UNE pier project receives 2-year extension
Ron Schneider, an attorney representing the University of New England, points to a site map as Saco River Corridor Commission Executive Director Cheri Dunning takes notes during Wednesday night's commission meeting, during which the commissioners approved a two-year extension for UNE's proposed Biddeford pier project. (Sydney Richelieu/Staff Writer)
DAYTON — The long-debated University of New England research pier proposal received an extension from the Saco River Corridor Commission on Wednesday night.
The university now has another two years to complete the project, which the commission first approved in 2024.
The pier, which would be located on the Saco River adjacent to the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center on UNE’s Biddeford campus, is intended to allow for year-round research and aquaculture projects.
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FAQ: What you need to know about UNE's proposed pier project
UNE educators advocated for the project at the commission’s Aug. 13 hearing, noting that a research pier would be beneficial to students.
Trisha Thibodeau, a plankton ecologist and assistant professor at UNE, said a permanent pier would give her and her students access to monitor temperature changes, collect data on changing weather and study the Saco River through all seasons.
“We want to invest in better science, education and information about the waters that are so important to Maine,” Thibodeau said. “A year-round pier will help us do that. We’ve waited too long.”
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PIER FACES BACKLASH
Since the commission and the Biddeford Planning Board approved the project in 2024 it has faced major backlash, including from residents arguing their moorings on the river would be impacted by the pier.
It’s unclear how many moorings would actually be affected. The university says one. Biddeford says it could be up to six. The commission is unsure.
In addition to opposition from some residents, the project has hit several other roadblocks, including a moratorium on any projects pursued by UNE that was passed by the Biddeford City Council in January.
But the university says it believes it is in compliance with Biddeford and commission regulations.
Ron Schneider, general counsel for UNE, said Wednesday that the university has shown good cause for continuation of the project, and that the commission issued a valid permit in 2024.
Schneider also said even opponents of the project do not deny it would be valuable for the university and its students.
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“Nobody seems to argue that the pier is not a good idea,” Schneider said.
BUFFER ZONE AT PLAY
The commission approved a 250-foot buffer zone in 2001 that prevents UNE from developing in that area and it has been a point of contention since late 2025.
Commission members say the buffer zone was not public knowledge when the pier project was originally approved in 2024, but some argued the commission was obligated to uphold the zone regardless.
“It seems shocking that we missed it, and Biddeford missed it in planning and zoning,” commission member Donna Hanson said. “In my opinion, three wrongs don’t make a right, but none of us were intentionally ignoring that.”
Commission member David Robinson said the agency approved the project once with “eyes wide open,” and argued that nothing has changed since that initial approval.
“(UNE) met our standards,” he said. “They’re working with us to make the river better.”
GOING FORWARD
UNE now has two years to complete work on their pier project — something spokesperson Sarah Delage said the university appreciates.
“The research pier will support UNE’s educational and scientific mission by expanding opportunities for marine science research, student learning and partnerships that contribute to a greater understanding of Maine’s coastal environment,” Delage said.
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Tagged: biddeford city council, Saco River, University of New England
Sydney is a community reporter for Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel and previously reporter for the Courier and Post. Sydney grew up in Kennebunk and is a graduate. More by Sydney Richelieu
