Category: City News

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 Updated 12/21/2024 Little Space at Warming Center By Lee BurnettThe overnight warming center in Biddeford said its 60 gravity chairs are occupied most nights and warns homeless Sanford residents against expecting shelter there.  “Everyone is saying we have 60 beds, most of the time we…

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…

Portable Wireless Hotspots Available

A portable hotspot distribution plan aims to save disadvantaged families the inconvenience of driving to a public wifi Photo: Mitchell Lierman via Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism Press Release People without access to high-speed internet could get it under a new program being rolled out at Goodall Memorial Library and Sanford Community Adult Education. The program makes available portable wireless internet hotspots with bundled internet subscriptions, laptops and iPads, according to a press release from Southern Maine Planning and Development…

Sanford is on the Move

Photo credit: City of Sanford Growth Council By Kendra Williams The Sanford Regional Growth Council Director Keith McBride provided a 2024 fourth quarter report, full of positive developments, to the City Council at its November 26 meeting. He began by noting some changing trends. The labor market is cooling, which means fewer available jobs but also makes labor costs for employers more sustainable. The housing market is slowing a bit also. Listings are staying on the market for an average…