE's campus is located.

Matt Haas

Biddeford resident and member of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee, with ties to UNE as a graduate and former employee.

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What they’re saying

“The council will rely on your diligence, care and judgment on making these important decisions.”

— Liam LaFountain, Mayor of Biddeford (pressherald.com)

“I've been speaking up at a lot of meetings, and I thought it was time for me to participate more. I'm a little concerned about some of the growth in our area.”

— Christina Stone, Biddeford Resident (pressherald.com)

“I have ties to UNE, having graduated from the school and previously working there.”

— Matt Haas, Biddeford Resident (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The committee's final recommendations are expected in July 2026 and will first go to the Planning Board before being considered by the Biddeford City Council.

The takeaway

The revival of the Biddeford Institutional Zone Review Committee and the upcoming public hearing demonstrate the community's desire to have a voice in the development plans of the University of New England. The committee's recommendations will play a key role in shaping the future growth and impact of the university on the local Biddeford area.