Opinion: Biddeford is lucky to have University of New England

Marc Poirier made some interesting points in the recent Biddeford Gazette article in which he emphasized the need for thoughtful review, collaboration, and long-term planning. He goes on to say that it doesn't matter that the Institutional Zone Committee is almost entirely from Hills Beach. I find this difficult to accept. To suggest that Hills Beach residents will not be prone to serve their own interests is like asking them to not to be human.

Self-service is an inherent part of human nature. Perfect altruism is difficult and far more likely to be found in convents and monasteries, if anywhere at all.Although altruism is universally professed in political campaigns, those who have believed its proponents much to their chagrin, are usually sorely disappointed.Altruism is not to be expected in politics.

If the Hills Beach residents represented the entire city objectively, we would have seen better beach access for the community long ago.It is a given that citizens have diverse and often competing priorities and a balanced outcome requires a more representative committee. The greatest danger is concentrated power.

I am also surprised at the Gazette article by Randy Seaver vilifying the nuns for having failed to report prior real estate transactions. He fails to mention that there is no requirement for people or private entities to inform the city of their intent to purchase or sell real estate.On the contrary, most private sales are reported to the county for recording, not to the city.Maine property owners have no legal obligation to disclose prior private transactions to a city council.

It should be reassuring to the Hills Beach Group that real estate near universities and colleges often show increased property values due to the "anchoring" effect of the institution.The rolling lawns and expansive manicured grounds are far more attractive than housing developments.Many universities allow public access to their sports facilities, swimming pools, and tennis courts especially in the summer when the campus is almost deserted.Some will offer sailing, swimming, and tennis lessons to the public.This is in addition to the opportunity to audit courses, attend guest lectures and other cultural activities.

The presence of students, faculty, and staff has a stabilizing influence with ensuing property appreciation, making these areas more attractive and desirable.UNE is recognized as the number one provider of health professionals in Maine It is the only medical school in Maine placing high numbers of graduates into primary care and rural medicine.Beyond medicine, it offers degrees in nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, dental hygiene and physical therapy.The Princeton Review has recognized UNE as one of the nation’s best colleges for 11 years.We are lucky to have UNE in our community.Do we really want to impede its development or drive it away?

Marc makes the excellent point that more engagement and participation from the community would benefit all.In the last mayoral election, only approximately one out of four city residents voted.If you want to control your destiny, citizens of Biddeford, it is important that you vote.

Diane Snow grew up in Biddeford and is now retired and living in Cumberland. She has two sisters who currently live in Biddeford.