Biddeford appeals to Maine's highest court over UNE pier project

The city is challenging the Saco River Corridor Commission's approval of the University of New England's science research pier.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A serene, painterly scene of the Saco River at dusk, with the silhouette of a proposed research pier casting a long shadow across the calm waters. Warm, golden light bathes the riverbank, creating a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere.As Biddeford battles UNE over a proposed research pier on the Saco River, the city's fight to preserve the waterway's natural buffer zones takes on a sense of quiet, cinematic urgency.Biddeford Today

The city of Biddeford is appealing to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to challenge a permit that would allow the University of New England to build a controversial science research pier on the Saco River. The city had previously filed a complaint with the York County Superior Court, which was dismissed due to jurisdictional issues. Now, Biddeford is seeking a legal determination from the state's highest court on whether the Saco River Corridor Commission acted within its authority in approving the project in 2024.

Why it matters

The dispute over the UNE pier project highlights ongoing tensions between the city of Biddeford and the university over development and land use issues. The city alleges that the project would violate a long-standing 250-foot vegetative buffer zone on the Saco River, while UNE maintains that the city's appeal is 'frivolous' and a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The details

Biddeford's appeal to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court comes after the York County Superior Court dismissed the city's previous complaint, which had called on the court to overturn the Saco River Corridor Commission's 2024 decision to allow UNE to proceed with the pier project. The superior court said it lacked jurisdiction because the city filed its case too late and didn't properly appeal to the SRCC before beginning legal proceedings. Now, Biddeford is seeking a full review of the SRCC's decision on the merits.

  • In 2024, the Saco River Corridor Commission approved UNE's permit to build the science research pier.
  • In 2026, the York County Superior Court dismissed Biddeford's complaint against the SRCC's approval.
  • In April 2026, Biddeford announced it is appealing the case to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

The players

City of Biddeford

The city government of Biddeford, Maine, which is challenging the Saco River Corridor Commission's approval of the UNE pier project.

University of New England (UNE)

The private university that is seeking to build a science research pier on the Saco River, which has been approved by the Saco River Corridor Commission.

Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC)

The state-appointed commission that oversees development along the Saco River and approved UNE's permit for the research pier project.

Justice James Martemucci

The York County Superior Court judge who dismissed Biddeford's initial complaint against the SRCC's approval of the UNE pier project.

Aaron Frey

The Maine Attorney General whose office declined to weigh in on the legality of the SRCC's permit approval for the UNE pier project.

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What they’re saying

“'The City is committed to open government and a transparent regulatory process. We believe this question deserves a full review on the merits, and we will continue to pursue that through the appropriate legal channels.'”

— Liam LaFountain, Mayor of Biddeford

“'The city's decision needlessly creates lengthy delays and will cost both the university and the taxpayers of Biddeford a tremendous amount of wasted time and money. Despite repeated assurances from the mayor that his goal is to work collaboratively and for the benefit of the city and the university, his actions clearly undermine those efforts.'”

— Alan Bennett, Assistant Director of Communications, University of New England

What’s next

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court will now review the case and determine whether the Saco River Corridor Commission acted within its authority in approving the UNE pier project.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England over development and land use issues. The case will test the limits of the Saco River Corridor Commission's authority and could have broader implications for how such regulatory bodies balance environmental concerns with economic development interests.