Biddeford Officials Freeze UNE Campus Development

Experts say the decision is a mistake that sends the wrong message to potential investors.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Biddeford City Council has recently decided to put a freeze on all development on the University of New England (UNE) campus, a move that former mayors Alan Casavant and Marty Grohman argue is a mistake. They say UNE has been a key partner in Biddeford's renaissance, bringing economic growth, community engagement, and valuable programs to the city.

Why it matters

Biddeford's turnaround is closely tied to the growth of UNE, which has become an economic engine, community partner, and asset for the city. The development freeze sends a chilling message to potential investors and signals that Biddeford may not be open for business.

The details

The Biddeford City Council has implemented a blanket development freeze on UNE's campus, which the former mayors say is not a thoughtful approach and fails to distinguish between complex and routine projects. They argue the freeze creates uncertainty and could undermine the productive dialogue needed between the city and university on planning and community impact.

  • The Biddeford City Council recently decided to implement the development freeze.

The players

University of New England (UNE)

A private university that has been a key partner in Biddeford's renaissance, bringing economic growth, community engagement, and valuable programs to the city.

Alan Casavant

Former mayor of Biddeford from 2011 to 2023, who argues the development freeze is a mistake.

Marty Grohman

Former mayor of Biddeford from 2023 to 2025, who also argues the development freeze is a mistake.

James Herbert

President of the University of New England, who has made goodwill with the community a personal priority.

Biddeford City Council

The city governing body that implemented the development freeze on the UNE campus.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A blanket development freeze is not thoughtful engagement. It's a stop sign. It doesn't distinguish between complex projects and routine ones, sending a chilling message well beyond the campus, to anyone looking to invest in Biddeford.”

— Alan Casavant, Former Mayor of Biddeford

“UNE is not a problem to be managed. It's a partner to be cultivated.”

— Marty Grohman, Former Mayor of Biddeford

What’s next

The Biddeford City Council will need to reconsider the development freeze and engage in productive dialogue with UNE to address any concerns about planning and community impact.

The takeaway

Biddeford's partnership with UNE has been crucial to the city's renaissance, and a blanket development freeze sends the wrong message about Biddeford being open for business and willing to work collaboratively with its key institutional partners.