Community members raise concerns over UNE pier proposal

After hearing concerns from residents, the Biddeford Planning Board has asked for more information regarding the selection of a location for a proposed pier by the University of New England.

The University of New England would like to build a new research pier on the Saco River next to the college’s marine science building. The proposed pier would have a 130-foot-long walkway extending from shore that would lead to an 80-foot by 23-foot pier head. There would also be a floating dock system.

UNE’s Vice President of Operations Alan Thibeault said at Wednesday night’s Planning Board meeting that the university began work on the project in 2009 when it hired what is now GEI consultants. After reviewing nine locations GEI determined that the site near the marine science building was the best spot.

The location was determined to have all-tide access for the University’s boats and high tide access for larger visiting boats, said Thibeault. The proposed site would also have less impact on the environment than other alternatives, and less exposure to icing, he said. It would also have less of an impact on local moorings, and UNE would pay for the relocation of moorings that were impacted, he said.

The pier proposal has received approval from the Saco River Corridor Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Protection and Maine Historic Commission. It is currently under a shoreland and site plan review by the Biddeford Planning Board.

About a dozen people spoke at the Planning Board public hearing with concerns about the proposed pier.

“The location of this is really an issue. This is going to catch ice, they’re going to be disappointed,” said Former Saco Harbormaster Dan Chadbourne. He said that UNE has needed a new pier for years, but should look at an alternative site.

Mike Ramunno, who moors a boat in the Saco River, had concerns regarding shallow water near the proposed pier location.

He also said that the suggested site is at a popular recreational fishing spot.

“They’re literally closing off an entire area to everyone who fishes the river,” he said.

Former Biddeford Harbor Commission Chairman John Schafer said the review for the location of the proposed pier was incomplete because there was no local input. He urged the planning board to listen to those who spoke at Wednesday night’s meeting.

“They are the resident experts of the river, and their feedback has to be considered when this application comes before you to ultimately approve,” he said.

Planning Board Chair Alexa Plotkin asked UNE to provide more information, and said the planning board needed to see the analysis the university used to make decisions regarding the proposed pier location.

Planning Board Member Larry Patoine suggested the board take a site walk to get a better idea of the proposal, and other members of the board agreed. Plotkin said she would make a formal request for a site walk.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.