Category: City News

LaBree: The Fresh Face at City Hall

Part of Michelle LaBree’s job as assistant city manager is dealing with hazardous buildings, like this house on Pleasant Street that will be demolished in coming months. Photo: Quinnly Raducha By Quinnly Raducha, UNE Community News Fellow Michelle LaBree is the first person to hold the position of assistant city manager in Sanford, and she expects to bring a new perspective to the work. LaBree, 51, grew up in the Bangor area and filled several roles in Penobscot County government,…

Biddeford to Provide New Warming Center

The Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford, a former Episcopal church, is undergoing a $1.2 million renovation and received a $246,000 grant from Maine Housing to open a warming center this winter. Photo: Google By Lee Burnett The loss of funding for a warming center in Sanford this winter is prompting housing advocates to direct homeless people to take a bus to Biddeford. An estimated 51 people in Sanford are living in tents, cars or other temporary situations, according…

Council OKs Funds for Ambulances, Fire Stations

A new ambulance for Sanford Photo: Lifeline Emergency Vehicles By Barbara Sutcliffe City councilors on Dec. 3 unanimously approved a request to move ahead on purchasing two new ambulances for the Fire Department, something Fire Chief Scott Susi said is necessary to handle the increasing number of calls. They also approved a plan for getting started on funding the two new fire stations approved by voters last month. The actual purchase of the emergency vehicles will occur in the 2027-28…

Carpentier Park Plans Approved

An artist’s drawing shows the new splash pad at Carpentier Park. By Andrew Morin Carpentier Park on High Street has moved one step closer to renovation after the City Council gave its final approval at a recent meeting. Plans call for a variety of new amenities and attractions for the children of Sanford. The most prominent will be a splash pad, a circular concrete surface equipped with small water jets and misters that will spray and offer a fun and…