Memorial Bridge Opening Like 'Christmas' for Businesses

It has been a rough two years for business owners on both sides of the Memorial Bridge without the economic development tie that binds Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine.

But their suffering is supposed to end on Thursday afternoon following the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. New Hampshire Department of Transportation officials announced Wednesday morning the bridge will open to pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle traffic some time after the ceremony.

"Tomorrow is the 8th of August. It's Christmas for us," said Peter Iotdanou, who has owned Badger's Island Pizza in Kittery for 26 years.

He said he will offer free coffee and doughnuts to the people who are scheduled to walk across the bridge from Kittery to Portsmouth at 10:40 a.m. "and we will just forget the last two to three years."

Scott Osgood, owner of the Union Lobster House in Kittery that opened in June, expects his business will increase by more than 50 percent from what it is now.

He said his restaurant is one of several new businesses in Kittery that will benefit when the new bridge opens. "I really feel like Kittery is going to pull a lot from Portsmouth," he said.

Portsmouth Mayor Eric Spear said he is glad that both communities will be connected again. "I'm really looking forward to the renewed convenience of friendship and commerce between Kittery and Portsmouth," Spear said.
Ryan Cronin, who co-owns Googie's Sandwich Shop and Portsmouth Provisions with his wife, Crystal, previously said he is hoping to have a strong August after the bridge opening did not take place in July. The delay frustrated some business owners.

Cronin's two businesses are located on State Street close to Prescott Park and they anticipate they will see some additional business from across the Piscataqua River.

They are just one of many business owners to benefit when the new span opens. Valerie Rochon, tourism manager for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, described it as a "breath of fresh air."

"We have some new and established businesses on State Street that will once again enjoy significant drive-by and walk-by traffic, obviously increasing their opportunities for increased revenue," Rochon wrote in an e-mail Wednesday afternoon.

She believes Portsmouth will see a growing number of international visitors and residents who will enjoy being able to walk, bicycle and drive across the new bridge as well.