DATE: Friday, October 17, 1997              TAG: 9710150105

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 06   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: COVER STORY 

SOURCE: Jen Mystkowski 

                                            LENGTH:   22 lines

PORTSIDE A FOCAL POINT OF THE CITY

``WE WERE TOLD two years ago that the '97 season was absolutely it,'' said Bob Lee, perched on a bar stool outside the Riverside Cafe. He and his mother, Charlotte, own the 12-year-old establishment.

Lee says if Portside closes for good, the city will regret it. ``It's a focal point of this town to enjoy,'' he said. ``Merchants here serve as ambassadors to the city when tourists arrive by water.''

Lee said the land would be more valuable with Portside open until a sale is made. ``The complex would sell much easier with activity than without,'' he said. ``To close it down without selling it, nobody wins.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JEN MYSTKOWSKI

Bob Lee serves his customers.

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