<body><div>Tension between the city and Paul Lariviere has been intensifying in recent weeks because the harbormaster says he cannot legally relocate moorings that are preventing construction of a controversial research pier on the Saco RiverThe Biddeford Gazette confirmed Thursday afternoon that Biddeford Harbormaster Paul Lariviere has been placed on “paid administrative leave.”City Manager Cornell Knight told the Gazette that Deputy Harbormaster Randy Desmaris will “likely” be appointed to fill Lariviere’s role.Tension between the city and its harbormaster has been intensifying for several weeks because Lariviere — citing state law — is refusing to relocate at least two moorings in proximity to where the University of New England intends to build a 180-foot research pier on the Saco River.Lariviere has long raised concerns about the location of the UNE research pier, saying the school could build a similar pier closer to shore that would actually provide more water depth.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2SqlBz_1Gv2qG6400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2SqlBz_1Gv2qG6400" width="600" height="400" ><figcaption>AN AERIAL PHOTO shows the location of where UNE will build its large research pier | Photo courtesy of UNE</figcaption></figure>UNE officials say their site was selected after reviewing several options at the advice of marine engineers and other experts. The school also says their proposed design, which extends perpendicular from the shore, will give them year-round access to a 60-foot research vessel.Lariviere says UNE’s pier will interfere with other maritime traffic on the lower end of the Saco River. UNE disputes those claims and has offered to reimburse affected mooring owners for any fees incurred during relocation.Lariviere was sidelined from review of the project by former City Manager James Bennett in 2024. Bennett said Lariviere had been making negative comments in public about the pier — even before UNE submitted its plans for municipal review.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=29ezfY_1Gv2qG6400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=29ezfY_1Gv2qG6400" width="600" height="450" ><figcaption>SEVERAL MOORING OWNERS and others sharply criticized the city for sidelining its harbormaster from review of UNE’s pier proposal | Biddeford Gazette file photo</figcaption></figure>Bennett’s move drew sharp public criticism from several mooring owners and nearby coastal residents. Lariviere’s censure became the central focus of an October 2025 citizens’ grievance meeting before the then mayor and city council.The UNE pier project was approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Saco River Corridor Commission and the Biddeford Planning Board.Lariviere said he will challenge the city’s decision, and said the loss of his $9,000 annual compensation is not enough for him to worry about.STAY CONNECTED | SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY</div></body>

Block Source: biddefordgazette.org

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

Tension between the city and Paul Lariviere has been intensifying in recent weeks because the harbormaster says he cannot legally relocate moorings that are preventing construction of a controversial research pier on the Saco River. The Biddeford Gazette confirmed Thursday afternoon that Biddeford Harbormaster Paul Lariviere has been placed on...

NEWS | Biddeford fires its harbormaster

NewsBreak

Tension between the city and Paul Lariviere has been intensifying in recent weeks because the harbormaster says he cannot legally relocate moorings that ar

NEWS | Biddeford fires its harbormaster

Comments