BIDDEFORD — After review by the policy committee, Biddeford City Councilors voted Tuesday in favor of disbanding the Coastal Area Committee.
The committee, created 13 years ago as a “watchdog” to a then-derelict code enforcement office, came under scrutiny earlier this year with some saying it had outlived its usefulness and a new $200 fee for applicants to go before the committee is unfair. To date, the committee has reviewed all building permits, Planning Board requests and variances requested of the Zoning Board of Appeals for land within the coastal area.
The council voted 5-4 to disband the committee, with Councilors David Bourque, Clement Fleurent, Bob Mills and Rick Laverriere in opposition. There will be a second reading and final vote on disbanding the committee at the council’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20.
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