hard deadlines

If you've been on the northern part of East Main Road in Portsmouth, you've probably noticed new construction going on at the old gas station next to Pizza Hollywood, and according to Director of Business Development Bill Clark, it will be a new gas station.

"The old service station and underground tanks are all being removed," said Clark in an e-mail. "Approvals and building permits issued for a new modern service station with a 4,000 square foot convenience store, four island [gas station] with canopy. Interior will probably also have a donut outlet and a drive-thru."

I know some will be disappointed because there had been a sign reading "Chinese restaurant coming soon." A convenience store is nice, but we really could use more Chinese take out options. Opportunity is knocking. Anybody?