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
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
The 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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What is the “cause” to fire him? Just because he opposed the UNE pier project and interpreted the code differently that the city attorney?
This was the inevitable outcome for the Harbor Master and long overdue. From start to finish, the City has created a self-inflicted mess regarding the pier’s approval, current and former harbor masters included.
Long time resident and experienced Harbormaster Lariviere has made valid points from the beginning and someone or some agency from out of York County or out of State should investigate it all.