News

Gov. Mills’ rural reopening depends on county lines for businesses

Gov. Mills’ rural reopening depends on county lines for businesses

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


BRUNSWICK (WGME) — Separated by a bridge going across the Androscoggin River, there’s not much separating Brunswick and Topsham.

However, depending on which side of the river retail businesses and others are depends on whether or not they will reopen come Monday, May 11.

Executive Director of the southern Midcoast Maine Chamber, Cory King, said the governor’s revised plan is really tough for business owners and customers alike because most people don’t think about county lines.

“Topsham, Bath, Brunswick and Harpswell: I mean, you cross those county lines every single day in your normal course of business,” said King.

King said it also creates room for division between towns.

“We try to work together as a region and as a community and to have different rules for the same types of business that are one mile apart from one another is hard,” said King.

Keith Field, owner of Keith Field Goldsmith in Brunswick, is already feeling the divide, as his jewelry store will continue to only be able to operate via no contact and curbside.

“We’re just asking for our four to ten clients an hour to come in. That’s the difference for a small business. It’s just small traffic. We have zero now,” said Field.

In Topsham, some restaurant owners are also preparing to reopen come May 18 as part of the governor’s revised plan.

One of those business owners is Perry Leavitt, owner of Fairground Restaurant and Cafe.

“My heart just hurts for them because I know how much I’ve put into my business,” said Leavitt.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Local

Police find missing teen after vehicle pursuit in Skowhegan

A missing teenager was found in the vehicle of a Norridgewock man who police say led them on a chase in Skowhegan on Thursday.

2 hours ago in Local

Maine State Police seeking information about bank fraud suspect in Aroostook County and Bangor

A woman is wanted for bank fraud in Bangor and Aroostook County.

15 hours ago in Local

What to Know About Maine U.S. Senate Race

Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Susan Collins.

24 hours ago in Local

Drought Gets Worse Across Maine Impacting Drinking Water

Drought conditions across the state have worsened over the past week.

1 day ago in Local

Maine Housing Market Becoming More Buyer Friendly

Sellers and buyers are on more equal footing for negotiating their home purchase.